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Science News Archive May 2018


Page 29 of 44

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.

Multi-drug resistant infections rising in children

The study found a significant increase in hospital-acquired infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii among US children over a 13-year period. Children with chronic conditions are at higher risk of infection due to compromised immune systems.

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.

Dengue 'hot spots' provide map to chikungunya and Zika outbreaks

Scientists have developed a statistical framework to predict chikungunya and Zika outbreaks based on dengue fever 'hot spots'. The analysis used eight years of data from Merida, Mexico, and showed that people living in these hot spots had twice the rate of infection as those outside.

Healthy diet may lower risk of hearing loss in women

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that eating a healthy diet is associated with a lower risk of acquired hearing loss in women. Those who followed the Alternate Mediterranean diet or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension had a 30% lower risk of moderate or worse hearing loss.

Study upends conventional view of opioid mechanism of action

Researchers funded by NIH find that opioids produce effects by binding to receptors inside neurons, not just on surface, providing new insights into pain medication development. The discovery may help guide design of safer pain relievers without addiction risks.

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.

Genetic analysis for certain childhood brain tumors soon a standard-of-care?

Researchers have developed criteria for routine genetic screening of patients with medulloblastoma, a rare and malignant tumor predominantly affecting children. This analysis of 1022 patients identified six genes frequently affected by genetic alterations, increasing cancer risk in up to 20% of the patient population.

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.

The photoexcited graphene puzzle solved

Researchers from ICFO and European partners cracked the code on graphene's behavior after absorbing light, revealing why conductivity increases or decreases. This breakthrough enables more efficient design and development of graphene-based light detection technology.

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.

Beyond killing tuberculosis

Researchers at McGill University Health Centre discovered that having excessive T cells can cause harm and imbalance disease tolerance, leading to tissue damage. The study found that a protein called cyclophilin D acts as a key checkpoint for T cell activation, controlling the body's ability to tolerate Mtb infection.

Tiny spiders, big color

A team of Harvard scientists discovered that tiny Phoroncidia rubroargentea spiders use a combination of structural colors, pigment, and fluorescent material to produce their distinctive red and silver hues. The colors are stabilized by a tough cuticle layer, with the silver color relying on a reflective material similar to fish scales.

Key protein in sperm tail assembly identified

The CENTROBIN protein plays a positive role in flagellum development, while exerting negative effects on primary cilia formation. Its discovery reveals the multifunctional nature of this protein in distinct cell types.

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.

Osteoporosis drug may benefit heart health

A study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that alendronate reduced the risk of one-year cardiovascular death by 67% and heart attack by 45%. The medication also showed protective effects against stroke, with a 17% reduced risk over 10 years.

Big fish produce disproportionately more and bigger eggs

A new report in Science shows that larger females invest disproportionately more in the number of eggs and size of individual eggs. This finding is critical for fisheries management, suggesting a focus on reducing fishing pressure on large fish rather than small ones.

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.

Body's 'natural opioids' affect brain cells much differently than morphine

Researchers found that brain cells react to endogenous opioids and synthetic opioids in distinct ways, with synthetic opioids activating receptors in internal locations that endogenous opioids cannot access. This difference could contribute to the more rewarding effects of synthetic opioids, leading to addiction.

How do public 'report cards' affect physicians' treatment decisions?

A survey of interventional cardiologists found that two-thirds avoided performing potentially lifesaving procedures due to concerns about public reporting. Physicians reported being pressured by colleagues to avoid procedures, even if they were preferred for the patient's condition.

Neglected atom has top properties for atomic clocks

Researchers propose lutetium as a superior element for atomic clocks, offering lower sensitivity to temperature. This could lead to more accurate and stable timekeeping, with potential applications in fundamental physics and global positioning systems.

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.

The evolution of conflict resolution

A study published in Journal of the Royal Society Interface examines how humans resolve conflicts through social constructs, finding that 'host-guest norms' are a common solution. The research suggests that these norms may have evolved due to the dynamic nature of social networks and the importance of resource ownership.

Shooting the Achilles heel of drug-resistant cancer

Researchers have identified a new vulnerability in drug-resistant melanoma that can be exploited to selectively kill cancer cells. By targeting this vulnerability with vorinostat, resistant tumor cells are killed while sensitive cells remain alive.

Strain improves performance of atomically thin semiconductor material

Researchers at UConn improved the performance of an atomically thin semiconductor material by stretching it, a technique that could lead to faster computer processors and more efficient sensors. The study, published in Nano Letters, found a 100-fold increase in photoluminescence when the material was subjected to strain.

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.

Montana State student wins NSF fellowship to advance research on fluid sprays

Kristopher Olshefski, a Montana State University graduate student, has won a prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation. He will use the award to advance his research on fluid sprays, which could lead to improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency and the development of new propulsion systems for spacecraft.

Making next-generation preconception screening a reality for parents

A recent clinical study found that most parents-to-be want access to information from preconception carrier screening, including genetic variants associated with common disorders. However, the interpretation of these variants remains a significant challenge due to limited knowledge about their effects on health.

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.

Global trade spreads deadly frog disease from Asia

A deadly disease threatening frogs originated in East Asia, with global trade and human movement of amphibians contributing to its spread. The study found that the range of the disease expanded greatly between 50 and 120 years ago, coinciding with the rapid expansion of intercontinental trade.

NASA eyes versatile carbon-nanotube technology for spaceflight applications

Carbon nanotubes are proving to be highly versatile for all types of spaceflight applications, including analyzing the chemical properties of rocks and soil on airless bodies. The nanotechnology works as envisioned, emitting enough electrons to excite samples and offering significant improvements over existing instruments.

Researchers hide information in plain text

FontCode embeds hidden information in ordinary text by imperceptibly changing font shapes, making it difficult to detect. The method works with most fonts and document types, allowing companies to prevent tampering and protect copyrights without altering the layout.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Punching holes in graphene to boost hydrogen production

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have created an electrode based on 'holey' graphene that efficiently catalyzes the hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic electrolyte, making it cheaper and more effective. The new system outperforms regular non-holey graphene electrodes in acid conditions.

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.

Heat and sound wave interactions in solids could run engines, refrigerators

Researchers at Purdue University have demonstrated the theoretical existence of thermoacoustics in solids, which could lead to the development of solid-state engines and refrigerators. The technology harnesses temperature oscillations and sound waves to generate energy, making it suitable for harsh environments like outer space.

Flexible work arrangements reduce wage gap for mothers

New UBC research suggests access to flexible work arrangements, such as working from home and choosing hours, improves wages for mothers, particularly those with a university degree. Flexible work benefits primarily by reducing barriers to employment in higher-paying firms, offering an important lesson for hiring managers.

Study examines the effects of physical activity during pregnancy

A recent study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that women with high physical activity levels had a reduced risk of acute cesarean sections. The Norwegian Fit for Delivery study also showed no other effects on labor or delivery outcomes.

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.