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Science News Archive November 2018


Page 15 of 42

MDMA makes people cooperative, but not gullible

The study found that MDMA increases activity in brain regions linked to social processing, particularly when interacting with trustworthy players. This suggests that MDMA may be a valuable tool in treating psychiatric conditions like PTSD by enhancing cooperation and rebuilding relationships.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Household fuels and air pollution in China

The nationwide average exposure to PM2.5 in China decreased significantly between 2005 and 2015, mainly attributed to declining household solid fuel use. Researchers estimate that replacing all remaining household solid fuels with clean energy sources could prevent an additional half-million premature deaths per year.

Dementia associated with most deaths of older adults with down syndrome

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology reveals that adults with Down syndrome are more likely to die from dementia, highlighting the importance of studying disease progression and potential treatments for this population. The study, which included 211 adults, found that 70% of those who died had dementia.

Study links shoulder ultrasound brightness with type 2 diabetes

Researchers found a bright appearance on deltoid muscle ultrasounds is associated with type 2 diabetes, indicating earlier treatment may be warranted. The study suggests using shoulder ultrasound as a supplemental screening option to detect undiagnosed patients.

Teens increasingly choose pot over alcohol, cigarettes

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that teens increasingly choose pot over alcohol and cigarettes. The average school grade during which young people first tried alcohol and cigarettes has increased, with a significant drop in the proportion who used cigarettes before marijuana.

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.

Hidden giants in forest soils

Researchers have discovered 16 novel giant viruses in a forest soil ecosystem, more than doubling the known giant virus diversity. These viruses were found using a non-standard approach that involved flow-sorting microbes into small pools, revealing a wealth of giant viruses previously overlooked.

NRL demonstrates new non-mechanical laser steering technology

Scientists at NRL have developed a chip-based beam steering technology that steers laser light in two dimensions without mechanical devices, offering improved steering capability and higher scan speed rates. The new technology has potential applications in chemical sensing, monitoring emissions, and other industrial facilities.

What smart hazmat suits and Sonora cactus skins have in common

Researchers discovered that Sonora cactus pads undergo complex microscale, seasonal and age-related wettability changes. This unique characteristic is now being applied to develop smart materials for hazmat suits, which will preserve water while allowing vapor and heat transfer.

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.

Hydraulic fracturing and water quality

A study in central Pennsylvania found chemical and isotopic evidence of upward methane migration from the Marcellus shale, suggesting geochemical indicators for distinguishing recent methane contamination. The research also identified geological features facilitating methane migration near hydraulically fractured shale gas wells.

Using Skype to beat the blues

A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that video chat technology, such as Skype, significantly reduces the risk of depression among older adults. Researchers compared four online communication technologies and discovered that video chat had almost half the estimated probability of depressive symptoms.

Scientists trained a computer to classify breast cancer tumors

Scientists at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center develop a computer algorithm to analyze breast cancer images and identify tumor characteristics. The AI system achieves high accuracy in distinguishing between low-intermediate and high-grade tumors, as well as estrogen receptor status and molecular subtypes.

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.

Color vision variation in guppies influences female mate preference

Research reveals that variation in opsin gene expression affects guppy females' preferences for male orange colors, highlighting the interplay between visual properties and mate choice. Genetic polymorphisms and environmental factors contribute to differing light sensitivity, driving the evolution of diverse male sexual colors.

Greenhouse gases triggering more changes than we can handle

A new study reveals that climate change is impacting human health, food supply, infrastructure, and economy through 467 ways, including warming, drought, heatwaves, wildfires, precipitation, floods, and sea level rise. By 2100, the number of hazards occurring concurrently will increase, making it difficult for people to cope.

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.

'Magnetic topological insulator' makes its own magnetic field

Researchers discovered a two-dimensional material that can become a magnetic topological insulator even without an external magnetic field. The material, chromium triiodide (CrI3), exhibits collective spin excitations called magnons, which behave similarly to photon waves.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Where the brain turns quality and quantity into value

Researchers pinpointed the anterior cingulate cortex as the brain region responsible for integrating disparate information to inform 'on-the-fly' decision-making. Activity in this region was associated with combining quality and quantity, while other areas linked to interaction between these factors were also activated.

4,000-year-old termite mounds found in Brazil are visible from space

Researchers found vast network of interconnected termite mounds in northeastern Brazil, covering area similar to Great Britain, with soil excavated over 10 cubic kilometers. The mounds are up to 4,000 years old and were formed by a single termite species that accessed dead leaves safely.

Digital offense: Anonymity dulls our moral outrage

New research reveals that people react less strongly to malicious speech on digital platforms, seeing victims as less harmed. The study found mixed results but suggests anonymity can dampen social cues, leading to numbing effects from online harassment.

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.

Let's draw!: New deep learning technique for realistic caricature art

A team of computer scientists developed a novel deep learning-based approach to automatically generate realistic caricatures from portraits. Their method, called CariGANs, successfully generated clearer and more accurate caricature depictions that resemble hand-drawn artwork by professionals.

Widely used reference for the human genome is missing 300 million bits of DNA

A team of Johns Hopkins scientists analyzed DNA sequences from 910 individuals of African descent and found 300 million base pairs of genetic material missing from the current human genome reference. This discovery highlights the need for more diverse reference genomes to better understand genetic variations across populations.

Critical collections

Research highlights creative uses of biological collections to understand global change, including study of microbial diversity from museum specimens. Biological collections are threatened by digitization and destruction, but preserving them is essential for unlocking their hidden data and understanding the history of life on Earth.

The subtle science of wok tossing

Researchers at Georgia Tech discover that wok tossing is a critical aspect of cooking fried rice, involving two oscillating motions: translational and rotational. By understanding these motions, they aim to develop robotic designs for automated fried rice cooking.

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.

Dogs know when they don't know

Researchers found that dogs search for additional information significantly more often when they have not seen where the reward is hidden. However, their searching flexibility was limited compared to primates and humans.

Bending light around tight corners without backscattering losses

Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a photonic crystal waveguide that directs photons of light around sharp corners with virtually no losses due to backscattering. This breakthrough enables the development of efficient light-based computing systems, which could replace electronic devices and save energy.

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.

Healthcare providers -- not hackers -- leak more of your data

A new study from Michigan State University and Johns Hopkins University found that more than half of recent healthcare data breaches were caused by internal negligence, rather than external hackers. The research identified six common categories of internal factors contributing to these breaches.

Spanking in developing countries does more harm than good

A new University of Michigan study suggests that spanking may be more harmful for children in developing countries than previously thought. The research, which analyzed data from 62 countries, found a link between physical discipline and lower social development among young children.

Research offers hope for simpler cancer diagnosis and treatment

Researchers have developed a technique to isolate circulating tumor cells from blood, allowing for the analysis of protein makeup without biopsies. This could lead to more effective therapies and better patient outcomes by monitoring treatment progress remotely.

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.

From receptor structure to new osteoporosis drugs

Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of the PTH-1 receptor, a protein fragment involved in bone loss. This breakthrough enables the development of new drugs that may slow down or reverse osteoporosis without its current treatment's disadvantages.

Public perspectives on food risks

A survey of 2,537 US adults found that roughly half believe the average person faces a serious health risk from food additives over their lifetime. Similarly, about half think genetically modified foods are worse for one's health. Women and those with low science knowledge tend to express more concern about these issues.

Seeing is believing: Monitoring real time changes during cell division

Scientists at Lancaster University created a fluorescent biosensor to visualize cilia and cell division simultaneously, enabling the study of their interplay in development, regeneration, and disease. This new tool will help researchers understand how changes in cilia dynamics affect cell division speed and tissue development.

Preserving shoulder function, quality of life, in breast cancer patients

Research reveals that women who undergo reconstructive surgeries using a large back muscle after radiation therapy experience significant losses in shoulder stability and function. Conversely, other methods such as pectoral muscle rebuild and abdominal tissue transfer produce equally good results for future shoulder function.

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.

Glucose binding molecule could transform the treatment of diabetes

Scientists from the University of Bristol have designed a new synthetic glucose binding molecule platform that brings us closer to developing the world's first glucose-responsive insulin. This innovation could eliminate hypoglycemia and provide better metabolic control for people living with diabetes.

When it comes to love: Personality matters: QUT research

A new QUT study reveals that men with a range of personality traits, particularly extraversion and emotional stability, tend to engage in sex more frequently. These individuals are also more likely to produce offspring. For women, being agreeable is linked to having more children.

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.

Powerful new map depicts environmental degradation across Earth

A powerful new map by the University of Cincinnati illustrates dramatic changes in land use over the last quarter century, showing widespread deforestation and urbanization. The map highlights the devastating effects of climate change on the environment, including the shrinking Aral Sea and growing desertification in the Sahara Desert.

Genetic retroelements in eukaryotic evolution

Researchers discovered genetic retroelements copying into and harming bacterial genomes, indicating a potential role in eukaryotic cell emergence. The study suggests an interplay between DNA repair mechanisms and retroelements may have driven evolutionary pressures.

Four Argonne technologies receive 2018 R&D 100 Awards

Argonne researchers develop HyMag magnets increasing electric motor efficiency; Darshan software optimizes scientific data access; GRID-M provides near-real-time disaster supply chain status; Swift/T enables large-scale supercomputer calculations. These technologies have been recognized for their impact on various industries and fields

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.

Skeletal imitation reveals how bones grow atom-by-atom

The study reveals how calcium phosphate molecules crystallize and build up into a perfectly arranged bone structure. Researchers used an artificial biomaterial to mimic natural bone tissue functions, allowing them to study the phenomenon at an atomic level.