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Science News Archive May 2018


Page 7 of 44

New insights into the inner clock of the fruit fly

A team of researchers has found that light and temperature stimuli mutually regulate the circadian rhythm of fruit flies. The study identified molecular pathways in photoreceptors that affect the fly's inner clock, including a previously unknown pathway involving photopigments.

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.

China floods to hit US economy: Climate effects through trade chains

A new study assesses the economic impact of intensifying river floods on a global scale, finding that China's flood damages could affect EU and US industries. The US economy may be particularly vulnerable due to its unbalanced trade relation with China, while stronger trade relations could mitigate losses.

Research enhances enzyme that degrades plastic

Scientists have successfully enhanced the capacity of PETase, an enzyme that degrades polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of plastic commonly used in bottles. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient biodegradation of PET and reduce ocean plastic waste.

Graphene layered with magnetic materials could drive ultrathin spintronics

Researchers at Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry created graphene-layered material with exotic electron behavior that can be used for next-generation computing applications. The material exhibits tiny swirling patterns where layers meet, which could be controlled to tap into spin-orbitronics in ultrathin materials.

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.

Homeless populations at high risk to develop cardiovascular disease

Research reveals that homeless individuals are at a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to lack of access to healthcare and long-term management. This population faces unique challenges such as untreated hypertension and diabetes, smoking addiction, and chronic mental illness.

ACP calls for policies that better support women's health

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released a position paper calling for policies that better support women's health, including paid family and medical leave, reduced domestic violence, and access to reproductive services. A new prediction tool may also help tailor lung cancer screening to patient benefit and preferences.

The logic of modesty -- why it pays to be humble

A team of scientists created a new model to explain behaviors like anonymous donations and subtle art styles. They found that hiding signals can be a signal in itself, conveying confidence or unconcern with others.

Scientists discover why heart function is reduced at high altitude

New research reveals that high altitudes reduce heart function by decreasing blood volume and increasing lung pressure. The study's findings will improve our understanding of how the human body adapts to high-altitude environments, making exploration and tourism safer and facilitating exercise performance at high altitude.

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.

Limiting global warming could avoid millions of dengue fever cases

New research from the University of East Anglia found that limiting global warming to 1.5°C could reduce dengue fever cases by up to 3.3 million per year in Latin America and the Caribbean. Limiting warming further would also limit the spread of the disease in areas with current low incidence.

Is it ethical to use genealogy data to solve crimes?

Bioethicists from the National Institutes of Health suggest a framework for discussing the use of online genealogy data in crime-solving. The potential benefits are exciting, but issues must be addressed, including citizen rights and DNA evidence misuse.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Simultaneous monitoring of surfaces and protein distribution in cells

The study combines STED and SICM microscopy to link protein actin with cell membrane nanostructure, shedding light on the role of the cell membrane in migration processes. This technique offers novel insights into the biochemical organisation of cells and their surrounding membranes.

Minimising the impacts of palm oil plantations

A new study by James Cook University found that palm oil plantations in Colombia can have devastating impacts on wildlife, but also identified factors that can improve species diversity within plantations, such as dense undergrowth vegetation and proximity to forest.

History of lead pollution in the Balkans

Researchers uncovered a continuous record of past anthropogenic lead pollution in the Balkans, dating back to the Bronze Age. The study suggests that the region played a key role in European mining and metallurgy, with lead pollution levels increasing steadily from the Iron Age to the 17th century

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.

Black holes from an exacomputer

Scientists from Goethe University Frankfurt and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies have developed a novel simulation code, ExaHyPE, to calculate gravitational waves on exascale supercomputers. This breakthrough allows for more accurate simulations of black hole mergers and other astrophysical phenomena.

Aerial imagery aids Jerash archaeology

Researchers used historical aerial imagery and modern airborne laser scanning to locate and contextualize archaeological features in Jerash, Jordan. The study revealed previously unmapped structures and refined the city's water supply system, providing insights into ancient society.

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.

Virus genes from city pond rescue bacteria

Researchers discovered that bacteriophages can transfer genes to E. coli bacteria, enabling them to break down a crucial cell component and reset their metabolism for new survival functions. This study highlights the importance of investigating hidden potential in bacterial cells to understand antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity.

Zika virus and birth rates

Researchers found 119,095 fewer births than expected due to pregnancy postponement and increased safe abortions. Zika awareness likely contributed to the decrease in birth rates.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

AI software assists design of new material for solar cells

Researchers used machine learning to automate the search for well-matched solar materials, creating a new organic photovoltaic polymer. The study suggests that AI could accelerate solar cell development by instantaneously predicting results and providing crucial support for molecular designers.

Fire-resistant steel buildings in the frame for QUT

A $258,778 grant from the Australian Research Council supports a project investigating fire resistance levels of Light Gauge Steel Framed (LSF) walls. The research aims to develop a generic model for predicting fire resistance levels and enhance fire safety in low- and mid-rise buildings.

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.

DFG to fund 14 new Collaborative Research Centres

The DFG is supporting top-level research at German universities with 14 new CRCs, covering topics like life emergence and hearing acoustics. The programme aims to improve understanding of diseases through innovative research projects.

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.

Mongooses remember and reward helpful friends

New research by University of Bristol researchers found that dwarf mongooses can quantify earlier acts of cooperation and provide suitable levels of delayed rewards. The study shows that mongooses have sufficient cognitive ability to trade goods and services with their groupmates, with grooming being traded for sentinel behavior.

The mystery of masculinization in Daphnia magna unraveled

Scientists have discovered a new mechanism of sex determination in the crustacean Daphnia magna, where long chain noncoding RNAs activate male-determining genes. This finding contributes to our understanding of lncRNA function and diversity in sex-determination mechanisms.

Deciphering the language of cells using observation chambers

Researchers from EPFL have created an optofluidic device that allows them to observe cells in real-time without disrupting their environment. This technology enables the monitoring of chemical secretions and offers a powerful tool for studying individual cell behavior, which can inform new treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Switched on: a breakthrough for spintronics

A new tri-layer structure made of Cr2O3, YIG, and Pt enables significant control over the transmission of spin current at room temperature. This discovery is a major breakthrough in spintronics, paving the way for more efficient information processing devices.

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.

The stick insects that survive being eaten by birds

Researchers found that between 5-20% of stick insect eggs were excreted unharmed after being fed to a bird species. The study suggests that this process could contribute to the dispersal of stick insects across different habitats, similar to how plants use animals for seed distribution.

'Will this be on the test?' Even if it isn't, students might remember it

A new study by the University of British Columbia suggests that teachers can strengthen students' memories without causing assessment fatigue. The researchers found that students who were tested on a portion of their study material performed better on other, related questions - even if they weren't included in the initial test.

Spinal cord repair in monkeys

Researchers successfully regrew axons and repaired neural tissue in monkeys with spinal cord injuries using a biodegradable material loaded with neurotrophin3. The treatment promotes long-distance regeneration, functional recovery, and potential therapeutic implications for human SCI.

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.

What do animals want?

Researchers at Kyoto University used machine learning to study the behavior of worms searching for food on surfaces with different temperature zones. The findings showed that the worms combined sensory information from environmental temperature and change in temperature to make decisions, similar to rational decision-making in humans. ...

Rise and fall of the Great Barrier Reef

A landmark international study found the Great Barrier Reef is more resilient to sea-level rise and temperature changes than thought, but highly sensitive to sediment input and poor water quality. The reef's ability to survive is uncertain due to current stresses and projected future changes.

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.

Climate change and dengue in Latin America

Studies suggest that restricting global mean temperatures to 1.5-2°C could reduce dengue fever incidence and spread in Latin America. According to models, limiting temperatures could prevent approximately 2.8 million dengue cases per year by the end of the century.

Communication in the cell: important step of signal transmission elucidated

Scientists at Charité and Stanford University decipher the molecular step of cellular signal transmission involving G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and arrestin. The study's findings could lead to the development of specific drugs targeting diseases like asthma, schizophrenia, hypertension, and cancer.

Novel method to fabricate nanoribbons from speeding nano droplets

A novel VLS growth mechanism yields nanoscopic semiconductor ribbons only a few atoms thick, opening doors to highly integrated electronic and photonic devices. The breakthrough method uses liquid droplets to mediate the growth of MoS2 ribbons in a unique 'crawling mode', allowing for direct 1D growth of van der Waals layered materials.

Insulator-metal transition at the nanoscale

Scientists discovered defects play a crucial role in initiating phase transitions from insulators to metals. The study also reveals an intermediate state formed during transformation, challenging previous assumptions of two-state transitions.

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.

Socioeconomic differences in prehospital stroke treatment

A study analyzing 3,006 patients found that those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experienced longer delays in receiving hospital care for stroke or transient ischemic attack. This can lead to reduced efficacy of emergency treatments due to time constraints.

A key switch in biological clocks

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified CK1 as the priming kinase that 'switches on' the biological clock's phosphorylation process, shedding light on circadian rhythm regulation. This discovery may lead to treatments for circadian clock disorders and improve sleep-wake cycles.

New study investigates dolphin liberation in Korea

A recent study by Sejoon Kim investigates the social impact of dolphin rehabilitation in South Korea, highlighting its significance for marine animal welfare. The research team hopes to expand their work on other topics, including whale-eating culture and public perspectives on dolphin shows.

UNIST introduces novel method to grow elastic diamonds

A recent study from UNIST has unveiled a new method for growing elastic diamonds, which can bend and stretch up to 9% without breaking. This breakthrough challenges previous theories that diamonds are brittle and opens possibilities for tuning their optical and optomechanical properties.

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.

UNIST professors honored with government awards

Two UNIST faculty members, Professor Myong-In Lee and Professor Dong Hyun Cha, have received top government awards for their outstanding contributions to urban meteorology and climatology. They were recognized for their research on climate change, disaster risks, and regional climate modeling.

A paradigm shift in heart failure treatment?

A new study in Circulation presents evidence that fluid redistribution from the abdominal compartment to the heart and lungs may cause heart failure. The study used splanchnic nerve block to demonstrate this phenomenon in patients with acute heart failure, improving symptoms such as shortness of breath.