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Science News Archive January 2018


Page 12 of 37

Retrospective test for quantum computers can build trust

A Singapore-Japan research team developed a new scheme to verify quantum computations after they're completed, allowing customers to check results and protect companies from dishonest users. The 'post-hoc verification' method can be done with or without specialized hardware.

Warning follows report into online child sexual abuse risk

A new report commissioned by IICSA highlights the growing risk of online child sexual abuse and exploitation. Researchers found that vulnerability characteristics include adverse childhood experiences, disability, and above-average internet use, while digital skills and openness can protect children from unwanted experiences.

Scientists emulate the human blood-retinal barrier on a microfluidic chip

Researchers have developed a microfluidic device that emulates the human blood-retinal barrier, allowing for the study of its structure and physiological conditions. The device enables cells to communicate and interact with each other like in a living organ, making it an essential tool for boosting in vitro experimentation.

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.

Cognitive training helps regain a younger-working brain

Researchers found that cognitive training improved neural activity in older adults, making their brains more energy-efficient. The study suggests that this non-pharmacological intervention could help counteract age-related cognitive decline and enhance brain health.

Lifesaving microbubbles

Researchers developed stable, self-disrupting microbubbles to carry oxygen in the blood, reducing the risk of embolism. The microbubbles were shown to increase survival rates in rodents with cardiac arrest, providing a potential lifesaving treatment.

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.

Incentive to move

Researchers have identified the structure of a central protein used by archaea to determine direction, revealing significant differences from bacteria. This discovery sheds light on how archaea can adapt to extreme environments and colonize new habitats.

Flu infection study increases understanding of natural immunity

A new study published in mBio found that people with higher levels of anti-HA stem antibodies have less viral shedding when they get the flu, but do not have fewer or less severe signs of illness. The study suggests that these antibody levels are not independent predictors of whether someone becomes sick or how severely.

A new architecture for miniaturization of atomic clocks

A new architecture miniaturizes atomic clocks using piezoelectric thin film vibration, achieving 30% reduction in chip area and 50% reduction in power consumption. The technology enables high-end frequency standards to be incorporated into wireless devices like smartphones.

Study compares risks between methods of sterilization

A study comparing hysteroscopic and laparoscopic sterilization methods found that hysteroscopic sterilization was associated with a higher risk of gynecological complications, but not with an increased risk of medical outcomes. The study followed 105,357 women in France for one to three years after sterilization.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tiny crystals could help predict volcanic eruptions

Researchers have discovered tiny crystals forming deep in volcanoes can signal impending eruptions, offering hope for more effective evacuations and early warning systems. The study, led by Dr. Teresa Ubide, uses a new laser technique to examine the composition of these crystals, which may hold the key to predicting volcanic activity.

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.

Sugar tax on soft drinks might drive up alcohol consumption

A sugar tax on soft drinks might increase alcohol consumption due to similar sugar content in many alcoholic beverages. Research suggests that a more nuanced approach to pricing across a range of beverages may be more effective than a single tax.

Frozen in time: Glacial archaeology on the roof of Norway

Researchers have recovered over 2000 artefacts from the edges of contracting glacial ice in Norway, dating back to 4000 BC. The finds suggest a pattern of increased activity in the Late Antique Little Ice Age and again during the Viking Age, likely driven by changes in climate and human migration.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Earth BioGenome project to sequence all life

The Earth BioGenome Project will map the DNA of all known eukaryotic species, including plants, animals, and single-celled organisms. The ambitious 10-year project is expected to cost $4.7 billion.

Study shows how fetal infections may cause adult heart disease

Research connects preterm birth to adult heart disease by showing that fetal infection and inflammation disrupt genes crucial for normal heart development. This study uses a preterm animal model to demonstrate how inflammation can lead to incomplete heart development, increasing the risk of abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure.

Drought defense

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that plants with diverse root microbiomes are more resilient to drought, while those with similar microbial communities struggle. The research also found that recruiting specific bacteria can improve drought resistance.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Brain reorganization supports recovery of function in hand transplant recipients

Researchers found that higher-level brain regions can compensate for persistent changes in sensory and movement areas following a hand transplant. The study suggests that non-invasive brain stimulation may improve recovery from nerve injury, paving the way for new approaches to neurorehabilitation for amputees and stroke patients.

So much depends on a tree guard

Researchers at Columbia University found that tree guards can improve street trees' ability to absorb stormwater runoff. The study shows that protected pits absorbed water six times faster than unprotected ones, reducing the load on city sewers.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

WSU study to test sleep technology in chronic insomnia

Researchers at Washington State University are testing a low-cost sleep measurement technology to improve sleep patterns in individuals with chronic insomnia. The technology, known as S+, measures timing, quantity and quality of sleep and provides personalized suggestions for improvement.

Rare 450-million-year-old 'cone-shaped' fossil discovery

Researchers from the University of Leicester have discovered a unique 450-million-year-old fossil of a mysterious creature with soft body parts preserved. The discovery provides new insights into the life of the Ordovician period and expands our understanding of the planet's ancient world.

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.

Curcumin improves memory and mood, new UCLA study says

A new study by UCLA researchers found that daily consumption of curcumin improved memory and mood in people with mild, age-related memory loss. The study, which involved 40 adults aged 50-90, showed significant improvements in cognitive power and reduced amyloid and tau signals in the brain.

Leading medical organizations update lung cancer guideline

The updated guideline strengthens recommendations for patients with lung adenocarcinoma, recommending testing for ROS1 mutations and multiplexed genetic sequencing panels. The panel also reaffirmed or strengthened existing recommendations, including testing in relapse for EGFR T790M, with some notable changes.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Insight into heavy periods could pave way towards new treatment

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a key protein driving repair of the womb lining during menstruation, which is reduced in women with heavy periods. Boosting levels of this protein shows promise as a novel, non-hormonal treatment to reduce blood loss and improve tissue repair.

Building a more flexible plastic

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering have developed a novel solution to prevent plastic waste. They propose using nano-engineering to create a recyclable material that can replace complex multi-layered packaging, mimicking nature's use of few molecular building blocks.

Energy drink use in teens has adverse effects

New research from Chapman University found that 40% of teens aged 13-19 reported an adverse effect while consuming energy drinks. The most common side effects included insomnia, jittery feelings, and heart palpitations. Additionally, some teens mix alcohol with energy drinks and use them for weight loss.

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.

Queen's University scientist unlocks gamma ray burst secrets

A team of researchers, led by Dr Gianluca Sarri from Queen's University Belfast, has created the first small-scale replica of a gamma ray burst in a laboratory. The experiment used the Gemini laser to produce a mini gamma ray burst, confirming current models' predictions for magnetic field generation and gamma-ray emission.

Discovery of the 'pioneer' that opens the genome

Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified a key molecule, Pax7, which acts like a pioneer factor to open specific parts of the genome. This discovery provides insight into mechanisms of genome access and has significant implications for our understanding of cell diversification and disease prevention.

Protecting piping plovers

A Michigan State University study reveals that the endangered piping plover population may decline over the next decade due to increasing predator pressure. The researchers developed an integrated population model coupled with a Bayesian population viability analysis to improve accuracy in forecasting population changes.

Prosecuting background check and straw purchase violations depends on state laws

A new study examined prosecutions in Pennsylvania and Maryland following changes in firearm transfer laws, finding increased prosecutions after tougher sentencing in Pennsylvania but decreased prosecutions in Maryland after a court decision redefined private firearm transfers. The study highlights the importance of proper implementatio...

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

A new family of aerodynamic configurations of hypersonic airplanes

Researchers have developed a new family of aerodynamic configurations, called Hypersonic I-shaped Aerodynamic Configurations (HIAC), which aim to improve the efficiency and lift of hypersonic aircraft. The designs feature an extra wing that captures high-pressure airflow, resulting in a significant increase in lift coefficient and drag...

Function of protein 'smallish' unraveled

The protein 'smallish' plays a crucial role in regulating cell polarity, essential for shape generation and coordinated cell changes. Researchers found that smallish helps control the correct shape of cells, even when knocked out, due to stored proteins in egg cells.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

A new theory on reducing cardiovascular disease risk in binge drinkers

A new study found that binge drinkers have higher levels of microRNA-21, which may contribute to poor vascular function and increased cardiovascular disease risk. The researchers suggest that measuring microRNA-21 could help identify patients at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

When the eyes move, the eardrums move, too

Researchers at Duke University discovered that moving the eyes triggers vibrations in the eardrums, even without sound. This finding provides new understanding of how the brain coordinates visual and auditory information.