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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 38 of 41

UTSA researchers want to teach computers to learn like humans

The UTSA researchers have created a cloud-based learning platform for artificial intelligence that aims to teach machines to learn like humans. This platform can help AI agents automatically detect threats in network traffic and improve their performance in discovering and thwarting new attacks.

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.

Fringe loan use linked to risk of poor health

A first-of-its-kind study links fringe loan use to a higher risk of poor health, with those using fringe services more likely to report fair or poor health. The study's findings have social policy implications for re-engineering safety nets for low-income populations.

Plants share defensive proteins in evolutionary pick 'n' mix

A recent study has found that plants share defensive proteins through evolutionary pick 'n' mix, allowing them to respond effectively to emerging diseases. The research identified diverse groups of genes in various wild and domestic grasses, including wheat and barley, which can be used to engineer resistant crops.

How the diagnosing of lung diseases can be improved

A new computer program enables accurate pre-biopsy preparation for lung diseases by visualizing patient airways in 3D. Transbronchial biopsies have shown increased accuracy from 53% to 88% using this technology.

Researchers find algorithm for large-scale brain simulations

A new algorithm enables larger parts of the human brain to be represented using the same amount of computer memory, significantly reducing the memory required for simulations. This breakthrough allows researchers to simulate neuronal networks on the scale of the human brain for the first time, enabling studies of complex brain functions.

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.

World's largest ivory burn delivered a strong message -- but who received it?

An international study examines the impact of the world's largest ivory burn in Kenya, finding 81% of online media coverage was produced in the US, with lesser coverage in China and other ivory-consuming countries. Experts suggest sustained media pressure and monitoring are needed to change attitudes and reduce ivory demand.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genes for age-linked brain deterioration identified

Researchers have identified over 250 genes involved in brain aging, including Dbx2, which can prematurely age stem cells. The study found that increasing the activity of Dbx2 in young brain stem cells slows their growth, causing them to behave more like older cells.

Polygenic risk score may identify alzheimer's risk in younger populations

Researchers have developed a polygenic risk score to identify adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in their 50s, who are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The score correctly identified individuals with MCI and showed that those with cognitive deficits other than memory problems were more likely to have diabetes.

Researchers in QUANTOX project developing quantum computer

The QUANTOX project aims to create a basic memory cell, Qubit, using topologically protected technology. The research team uses oxide interfaces with unique physical qualities to develop Quantum Topological systems that can be easily integrated within current technology.

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.

NCDR annual conference highlights the power of clinical data

The NCDR Annual Conference brings together registry professionals to share best practices and learn from leading experts. Attendees will receive updates on new registries, strategies for improving patient care, and how to use registry data for decision-making purposes.

Scientists created multifunctional protein-polymer films

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed protein-dendrimer films with self-assembly properties, retaining enzyme activity and function. The films show promise as biosensor materials and bioactive dressings for medical applications.

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.

Ball or stuffed toy -- Do dogs 'know' what they're smelling?

A study published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology found that dogs create a mental representation of target objects while tracking scent trails. Dogs show hesitation when finding an unexpected toy and later retrieve it equally quickly regardless of initial expectation.

Seeing sounds: Researchers uncover molecular clues for synesthesia

Scientists have identified genetic variants associated with synaesthesia, revealing a connection between genes involved in brain cell wiring and the condition. The study provides new insights into the biology of synaesthesia, a trait that runs in families and can manifest differently in each individual.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

The family-owned-franchise penalty

Researchers analyzed data from the US and South Korea to find that family franchisees generate lower sales per employee due to a focus on noneconomic goals. Franchisees with better benefits, such as health insurance, exhibit higher per capita sales figures.

Restoring lipid synthesis could reduce lung fibrosis

Researchers have discovered that increasing lipid production in the lungs can reduce lung scarring by 70-80 percent. The study's findings suggest that failing to produce lipids due to injury or age-related metabolic changes may contribute to lung fibrosis development.

JILA team invents new way to 'see' the quantum world

JILA scientists invent a novel imaging technique that combines spectroscopy and high-resolution microscopy to create rapid, precise measurements of quantum behavior. The technique produces detailed spatial maps of energy shifts among atoms in a three-dimensional lattice, providing information about each atom's location and energy level.

Army scientists help robots understand humans with board game idea

Researchers created a method to formulate a sequence of yes/no questions that rapidly achieves the best answer, enabling robots to maintain continuous conversation with humans. The study's findings have potential applications in machine-machine questioning and human-robot teaming.

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.

Chaperones can hold protein in non-equilibrium states

Researchers have found that chaperones actively maintain proteins in a non-equilibrium but transiently stable state, even when thermodynamically unstable. This discovery challenges the long-held view that evolution has optimized protein function for thermodynamic stability.

Culturing cheaper stem cells

Kyoto University scientists have created a more cost-effective culture system for human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which can support their long-term renewal without expensive growth factors. The new 'AKIT' culture, using three chemical compounds, is five to ten times cheaper than existing methods.

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.

Low blood sugar poses unaddressed threat to people with type 2 diabetes

A new analysis from the Endocrine Society finds that clinicians struggle to identify and manage patients at risk of hypoglycemia, a common but underappreciated threat among type 2 diabetes patients. The study suggests that improving clinical care for these individuals could help reduce hospital admissions and mortality.

NASA sees powerful storms around Dumazile's eye

Tropical Cyclone Dumazile strengthened after being renamed from Tropical storm 11S, with powerful thunderstorms surrounding its eye. The storm is forecast to weaken but maintain hurricane intensity before encountering cooler waters and increased wind shear.

Insulator or superconductor? Physicists find graphene is both

Researchers have found that graphene can be tuned to behave as an insulator or a superconductor, exhibiting unusual electronic properties. By creating a 'superlattice' of stacked graphene sheets, the team demonstrated intrinsic superconductivity in pure carbon-based material.

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.

These tropical hummingbirds make cricket-like sounds other birds can't hear

Researchers have discovered that black jacobin hummingbirds produce vocalizations with an unusually high-frequency pitch, including components in the ultrasonic range. The findings suggest that these birds may rely on their unusual calls as a private channel of communication, given their diverse social environment.

Why US policies for dyslexia should be scrapped

Leading expert Julian Elliott argues that current US Federal and State dyslexia laws ignore scientific evidence and prioritize expensive diagnoses over early intervention. He advocates for a focus on identifying reading difficulties in children and providing targeted support, rather than pursuing a dubious diagnosis of dyslexia.

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.

Models show how to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C

The study explores the feasibility of achieving a 1.5°C warming limit by 2100 using six integrated assessment models. Successful scenarios require rapid shifts away from fossil fuels, lowered energy use, and CO2 removal. Inequities and poor climate policies hinder achievement.

How the brain represents sound elevation

Researchers found that the brain's auditory cortex does not solely represent acoustic environments but also incorporates perception. Custom ear molds disrupted participants' elevation perception, revealing different responses to sounds between sessions, indicating a dynamic relationship between sensory encoding and perception.

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.

Comparison shows value of DNA barcoding in selecting nanoparticles

Researchers found that in vitro testing is no help in predicting which nanoparticles successfully enter cells in living animals. A new DNA barcoding technique allows testing of over 100 nanoparticles simultaneously in a single animal, accelerating the development of gene therapies.

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.

Do racial and gender disparities exist in newer glaucoma treatments?

A new IRIS Registry-powered study explores racial and gender outcomes with minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, aiming to increase quality care for diverse patient groups. The research seeks to assess the real-world demographic differences in MIGS use, safety, and effectiveness.

Simplifying samples

Researchers at Washington University developed a novel, low-cost technique to preserve blood and urine samples without refrigeration. The method uses nanoporous materials to protect protein biomarkers, maintaining 95% purity and enabling efficient transportation and analysis.

New research showed better survival outcomes in one type of heart failure

A joint 7-year cohort study of 2039 patients in Singapore and New Zealand found that heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have better survival rates and outcomes compared to those with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The study provides greater accuracy about the risk of dying from heart failure.

New method identifies splicing biomarkers for liver cancer

Researchers have developed a method to identify splicing-based biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. These biomarkers may help predict disease progression and are associated with poor patient survival.

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.

New Emmy-Noether group in theoretical chemistry

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum aim to optimize the Density Matrix Renormalization Group method to predict properties of complex molecules. The goal is to tailor molecules for specific applications, enabling more accurate simulations and cost-effective synthesis.