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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 35 of 41

Cleaning nanowires to get out more light

Researchers developed LEDs made of dislocation-free aluminum-gallium-nitride nanowires, which can efficiently extract light due to air gaps between nanowires via scattering. Treating the nanowires with a diluted potassium-hydroxide solution suppresses surface reabsorption, leading to a 49.7% enhancement in ultraviolet light output power.

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.

Current deforestation pace will intensify global warming, study alerts

A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that deforestation could lead to a significant rise in global temperatures if not addressed. The research, led by Paulo Artaxo, used computer modeling and found that the loss of tropical forests would intensify global warming by 0.8°C on average.

Towards an unconscious neural reinforcement intervention for common fears

Researchers have created an innovative method to alleviate common fears by reading out unconscious brain activity and associating feared objects with positive feelings. By using a mental exercise game and leveraging artificial intelligence algorithms, participants can become desensitized to phobic stimuli without encountering the feare...

Study reveals how the brain tracks objects in motion

A new study from MIT reveals that the brain uses both speed and rhythmic patterns to track objects in motion, leading to more accurate estimates. Researchers found that participants made better predictions when they had access to information about both speed and timing.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Paying attention as the eyes move

Researchers found that the primate brain quickly and efficiently shifts attention with each eye movement in a well-synchronized manner. This synchronization allows for optimal processing of relevant stimuli across saccades. The study's findings have implications for understanding disorders like schizophrenia and visual neglect.

Different strokes for different folks

Research reveals that individuals have different mindsets depending on their consumption goals, affecting how they perceive risk, product uniqueness, and purchase intentions. Marketers can improve sales by aligning selling cues with product types and customer inclinations.

The Forsyth Institute expands key human microbiome database

The expanded Human Oral Microbiome Database (eHOMD) now contains 772 species, providing a wealth of information for researchers studying oral health and overall wellness. The database's expansion will facilitate work on fighting infectious diseases and better understanding human health and disease.

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.

What the smell can tell

Researchers have developed a detection system for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by modern museum artifacts, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of their preservation status. The system uses gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry to identify characteristic VOC patterns, enabling the classification of degradation states.

Our circadian clock sets the rhythm for our cells' powerhouses

Researchers discovered that the fission protein Drp1 is controlled by an internal biological clock, which determines the design of mitochondrial networks and their energy capacity. Impairing this rhythm leads to a decline in energy production, with potential therapeutic applications for diseases like Alzheimer's.

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.

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.

Scientists engineer crops to conserve water, resist drought

Researchers have improved crop water-use-efficiency by 25% without compromising yield, using a single gene. The team increased photosynthetic protein PsbS levels to conserve water, allowing plants to grow faster and yield more during dry spells.

Lithium-related discovery could extend battery life and improve safety

Researchers at Arizona State University have made a significant breakthrough in lithium-metal batteries, discovering a way to mitigate dendrite growth that can reduce energy density and cause fires or explosions. The new solution involves using a 3D layer of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the substrate for lithium metal anode.

Estimating lives saved by England's NHS Health Check program

The NHS Health Check programme is estimated to prevent around 300 premature deaths annually, with feasible changes potentially tripling the benefits. The programme improves population health and reduces health inequalities by targeting high-risk adults.

Alzheimer's research: Christian Haass receives 'Brain Prize'

Four neuroscientists, including Christian Haass, receive the Brain Prize for their work on the genetic and molecular bases of Alzheimer's disease. Their research has revolutionised understanding of the changes in the brain that lead to Alzheimer's, with potential implications for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Dynamic processing in 5G networks

IMDEA Networks Institute and TELCARIA launch project to achieve high performance and dynamic traffic processing in 5G networks. The research aims to separate processing from factors like location, time, scaling, and hardware, enabling scalable and flexible network design.

New test extends window for accurate detection of Zika

A new blood test for Zika virus can detect the virus up to 8 weeks after infection, providing a powerful tool for screening pregnant women and adults. The test, called ZIKV-NS2B-concat ELISA, is faster, less expensive, and more accurate than existing options, with rates of false positives and false negatives of less than 5%.

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.

NASA examines Tropical Cyclone Dumazile's flooding rainfall

Tropical Cyclone Dumazile brought extremely heavy rainfall to Madagascar, with over 210 mm of precipitation reported along the northeastern coast. The GPM satellite detected intense bands of rain and storms dropping rain at rates of up to 160 mm/hour, causing widespread flooding.

Rigor mortis in worms offers new insight into death

A study using worms has discovered the mechanisms involved when multicellular organisms die, particularly as a result of old age. The research found that death spreads through the organism via cellular necrosis, triggered by calcium release, leading to muscle hypercontraction and rigor mortis.

Supportive colleagues could be the key to health and fairness at work

A new study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found a clear link between a person's health and their perceptions of fairness at work over time. Colleague support was identified as the most significant factor in this link, suggesting that organisations should foster a supportive culture among colleagues to ensur...

Untapped gold mine is lost from end-of-life vehicles

A new database charts Europe's urban mine, revealing vast quantities of scarce metals in vehicles and electrical equipment. The EU's dependence on imported metals poses a strategic and economic risk, and recycling is crucial for the transition to greener technologies.

The growing trend of youth sports specialization

Research finds that 54.7% of parents encourage their children to specialize in a single sport, increasing injury risk and burnout. Sports specialization can decrease enjoyment due to excessive training and limit cross-training benefits.

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.

Fish team up for more food

Researchers observed cooperative behavior in Neolamprologus obscurus fish, excavating stones to create shelter and increase food abundance. The study found that helpers played a crucial role in maintaining and expanding these shelters, leading to increased prey abundance and improved breeding success.

Physicists lay groundwork to better understand the birth of the universe

Physicists Sebastian Deffner and Anthony Bartolotta developed techniques for describing the thermodynamics of very small systems with high energy, which could lead to a better understanding of the birth of the universe. They found that in their model system, the system was more likely to return multiple particles upon sending in just one.

CRISPR enhances cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at WashU Medicine used CRISPR to engineer human T cells that can attack human T cell cancers without succumbing to friendly fire. The new approach also allows for the use of therapeutic T cells from any healthy donor, eliminating the need for a matched donor or patient's own T cells.

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.

Does single PSA test have effect on prostate cancer detection, death?

A single PSA test increased detection of low-risk prostate cancer, but made no significant difference in prostate cancer deaths after 10 years. This study suggests that current policy against prostate cancer screening may be justified, as potential benefits are outweighed by harms from overdetection and overtreatment.

For blind gamers, equal access to racing video games

A new audio-based interface called RAD enables visually impaired players to experience full 3D graphics and complex racetracks in racing video games. The system uses sonification techniques to provide players with relevant information, allowing them to form a plan of action and compete at the same level as sighted players.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Controlling ceramides could help treat heart disease

A study published in Cell Reports found that accumulating ceramides can lead to lipotoxic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition often associated with diabetes and obesity. Researchers discovered potential therapeutic targets to prevent or reverse the effects of this condition.

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.

The final frontier's final frontier

A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's NSF Center for Space, High-performance, and Resilient Computing has developed a radiation-resistant computer capable of high-performance computing in space. The system will be launched on the International Space Station and is nearly three times more powerful than its predecessor.

Pain's origins may be significantly different in males and females

A recent study found that a specific manipulation of dopamine receptors impairs chronic pain in male mice but has no effect on females. The researchers suggest that different types of cells drive the development of pain in males and females, leading to the potential for sex-specific pain relief medications.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A treasure trove for nanotechnology experts

A team from EPFL and NCCR Marvel has identified more than 1,000 materials with a particularly interesting 2D structure, paving the way for groundbreaking technological applications. The researchers developed an algorithm to analyze 100,000 materials, creating a database of promising 2D materials.

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.

Cannabis compound may help curb frequency of epileptic seizures

A review of available evidence suggests that cannabis compound cannabidiol (CBD) may curb the frequency of epileptic seizures, particularly in children and teens with rare and severe forms of epilepsy. CBD was found to be more effective than a placebo at reducing seizure frequency by 50% or more, and improving quality of life.