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Science News Archive May 2018


Page 9 of 44

An elastic fiber filled with electrodes set to revolutionize smart clothes

Researchers at EPFL have developed ultra-sensitive sensors using elastic fibers filled with electrodes, capable of detecting pressure and strain. The fibers can be used in smart clothing, prostheses, and artificial nerves for robots, with potential applications including touch keyboards and compression detection.

NASA satellites spot first Atlantic sub-tropical storm

The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for parts of Mexico and Cuba as Subtropical Storm Alberto strengthens in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm is forecast to produce large rainfall totals and life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, particularly in the northeastern portions of the Yucatan Peninsula.

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.

Scientists discover new magnetic element

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a new ferromagnetic material, ruthenium (Ru), which is the fourth single element to exhibit unique magnetic properties at room temperature. This breakthrough could lead to improvements in sensors and devices in the computer memory and logic industry.

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.

Checking the global pulse for electric vehicles

A review of 40 studies from 16 countries found that models differed in their assumptions about market conditions, vehicle prices, and other factors. This led to vastly different projections of future electric vehicle market shares, ranging from a few percent to over 50% by 2030.

Scientific 'dream team' shed light on motor neuron death

A team of clinical neurologists, molecular biologists, and computer scientists have uncovered the earliest events in motor neuron disease using stem cell technology and RNA sequencing data. They discovered that a protein called SFPQ is lost from the nucleus in diseased motor neurons, leading to their death.

NYU professor replicates famous marshmallow test, makes new observations

A new study replicating the famous marshmallow test finds that delaying gratification at a young age has a small and limited association with later cognitive and behavioral outcomes. The ability to resist temptation does predict adolescent math and reading skills, but not later behaviors or personality traits.

New map shows many old-growth forests remain In Europe

A new study has mapped over 3.4 million acres of Europe's last wild forests, revealing that primary forests are widely distributed throughout the continent. The study highlights the importance of preserving these remaining fragments of primary forest, which provide exceptional ecological values and habitat for biodiversity.

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.

Goal conflict linked to psychological distress

Research at the University of Exeter and Edith Cowan University found that goal conflict and ambivalence are associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study involved over 200 young adults aged 18-35, who reported experiencing psychological distress due to conflicting goals.

Aggression neurons identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered a previously unknown group of brain cells responsible for initiating and organizing aggressive behavior in mice. By stimulating or inhibiting these cells, the team was able to control aggression and even invert hierarchical status between dominant and submissive males.

MSU-based molecular biologists compared human and yeast FACT

Researchers found that the yeast protein Nhp6 helps unfold nucleosomes in humans, similar to its function in yeast. The study suggests that humans may possess a homologue of Nhp6 that assists the FACT complex in regulating gene transcription and detecting damaged chromatin.

NASA eyes extremely severe cyclonic mekunu approaching landfall

Mekunu is now classified as an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm, with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph and a central pressure of ~964 hectopascals. The storm is forecast to make landfall near Salalah, Oman early on May 26, posing a significant threat to shipping in the Gulf of Aden.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Low-cost membrane cleans up light and heavy oils in a single step

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have created a low-cost membrane that can switch between oil-removal and water-removal modes using a single electrical charge. The membrane achieved near-perfect separation of light and heavy oils from water, with an 98% purity rate.

New theory finds 'traffic jams' in jet stream cause abnormal weather patterns

A new study from University of Chicago researchers finds that 'traffic jams' in the jet stream can cause abnormal weather patterns, such as blocking events. The research develops a mechanistic model to predict long-term weather patterns, including droughts and floods, by comparing the jet stream to highway traffic.

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.

South Asian Americans are at high risk for heart disease and stroke

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association highlights the unique health risks faced by South Asian Americans, including higher rates of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. The statement emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications and increased physical activity, to reduce this risk.

Bid to beat obesity focuses on fat that keeps us warm

Researchers developed a microdialysis technique to measure brown fat's chemical make-up, discovering its activation under both cold and warm conditions. The findings offer potential targets for therapies boosting brown fat's energy-burning power for weight loss.

How do insects survive on a sugary diet?

Aphids rely on symbiotic bacteria to produce essential nutrients from sugar-rich diets. Researchers found that DNA methylation patterns in aphid cells influence gene expression related to nutrient production.

Storks on the wing

Researchers tracked a group of young storks as they migrated to Africa and Europe, finding that leader birds lead the way to thermals. The study reveals how flying skill affects wintering grounds, with flappy birds opting for shorter journeys.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Why we won't get to Mars without teamwork

A team of astronauts working together for months in a confined space will be critical to Mars mission success. The psychology of teamwork is crucial, with characteristics such as emotional stability, agreeability, and resilience being key factors.

Lack of paid sick leave increases poverty

Research finds that working adults without paid sick leave benefits are three times more likely to live below the poverty line. They also face higher rates of food insecurity and require more welfare services, with increased medical expenses and lack of preventive care contributing to these outcomes.

Pediatric and law experts define abusive head trauma

A consensus statement from pediatric and law experts defines abusive head trauma (AHT) as a medical diagnosis, not a legal determination. Key findings include few infants with AHT having isolated injuries without retinal hemorrhages or other signs of abuse.

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.

Towards a sensor you could swallow to detect gut-related woes, in real time

Researchers have developed an ingestible sensor that can detect disease-driving molecules in the gut, providing real-time data to doctors. The device, called Ingestible Micro-Bio-Electronic Device (IMBED), uses bacteria engineered to sense biomolecules, which activate when target molecules diffuse across a semipermeable membrane.

Cyclist/motorist crashes worse at stop/give way junctions

A QUT study found that cyclists are more seriously hurt in crashes with motor vehicles at intersections with 'Stop' or 'Give-way' signs than at intersections with traffic signals. The study, analyzing 13 years of Queensland police crash records, found drivers were most often at fault at these intersections.

Risk of preterm birth reliably predicted by new test

A new test developed by UCSF scientists can predict a woman's risk of preterm birth with over 80 percent accuracy when taken between 15 and 20 weeks pregnant. This information enables doctors to treat women at high risk for preterm birth, potentially preventing severe complications.

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.

Plant symbioses -- fragile partnerships

A comparative study of 37 plant genomes reveals that the capacity to form root-nodule partnerships has repeatedly been lost during evolution. Despite providing fixed nitrogen, these symbioses no longer benefit many plants due to parasitic bacteria invasion or other factors.

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.

Tau mutations may increase cancer risk

Researchers discovered that tau protein mutations can increase cancer risk by up to 3.72 times, highlighting a new association between neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. The study's findings suggest that clinicians should monitor patients with tau mutations for their cancer risk, in addition to attending to neurodegeneration.

Some veterans at higher risk of Zika complications

Researchers analyzed 736 ZIKV positive patients and found that older veterans with underlying health issues were more likely to be hospitalized. Patients presenting with neurological symptoms were also more likely to be hospitalized. This study helps providers evaluate and treat patients with ZIKV infection.

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.

Cold production of new seafloor

Scientists have discovered that up to 25% of new ocean floor is formed by mantle material without magmatic processes, challenging current understanding. This phenomenon occurs at paces of less than two centimeters per year, particularly in regions like the Cayman Trough.

Origami inspires new tech for tissue regeneration

Researchers at UMass Lowell are using origami to create new biomaterials that can grow cells for repairing or regenerating tissues such as skin, bone, cartilage, and blood vessels. The team's paper-based platforms have shown promise in biocompatibility and potential applications for wound care.

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.

For banded mongooses, 'cultural inheritance' decides what's for dinner

Researchers found that banded mongooses inherit their feeding preferences from their escorts, not biological parents, and these learned behaviors last a lifetime. The study also suggests cultural inheritance may play an important role in many animal species, shaping individual diversity.

Switching with molecules

Researchers have developed molecular nanoswitches that can switch between two states using an applied voltage, enabling the development of novel electro-optical devices. This breakthrough could replace silicon-based components with organic molecules, reducing component sizes in electronics.

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.

Why do we need one pair of genome?

Scientists found that non-diploid cells have unstable centrosomes and microtubules, leading to abnormalities in cell replication. This understanding could lead to new cancer treatment strategies.

A system of check and balances in the blood

Researchers at the University of Vienna discovered a mechanism that regulates HSCs' delicate balance between activation and dormancy, ensuring proper blood cell production. The study found that a feedback loop involving two intracellular signalling pathways maintains this balance, preventing exhaustion and potential death.