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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 30


Page 30 of 36

Army research leading to materials of the future wins national award

Researchers at Cornell University developed a novel analytical technique to visualize polymer chain growth in real-time. By combining magnetic tweezers, optical microscopy, and spectroscopic techniques, they discovered that individual polymer chains undergo consecutive wait-and-jump steps.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateFeb 7, 2018

Highly efficient ammonia synthesis catalyst developed

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a highly efficient ammonia synthesis catalyst that functions at low temperatures, exceeding the efficiency of conventional ruthenium and iron catalysts. The catalyst's unique structure expands surface area to improve performance.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 7, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Breast cancer patients often mispredict well-being after mastectomy

Women who underwent mastectomy without reconstruction underestimated their future quality of life, while those with immediate reconstruction overestimated it. The study highlights the importance of decision support for breast reconstruction, taking into account patients' expectations about well-being.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateFeb 7, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

HKU scientist makes key discoveries in the search for life on Mars

Recent publications by Dr. Joseph Michalski and colleagues cast doubt on the idea of surface life evolving on Mars due to extremely cold and dry climate conditions. However, they suggest subsurface life is a promising option, focusing exploration on hydrothermal deposits.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 6, 2018

Advances open new frequency range for wireless communications

A new study demonstrates the feasibility of using terahertz carrier waves for data transmission in diverse situations and environments. Researchers successfully measured data transmission at high frequencies, including non-line-of-sight applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Photonics·DateFeb 6, 2018

UC San Diego-Harvard group reports shift in awareness from Chopra well-being program

A new study found that an intensive 6-day Ayurveda-based mind-body program increased self-awareness and related health benefits. The program was compared to a control group, showing significant increases in neti values at both immediate completion and the 1-month follow-up.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2018

September 2017 earthquakes highlight successes of Mexico's early warning system

The September 2017 earthquakes showcased the effectiveness of Mexico's SASMEX early warning system, which detected the magnitude 8.2 Tehuantepec earthquake and sent alerts to residents with almost two minutes' notice. However, improvements are needed to reduce processing times and ensure timely warnings for all residents.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateFeb 6, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New method enables high-resolution measurements of magnetism

Researchers from Uppsala University and collaborating institutions developed a new method to measure magnetism at the atomic level, enabling detailed analysis of magnetic nanostructures. This advancement is crucial for the development of next-generation spintronic components that require functional units only a few nanometers large.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 6, 2018

Researchers take terahertz data links around the bend

Brown University researchers demonstrate that terahertz frequency data links can maintain acceptable bit-error-rates after bouncing off objects, enabling the possibility of non-line-of-sight links. The study's findings support the idea of terahertz local-area networks and could pave the way for future wireless networks with increased b...

SourceBrown University·JournalAPL Photonics·DateFeb 6, 2018

Bayesian model selection shows extremely polarized behavior when the models are wrong

Researchers have discovered that Bayesian model selection tends to produce very high posterior probabilities for estimated evolutionary trees even if they are clearly wrong. This phenomenon is attributed to the non-nested nature of some models, which can lead to polarized behavior.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

The ozone layer continues to thin

The ozone layer has continued to decline in the lower stratosphere, contrary to expectations that it would have recovered by the middle of the century. Satellite measurements show a decrease in ozone concentrations at latitudes between 60° S and 60° N since the Montreal Protocol banned ozone-depleting substances in 1989.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateFeb 6, 2018

Is hydrogen the fuel of the future?

Global experts argue that solar-driven water splitting can become the technology of choice for producing hydrogen, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, significant research efforts are needed to industrialize this process and make it suitable for the 21st century and beyond.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalMRS Energy & Sustainability·DateFeb 6, 2018

Big data methods learn the fitness landscape of the HIV Envelope protein

Researchers employed computational approaches to estimate the fitness landscape of gp160, a polyprotein that comprises HIV's spike. The inferred landscape was validated through comparisons with diverse experimental measurements.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2018

HINODE captures record breaking solar magnetic field

Scientists analyzed data from HINODE to reveal a strongly magnetized iron atom signature in a sunspot, with a magnetic field strength of 6,250 gauss, more than double the usual amount. The strongest field was found at a bright region between two umbrae, not in the dark core as expected.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 6, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Next generation of fabrics will protect public

A team of UMass Lowell researchers has developed sensing fabrics with optical fibers and sensors to monitor structural health and integrity of vital infrastructures. These fabrics can detect cracks and strain early on, minimizing maintenance costs and environmental impacts.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateFeb 6, 2018

Scientists discover off-switch for 'molecular machine' active in many diseases

Researchers have uncovered how an inflammation process automatically switches off in healthy cells, a discovery that could lead to stopping damage caused by uncontrolled inflammation. The study focuses on inflammasomes, which are machine-like protein complexes at the heart of inflammation and disease.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalExperimental Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2018

Liquid crystal molecules form nano rings

Scientists have discovered a way to create materials with new properties by inducing liquid crystals to form ordered rings in nanopores. This self-assembly process allows for the design of nanomaterials that can be controlled through temperature, enabling novel applications in organic semiconductors.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 6, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Forty-year controversy in solid-state physics resolved

The study reveals that the remarkable surface conductivity of SmB6 is not related to its topological nature but rather due to a shifting of band gaps. This finding opens up new possibilities for energy-efficient information technology and spintronics.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018

Searching for targeted treatments for inflammatory diseases

Scientists have discovered key regulators that control the inflammatory response in chronic diseases such as Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis. The NOD2 pathway plays a critical role in detecting bacterial invaders, but faults in its regulation can lead to uncontrolled inflammation.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 6, 2018

The future of wireless communications is terahertz

Researchers in Australia have developed a novel platform for light-matter interaction in fiber optics, opening up new horizons for communication and photonics technology. The system uses terahertz radiation with higher bandwidth capacity than current microwave networks.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Photonics·DateFeb 6, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Portland State study points to connection between religion and risk

A Portland State University study found that counties with more religious populations tend to have less risk-averse hedge fund managers, resulting in smaller and younger funds. Despite this, these funds produce returns comparable to the industry average, suggesting a link between local religiosity and organizational risk-taking.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·DateFeb 6, 2018

Cockroach ancient geographic and genomic history traced back to last supercontinent

Researchers have used genomic data to gain the most detailed information yet of cockroach evolution. The study suggests that extant families evolved during the breakup of Pangaea and prior to continental separation within Gondwana, with divergence times dating back up to 180 million years.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 6, 2018

Unknown language discovered in Southeast Asia

Researchers from Lund University have identified a previously unknown language in northern Peninsular Malaysia, dubbed Jedek. Spoken by 280 people, the language is an Austroasiatic variety with unique grammatical structures and vocabulary.

SourceLund University·JournalLinguistic Typology·DateFeb 6, 2018
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

A new radiation detector made from graphene

Researchers have created a graphene-based radiation detector with a fast response time and the ability to work over a wide range of temperatures. The device exploits graphene's thermoelectric properties, generating an electric field that provides a direct measurement of radiation.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 6, 2018

Studying outdoors is better

A study by TUM researchers found that outdoor instruction enhances students' basic psychological needs, particularly autonomy and competence. This leads to increased motivation in science subjects, with a positive impact on overall learning experience.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 6, 2018

You might be paying too much for ads on Google, Bing

A new study from Binghamton University found that advertisers may be getting more clicks by placing ads in lower positions if they prioritize website quality, brand equity, and selling proposition over top spot ad placement. The model helps advertisers quantify expected clicks based on these factors.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateFeb 6, 2018

The dawn of gallium oxide microelectronics

Researchers propose using gallium oxide for producing microelectronics due to its large bandgap and high-breakdown-voltage capabilities. This enables the design of FETs with smaller geometries and improved energy density.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 6, 2018

Dementia care improved by just one hour of social interaction each week

A large-scale trial found that upskilling care home staff to deliver person-centred care, combined with just one hour of social interaction per week, significantly improves quality of life and reduces agitation and aggression in people with dementia. The approach also saves money compared to standard care.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

China's need to turn milk green

A study published in Global Change Biology warns that China's growing milk demand will strain global dairy resources, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and land use if left unchecked. Improving domestic milk production efficiencies and adopting more sustainable practices could mitigate these impacts.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 6, 2018

How exercise training promotes a sound mind in a sound body

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that exercise training enhances fat metabolism and strengthens the anti-inflammatory properties of the immune system. Daily doses of kynurenic acid activated cell receptor GPR35, converting white fat to energy-burning brown fat.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 6, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Penn researchers prove that precisely timed brain stimulation improves memory

A team of University of Pennsylvania neuroscientists developed a system to monitor brain activity and trigger stimulation responsively, improving learning and memory performance. The study found that precisely timed electrical stimulation can reliably enhance memory function in patients with memory loss.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018

Pores with a memory

Researchers have developed a process to produce porous films made from shape memory polymers with precise dimensions, which can be reversibly changed with light. The films feature micropores that switch between different shapes and/or sizes, expanding possibilities in fields such as electronics and separation processes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 6, 2018

NASA finds wind shear tearing Tropical Cyclone Cebile apart

Wind shear significantly impacted Tropical Cyclone Cebile, with the bulk of clouds and thunderstorms being sheared to the southeast of the center. The storm is weakening due to dropping sea surface temperatures and high vertical wind shear, according to NASA's Aqua satellite observations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 6, 2018

New molecular test to impact influenza pandemic preparedness

The new FluChip-8G technology uses microarray analysis and artificial intelligence to identify flu viruses, providing rapid and detailed information for enhanced influenza surveillance. This will enable early warning systems in remote locations to detect potential pandemic threats.

SourceInDevR, Inc.·DateFeb 6, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New compound may stop bacteria from causing sickness

Researchers at UIC have identified a small molecule that promotes quorum sensing in Streptococci, stabilizing chemical signals between cells. This discovery may lead to new ways to manipulate bacterial activity and suppress virulence, potentially aiding in the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 6, 2018

Another piece to the puzzle in naked mole rats' long, cancer-free life

Researchers investigated naked mole rats' cellular senescence mechanism, finding unique features that contribute to their cancer resistance and longevity. Despite exhibiting senescence similar to mice, naked mole rats display a more structured response to senescence, which may be beneficial for longevity.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2018

Type-2 diabetes: Insulin held up in traffic

A study by Uppsala University researchers reveals that a vesicle attachment defect is the root cause of insulin secretion problems in type-2 diabetes. The defect leads to slowed arrival of new insulin-containing vesicles at the cell membrane, resulting in insufficient insulin release.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 6, 2018

Antibiotic-resistant plasmids flourish in hospital plumbing

Researchers discovered carbapenem-resistant plasmids in hospital pipes and sewers, suggesting a vast reservoir for antibiotic resistance. The findings imply that surveillance efforts can minimize patient infections, but the presence of resistant organisms in wastewater raises questions about their impact on public health.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateFeb 6, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Starving liver cancer

Researchers discover a two-step process to kill liver cancer cells by silencing an enzyme and adding metformin, potentially accelerating new treatments for this deadly disease. This approach has shown promise in treating liver cancer, where surgery is often not an option and available drugs are only moderately effective.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018

Using shark scales to design better drones, planes, and wind turbines

A team of engineers and biologists have developed a bioinspired structure that can increase airfoil lift and decrease drag. The new vortex generators are based on the shape of shark scales and have shown significant improvements over traditional designs.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 6, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

There are more mammal species than we thought

A recent study published in the Journal of Mammalogy reveals that over 1000 new species of mammals have been described globally during the last dozen years. This rate of species discovery parallels that seen in global amphibians, driven by advances in DNA analysis methods and field exploration.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateFeb 6, 2018

Children affected by prenatal drinking more numerous than previously estimated

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that approximately one to five percent of first-grade children in the US have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, rates comparable to those of autism spectrum disorders. Researchers evaluated over 6,000 children across four regions and estimated prevalence ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 6, 2018