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Science News Archive May 2018


Page 2 of 44

Scientists use RFID chips to track biological samples

Scientists have developed a method to track biological samples using RFID chips, which can withstand extreme conditions and identify organoids grown from stem cells. This technology has the potential to advance drug testing and transplantation by providing real-time data on organoid health.

Political tension during the 2016 US Election cut many Thanksgiving dinners short

A study found that households with opposing political views spent significantly less time at the Thanksgiving table in 2016. Political tension exacerbated this effect, particularly for those exposed to high amounts of advertising. Overall, partisan differences cost Americans 73.6 million hours spent interacting during Thanksgiving.

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.

Lipid molecules can be used for cancer growth

Cancer cells use lipid molecules as fuel when blood supply is low, helping them evade antiangiogenic treatment. A new mechanism suggests that blocking lipid energy pathways could improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The right squeeze for quantum computing

Scientists at Hokkaido University have developed a theoretical approach to quantum computing that uses light squeezing to dramatically reduce errors. This new method is ten billion times more tolerant of errors than current experimental methods, bringing us closer to developing ultra-accurate quantum computers.

Soaking up the water and the sweat -- a new super desiccant

Researchers have developed a new carbon-based material that significantly outperforms current drying agents, with twice the absorbent capacity of industry standard silica gel. The super desiccant can discharge moisture at energy-saving low temperatures, making it suitable for frequent reuse and reducing costs.

International team studies world's last uncharted major river delta

The research team aims to understand how the Irrawaddy-Salween Delta will respond to expected changes in sediment supply and coastal dynamics due to climate change and human development. They are using field studies and computer modeling to characterize where sediments accumulate and the mechanisms that move them.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Cool weather can amplify attacks of tree-killing bark beetle

Research from Dartmouth College shows that cooler weather can increase the lethality of southern pine beetles' attacks on trees. The study demonstrates how climate change creates a destructive one-two punch for forests, with warmer temperatures leading to synchronized emergence of adult beetles and increased population density.

UMD-led study shows how Earth slows the solar wind to a gentle breeze

A University of Maryland-led study has observed the electron heating process in Earth's bow shock, revealing a new mechanism for converting energy from the solar wind to heat. This breakthrough provides valuable new insights into Earth's magnetic field and its ability to protect the planet from harmful particles and radiation.

AI researchers design 'privacy filter' for your photos

Researchers at University of Toronto design an algorithm to dynamically disrupt facial recognition systems, protecting users' privacy. The 'privacy filter' alters specific pixels in images to make changes imperceptible to the human eye, fooling facial detection AI.

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.

One in four intensive care patients return to hospital, study shows

A quarter of intensive care patients are readmitted to hospital shortly after returning home, research suggests. Poor carer stress, difficulty understanding health and social care packages, and psychological trauma contribute to high rates of return, the findings show. The study highlights the need for services to take into account com...

New Horizons data reveals dunes made of methane on Pluto

Scientists have discovered dunes made of solid methane on Pluto, defying expectations due to the dwarf planet's thin atmosphere. The findings were made possible by New Horizons' detailed images and modeling, which suggest that wind can create these unique landforms through a process involving sublimation.

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.

Firing up a new alloy

A new alloy is being developed through the testing of a sintering process in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. The investigation uses liquid phase sintering to study the degree of distortion caused by microgravity, with potential applications for space manufacturing and Earth-based industries.

Scientists rethink co-evolution of marine life, oxygenated oceans

Researchers used a novel geochemical proxy to study the evolution of marine life and oxygen levels in the ocean. The findings suggest that upper-ocean oxygen levels did not stabilize until 200 million years ago, when larger eukaryotic plankton dominated the world's oceans.

Making data matter

Researchers create physical objects from imaging datasets using a new data processing method that preserves fine details and allows quick distinction between parts. This innovation aims to make 3D printing more accessible and allow anyone to print nearly anything.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

A new device for detecting gas leaks has been developed

A new device developed by Sensia Solutions can detect gas leaks and measure their amount, providing a solution to this problem at an affordable price. The technology has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint from gas leaks by up to 70%.

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.

Perception that antibiotics are harmless is widespread

A study found that patients' beliefs in the harmlessness of antibiotics can lead clinicians to prescribe them more, despite knowledge of side effects, resulting in increased healthcare costs and adverse reactions. The 'WNTAR' belief can also contribute to antibiotic resistance, a growing global health threat.

Bigger human brain prioritizes thinking hub -- at a cost

A recent NIH study discovered that bigger human brains prioritize thinking areas at a cost to emotional, sensory, and motor functions. The larger the brain, the more its additional area is accounted for by growth in thinking areas of the cortex, leading to higher energy consumption.

Green tea molecule could prevent heart attacks

Researchers have discovered that a compound found in green tea can break up potentially dangerous protein plaques in the blood vessels, which can reduce the flow of blood to the heart and brain. This discovery could lead to new medicines to treat heart attack and stroke.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Hydropower in Cambodia could threaten food security of region

The construction of hydroelectric dams on the Mekong River poses significant risks to fish migration, livelihoods, and regional food security in Cambodia. The Tonle Sap Lake's unique hydrological system is strongly influenced by the Asian monsoon, which could be disrupted by changes in water levels and flows.

Social ties could preserve memory, slow brain aging

Researchers at Ohio State University found that mice housed in groups had better memories and healthier brains than those living in pairs. The study suggests that social connections can positively influence the aging brain and may be a key to preserving cognitive health.

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.

Bacteria ensure square meal for bloodsucking ticks

Ticks cannot survive without bacterial symbionts that synthesize B vitamins from scarce nutrients in blood. A study discovered a key bacterium that produces vital B vitamins, such as biotin and folic acid, for ticks' survival.

Symptoms worsen around menses for people with borderline personality disorder

Research suggests that females with borderline personality disorder experience worsening symptoms during the perimenstrual window of their menstrual cycle. Symptoms such as depression and anxiety increase by at least 30 percent during this time, which is particularly concerning for individuals at high risk of suicide.

ORNL ramps up production of key radioisotope for cancer-fighting drug

The US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a new method to produce actinium-227, a key radioisotope for the cancer drug Xofigo. This will ensure a sustainable supply of the drug, which is used to treat prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormonal or surgical treatment.

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.

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.

Prototype nuclear battery packs 10 times more power

Researchers from MIPT and TISNCM developed a new type of nuclear battery using nickel-63 that packs about 3,300 milliwatt-hours of energy per gram, exceeding previous records. The battery achieves a power density 10 times higher than commercial chemical cells, making it suitable for powering small devices.

How might baking soda boost cancer therapy?

A study found that baking soda can reverse acidity-induced dormancy and drug resistance in cancer cells, making them more susceptible to therapy. Researchers discovered that baking soda neutralizes the acidity of hypoxic patches in tumors, restoring mTOR activity and protein production.

Organoid profiling identifies treatments for pancreatic cancer

Researchers developed a precision-medicine approach using patient-derived organoids to predict treatment responses in pancreatic cancer. The method identified specific gene signatures that can guide the selection of chemotherapy regimens, offering hope for improved survival rates and quality of life.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Dolphin algorithm could lead to better medical ultrasounds

Researchers have developed an algorithm inspired by dolphin echolocation, which can disentangle overlapping signals and provide more precise information on object shape. This breakthrough technology could improve medical ultrasound imaging and measure organ membrane thickness, among other applications.

UT Health San Antonio receives $24 million NIH research boost

UT Health San Antonio will receive funding for pilot projects in various areas, including cancer, heart disease, and regenerative medicine. The university aims to translate research discovery into improved patient care and develop biomedical professionals.

Study examines concerns of living kidney donors

A study found that living kidney donors consider post-donation concerns such as kidney health and surgical impacts more important than hypothetical long-term risks. The research highlights the need to understand donors' priorities for informed decision-making and care.

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.

Mothers with high emotional, cognitive control help their children behave

A new study by Brigham Young University finds that mothers with high emotional control and problem-solving abilities are less likely to have children develop behavioral problems. The study also suggests that improving mothers' emotional and cognitive control can lead to a reduction in harsh verbal parenting and child conduct problems.