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Science News Archive October 2018


Page 38 of 47

Artificial enzymes convert solar energy into hydrogen gas

Artificial enzymes convert solar energy into hydrogen gas using a new method developed by researchers at Uppsala University. The technique utilizes photosynthetic microorganisms with genetically inserted enzymes combined with synthetic compounds, enabling efficient production of renewable hydrogen gas from solar energy.

Diabetes may begin more than 20 years before diagnosis

A Japanese study found that increased fasting glucose, higher BMI, and impaired insulin sensitivity were detectable up to 10 years before the diagnosis of diabetes as well as prediabetes. The study suggests that elevated metabolic markers for diabetes may be detectable more than 20 years before its diagnosis.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Every cell has a story to tell in brain injury

Researchers used a novel method to analyze individual brain cells in mice, revealing specific genes that may play roles in traumatic brain injury. Treatments targeting these genes, such as thyroid hormone therapy, showed promise in improving learning and memory tasks.

Neutrons scan magnetic fields inside samples

A team developed a new method for measuring magnetic field lines inside massive samples, enabling three-dimensional images of complex magnetic fields. This non-destructive technique has diverse applications in basic research and industry, including material analysis and visualization of electric motors and propulsion systems.

The homing instinct of relocated snakes

Researchers tracked adders translocated from a development site in Essex and found that male snakes dispersed significantly more than resident ones. One male even returned to his original home after being released, highlighting the need for new conservation strategies.

VLA sky survey reveals first 'orphan' gamma ray burst

Astronomers have discovered the afterglow of a powerful gamma ray burst that produced no detectable gamma rays, offering clues to understanding these highly energetic events. The 'orphan' GRB was found in data from the VLA Sky Survey and is believed to be the result of an explosion that occurred over 280 million light-years away.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers detect high-energy rays from powerful star system

Researchers have detected extremely high-energy gamma rays from the microquasar SS 433, which is located 18,000 light years from Earth. This discovery sheds light on astrophysical processes and may offer insights into star systems in distant galaxies.

Living organisms find a critical balance

An interdisciplinary team of researchers at Arizona State University discovered that living organisms exist in a middle ground of criticality, balancing between robustness and adaptability. The study found that all 67 biological networks shared a special property: they existed in between two extremes, neither too stable nor unstable.

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.

ESMO 2018 Congress curtain raiser

The ESMO 2018 Congress will feature a wide range of topics including immunotherapy, biomarkers, and prevention. The event will also host the annual congress of the European Oncology Nursing Society and a patient advocacy track emphasizing the central role of patients in securing access to optimal cancer care.

Teachers' views on LGBQ students are changing

A new study published in Springer's journal Social Psychology of Education reveals that American teachers have become more acceptant of homosexuality in recent years. However, many still hold negative attitudes towards LGBQ students, with a significant portion of educators viewing them unfavorably.

UMass Amherst researchers plan to develop alternative energy source for muscle

UMass Amherst researchers are developing a synthetic compound to power skeletal and cardiac muscle contractions during stress. This alternative energy source aims to improve heart function during a heart attack and maintain skeletal muscle function during fatigue, which is a debilitating symptom of many common diseases.

Clemson researcher warns of spread of homemade steroids

Homemade steroids have become a widespread issue, with online tools and cryptocurrency facilitating their rapid spread. Clemson researcher Bryan Denham's study examines the impact of these substances on public health, noting that purchasing black-market steroids is similar to buying other illicit substances.

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.

Model helps robots navigate more like humans do

A novel motion-planning model combines a planning algorithm with a neural network to help robots determine how to reach a goal by exploring the environment and exploiting learned experiences. This allows robots to learn from past experiences and adapt to new situations, enabling them to navigate complex environments more efficiently.

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.

What you can't see can hurt you

Researchers from the University of Utah discovered that homeowners change their behavior when they can visualize air quality in their homes. By using portable air quality monitors and a smartphone app, participants were able to see real-time data on PM2.5 levels and adjust their daily habits accordingly. This study has the potential to...

Harassing females lowers reproduction rates and reduces population size

A study by Japanese researchers found that males who harass females during mating can cause a drop in reproductive ability and a decrease in population size. Females with long reproductive pockets are more resistant to male harassment, but populations tend to be smaller when males have longer genitalia.

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.

Latin may help students bridge their native language with English

A study found that teaching Latin roots to English Learners improves word analysis skills and enhances academic vocabulary. By leveraging their native language, students can build a stronger connection between Latin and English, ultimately improving literacy and academic achievement.

New DNA tool predicts height, shows promise for serious illness assessment

A new DNA tool created by Michigan State University can accurately predict people's height and potentially assess their risk for serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer. The tool uses machine learning and analyzes the complete genetic makeup of nearly 500,000 adults in the UK to build predictors for complex traits.

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.

Latest insights into Saturn's weird magnetic field only make things weirder

Researchers found a tilt of less than 0.01 degrees in Saturn's magnetic field, contradicting the theory that it requires a significant tilt to form. The team also spotted interesting structures near the planet, including a secondary source of magnetism and electric currents flowing between the rings and the planet.

Dynamin-binding protein linked to congenital cataracts

A new study has found evidence that links dynamin-binding protein (DNMBP) to congenital bilateral cataracts and severe vision loss in infants and children. The researchers discovered mutations in the DNMBP gene on chromosome 10, indicating a recessive disorder common in inbred populations.

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.

Newly detected microquasar gamma-rays 'call for new ideas'

A team of scientists has detected highly energetic radiation from a microquasar, shedding light on extreme particle acceleration and jet physics. The findings improve our understanding of particle acceleration in jets of microquasars, offering insights into more extreme events at the centers of distant galaxies.

Argonne researchers honored by Energy Secretary's awards program

Lawrence Paul Lewis received the Secretary of Energy's Achievement Award for his work on Puerto Rico's long-term recovery planning after hurricanes. Linda Hansen was also awarded for her leadership in advancing international adherence to the International Atomic Energy Agency Additional Protocol. Both researchers were recognized by the...

Would you rather die of liver failure or live with HIV?

In a groundbreaking operation, doctors at the University of Witwatersrand performed the world's first intentional liver transplant from an HIV-positive mother to her HIV-negative child. The successful transplant has raised hopes for using this method to save additional lives. However, the team is now unsure of the child's HIV status.

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.

Astronomers discover sonic boom from powerful unseen explosion

Researchers have discovered a sonic boom from an immense, unseen gamma-ray burst explosion. The blast generated two jets of gamma rays that crashed into surrounding gas, producing a shock wave akin to a sonic boom. This finding provides crucial new insight into the nature of gamma-ray bursts and their jets.

NASA takes powerful Hurricane Sergio's temperature

NASA's Aqua satellite gathered infrared light data showing Category 4 hurricane Sergio's intense cloud tops, which are colder than -87°F (-66.1°C), indicating a stronger storm. The National Hurricane Center forecasts little change in strength, but gradual weakening starting Friday.

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.

Weight loss drug shows positive effect on diabetes

The CAMELLIA-TIMI 61 trial found that lorcaserin reduced the risk of diabetes by 19% in patients with pre-diabetes, induced remission in patients with diabetes, and reduced diabetic microvascular complications. Lorcaserin also significantly increased rates of diabetes remission and reduced the risk of severe hypoglycemia.

Modern humans inherited viral defenses from Neanderthals

Researchers found that many genes inherited from Neanderthals interact with modern-day viruses like HIV and influenza A, suggesting they provided protection against ancient RNA viruses. The study suggests a 'poison-antidote' model of gene swapping between species, where Neanderthals bequeathed genetic tools to combat invaders.

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.

Robot could one day fight most common cancer in men

Researchers are developing a robot that can detect and treat prostate cancer more accurately, reducing the need for invasive procedures. The robot will guide a steerable flexible needle to target cancer cells, while AI and mathematical modeling ensure precise placement of radioactive material.

Pilot study: Migraine can be treated without medicine

A pilot study at Aarhus University found that certain migraine patients can reduce medication use by using an inhaler that changes the air's composition. The treatment increases brain oxygen supply by up to 70% and stops the destructive chain reaction, providing significant pain relief.

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.

Rewriting the textbook on how steroid hormones enter cells

A membrane transporter has been identified as crucial for the uptake of steroid hormones into cells, challenging decades-old assumptions about their biological effects. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for diseases like cancer and immune disorders.

Teaching wild birds to sing a new tune

For the first time, researchers have shown that young wild sparrows can learn to sing a new tune by listening to experimental vocal tutors. The birds then pass on these new songs to subsequent generations, confirming the ability of wild birds to learn and adapt their songs through exposure to adult birds.

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.

Gas stations vent far more toxic fumes than previously thought

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found gas station vent pipes release vapors containing toxic chemicals like benzene. The researchers' findings exceed safe limits for benzene exposure, prompting officials to reconsider setback regulations.