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Science News Archive May 2018


Page 31 of 44

Ancient skull shows early 'baleen whale' had teeth

A 34-million-year-old whale skull from Antarctica reveals early whales didn't have baleen, but instead used teeth to bite large prey. The discovery provides a rare window into the earliest phase of filter feeding evolution.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Eyes in the back of the head

Researchers at Tohoku University used a visual search experiment to demonstrate that the human visual system can perceive objects outside its limited field. The study found that the brain constructs a 360-degree world, enabling smooth and efficient movement without turning.

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.

Study paves the way for better treatment of prostate cancer

Researchers developed a method to identify men with locally advanced prostate cancer who are less likely to respond well to radiotherapy. A 28-gene signature accurately identifies hypoxic tumour tissue in patients with prostate cancer that invades nearby structures. This signature could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cassava breeding hasn't improved photosynthesis or yield potential

Researchers analyzed four African cassava cultivars and found that unimproved landraces outperform improved varieties in photosynthetic efficiency. The study suggests genetic engineering may be necessary to improve cassava yield potential, which has remained stagnant despite advances in breeding.

Neuroscientists find first evidence animals can mentally replay past events

Researchers at Indiana University found that rats can replay past events from memory using episodic memory replay. The study confirms the ability of animals to recall specific events and their order, which is essential for making sense of scenarios. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

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.

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.

Nanodiamonds are forever

The Argonne team discovered that sulfur diffusion breaks down nanodiamonds into onion-like carbon, creating a superlubricant with friction 10 times lower than some nonstick coatings. The new lubricant can be used in various industries, including wind turbines and magnetic disc drives.

High efficiency synthesis of insulin by self-assembly based organic chemistry

Researchers have developed a new method for synthesizing insulin using self-assembly of polypeptide chains, achieving a 40% efficiency rate. This approach enables the production of customized insulin compounds without relying on genetic engineering, which could lead to the development of novel insulin preparations.

Microwaved plastic increases lithium-sulfur battery lifespan

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a way to improve the lifespan of lithium-sulfur batteries by using microwaved plastic as a carbon scaffold. The process reduces polysulfide shuttling effect, increasing battery capacity retention and paving the way for commercial use.

Atmospheric seasons could signal alien life

Researchers at UCR's Alternative Earths Astrobiology Center are developing a framework for dynamic biosignatures based on seasonal changes. They found that ozone could be a more easily measurable marker for seasonal variability in oxygen, which is produced by life. Observing atmospheric seasonality in exoplanets may help detect life.

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.

X-ray laser opens new view on Alzheimer's proteins

Researchers used a powerful X-ray laser to analyze amyloid proteins, which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The new method allows for detailed structural analysis of individual amyloid fibrils, enabling scientists to better understand their role in disease development.

78,000-year cave record from East Africa shows early cultural innovations

A 78,000-year-old cave site in coastal Kenya reveals a sequence of human occupation and cultural complexity, with technological innovations starting at 67,000 years ago. The discovery challenges previous hypotheses about human migration out of Africa and provides new insights into the adaptability of early humans.

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.

Lab-on-a-chip device mimics eye damage due to intense light

Houston Methodist researchers developed a lab-on-a-chip technology that models human neural networks to study retinal diseases and potential treatments. The NN-Chip can quickly screen drugs for damaged neuron and retinal connections, offering new hope for treating conditions like macular degeneration.

Getting health data sharing off the ground

The Swiss Personalized Health Network aims to develop guidelines for responsible health data sharing, addressing key topics like data quality and patient sovereignty. Innovative solutions, including blockchain and reciprocity-based incentives, are being explored to overcome hurdles in data sharing.

Axial reports findings of elevated 4-EPS in children with ASD

Researchers have found significantly elevated levels of 4-ethylphenylsulfate (4-EPS) in serum samples from children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), suggesting a potential biomarker for the condition. Elevated 4-EPS levels were also associated with worse social performance, indicating its possible role in ASD pathology.

Gene study spots clues to heart risk for statin patients

A Vanderbilt-led research team discovered genetic variations that increase heart attack risk even when patients are on statin drugs. The study found seven genetic variations associated with increased heart events in patients receiving statins, suggesting new targets for reducing cardiovascular risk.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Exiled asteroid discovered in outer reaches of solar system

An international team of astronomers has discovered a carbon-rich asteroid in the Kuiper Belt, providing strong support for theoretical models of the Solar System's formation. The asteroid, 2004 EW95, is believed to have formed in the inner Solar System and was flung outwards by a migratory planet.

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.

New CAR T case study shows promise in acute myeloid leukemia

A new phase 1 trial has shown that CAR T therapy CYAD-01 can induce a complete remission in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia, lasting nine months. This breakthrough is significant as it is the first time CAR T therapy has been effective without preconditioning chemotherapy.

New tool predicts deadly form of rare cancer

A new tool uses high-throughput DNA sequencing to accurately predict which early-stage Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) patients are at risk of developing an aggressive form of the disease. The tool, which analyzes specific genes, has shown promise in improving treatment outcomes for these patients.

New gene therapy sparks healthy heart beats

A new gene therapy approach has shown dramatic reduction of post-infarction arrhythmias in mice by electrically coupling non-excitable cells to undamaged heart cells. The treatment involves introducing a single gene, Connexin43, which bridges the conduction block in damaged hearts.

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.

Depression linked to memory problems and brain aging

A study published in Neurology found that depression in older adults may be linked to memory problems and structural differences in the brain. Researchers also discovered a possible link between depression and small vessel disease, a condition affecting brain health.

Kenyan cave sheds new light on dawn of modern man

A 48,000-year-old Kenyan cave has yielded a treasure trove of ancient items, including crayons and shell beads, that offer new insights into the dawn of modern man. The site's continuous record of human habitation dates back 78,000 years, providing valuable evidence of early Homo sapiens behavior.

Nutmeg's hidden power: Helping the liver

Researchers have discovered how nutmeg helps protect the liver, using a mouse animal model of liver toxicity. The spice was shown to restore healthy levels of lipids and acylcarnitines, and a specific compound, myrislignan, had a strong protective effect against liver damage.

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.

Growing life-like heart valves, thanks to help from computational modeling

Researchers have created a bioengineered heart valve that emulates native heart valves and functions well after transplantation into sheep. The tissue-engineered heart valve demonstrated improved valve mechanics and tissue structure, and remodeled itself in a similar fashion to native heart valves over time.

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.

Reconnection tames the turbulent magnetic fields around Earth

MMS mission discovers a new process of magnetic reconnection that converts turbulent magnetic energy into high-speed jets of electrons. This finding helps scientists understand the role of magnetic reconnection in heating the solar corona and accelerating the solar wind.

Microbes are savvy investors when contributing to the common good

In a breakthrough study, microbes have been found to act like savvy investors when contributing to the common good. They adjust their investment strategy depending on how much they have at stake, maximizing returns in groups with mostly relatives and exploiting contributions in outnumbered groups.

For how long will the USA remain the Nobel Prize leader?

The US is predicted to lose its lead as the country with the most Nobel Prizes due to declining productivity. According to an empirical study, the US will be surpassed by Germany in 2025 and France in 2028. The UK remains a strong contender with a high success rate per capita.

Powerful hurricanes strengthen faster now than 30 years ago

A recent study found that powerful hurricanes intensify more rapidly and strongly in the Atlantic Ocean, with a climate cycle called AMO being the main driver. The average boost in wind speed during a 24-hour intensification event is about 13 mph more than it was 30 years ago.

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.