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Science News Archive June 2018


Page 1 of 40

'Dancing' holes in droplets submerged in water-ethanol mixtures

The discovery of 'active holes' in droplets of an ionic liquid has led to the creation of a new class of synthetic active matter. The phenomenon is driven by the dissolution of the droplet and the fluctuation of its boundary, resulting in self-propelled motion.

NIST researchers simulate simple logic for nanofluidic computing

NIST researchers have simulated simple logic operations in a liquid medium by trapping ions in graphene, enabling potential applications in water filtration and sensor technology. The ion-trapping approach requires minimal material and can conform to custom shapes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The scent of a man: What odors do female blackbuck find enticing in a male?

Researchers from NCBS developed a protocol to analyze odor samples from dung piles of male blackbuck. They found that males with high mating success have richer odors in meta-cresol. This discovery has implications for understanding chemical communication in this species and potentially informing conservation efforts.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New coatings make natural fabrics waterproof

A new coating developed by MIT researchers provides water-repellency to natural fabrics without the environmental harm of existing chemicals. The coating uses a shorter-chain polymer and initiated chemical vapor deposition process, resulting in high performance and durability.

Tallinn University researchers helped develop three serious games

Researchers at Tallinn University developed three serious games to teach engineering students about agile methodologies, programming, and the 5S methodology. The games aim to develop teamwork, problem-solving skills, and perseverance in players, with a focus on real-time feedback and control mechanisms.

Treating AFib with ablation reduces mortality and stroke

Using catheter-based ablation instead of medications alone reduces the risks of death and stroke in AFib patients, according to a new study from UC Davis physicians. The study found that outcomes for patients treated with ablation were similar to those not treated with it within 30 days, but showed benefits beyond 30 days.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Air pollution contributes significantly to diabetes globally

A new study finds that air pollution contributes significantly to diabetes worldwide, with even low levels posing a health risk. The researchers estimated that pollution contributed to 3.2 million new diabetes cases globally in 2016, representing about 14% of all new cases.

Plant fossils provide new insight into the uplift history of SE Tibet

A team of researchers discovered well-dated plant fossils in the Lawula Formation, which provided a unique perspective on the uplift history of southeastern Tibet. The findings indicate that the region was around 3 km high and rising at an early stage of the Eocene-Oligocene transition, contradicting previous theories.

UQ center's data used in space station study of global climate

The ECOSTRESS mission uses satellite data from NASA to track temperature changes in various biomes. The on-the-ground data collected by the University of Queensland will be used to validate the accuracy of the satellite data, providing a more comprehensive understanding of water stress and crop growth.

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.

Regional Earth system modeling: Review and future directions

The regional climate modeling community has made significant progress in developing regional earth system models (RESMs), which account for the atmosphere, ocean, land, sea ice, and other key components. Researchers highlight the need for further development, including the inclusion of human factors and interactive biosphere elements.

Business accelerator takes aim at US health threats

The Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center has received a $500,000 grant from BARDA to help startups develop cures for pandemic flu and sepsis. Two startups already working with M2D2 plan to join the new network.

Researchers apply computing power to track the spread of cancer

A new computational method, MACHINA, has been developed to track the spread of cancer cells from one part of the body to another. The algorithm integrates DNA sequence data with information on where cells are located in the body, yielding a clearer picture of cancer migration histories than previous studies.

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.

New mystery discovered regarding active asteroid Phaethon

Researchers used the Pirka Telescope to observe Phaethon's reflected light polarization at various angles, revealing strongly polarized light that challenges previous assumptions. The findings suggest that Phaethon's surface may be darker than expected, potentially due to a lower albedo or larger grains on its surface.

New technology enables man to hold his granddaughter again

Researchers found that amputees who used sensory-enabled prostheses reported greater psychosocial well-being and confidence in using their hands for daily tasks. The study, led by Case Western Reserve University, demonstrates the significant positive impact of sensory feedback on improving amputees' quality of life.

Giant panda population research shows new challenges

A large-scale study examines giant panda habitat use trends and changing threats to their survival, providing scientific evidence of conservation success. However, emerging new threats such as livestock and human disturbance are offsetting gains, highlighting the need for continued protections and adaptive management.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

The culprit of some GaN defects could be nitrogen

Researchers used molecular dynamics to study the role of nitrogen in GaN defects. They found that nitrogen configurations exhibited significantly more states in the bandgap, potentially contributing to dislocation-related effects. This discovery could lead to optimizing GaN material for improved device performance

12 scientists win ASBMB awards

Twelve scientists were recognized with prestigious ASBMB awards, including the ASBMB Award for Exemplary Contributions to Education, ASBMB-Merck Award, and Earl and Thressa Stadtman Scholar Award. The winners are known for their groundbreaking research in biochemistry and molecular biology.

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.

Researchers report novel hybrid catalyst to split water

A new hybrid catalyst made of iron and dinickel phosphides on commercially available nickel foam can produce both hydrogen and oxygen from water, reducing energy requirements and costs. This breakthrough could lead to a significant increase in the production of clean energy from hydrogen.

Up to half of childhood cancer survivors will develop hormone disorders

The Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guideline recommends long-term screening for growth disorders and pituitary hormone deficiencies in childhood cancer survivors who underwent radiation therapy. The guideline aims to detect endocrine disorders early and provide optimal patient care for this vulnerable population.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Not all diversity is equally beneficial

The study found that cultural diversity is beneficial for team performance in eSports, while language and experience diversity have negative effects. Teams with representatives from different countries tend to perform better and earn more prize money.

Lemurs can smell weakness in each other

A study on ring-tailed lemurs found that physical injury alters their natural scents, making them detectable to others. This change in scent allows males to detect weakness and aggression from injured peers, leading to more competitive behavior.

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.

Drinking changes young adults' metabolite profile

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that adolescent drinking is associated with changes in metabolite profiles, which can lead to reduced brain grey matter volume. Heavy-drinking adolescents showed increased concentrations of 1-methylhistamine, linked to decreased brain grey matter volume.

Surrey makes breakthrough in perovskite solar cell technology

The University of Surrey's Advanced Technology Institute has created a new technique to reduce energy loss in perovskite solar cells, increasing voltage and efficiency. The Solution-Process Secondary growth (SSG) method achieved a PCE of 20.9%, the highest certified for inverted cells.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Administering hormones affects DNA

Researchers found that even extremely low doses of an endocrine disruptor caused epigenetic changes in a pregnant sow's DNA and its offspring. The study suggests that humans may also be affected by such chemicals, leading to a re-assessment of acceptable daily intake values.

Screening for postpartum depression in the emergency department

A pilot study found nearly half of ED-arrival mothers screened positive for PPD, highlighting the need for routine screening in emergency departments. Interventions improved mental health outcomes and family support, with many participants thanking healthcare providers for follow-up care.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Climate predictions should include impacts of CO2 on life

Researchers at the University of Exeter and the Met Office warn that climate models are underestimating the effects of rising CO2 levels. They found that CO2 concentrations could reach up to 765ppm before a 1.5°C warming threshold is reached, affecting ecosystems, crop yields, and ocean acidification.

Sintering atomically thin materials with ceramics now possible

A team of researchers at Penn State has developed a cold sintering process to create nanocomposites of ceramics and 2D materials, known as MXenes. This innovation enables the production of high-performance materials with potential applications in solid-state batteries, thermoelectrics, and more.

Newly developed therapeutic shown to combat drug addiction

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch developed a treatment that reduces drug-seeking behaviors in rats by restoring serotonin signaling. This finding offers new hope for treating drug addiction and related health issues such as depression and schizophrenia.

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.

Timing is key for bacteria surviving antibiotics

Princeton researchers found that cells repairing DNA damaged by antibiotics before resuming growth had a better chance of surviving treatment. Cells that make repairs before resuming growth are generally the ones that survive as persisters.

Study debunks notion that large chunks of Medicare go to lost causes

A new study by MIT economists challenges the idea that most Medicare spending goes to patients who are unlikely to survive. The research found that less than 5% of Medicare spending is allocated to the top percentile of high-risk patients, with a predicted one-year mortality rate of just 46%.

Sandia light mixer generates 11 colors simultaneously

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a tiny synthetic material that can mix two laser pulses to produce 11 new colors, offering potential applications in fields such as archaeology, extraterrestrial life detection, and fiber-optics communication. The metamaterial's efficiency is currently low, but further work aim...

Video clips, spicy soap operas, games slash STD rates in gay young men

A novel online HIV prevention program has reduced sexually transmitted infections in gay young men by 40 percent, reports a Northwestern Medicine study. The program, Keep It Up!, weaves HIV prevention information into the typical experiences of young gay men, targeting settings such as dating and starting new relationships.

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.