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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 4 of 41

'Fog harp' increases collection capacity for clean water

Researchers at Virginia Tech have improved the traditional design of fog nets to increase their collection capacity by threefold using a 'fog harp' system featuring vertical wire arrays. This innovative design sheds tiny water droplets faster and more efficiently, increasing overall water yield.

Social awareness increases prove brain changing in adults with autism

Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth found that a clinician-driven virtual learning platform improves social competency and socio-emotional abilities in high-functioning adults on the autism spectrum. The study reveals increased activation in the brain's socio-cognition hub, leading to improved empathy and social interaction.

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.

A paperlike LCD -- thin, flexible, tough and cheap

Scientists have developed a paper-thin, flexible and durable liquid crystal display that can be updated rapidly like a newspaper. The new optically rewritable LCD design enables fast switching of images and text without power consumption.

From spud to French fry: Information experts optimize potato production

Researchers at Saarland University are developing an AI-based platform to optimize potato production, providing real-time forecasts and insights to farmers and food manufacturers. The system uses data from various sources, including sensors on artificial potatoes, to predict product losses and identify optimal harvesting times.

Majorana trilogy completed

Researchers at Delft University of Technology provide definite proof for Majorana particle existence, showcasing perfect quantization of zero-bias peak. This achievement enables exploration of Majorana quantum computing, with potential applications in topological quantum computing.

Public willing to pay to improve water quality

Researchers from the University of Missouri found that members of the public are more willing to pay for improved water quality than other ecosystem services. Participants in a nationwide survey consistently preferred higher monthly payments for water quality improvements over flood control and habitat protection.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Catching the right fish

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new screening method that speeds up the search for drugs using a 35 million compound DNA-encoded chemical library. The library consists of drug candidates with a stable ring-shaped basic structure and varied attachments, allowing for highly-specific binding to proteins.

Study changes long-held concepts of cell decoding

Scientists at NIDA uncovered evidence of a more complex role for GPCRs, suggesting a conceptual advance in biochemistry and pharmacology. The discovery reveals that GPCRs form part of pre-coupled macromolecular complexes that act as computing devices to gather and process information.

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.

Stroke affects more than just the physical

A new study reveals that stroke survivors experience 'hidden' problems like sleep issues, depression, and fatigue, which can significantly affect their well-being. The study found that social support programs and executive function training may improve these areas.

The physics of finance helps solve a century-old mystery

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a model that parallels the kinetic theory of molecules, providing a solid foundation for understanding price fluctuations in stable financial markets. The study also aims to examine unstable markets vulnerable to external shocks.

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.

Bovine genetics: The startling diversity of Buša cattle

The study found that Buša cattle account for a significant proportion of neutral genetic diversity in Bos taurus worldwide. The breed's unique genetic variation makes it an important conservation target for maintaining global genetic and functional diversity.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

2018 HFSP Career Development Awards

The Human Frontier Science Program has awarded $300,000 to 11 young researchers to support their frontier research projects. The recipients will return to their home countries or move to another member country to continue their work.

Ragweed casts shade on soy production

Scientists found that common ragweed can drastically reduce soybean yield by 76% in some cases, highlighting its potential threat to soybean production. The study suggests that early detection of weed growth is crucial to predict crop yield losses and inform pesticide application decisions.

Scientists discover promising off-switch for inflammation

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a potential 'off-switch' for inflammation by identifying the molecule itaconate, which can block production of inflammatory factors and protect against lethal inflammation. This breakthrough could lead to new anti-inflammatory medicines for diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.

Dark matter is a no show in ghostly galaxy

Researchers have discovered a galaxy that is almost completely devoid of dark matter, forcing them to rethink the formation of galaxies. The team found that the stars in NGC1052-DF2 can account for all its mass, leaving little room for dark matter.

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.

UNH research finds dramatic increase in flooding on coastal roads

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have found a dramatic increase in flooding on coastal roads along the East Coast, with 90 percent more frequent high tide floods occurring over the past 20 years. The study estimates that tidal nuisance flooding will cause over 3.4 billion hours of delays by 2100.

BU study: Diagnosing Ebola before symptoms arrive

Researchers at Boston University have discovered a common pattern of immune response among monkeys exposed to Ebola virus, occurring four days before the onset of fever. This finding suggests a possible biomarker for early diagnosis and could lead to better quarantine and control of outbreaks.

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.

A chink in bacteria's armor

Researchers have discovered a key member of the SEDS protein family, RodA, which builds bacterial walls. Altering its structure can disrupt this function, making it an attractive target for new antibiotics.

Knitting electronics with yarn batteries

Researchers have created a rechargeable yarn battery that can be twisted, stretched, and cut into multiple pieces, each powering a device. The battery maintains its charge capacity, is waterproof, and shows promise for wearable electronics.

Supernova may have 'burped' before exploding

Researchers discovered a Fast-Evolving Luminous Transient (FELT) captured by the Kepler Space Telescope in 2015. The transient rose in brightness over just 2.2 days and faded within 10 days, with scientists attributing its cause to a 'burp' from the star before exploding.

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.

Dark matter goes missing in oddball galaxy

Researchers discovered a unique galaxy, NGC 1052-DF2, lacking most of its dark matter. The galaxy is as large as the Milky Way but contains only 1/200th the number of stars, leading to its classification as an ultra-diffuse galaxy.

Fossils highlight Canada-Russia connection 53 million years ago

A new insect fossil discovery highlights a striking resemblance between Canadian and Russian fossils from the same age period, further solidifying an ancient connection between the two regions. The similarity is remarkable, with only the wing color distinguishing the two species, Eomerope eonearctica and Eomerope asiatica.

Communication via calcium wave

Scientists have identified a complex signal chain involving the auxin hormone and calcium channels in plant cells. Calcium waves are used to communicate local auxin signals over long distances, influencing root architecture and differentiation processes.

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.

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.

Hubble finds first galaxy in the local universe without dark matter

Researchers using Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a galaxy with minimal to no dark matter, contradicting long-held assumptions about its presence in galaxies. The ultra-diffuse galaxy NGC 1052-DF2 contains at least 400 times less dark matter than predicted for a galaxy of its mass.

Overcoming a battery's fatal flaw

Texas A&M researchers use supercomputers to develop graphene oxide nanosheet coating that controls dendrite growth, improving cycle life and stability of lithium-metal batteries. The material is applied using a spray coating gun and has shown enhanced performance in experiments.

CaloriSMART test system succeeds in magnetocaloric cooling

Researchers at Ames Laboratory have developed a CaloriSMART test system that demonstrates sustained cooling power of about 10 watts, with a 15 degree Celsius gradient, using only three cubic centimeters of gadolinium. The system enables rapid evaluation of materials in regenerators without significant investment.

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.

Relationship changes after bariatric surgery

Research suggests individuals who undergo bariatric surgery are more likely to find a new partner or get married compared to non-operated control subjects. However, separations and divorces may also increase slightly after surgery due to lifestyle changes.

West Greenland Ice Sheet melting at the fastest rate in centuries

A study by Dartmouth College reveals that the West Greenland Ice Sheet melted at a dramatically higher rate over the last twenty years than at any other time in the modern record. The researchers attribute this unprecedented ice loss to a combination of specific weather patterns and an additional long-term warming trend associated with...

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.

Noninvasive stimulation device can help prevent migraine attacks

A new study published in Cephalalgia found that a single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation device can reduce the frequency of headache days by about three days per month. The device, called Spring TMS, was safe and easy to use, with 46% of patients experiencing at least 50% or less migraine attacks per month.

How do you make a galaxy without dark matter?

Scientists have found a unique galaxy that contains almost no dark matter, a finding that challenges the standard ideas of how galaxies work. The galaxy, called NGC1052-DF2, has a mass similar to that of the Milky Way but only a fraction of the expected dark matter.

Largest-ever genetic study of stroke provides new insight into the disease

A massive international study of 520,000 people has identified 22 previously unknown genetic contributors to stroke, shedding light on the complex biology of the disease. The findings suggest that stroke shares common genetic influences with other vascular conditions and may lead to personalized treatments.

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.

Screening high-risk individuals can reduce multiple myeloma mortality

Researchers found that screening individuals with a high lifetime risk of developing precursor conditions like MGUS can reduce the prevalence and specific mortality of symptomatic multiple myeloma. By implementing regular screening and preventative measures, mortality rates can be lowered by up to 19% in certain groups.

Understanding the strange behavior of water

Researchers uncovered the anomaly in water's properties by using supercomputers to 'untune' its interactions, revealing a specific molecular arrangement that contributes to its unusual behavior. This discovery provides a simple explanation for phenomena such as water expanding on cooling and insects walking on its surface.

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.

2018 Canada Gairdner Awards recognize world-renowned scientists

The 2018 Canada Gairdner Award laureates made significant discoveries in genomic imprinting and optogenetics, impacting human development and disease. Their work has led to a deeper understanding of gene expression, developmental biology, and neurological disorders.