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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 1 of 41

Sound localization: Where did that noise come from?

Researchers found that humans can efficiently localize sounds when moving, using auditory motion parallax to estimate relative distances. This mechanism is particularly useful in noisy environments and allows for improved sound discrimination.

Bioinspired slick method improves water harvesting

Scientists at UT Dallas created a surface that can capture and direct water droplets from fog and air vapor, rapidly directing them into reservoirs via lubricated microgrooves. The 'hydrophilic directional slippery rough surfaces' (SRS) use hydroxy functional groups to efficiently capture water droplets.

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.

Linking teen driving behaviors to ADHD, other mental health factors

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researcher Catherine McDonald links teenage driving behaviors to mental health factors like ADHD and depression. The research team found that teens with inattention symptoms made more mistakes on a driving simulator, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to address these issues.

Computer searches telescope data for evidence of distant planets

A team of MIT researchers has developed a machine-learning system that can automatically search for debris disks around stars, indicating the presence of exoplanets. The system achieved a 97% accuracy rate and identified 367 previously unexamined celestial objects as promising candidates for further study.

Basking sharks gather in large groups off northeast US coast

Researchers analyzed basking shark aggregations off the northeastern US coast to learn more about their behavior. They found that these events occurred during summer and fall, when sea surface temperatures were between 55-75 degrees F, and are likely related to foraging and socializing.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers find ways to impede progress of neurodegenerative diseases

A new paper reveals water-soluble polyol-methanofullerenes can decrease mitochondrial transmembrane potential, making them promising for targeted mitochondrial medications. This mechanism may be effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, characterized by hyperpolarized mitochondria.

Stanford researchers probe the complex nature of concussion

Researchers found that concussions occur when a deep area of the brain shakes rapidly and intensely, straining surrounding tissues. The study's findings suggest a complex relationship between head impacts and brain motion, highlighting the need for further research to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of concussions.

Study: To prevent collapse of tropical forests, protect their shape

A new study finds that maintaining a forest's natural shape is crucial in preventing its collapse. The research uses high-resolution satellite data to show that the shape of forests follows a predictable mathematical relationship between perimeter and area, which can help predict stability.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Adult-onset neurodegeneration has roots in early development

A study published in Journal of Clinical Investigation found that adult-onset progressive degenerative diseases have their roots in early developmental defects. Researchers used a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 and discovered altered neural circuitry in the cerebellum, which sets the stage for later disease vulnerability.

Monash discovery uncovers clue to disarm gonorrhea superbug

Gonorrhoea superbugs have developed resistance to all known antibiotics, targeting human immune cells called macrophages. Monash researchers discovered the mechanism of evasion, which could lead to new strategies for combating gonorrhea infection.

Did highest known sea levels create the iconic shape of Mount Etna?

New research suggests that high sea levels in the Mediterranean Sea may have triggered the formation of Mount Etna's distinctive cone structure. This theory proposes that changes in the volcano's magma behavior coincide with periods of rising sea levels, which could also explain similar changes at other volcanic sites worldwide.

Calculating the impacts of natural events on wildlife

Researchers developed a new approach to measure the impact of natural disasters on wildlife populations, finding that frequent intense events exert strong selection pressures on species. The study suggests that the 2011 tsunami had a relatively small impact on organisms living in Japan's intertidal zone, comparable to a Pacific storm.

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.

Study finds children with autism and ADHD at higher risk for anxiety

A new study published in Pediatrics found that children with both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and mood disorders. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,300 children, revealed that these psychiatric conditions were more prevalent in ol...

Researchers identify how hit to the head leads to concussion

A study by Mehmet Kurt from Stevens Institute of Technology found that concussions occur when deep white matter regions of the brain, particularly the corpus callosum, shake more rapidly and intensely than surrounding areas. This understanding could lead to better helmet designs and real-time diagnostic tools for athletes.

Microengineered slippery rough surface for water harvesting from air

Researchers at Penn State developed a microengineered slippery rough surface that surpasses current technology in water harvesting applications. The new surface combines the properties of pitcher plants and rice leaves, allowing it to collect tiny water droplets from air at a faster rate.

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.

Cracking eggshell nanostructure

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a unique nanostructure in chicken eggshells that contributes to their strength and fragility. The findings, published in Science Advances, could lead to improved food safety by enabling the selection of genetic traits in laying hens that produce consistently stronger eggs.

A novel test bed for non-equilibrium many-body physics

A novel test bed for non-equilibrium many-body physics has been created using a one-dimensional quantum wire containing a mesoscopic lattice. Researchers were able to control the interactions between electrons and observe the emergence of a band-insulating phase with weak interactions.

A synthetic chameleon has been developed

Researchers created a synthetic material that mimics the active camouflage of a chameleon's skin, changing its color and stiffness in response to mechanical stimuli. The material has potential applications in medicine, particularly in the manufacture of biological implants.

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.

Optimistic Latinos have healthier hearts, study finds

A new study found that optimistic Latinos are more likely to meet the criteria for ideal cardiovascular health, with each unit increase in optimism associated with a 3% higher odds. Optimism levels differed by ancestry, with Latinos of Cuban and Central American heritage being the most optimistic.

Butterflies of the soul

Researchers have detailed for the first time how interneurons emerge and diversify in the brain, tracing their lineage from earliest precursor states to mature forms in mice. The study identified key genetic programs that determine the fate of developing interneurons, shedding light on their functions and potential treatment strategies.

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.

£2.2 million boost for pioneering research into mental health conditions

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh will pool anonymised health records, genetics, and psychological studies to better understand mental health conditions like depression. The £2.2 million initiative could lead to new treatments and improved resilience for one in four people in the UK who experience a mental health issue annually.

Engineers turn plastic insulator into heat conductor

A team of MIT engineers has developed a polymer thermal conductor that can dissipate heat more efficiently than traditional insulators. The new material is lightweight and flexible, conducting 10 times as much heat as most commercially used polymers.

NASA satellite gets an eye-opening look at Super Typhoon Jelawat

Super Typhoon Jelawat has developed an eye as it strengthens into a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 150 mph. The NASA satellite captured a stunning image of the storm on March 30, revealing its 6-mile-wide eye surrounded by strong convective storms.

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.

Is there life adrift in the clouds of Venus?

Researchers propose that Venus' cloudy atmosphere could be a niche for extraterrestrial microbial life due to its highly acidic conditions and presence of sulfuric acid. The atmosphere's unique properties, such as the dark patches composed of concentrated sulfuric acid, have sparked interest in exploring this possibility.

The link between urban design and childhood obesity

Research by INRS professor Tracie A. Barnett found that children living in more walkable neighborhoods have smaller waist measurements and lower BMI levels. The study suggests that infrastructure designed to encourage walking can help reduce childhood obesity.

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.

What stops mass extinctions?

Researchers found that frogs surviving the chytridiomycosis epidemic developed stronger defenses against the fungus, inhibiting its growth. However, captive breeding programs face challenges in replicating these findings, highlighting the need for further research on disease dynamics and host resistance.

Illinois researchers receive $1 million to study bioenergy crops

Researchers at the University of Illinois are working on a $1 million grant to develop new, regionally adapted Miscanthus x giganteus ('Illinois') cultivars that can thrive in various climates. The team aims to create faster breeding cycles and better-adapted biomass crops using genomic selection tools.

New work from Ron Crystal's lab on treating hereditary adrenal disorders

Researchers found that gene therapy using adeno-associated viral vectors can only temporarily alleviate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) by replacing the defective gene. A long-term solution requires targeting genetic mutations in adrenocortical stem cells, according to a study published in Human Gene Therapy.

Scientists mix the unmixable to create 'shocking' nanoparticles

Scientists at the University of Maryland have created nanoparticles composed of up to eight distinct elements, greatly expanding the landscape of nanomaterials. This breakthrough enables a wide range of applications in catalysis, energy storage, and bio/plasmonic imaging.

Polymers that mimic chameleon skin

Researchers have developed a biocompatible synthetic material that replicates tissue mechanics and alters color when it changes shape, like chameleon skin. The material is composed of a unique triblock copolymer with carefully selected structural parameters, exhibiting flexibility, strain profile, and optical properties.

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.

Pediatric cancer drug shows 93 percent response rate

Larotrectinib, a new pediatric cancer drug targeting the TRK gene fusion, showed an unprecedented 93 percent response rate in patients tested. The drug has been effective in treating rare pediatric cancers such as infantile fibrosarcoma and papillary thyroid cancer.

Researchers develop model to show how bacteria grow in plumbing systems

A team of University of Illinois engineers has developed a model to understand how bacteria multiply in plumbing systems. The model uses samples collected from taps before and after stagnation and combines them with city biofilm data and building blueprints, allowing for the assessment of drinking-water quality.

Flipping lipids for cell transport-tubules

Researchers developed a process to observe lipid-flipping enzymes' activity in conjunction with membrane deformation. They found that ATP10A enzyme flips phosphatidylcholine lipids, causing curvature changes that trigger tubule formation, enhancing endocytosis and membrane dynamics.

Opioid use prevalent among electronic dance music partygoers

A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence reveals that one in ten electronic dance music party attendees have misused opioids in the past year, exceeding the national average. The study suggests that prevention and harm reduction efforts need to target this high-risk group to address the opioid crisis.

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.

Limiting tumors' ability to hide from the immune system

A new study discovered an antibody that can prevent tumors from shedding proteins the immune system uses to identify and attack them. In mouse models of melanoma and lung cancer, this antibody increased natural killer cell infiltration into tumors, reducing their load.

Pig model of Huntington's offers advantages for testing treatments

A team of scientists has established a pig model of Huntington's disease using genetic engineering technology, offering a practical way to test treatments. The pig model closely matches human symptoms and provides advantages over existing mouse models in terms of size and delivery of treatments.

The limits of friction

A team of physicists from Konstanz and Italy successfully suppressed static friction between two surfaces using a colloidal monolayer. This allows for the use of extremely small forces to move objects, greatly improving efficiency in micro- and nanomechanical systems.

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.

Slow, steady waves keep brain humming

New study reveals that ultra-slow waves are not just noise in the brain, but a fundamental process that coordinates complex brain activity. The waves enhance electrical activity in areas and persist even under anesthesia, suggesting they may be linked to consciousness.

New math bridges holography and twistor theory

Physicist Yasha Neiman proposes a new vantage point on space-time geometry, combining holography and twistor theory to develop a full-fledged quantum gravitational theory. This framework aims to unify quantum mechanics and General Relativity, overcoming current challenges in fundamental theory.

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 chameleon-inspired material that stiffens and changes color

Researchers have developed a polymer-based material that stiffens and changes color, mimicking the dynamic properties of skin. The material combines rigid-while-flexible and soft-while-stiff properties, shifting towards blue or red colors when elongated or condensed.

Lesson learned? Massive study finds lectures still dominate STEM ed

A recent study analyzing over 2,000 college classes in science, technology, engineering, and math found that conventional lecturing persists as the primary teaching method. Despite advocacy for student-centered learning, the study discovered that only 18% of classrooms emphasized group work and discussions.