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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 41 of 41

Crowdsourced family tree yields new insights about humanity

Researchers have created a massive 13 million-person family tree using genealogy data, revealing trends in marriage, migration, and longevity. The study found that people are more likely to marry fourth cousins than seventh cousins, and that women in Europe and North America have migrated more than men.

Rethinking childbirth education could save AU $97 million p.a.

Research by NICM Health Research Institute and Western Sydney University finds effective childbirth education programmes can reduce caesarean births, saving the healthcare system millions annually. The study suggests antenatal education could reduce birth-related healthcare costs by up to nine percent.

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.

Researchers use recycled carbon fiber to improve permeable pavement

A Washington State University research team has developed a technique to greatly strengthen permeable pavements by adding waste carbon fiber composite material. The recycling method reduces energy consumption and chemicals, making it a critical factor for recycling waste materials.

Virtual predator is self-aware, behaves like living counterpart

Scientists at University of Illinois create artificially intelligent ocean predator called Cyberslug, which reacts to food and responds to its own kind like the actual sea slug Pleurobranchaea californica does. The virtual creature has simple self-awareness, relating motivation and memories to external world perception.

Food abundance driving conflict in Africa, not food scarcity

A study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics refutes the idea that climate change leads to civil war in Africa due to food scarcity. Instead, conflicts are driven by competition over abundant food resources, with most armed groups unable to sustain themselves and instead seeking control over local food supplies.

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.

Challenges of food allergies connected to personality traits for first time

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that adults with food allergies face unique challenges in daily life, including anxiety and social exclusion. Openness to experience was the biggest predictor of these issues, highlighting the importance of personality traits in coping with a food allergy.

A spinning top of light

Physicists develop new method to precisely characterise extremely short light pulses, allowing for detailed information about electron place of origin in novel materials. This enables study of superconductors and topological materials, crucial for quantum computing and energy-efficient processors.

Prognostic role of elevated mir-24-3p in breast cancer

Researchers found elevated mir-24-3p in breast cancer patients destined to metastasize despite best available therapy. High expression of mir-24-3p correlated with poor survival rate and specific gene expression signature in TCGA.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reducing a building's carbon output can also lower costs

Researchers at Concordia University developed a method to optimize energy consumption in buildings, reducing carbon emissions by 59% while cutting costs by 75%. The study used hydro-powered heat pumps and lake cooling as renewable energy sources, demonstrating the potential for net-zero energy usage.

Violence against girls in conflict-affected populations reinforces gender norms

In conflict-affected populations, adolescent girls are perceived as responsible for their own safety and burdened by violence, with communities holding differing views on responding to abuse. Research highlights the need for programs addressing victim-blaming and silencing experiences of violence through community structures.

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.

No laughing matter, yet humor inspires climate change activism

A new study reveals that humor can effectively inspire young people to pursue climate change activism. The study found that college-aged adults between 18 and 24 were most inspired by the humorous video, which made them more likely to want to engage in activism and believe climate change is risky.

How reliable is diagnostic testing for Zika?

A study by German Center for Infection Research scientists found that molecular diagnostic tests for the Zika virus in Brazil were not always reliable, resulting in false-positive or false-negative results. This highlights the need for reliable diagnostics to prevent fatal consequences and inform preventive measures.

Johns Hopkins researchers invent new technology for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have invented a new class of immunotherapy drugs called Y-traps, which target and disable key immune suppressors in tumors. The treatment has been shown to significantly decrease tumor growth and even work against cancers that do not respond to existing immunotherapy.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Innovative 'invisible ink' detects TB

Scientists have developed an innovative process to detect TB bacteria using a fluorogenic trehalose analog, called DMN-trehalose. This new stain only illuminates inside living TB bacteria, making diagnosis more accurate and quick. The innovation aims to simplify the traditional smear microscopy process.

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.

In pursuit of pleasure, brain learns to hit the repeat button

Researchers observed how the brain learns to repeat patterns of neural activity that elicit a feeling of pleasure in mice, providing new strategies for targeting disorders characterized by abnormal repetitive behaviors. The findings also have implications for treating addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Incivility at work: Is 'queen bee syndrome' getting worse?

Research finds that women report higher levels of incivility from other women than men do, particularly if they defy gender norms by being more assertive. The study suggests companies should re-evaluate their cultures and address this issue to create a positive work environment.

Ethnic differences in need for heart pacemakers may have genetic link

Research found South Asian people are less likely to need a pacemaker for bradycardia compared to white Europeans, despite higher incidence of coronary artery disease and stroke in South Asians. The study suggests genetic differences may explain the disparity in heart condition susceptibility between ethnic groups.

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.

New research points to better way to treat depression

Researchers at TSRI have discovered that individuals with high levels of the enigmatic receptor GPR158 may be more susceptible to depression following chronic stress. This finding provides a potential clue to why some people are more resilient against mental illness, and offers a new target for developing effective treatments.

Sounding rocket mission will trace auroral winds

The AZURE mission aims to measure vertical winds in the ionosphere, creating a tumultuous particle soup that redistributes energy and momentum. By tracking colorful tracers released into space, researchers will gain valuable data on the flow of particles in key regions of the ionosphere.

NASA's GPM observes Arkansas and Tennessee flooding downpours

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission captured intense rainfall rates exceeding 5.1 inches per hour in southwestern Arkansas. Life-threatening flood conditions resulted from over 10 inches of rain, with storm tops reaching heights above 5.6 miles.

Nervous system puts the brakes on inflammation

Research by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists reveals that the nervous system can dampen excessive inflammation in the gut and lungs, which may lead to new treatments for diseases like asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. The study also found that beta-adrenergic receptors play a crucial role in controlling the immune response.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

5TONIC showcases innovation momentum toward 5G

The 5TONIC consortium is demonstrating use cases for next-generation wireless technologies, including smart factory applications and cell virtualization. With the deployment of CommScope's OneCell C-RAN small cell solution, they are accelerating the development of 5G networks and improving spectrum efficiency.

Déjà vu and feelings of prediction: They're just feelings

Researchers recreated déjà vu in human subjects to study the feeling of premonition, finding participants were no more likely to predict the future than blind guesses. During déjà vu, they felt like they knew what's going to happen next, mirroring real-life experiences.

Regular walking may protect against heart failure post menopause

Walking for at least 40 minutes, two to three times a week, significantly lowers the risk of heart failure among post-menopausal women. The study found that brisk walks and walking frequency/duration/pace all contribute equally to this benefit, making walking an accessible form of exercise for older women.

New study reveals the secret of magmas that produce global treasures

A new study from the University of the Witwatersrand reveals that magmas can form chromite deposits through decompression as they rise to the surface, producing valuable resources like platinum and chromium. The study suggests that lithostatic pressure reduction plays a vital role in forming these deposits.

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.

Successful synthesis of gamma-lactam rings from hydrocarbons

A team of researchers has developed a novel reaction to insert nitrogen into C-H bonds, creating useful ring-shaped molecules. The breakthrough synthesis uses inexpensive feedstock hydrocarbons as substrates, offering a new solution to the long-standing challenge in pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Vitamin D reduces mortality

A Norwegian study found that individuals with normal vitamin D levels can reduce their risk of death from cardiovascular disease by up to 30%. The optimal amount of vitamin D varies from person to person, and measuring levels is advised for those who have experienced cardiovascular disease.

Catch 22: Immune systems protect hosts, but drive bacterial evolution

A study in house finches reveals that immune systems can inadvertently help bacteria become stronger over time, leading to a catch-22 situation. Researchers found that birds with stronger immunity to more virulent strains were more likely to exclude low-virulence strains from future infections.

Diet, bugs and beating high blood pressure

Researchers found that three healthy diets generally reduced blood pressure in most participants, but some individuals responded less well due to differences in their gut bacteria. The study suggests a potential new approach for identifying an individual's clinical response to diet therapy and adherence to prescribed diets.

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.

Discovery shows wine grapes gasping for breath

Researchers discovered that grapes experience internal oxygen shortage during ripening, leading to cell death and potentially affecting wine quality. The study's findings suggest that manipulating oxygen supply can reduce cell death, and may lead to new ways of selecting grape varieties for warmer climates.

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.

Do you know where your xenon is?

Researchers discovered xenon compounds with nickel and iron at extreme pressures and temperatures, which could explain the missing noble gas in Earth's atmosphere. The study provides evidence for previously theorized compounds of iron and xenon under core conditions.