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Science News Archive October 2018


Page 34 of 47

Researchers discover new type of stellar collision

An international team of astrophysicists has identified the first-ever merger of white and brown dwarf stars, with the debris left behind exhibiting unusual chemical compositions and organic molecules. The discovery sheds new light on the origin of a mysterious star observed by French monk Père Dom Anthelme in 1670.

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.

'10,000 Immunomes' database opens a window on healthy immunity

Scientists have assembled a searchable database of normal human immunity, using 83 studies to create a comparison group for immune system and immune dysfunction research. The data reveals new findings on the differences in immune cells between men and women, as well as between people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

More young people are choosing not to drink alcohol

A new study found that more young people in England are choosing not to drink alcohol, with a rise in non-drinkers among 16-24 year olds. The trend is attributed to an increase in individuals who had never been drinkers, as well as decreases in excessive drinking and binge drinking.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Quantum momentum

The University of Delaware is leading the charge in quantum technology research with a $1 million NSF grant. The team aims to develop quantum electronics that can process information faster and with greater accuracy, enabling next-generation technologies for communication, computing, and sensing.

'Sentinels of the sea' at risk from changing climate

A new study finds that oyster mortality in the French Atlantic coast is linked to warm and wet winters, and the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation. Oysters are sensitive to climate change and water quality, making them sentinels of coastal ecosystem health.

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.

Louisiana amphibian shows unique resistance to global disease

The three-toed amphiuma, a common species in Louisiana, has shown resistance to the fungus causing amphibian populations to decline worldwide. Researchers discovered compounds that inhibited fungal growth, highlighting its unique properties and potential for protection against chytridiomycosis.

Increased cyto-adhesion of malaria parasites during fever uncovered

Research reveals that malaria parasites exhibit elevated cyto-adhesion during fever, which contributes to microvasculature obstruction and splenic clearance issues. The study found a significant increase in phosphatidylserine expression on infected red blood cells at febrile temperatures.

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.

Intense microwave pulse ionizes its own channel through plasma

Researchers have successfully observed and studied the ionization-induced self-channeling of a microwave beam in a neutral gas. This effect enables the microwave to propagate a longer distance, potentially leading to military applications as a directed-energy weapon.

Aluminum on the way to titanium strength

Researchers at NUST MISIS have developed a technology that doubles the strength of aluminum composites obtained by 3D printing, advancing them to titanium alloy quality. The new composite uses nitrides and aluminum oxides as precursors, increasing tensile strength and Brinell hardness.

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.

World's first trial of new three-part children's cancer treatment

A groundbreaking Phase 1 trial at the University of Southampton combines mIBG-targeted radiotherapy with two antibody therapies to boost the immune system against neuroblastoma, a common childhood cancer. The treatment aims to improve survival rates and is the first to test this combination of therapies.

Leveraging restaurant menus to combat obesity

A new study found that listing calorie information on restaurant menus can lead to a significant decrease in the number of calories ordered. Participants who saw calorie counts listed first ordered food with an average of 24 percent fewer calories than those who saw them listed elsewhere.

Neuron death in ALS more complex than previously thought

Researchers have discovered that two types of motor neurons die in ALS patients through distinct mechanisms, potentially leading to the development of more targeted treatments. The study used worm models to investigate the degeneration of spinal and brain neurons in ALS, revealing new insights into the complex nature of the disease.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Grant to expand free STEM textbook project

A $4.9 million grant will expand the LibreTexts project, a national consortium producing free and open-source educational science and technology resources. The expanded project aims to create zero-textbook-cost options for key subjects like chemistry and career training.

'Smart' robotic system could offer home-based rehabilitation

A smart robotic system is being developed to help stroke patients recover from injuries, using brain-computer interfaces and algorithms to decode movement intent. The system, backed by a $750,000 grant, aims to be approved for use in clinics and patient homes, promoting plasticity in the brain and restoration of motor function.

Seizures begin with a muffle

Contrary to conventional wisdom, some seizures begin after a brief burst from neurons that normally inhibit brain activity. Researchers found this unexpected mechanism in their study.

In childbirth, when to begin pushing does not affect C-section rates

A multicenter study involving over 2,400 first-time pregnant women found that delaying pushing during labor increases the risk of severe postpartum bleeding, infections, and sepsis. In contrast, immediate pushing is associated with lower rates of infection and excessive bleeding.

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.

Unseen infections harming world's children, research reveals

Children in low-resource countries are suffering from unnoticed infections that are stunting their growth and mental development, with lifelong consequences. Up to 30% of these children are carrying harmful infections that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

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.

AI tool automatically reveals how to write apps that drain less battery

A new AI tool called DiffProf helps developers identify and optimize energy-draining features in their apps, improving battery life. The tool analyzes 'call trees' of similar tasks to show why certain features consume more energy than others, providing actionable diagnosis and fixes for developers.

NASA checks out Hurricane Sergio's cloud temperature

NASA's Aqua satellite observed Hurricane Sergio with infrared light, revealing warmer cloud top temperatures on the western half of the storm. This indicates weakening of the storm's uplift, but a well-defined inner-core remains despite slow weakening.

Downward mobility link to violent crime and self-harm

A major new study finds that children from families who fall on hard times are more likely to be involved in violent crime and harm themselves as young adults. Children from the poorest fifth of society were 7-13 times more likely to commit violent crime or self-harm compared to those from wealthier backgrounds.

Award winners named for the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

Three leading researchers, Ian Smith, Ann Partridge, and Zena Werb, receive top honors for their groundbreaking work on breast cancer treatment and research. Their contributions have propelled advances in breast cancer science and medicine, saving countless lives from the disease.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A NASA infrared view at Arabian Sea's Tropical Cyclone Luban

Scientists analyzed data from NASA's Aqua satellite to determine if Tropical Cyclone Luban was intensifying or weakening. The storm showed cold cloud top temperatures as low as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong winds and a powerful system.

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.

Study firms up diet and depression link

A James Cook University study found a strong link between fast food consumption and depression among Torres Strait Islander people. The researchers discovered that those who ate more processed foods had higher levels of depression-linked fatty acids in their blood.

NASA gets Tropical Storm Leslie by the tail

Tropical Storm Leslie is expected to strengthen and potentially merge with an elongated area of low pressure. The storm has become more embedded within its cold cloud tops, indicating further strengthening.

BU graduate student receives health policy research scholarship

BU PhD student Michael Rosario has received a four-year Health Policy Research Scholarship to study the impact of racial discrimination on brain changes associated with early Alzheimer's disease. The research aims to generate important hypotheses about the role of racial discrimination in inducing such changes.

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.

Wind holds key to climate change turnaround

Scientists have discovered that westerly winds strengthen ocean acidification in Southern Ocean, which is critical for predicting its impact on marine life. The study sheds light on the mechanisms driving this process and provides insights into improving prediction models.

NASA investigated rainfall in Hurricane Michael as it was developing

NASA analyzed rainfall and structure of Hurricane Michael as it developed, forecasting a major hurricane for Florida landfall. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission revealed intense rainfall accumulation totals over the Caribbean Sea, with estimates reaching 12.6 inches in some areas.

OU's radar team developing fastest, most advanced radar in the nation

The University of Oklahoma is developing the fastest and most advanced radar in the nation with a $3.4 million grant. The HORUS radar can scan the atmosphere in 30 seconds or less and distinguish between snowflakes, raindrops, hail stones or other targets within a storm, critical for forecasting and prediction.

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.

Genetic risk factor for erectile dysfunction identified

A new study analyzing the genomes of nearly a quarter of a million men discovered a single-nucleotide polymorphism on Chromosome 6 linked to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. The genetic locus was consistently associated with ED risk across ethnically diverse groups, suggesting a novel mechanism specific to sexual function.

Drier, less predictable environment may have spurred human evolution

Researchers found evidence of a variable but progressively drying climate coincides with a major shift in stone-tool-making abilities and the appearance of modern Homo sapiens. A continuous environmental context was provided for the diverse archeological evidence recovered from nearby localities in the rift valley basins of southern Ke...

Salted fish in Maya economy

The study found that a majority of ancient Maya chert stone tools showed wear patterns consistent with fish preparation, indicating preserved fish was an important component of their trade economy. The researchers estimated that each salt kitchen could provide dietary salt for up to 3,444 people per day if used for fish preservation.

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.

Controlling chemical reactions near absolute zero

Researchers at EPFL have successfully controlled a chemical reaction just above absolute zero by manipulating atomic orientation and energies. The study has significant implications for understanding fundamental chemistry models.

A step towards biological warfare with insects?

Scientists and legal scholars warn that DARPA's Insect Allies program could be misused for biological warfare due to the ease of dispersing genetically edited viruses into fields. The technology has the potential to rapidly alter crop properties, raising concerns about its peaceful use.

African aridification and hominin evolution

Researchers analyzed Lake Magadi sedimentary cores, showing a long-term drying trend starting around 575,000 years ago. This period of aridification coincided with extinctions of large grazing mammals and the appearance of Middle Stone Age artifacts.

Life is like a box of hippocampal scenes

A neuroimaging study found that the hippocampus responds strongest to event boundaries in everyday experiences, such as films. The researchers discovered a strong match between participants' hippocampal activity and independent observers' identified transition points, varying according to their agreement on these points.

Icy warning for space missions to Jupiter's moon

Scientists predict 15-meter-tall sharp ice formations on Europa's surface could pose a hazard for future landing missions. The unique conditions on the moon create perfect conditions for these structures to form, which could be observed by NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper mission.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Implantable, biodegradable devices speed nerve regeneration in rats

Researchers developed an implantable device that delivers electrical pulses to damaged peripheral nerves in rats, promoting nerve regeneration and recovery. The device lasts about two weeks before being absorbed into the body, providing a continuous boost to the healing process.