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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 16 of 41

Making fragrances last longer

Researchers create device that absorbs trace fragrances on skin, gathering a profile of scents remaining after rinsing off. By mixing with polymers, they enhance fragrance retention and reduce costs for industry and consumers.

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.

Natural enemies reduce pesticide use

A study found that increasing crop diversity in agricultural landscapes reduces aphid populations and decreases the need for pesticides. This is because natural enemies of aphids, such as ladybirds and spiders, have better living conditions in diverse landscapes.

NASA finds Tropical Cyclone Eliakim's clouds warming

Tropical Cyclone Eliakim's cloud tops have been found to be warming by NASA, suggesting the storm is weakening due to strong wind shear. The warmer cloud tops also led to a decrease in rainfall on the northern side of the storm.

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.

How GDP affects success in eSports

A study by HSE University researchers found that per capita GDP and IT infrastructure significantly impact success in competitive gaming. Countries with higher GDP tend to perform better, while living standards also play a role, especially for online tournaments.

First population-scale sequencing project explores platypus history

Researchers sequenced the genomes of 57 platypuses across Eastern Australia and Tasmania, establishing a family history and kinship in unprecedented detail. The study provides insights into population structure, diversity, and evolutionary forces at work, shedding light on the conservation challenges facing this unique species.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Antibiotics could be key to relieving chronic bladder pain

A new clinical study led by Sheela Swamy of University College London found that antibiotics can significantly reduce symptoms of chronic bladder pain and urinary tract infections. The study analyzed 624 women who had suffered from long-term symptoms for over six years, with no relief from previous treatments.

Even flies like a familiar song

Fruit flies are attracted to unique wing pulse patterns, and exposure to these sounds during development teaches them to prefer their species' own pulse. The study found that female pC1 neurons play a crucial role in the courtship learning process.

Why do some people 'hear' silent flashes?

Researchers found that visually-evoked auditory response (vEAR) is more common than other types of synaesthesia, affecting up to 21% of the population. The study suggests a connection between vEAR and physiological factors such as raised cortical excitability in the brain.

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.

US children now draw female scientists more than ever

Over five decades, US children's artwork depicting female scientists increased from less than 1% to 28%, reflecting shifting gender roles and media representations. Researchers found that children's exposure to male scientists accumulates during development, shaping stereotypes.

Good motor skills may enhance reading skills in obese children

A new study reveals that poor motor skills are associated with poorer reading skills in obese children, suggesting that motor skill training may improve reading abilities. The study found that daily physical activity should include opportunities for practicing and rehearsing motor skills to enhance academic achievement.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Risk of maternal death doubled in pregnant women with anemia

A major international study found that pregnant women with severe anaemia are twice as likely to die during or shortly after pregnancy compared to those without the condition. The research suggests that prevention and treatment of maternal anaemia must remain a global public health priority.

'Missing mutation' found in severe infant epilepsy

Researchers discovered a 'missing mutation' in SCN3A gene that causes severe infantile epileptic encephalopathy. Early anti-seizure medications may prevent disabling brain injury by controlling epilepsy shortly after birth.

Some patients on levothyroxine have continued symptoms

A large population-based study found that patients on levothyroxine had lower quality of life and more comorbidity than those not taking the hormone. The study also showed that comorbidity had a greater negative impact on the quality of life of LT4 users.

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.

What plants can teach us about oil spill clean-up, microfluidics

A new USC study uses nature-inspired 3D printing to create a material that can separate oil and water, potentially leading to safer and more efficient oil spill clean-up methods. The material also enables "microdroplet manipulation," which has applications in various fields such as cell cultures, chemical synthesis, and DNA sequencing.

Emerging diseases | is MERS-CoV a threat for Africa?

Researchers from CIRAD and Hong Kong University find MERS-CoV strains in African dromedaries differ from those in the Arabian Peninsula, explaining virus transmission. Genetic differences may account for disease not being transmitted to humans in West and North Africa.

Wildfire intensity impacts water quality and its treatment in forested watersheds

Researchers report that wildfires can cause a variable but predictable impact on the substances released from soils and flow into drinking water sources, leading to contamination. The study found that as wildfire severity increases, the amount of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) released by soil decreases, while sediments increase.

Achieving healthy, climate-friendly, affordable diets in India

Research by IIASA researcher Narasimha Rao found that Indian diets can be improved to reduce micronutrient deficiencies while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that adopting a diet rich in coarse cereals, legumes, and green leafy vegetables can boost protein intake and reduce deficiencies.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Hydrogel may help heal diabetic ulcers

Researchers at Rice University have developed a hydrogel that significantly accelerates wound healing in genetically diabetic rodents, promoting tissue growth and regeneration. The study's findings suggest that the hydrogel's cellular infiltration enhances wound closure rates, providing hope for improved treatment of diabetic ulcers.

UTSA researcher maps San Antonio's music scene

Researchers at UTSA used GIS technology to map the city's live music venues, studios, and production companies, finding Districts 1, 8, and 9 are hubs for growth. The study also showed a correlation between the music scene and alcohol sales.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New Gulf of Maine study investigates return of kelp

Researchers are monitoring kelp forests in the Gulf of Maine to establish a baseline for future change. They believe a lack of sea urchin predators has contributed to their return, particularly in Midcoast and Down East regions.

Trial shows safety of drugs for irregular heartbeat patients undergoing treatment

Atrial fibrillation affects millions worldwide, increasing risk of stroke and heart failure. A new study finds Apixaban and VKAs safe for treatment during catheter ablation procedures, with a significant improvement in cognitive function. The results will reassure clinicians that continuous Apixaban is an effective alternative to VKAs.

Danger ahead?

A shift in western Arctic wind patterns occurred during the winter of 2017, with sea ice movement also changing. This anomaly is possible indicator of a changing climate, with potentially significant impacts on Arctic ecosystems and food webs.

USTC reports diamond ring architecture of a protein complex

The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to provide a high-resolution view of the NuA4/TIP60 complex. The structure reveals that Tra1/TRRAP serves as a scaffold for NuA4/TIP60 assembly and that human TRRAP mutations are largely centered on interaction surfaces mediating this assembly.

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.

Low-tech, affordable solutions to improve water quality

Researchers have developed low-cost, low-tech solutions to improve water quality in municipal tanks by circulating water through shower head-like attachments. Additionally, they've found effective adsorbents using polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles to remove micropollutants from water, which can be reused and restored.

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.

Researchers create microlaser that flies along hollow optical fiber

A particle-based laser was created to measure temperature changes along the length of an optical fiber, offering highly localized light delivery to remote locations. The flying microlaser can detect temperature changes of under 3 degrees Celsius with spatial resolution of a few millimeters.

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.

High omega-6 levels can protect against premature death

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that high levels of omega-6 fatty acids in the blood are associated with a lower risk of premature death. The research also showed that this association is not limited to cardiovascular disease, but may also apply to other conditions such as diabetes.

Study: One-third of young adults have ridden with an impaired driver

A recent study found that riding with an impaired driver is prevalent among emerging adults, with 33% reporting the behavior at least once in the previous year. The study also showed that young adults are more likely to ride with a marijuana-impaired driver than an alcohol-impaired driver.

Forestry and carbon sequestration in Oregon

Researchers developed a framework to assess forest management strategies in Oregon, finding that these approaches increased net ecosystem carbon balance by 72% from 2011-2015. By 2100, the strategies resulted in a 56% increase in NECB, with benefits for water availability and biodiversity.

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.

Molecular doorstop could be key to new tuberculosis drugs

Researchers at Rockefeller University discover a molecular doorstop antibiotic that kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but not suitable for clinical use. By understanding its mechanism of action, medicinal chemists can design new antibiotics that target specific enzymes, offering hope for a more targeted treatment against the disease.

Revolutionary new filter can improve drinking water quality

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have developed a world-first, graphene-based filter that can remove more than 99% of natural organic matter from drinking water. The filter uses graphene oxide membranes to allow high water flow at atmospheric pressure while removing virtually all organic matter.

A new kind of quantum bits in two dimensions

Researchers developed a new type of quantum dot allowing for highly tunable energy levels of confined electrons, enabling potential applications in valleytronics. The discovery uses a combination of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride materials.

Infectious disease transmission on airplanes

Researchers estimate the risk of infectious disease transmission on airplanes, finding that movement patterns can facilitate disease spread. Passengers seated within one row and two seats lateral to an infected individual have a high probability of infection, while others are at low risk.

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.

Five new species of frogs identified in museum collections

Researchers have discovered five new species of frogs in Southeast Asia, previously misclassified due to subtle differences. Advanced DNA sequencing techniques revealed the existence of these five species, highlighting the importance of accurate species identification for conservation efforts.

Adults' political leanings linked with early personality traits

Analyses of two longitudinal studies in the UK found a link between early childhood behavior, such as aggression and hyperactivity, and later economic and political attitudes. Childhood conduct problems were associated with higher levels of economic/political discontent in adulthood.