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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 37 of 41

Cognitive benefits of bilingualism overstated

A comprehensive review of 152 studies on bilingualism and executive functions found no significant benefits for bilinguals. Bilingualism is beneficial for communication between people and cultures, but not for cognitive skills like focusing attention or switching tasks.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Technique to see objects hidden around corners

The Stanford team has developed an efficient algorithm to process final images from non-line-of-sight imaging, overcoming a significant challenge in capturing 3-D structure of hidden objects. The system can produce images of out-of-view objects in under a second and is computationally efficient enough to run on regular laptops.

Suicide prevention: Choosing the right word

A new study found that the choice of word used in media reports of suicides has a measurable impact on how readers subsequently perceive and evaluate the act. Researchers recommend using the neutral term 'Suizid' to reduce problematic associations. The study's findings highlight the potential role of media in suicide prevention.

Squaring the circle: Merchandising embarrassing products

Research by Mississippi State University Professors Carol Esmark Jones and Adam Farmer found that packaging shapes, colors, and placement in stores can influence purchase intentions. Displaying products on endcaps or using discounts can mitigate the negative effects of embarrassment.

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.

Sustainable ocean development

A new model balances ocean uses across sectors and industries to create a holistic approach to environmental sustainability. The system identifies tens of thousands of optimal spatial plans, increasing sector values by millions of dollars while reducing harmful impacts.

Producing handy gels from a protein found in human blood

Scientists at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg create albumin-based gels, which could be used to produce drug-delivery implants. The gels' structure and properties were altered by modifying solution pH and temperature conditions.

Method to predict drug stability could lead to more effective medicines

Researchers have developed a new method to predict drug stability, which could lead to the creation of more effective medicines. The technique uses optical and mechanical measuring techniques to determine when and how a solid will crystallise, a process that can affect a drug's solubility in water.

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.

Tropical forest response to drought depends on age

Research found that older tropical forests can access deeper soil layers during droughts, while younger forests struggle to survive due to shallower root systems. This study has implications for reforestation efforts and understanding forest responses to climate change.

Capturing brain signals with soft electronics

Researchers have developed high-density stretchable electrode grids for long-term stable neural recording, overcoming challenges in biocompatibility and mechanical properties. The breakthrough enables crucial applications in biomedical engineering, including diagnosing and treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy.

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.

Biochemists zero in on key molecules that enable cells to crawl

Biochemists have made a discovery that sheds light on the molecular machinery that allows some cells to wiggle their way through tissues. The researchers identified two locations on Arp2/3 where an activator protein touches, promoting cell motility and potentially leading to new opportunities for cancer treatment.

Rice team designs lens-free fluorescent microscope

The Rice team designs a thin, wide-field microscope that surpasses traditional microscopes in resolution and field of view. FlatScope eliminates the need for lenses, allowing for micrometer resolution over several cubic millimeters.

Roton quasiparticles observed in quantum gas

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have successfully detected roton excitations in a dipolar quantum gas for the first time. The discovery paves the way for further research into superfluidity and supersolid states, which exhibit both solid-like and fluid-like properties.

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.

Arms races and cooperation among amoebae in the wild

Researchers studied Dictyostelium discoideum in the wild using gene sequencing techniques. They found that genes related to social conflict were evolving rapidly, supporting laboratory experiments on social interactions. The study also showed that cells sacrifice themselves for relatives, demonstrating kin selection.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

You don't think your way out of a tiger attack

Researchers discovered two distinct brain areas, cognitive-fear circuit and reactive-fear circuit, that process fear responses to different types of threats. The study used fMRI scans and a virtual predator video game to show how the brain reacts differently to immediate versus distant threats.

Rare mineral discovered in plants for first time

Scientists at University of Cambridge have found a rare mineral vaterite in the protective silvery-white crust on alpine plants' leaves. The discovery has potential uses in drug delivery and other industries due to its high loading capacity and solubility properties.

Metal-free catalyst extends the range of ester synthesis

A team at Nagoya University developed a metal-free catalyst, tetramethylammonium methyl carbonate (TMC), that expands the substrate range of trans-esterification. TMC reacts with alcohols to form alkoxide ions, which attack esters to produce complex target esters in high yields.

Crepidula onyx resilient towards microplastic diet

Researchers found Crepidula onyx snails unaffected by microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations, suggesting potential threat to other marine organisms. The study highlights the species' resilience and implies a need for further investigation into its coping mechanisms.

Controlled coupling of light and matter

Researchers have successfully harnessed the power of quantum mechanics by controlling the interaction between light and matter at room temperature. By using plasmonic nanoresonators to concentrate electromagnetic energy, they enabled the re-absorption of photons by quantum emitters with high probability.

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.

Study discovers South African wildfires create climate cooling

Researchers discovered that biomass smoke from South Africa significantly enhances the brightness of low-level clouds in the southeast Atlantic Ocean, creating a cooling effect. This process helps counteract the greenhouse effect and results in substantial climate cooling.

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.

'Filter' hones GWAS results to help researchers avoid dead ends

A new approach filters genes for study, reducing false leads and accelerating research on diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The strategy focuses on active genes, group interactions, mutation vulnerability and past studies to narrow down gene candidates, saving researchers time and money.

Weightlifting shows benefits for kidney disease patients

Patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) who performed combined exercise showed greater increases in muscle mass and strength compared to those doing aerobic exercise alone. The study found that combining both modes of exercise led to significant health benefits, including increased cardiorespiratory fitness.

Mammals share mechanisms controlling the heart with a 400-million-year-old fish

A new study reveals that primitive air-breathing fish, such as the South American lungfish, exhibit similar mechanisms controlling the heart as mammals. These mechanisms include a periodic breathing pattern and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), which enables the fish to maximize oxygen uptake during air-breathing bouts.

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.

Potential new approach to the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Researchers have proposed a new method of treating multiple sclerosis by using the EGFL7 protein to stabilize the blood-brain barrier and prevent immune cell migration. This approach has shown promise in model trials, reducing clinical symptoms and improving treatment outcomes.

Scientists found a way to postpone cell death

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University found that removing the caveolin-binding domain from Fas-ligand protein can prevent cell death. The study suggests a new strategy for cancer treatment, as this mechanism may cause malfunctioning cells to undergo apoptosis.

Researchers use health data to predict who will use opioids after hospitalization

Researchers developed a statistical model to predict hospitalized patients at risk of progressing to chronic opioid therapy. The model correctly identified high-risk patients in 79% of cases and was found to be highly associated with variables such as substance use disorder, benzodiazepine receipt, and surgical procedures during hospit...

In Colombia, social pension income improves self-reported older men's health

A study published in Health Affairs found that male recipients of Colombia Mayor, a noncontributory pension program, had improved health outcomes. They reported 5.6% less bad health and a 5.4% reduced likelihood of hospitalization. The program provides eligible low-income elderly Colombians with a small monthly cash transfer of $16-34.

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.

Minimally invasive surgeries underused in older patients, new study finds

A new study reveals that elderly Medicare patients underwent fewer minimally invasive surgeries compared to the general population, missing out on potential benefits of lower complication rates and readmissions. The study highlights the underuse of minimally invasive surgery in eligible candidates as an example of low-value care.

U CO2 sensor network shows effects of metro growth

The U CO2 sensor network, the only multisite urban CO2 network worldwide with over a decade of continuous measurements, shows that suburban sprawl significantly impacts metro area CO2 emissions. The network reveals that suburban expansion increases CO2 emissions more than similar population growth in urban areas.

ACP recommends less intensive blood sugar control for type 2 diabetes

The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends less intensive blood sugar control targets for most patients with type 2 diabetes, aiming for an A1C range of 7-8% rather than 6.5-7%. This approach prioritizes symptom management over intensive treatment to balance benefits and harms.

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.

Preschoolers exposed to nighttime light lack melatonin

Research reveals that preschoolers' production of sleep-promoting hormone melatonin is suppressed for at least 50 minutes after exposure to bright light. This finding highlights the potential risks of electronic use in young children's sleep and circadian rhythms.

Study: Retaining talent is paramount for successful firm acquisitions

A recent UT Dallas study found that retaining target scientists increases the likelihood of creating impactful knowledge after an acquisition. The researchers examined over 111,000 patents following 301 high-tech acquisitions and found that retaining engineers was particularly important when dealing with complex technologies.

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.

Materials 'sandwich' breaks barrier for solar cell efficiency

A team of researchers led by NYU Tandon Professor André D. Taylor has found an innovative way to improve solar cells, making them more efficient and suitable for various applications. The new material 'sandwich' combines different materials to absorb sunlight and transform it into electricity.

Epigenetics therapy shows promise in patients with lymphoma

Early clinical studies with BET inhibitors and EZH2 inhibitors have shown remarkable activity in patients with lymphoma, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and NUT carcinoma. Tolerability has been generally good, but side effects such as thrombocytopaenia and fatigue have emerged.

Drug-producing bacteria possible with synthetic biology breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Warwick and the University of Surrey have developed a system to dynamically allocate essential cellular resources to both synthetic circuitry and host cells. This breakthrough advances the potential of synthetically programming cells to combat disease and produce new drugs, including novel antibiotics.

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.

Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation awards six grants

The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) has awarded six new research grants totaling $1.85 million to leading academic institutions worldwide. The funding aims to improve current treatments for neuroendocrine tumors, a rare and poorly understood cancer affecting hormone-producing cells.

Reviewers of NIH grants cannot distinguish the good from the great

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that NIH grant reviewers cannot consistently differentiate between great and good proposals, despite initial agreement. The study suggests that the current peer review process may not be effective in funding high-quality research.

New tool for the crystallization of proteins

A new method has been developed to crystallize membrane proteins of any type or size, allowing researchers to elucidate their structure. The technique uses lipid-water mixtures to create self-assembled channels that enable large proteins to be crystallized.

Sexual behavior of university students

The study found that university students lack knowledge of responsible sexuality and family planning methods. Girls tend to have healthier attitudes and more knowledge about sexual health, but both sexes show little awareness of sexually transmitted infections. The researchers highlight the importance of sex education in universities.