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Science News Archive November 2018


Page 1 of 42

A new way to see stress -- using supercomputers

Researchers used supercomputer simulations to measure atomic-scale stress tensor of materials with dislocations and phase boundaries. They developed a new approach to calculate stress at the atomic level, addressing limitations of classical continuum mechanics.

How microscopic machines can fail in the blink of an eye

Researchers at NIST made measurements of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) a hundred times faster than before, resolving fine details of transient motions. This breakthrough allows for quicker repetitive testing and assessment of durability in miniature mechanical systems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UA scientist identifies cellular gene signatures for heart muscle regeneration

Researchers at the University of Arizona have identified multiple subpopulations of cardiomyocytes expressing specific transcription factors, which could lead to better repair of heart muscle injuries. The study uses a systems-based approach encompassing single-cell transcriptomics, single-cell proteomics and CRISPR gene-editing.

App helps breast cancer survivors improve health after treatment

A new smartphone app designed for breast cancer survivors has been shown to help patients achieve significant weight loss and improvements in physical activity. The app, created at Houston Methodist, allows users to interact with their healthcare team and receive real-time feedback and guidance from a clinical dietitian.

To image leaky atmosphere, NASA rocket team heads north

The VISIONS-2 mission aims to map oxygen outflow from aurora using a unique imaging technique, providing detailed insights into the process. Scientists suspect that oxygen is being energized by auroras, but the exact mechanisms are still unclear, with the day and night sides displaying distinct differences.

Why patients lie to their doctors

A study found that 60-80% of people surveyed lied about their diet and exercise habits, and failed to disclose medically relevant information. This can lead to inaccurate medical advice and compromised health outcomes.

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.

Towards a treatment for gluten intolerance

A new study has identified a specific peptide that directly binds to the ion-channel CFTR, impairing its function and triggering cellular stress and inflammation. This interaction can be inhibited by a potentiator of CFTR, which may offer protection against gluten-induced intestinal symptoms.

A cancer drug may help treat human papillomavirus infections

Researchers found that vorinostat effectively inhibited HPV DNA amplification and virus production in preclinical experiments. Additionally, the treatment induced programmed cell death in infected cells. The study suggests that HDAC inhibitors could be promising compounds for treating benign HPV infections.

The physics of extracting gas from shale formations

A new study reviews current knowledge on flow processes during shale gas extraction, outlining how pore distribution and geometry affect gas transport. The authors present a model that matches experimental evidence, revealing the impact of rock bottlenecks on gas production.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Table-top experiment flips current understanding of solutal convection

A new study by University of Texas at Austin researchers reveals that the primary driver of solutal convection in porous media is not density, but mechanical dispersion. The findings contradict decades of scientific consensus and have significant implications for CO2 sequestration and other applications.

Can a smart app encourage HIV-self testing in Canada?

A new smartphone and tablet application called HIVSmart! has been evaluated among an at-risk population in Montreal, showing that it is feasible and accepted by the community. The study found that 99.3% of participants who self-tested negative received counselling, while 98.8% found the app useful.

Bigger brains are smarter, but not by much

A large-scale study found a positive correlation between brain volume and cognitive test performance, with larger brains performing slightly better. However, the effect is relatively small, explaining only 2% of variability in test results.

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.

Light triggers gold in unexpected way

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to control the output of gold nanoparticles using circularly polarized light. By changing the handedness of the light input, they found they could change the intensity of the scattered light by up to 50%, opening up new possibilities for ultrasmall optical components and antennas.

Searching an artificial bee colony for real-world results

A novel scale-free mechanism guides the search of an artificial bee colony algorithm, improving its exploitation ability and maintaining population diversity. This enables a better balance between exploration and exploitation, leading to enhanced search ability in real-world optimization problems.

Falls are more likely when you've had a bad night sleep

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that just one bad night's sleep can lead to a reduced ability to control posture and balance. This could be particularly concerning for older adults, who are already at increased risk of falls. The research used wearable sensors to monitor sleep and balance, and showed that fragmente...

Study sheds light on alcohol misuse among never-deployed reservists

A new study from the University at Buffalo found that U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers who experience greater feelings of guilt and other negative emotions about never having been deployed are more likely to misuse alcohol. The study, which examined data from Operation: SAFETY, a longitudinal study of the health and well-b...

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

US image abroad: It's the message not the messenger

A Dartmouth study finds that US policy messages have a greater impact on foreign public opinion than the person delivering the message. The research, published in Political Behavior, reveals that Japanese public opinion of the US depends largely on whether a policy message is cooperative or uncooperative.

IAU astronomers show exceptional involvement in outreach activities

A recent study of IAU members found that professional astronomers engage with the public more than scientists in any other field, with an average of 18 outreach activities per year. The majority prefer traditional methods like lectures and school talks, while fewer use social media and digital platforms.

Black hole 'donuts' are actually 'fountains'

A team of astronomers used ALMA to observe a supermassive black hole in the Circinus Galaxy, finding that gas expelled from the center interacts with infalling gas to create a turbulent three-dimensional structure. This 'donut' structure is not rigid, but rather a complex collection of highly dynamic gaseous components.

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.

Light pollution may cause insomnia in older adults

A population-based study found significant association between nighttime artificial, outdoor light exposure and increased prevalence of hypnotic prescriptions among older adults. The study suggests that higher levels of artificial light at night may lead to longer periods of hypnotic drug use in this demographic.

Greenhouse gas 'detergent' recycles itself in atmosphere: NASA study

A NASA study reveals that the hydroxyl radical, a molecule that breaks down methane and other greenhouse gases, recycles itself in the atmosphere through reactions with nitrogen oxides and water vapor. This recycling process maintains a steady global presence of OH radicals, potentially extending methane's lifetime.

More sensitive MRI diagnostics thanks to innovative 'elastic' contrast media

Researchers have developed an innovative 'elastic' contrast media that enhances MRI diagnostics without increasing contrast medium use. The new method utilizes a self-regulating protein structure that absorbs xenon to improve image quality, allowing for better detection of disease markers in low concentrations.

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.

Tracing iron in the North Pacific

A study focusing on iron in the North Pacific reveals its role in controlling primary productivity, carbon cycle, and marine ecosystem. The distribution of biologically available iron is influenced by factors like mixing, upwelling, and ocean acidification.

Many diseases increase the risks of hip fracture surgery

A Finnish study of 68,800 patients found that hip fracture surgery is associated with a significant risk of surgical complications. Patients with osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, and rheumatic diseases are particularly at risk, with 4.6% experiencing complications within three months of surgery.

Virtual reality could serve as powerful environmental education tool

Researchers found that virtual reality experiences increased scores on questions about ocean acidification causes and mechanisms by almost 150 percent. Immersive simulations also sparked a lasting sense of connectedness, as users felt a connection with their bodies during the experience.

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.

Predicting oil spill and wild fire damage -- NSF grant

Virginia Tech professors Shane Ross and Traian Iliescu receive NSF grant to create a computational model-based simulation that quickly predicts contaminant spread. The research aims to improve forecasts of disaster response operations, minimizing environmental damage and costs.

African-American mothers rate boys higher for ADHD

Researchers found that African-American mothers rated boys as displaying more frequent ADHD symptoms than Caucasian mothers did, regardless of child race. This suggests that racial differences in ADHD diagnosis may be more due to maternal race than child race.

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.

€10.5 million for kidney disease prevention research

Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin aim to develop new treatment strategies for chronic and acute kidney diseases through a €10.5 million funded Collaborative Research Center. The project focuses on identifying common pathways of kidney injury and developing tailored treatments.

'Sudoku' X-Ray uncovers movements within opaque materials

Researchers from the University of Sydney develop a new X-ray method called X-ray rheography, which allows scientists to see flowing grains within opaque materials. The technique uses Sudoku-style puzzle-solving to gather information and has helped uncover unique patterns and waves in granular flows.

Brilliant iron molecule could provide cheaper solar energy

Researchers have created an iron molecule that can function as a photocatalyst to produce fuel and in solar cells to produce electricity. The iron molecule has properties largely as good as those of the best noble metals, making it a potential cheaper alternative for solar energy production.

National concussion study to examine gender effects -- NCAA-DOD grant

Researchers at Virginia Tech are leading a national concussion study to examine the impact of gender on injury response, exploring how men's and women's rugby and lacrosse athletes respond differently to head injuries. The $1M grant will support data collection using advanced sensors and imaging techniques.

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.

Researchers alleviate Schizophrenia symptoms in new mouse models

Researchers have developed two new mouse models to study schizophrenia and found that restoring ErbB4 receptors alleviates symptoms regardless of brain development. The study suggests a therapeutic approach focused on improving brain cell signaling associated with the ErbB4 receptor.

Study shows rising rates of hospitalization in the homeless

A study found that hospitalizations among homeless adults have risen sharply, with 52% hospitalized for mental illness or substance use disorder. The authors suggest that limited access to behavioral health services and aging of the homeless population may contribute to this trend.

Force Push VR brings Jedi powers to life

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a virtual reality technique called Force Push, enabling users to manipulate objects with subtle hand gestures. The interface responds to the speed and magnitude of hand movements, providing a more physical and intuitive experience than traditional hand controllers.

New research questions fish stocking obligations

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland highlights the need to revise fish stocking obligations in hydropower operations. The research emphasizes that compensating harm to fisheries with fish farming is unsustainable, and natural reproductive cycles must be prioritized.

Babies kicking in the womb are creating a map of their bodies

A new study suggests that womb kicks may play a role in helping babies develop a sense of their own body. The research, published in Scientific Reports, found that brainwaves produced during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep fire in the corresponding hemisphere when a baby kicks its limbs.

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.

Scientists reveal substantial water loss in global landlocked regions

A new study reveals a widespread decline in water storage in global endorheic basins, resulting in increased local water stress and potential sea level rise. The researchers found a net water loss of approximately 100 billion tons per year, equivalent to five Great Salt Lakes or three Lake Meads.

Do poorer neighborhoods experience longer ambulance times?

Researchers analyzed data from 63,600 patients who had cardiac arrest and found that poorer neighborhoods had longer total ambulance times. The study highlights disparities in patient outcomes due to differences in emergency medical services response times.

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.

Rates of chronic kidney disease, deaths outpace other diseases

The burden of chronic kidney disease is increasing substantially over the past 15 years in all 50 US states, with rates accelerating faster than other noninfectious diseases. The condition is particularly concerning for younger adults, who are experiencing a significant increase in deaths due to kidney disease.

Switch for the regeneration of nerve cell insulation

A team of researchers has identified a mechanism regulating the regeneration of neural pathway insulation. The discovery highlights the significance of the Vav3 exchange factor in controlling molecular switches that activate and deactivate signaling processes.

A bastard seal from the past reveals the potential for human hybrids

Researchers in the University of Helsinki have confirmed a fossilized seal hybrid between grey and ringed seals, with genetic analysis suggesting possible interbreeding in the wild. The discovery provides insights into hybridization between mammalian species, including early humans.

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.

Experts present new recommendations on 'overlapping' type of leukemia

The new guidelines from the European Hematology Association and European LeukemiaNet provide standardized approaches to clinical management of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML). The recommendations are based on expert consensus and include steps to improve evidence supporting clinical guidelines.