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Science News Archive May 2018


Page 33 of 44

The slipperiness of ice explained

A team of researchers has discovered that the friction on ice is driven by the high mobility of water molecules at the surface, not by a thin layer of liquid water. The study found that as temperature increases, the mobility of these molecules also rises, resulting in lower friction.

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.

Mixed forests: Ecologically and economically superior

A meta-analysis of 126 case studies from five continents reveals mixed-species forest stands are more ecologically valuable and resilient. These forests also exhibit greater productivity, particularly in areas with favorable water supplies.

Occupational exposures linked with increased risk of COPD

A large European study links biological dusts, gases, and fumes to a significantly increased risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The research found that exposure to certain occupational agents can increase the incidence of COPD by up to 120%.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Visualization of molecular soccer balls

A research team led by the University of Tsukuba has successfully imaged single Li+@C60 molecules using scanning tunneling microscopy. The study provides valuable insights into the electronic properties of lithium-doped fullerenes, which can be used to optimize their performance in optoelectronic and switching devices.

Is teledermoscopy cost-effective in Australia for skin cancer referrals?

A study estimates teledermoscopy would increase costs per case but achieve clinical resolutions faster, making it a potentially valuable tool for managing skin cancer in Australia. The analysis suggests this approach could improve the country's skin cancer management, particularly given its high melanoma incidence rate.

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.

Leafcutter ants' success due to more than crop selection

A genetic analysis reveals leafcutter ants originated in South America and owe their success to more than just crop selection. The ants' ability to consume fresh leaves allows them to access a vast ecosystem, enabling massive colonies with specialized tasks.

Climate geoengineering research should include developing countries

Scientists from 12 countries urge caution on climate geoengineering, warning it may do more harm than good. Developing countries are most vulnerable to climate change and geoengineering's unintended consequences, including acidification of the ocean and disruptions to biodiversity.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Beavers do dam good work cleaning water, research reveals

Researchers found that beaver dams removed high levels of sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus from the water, trapping over 100 tonnes of sediment. The study suggests that beavers could mitigate soil loss and pollution in water courses, delivering benefits across whole ecosystems.

NASA spacecraft finds new type of magnetic explosion

Researchers have discovered a new breed of magnetic reconnection in the magnetosheath, a turbulent region near Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon is distinct from previous observations and has significant implications for understanding turbulence in space.

Chinese scientists generate a high-quality wheat A genome sequence

A high-quality wheat A genome sequence was generated by Chinese scientists using BAC-by-BAC sequencing and single molecule real-time whole-genome shotgun sequencing. The resulting genome sequence reveals the evolution model of Triticum urartu chromosomes, with four large chromosomal structure variations occurring during wheat evolution.

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.

Climate change may even threaten one of the world's most resilient lizards

A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that the Bahamian anole lizard's genetic variation is surprisingly low, making it unlikely to adapt quickly to future climate scenarios. The research suggests that strong selection pressure in the past may have eliminated future genetic variation.

Nationwide program launches to train new generation of quantum engineers

A new nationwide graduate student training program for quantum science and engineering has been launched, pairing students with industry partners to address pressing research questions. Funded by $1.6 million from the NSF, approximately 20 students will receive four years of funding to pursue leading-edge science and engineering.

Male fertility, an issue for many species

Environmental pollutants interfere with hormonal signalling mechanisms in males, causing multiple pathologies including infertility. Professor Daniel Cyr's research focuses on sperm maturation and the role of a cellular barrier in the epididymis.

Integrative group examines the ethical fit of mindfulness in corporate America

A recent commentary examines the ethical fit of mindfulness practices in corporate America, highlighting potential conflicts between prioritizing shareholder return and mindfulness' philosophical commitment to non-harm and wholesome living. The authors argue that infiltrating corporate culture with mindfulness can raise the ethical bar...

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 improve textile composite manufacturing

Textile composites' strength and durability can be compromised by a simple wrinkle in the manufacturing process. Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a custom-made fixture to iron out this issue, improving their effectiveness by pulling materials in two directions simultaneously.

Hunting dogs may benefit from antioxidant boost in diet

Researchers found that hunting dogs fed a test diet with added antioxidants and nutrients performed similarly to those on a commercial diet, but showed improved indirect measures of oxidative stress. The study suggests that athletic dogs may benefit from supplementation of vitamin E and taurine to minimize oxidation.

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.

Troubling stats for kids with intellectual disabilities

A new study found that over the past 40 years, most students with intellectual disabilities spend little or no time in general education classes, contradicting federal law which aims for inclusive education. The study suggests a plateau in progress toward less restrictive settings since the 1990s.

Montana State researcher wins NSF CAREER award

Mark Owkes, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Montana State University, has earned the National Science Foundation's CAREER award for his research on complex liquid-gas interactions. His goal is to create more accurate and faster simulations to help engineers design better technologies.

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.

Switching off insatiable hunger

Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have developed a new drug to treat patients with genetic obesity caused by a leptin receptor defect. The treatment has shown significant weight loss in patients, and the study's findings provide insights into the fundamental signaling pathways regulating satiety.

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.

Cell phones at summer camp: Research explores the effects

A new study surveyed 620 people representing 331 camps in the US and Canada, finding both pros and cons of screen time at camp. While some children enjoyed technology activities, others were preoccupied with media interactions, leading to distraction and decreased engagement in camp activities.

Towards uninterrupted communication for users moving at 500 km per hour

Researchers achieved 20 Gbit/s data transmission over a converged fiber-wireless network in the 90-GHz band, enabling smooth and uninterrupted communication for high-speed trains. Ultra-fast switching of optical paths to remote radio stations was also demonstrated, making handover-free communication possible.

Ultrasound helmet would make live images, brain-machine interface possible

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed an ultrasound helmet that can create real-time images of the brain during surgery, allowing for more precise control over software and robotics using only thoughts. The technology uses machine learning to account for distortion and integrate electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to pr...

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.

New pulmonary hypertension treatment target in the bull's-eye

Researchers have identified PFKFB3 as a key player in the development of pulmonary hypertension, a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs. By targeting this enzyme, scientists hope to develop new treatments that can help alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

New research unveils bird migration strategies

Researchers at Cornell University have combined weather radar and human observations to study bird migration patterns in North America. The study confirms key predictions of migration theory, including the role of body size, wind compensation, and behavioral shifts during migration.

Texas A&M study links breast cancer to the body's internal clock

Researchers at Texas A&M University have identified the Period 2 (Per2) gene as a potential contributor to breast cancer risk. Per2 suppresses a gene called BMAL or CLOCK, and its expression is lost in many mammary tumors, suggesting it may have protective effects.

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.

The far-reaching effects of ocean floors on the sea surface

Research from Hokkaido University reveals that low rises on the ocean floor regulate surface flows, creating sharp SST fronts with significant impacts on climate and marine resources. The study found that Rossby wave propagation is deflected by eddy-driven flows over bottom rises, leading to thickness jumps and jet formation.

A new mechanism for neurodegeneration in a form of dementia

Researchers found that TDP-43 and DISC1 protein clusters disrupt dendritic local translation, leading to abnormal cell function and behavior. The study provides a new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases.

Theory for one type of superconductor solves puzzle in another

A 2017 theory by Rice University physicists Qimiao Si and Emilian Nica helps explain the behavior of an iron-based high-temperature superconductor, solving a long-standing puzzle. The theory proposes orbital-selective pairing as the key to understanding this phenomenon, revealing a new mechanism for these unusual materials.

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.

Symmetry is essential for power network synchronization

A research team developed a method for constructing an aggregated model of a power network that can efficiently analyze and control generator groups. The symmetry of the network in graph theory is the fundamental principle for realizing the synchronization of generator groups. This achievement aims to develop analysis and control metho...

MRI 'glove' provides new look at hand anatomy

A new MRI component in the shape of a glove delivers clear images of bones, tendons, and ligaments moving together for the first time. The technology has potential for diagnosing repetitive strain injuries and creating a more versatile atlas of hand anatomy.

Machine learning flags emerging pathogens

A new machine learning tool can identify genetic changes in emerging strains of Salmonella that are more likely to cause dangerous bloodstream infections. The tool was developed using a dataset of old lineages and identified almost 200 genes involved in determining the pathogen's behavior.

Polarized light: A simple route to highly chiral materials

Scientists at the University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science have successfully created chiral nanostructures from gold particles by exploiting plasmon resonance. The method uses circularly polarized light to induce chirality in electric fields, which are then transferred to a dielectric material.

Voltage loss in cable bacteria

Using Raman spectroscopy, researchers have followed electrons through individual cable bacteria and found that voltage loss prevents efficient functioning beyond 3 cm into the sediment. The bacteria can distribute energy between cells using cytochromes, but lose electrical potential when electrons are unloaded to oxygen.

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.