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Science News Archive October 2018


Page 45 of 47

Breakthrough in quantum physics

Researchers at Graz University of Technology have achieved a breakthrough in observing the reaction of a quantum fluid to photoexcitation of dissolved particles. By applying femtosecond spectroscopy, they were able to describe the processes in an approximately five-nanometer sized superfluid helium droplet after photoexcitation of an a...

High-tech breakthrough in snakebite antivenom

Researchers at DTU Bioengineering have developed a high-tech antivenom against black mamba venom using human antibodies, which can potentially save thousands of lives annually. The breakthrough antivenom uses a biotechnological method to discover human antibodies, allowing for large-scale production and industrial use.

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.

Weekday mornings are no longer peak times for sudden cardiac arrest

A new study by Cedars-Sinai finds that stress is a major contributor to sudden cardiac arrests, which are now more likely to happen outside of previously identified peak times. The research analyzed data from the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study and found no evidence of increased cardiac arrests on Mondays

Imaging accumulated charges at solid-electrolyte interfaces

A Kanazawa University-based collaboration developed a microscopy approach to visualize real-space charge distribution at interfaces. The technique, called 3D open-loop electric potential microscopy (OL-EPM), overcomes challenges in measuring lateral charge distribution at solid-liquid interfaces.

The faint glow of cosmic hydrogen

A team of scientists has detected a faint glow in the Lyman-alpha line across the entire sky, revealing extensive masses of gas around primitive galaxies. This discovery connects previously detected gas feeding galaxies with newly observed Lyman-alpha emission, providing new insights into the universe's infancy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breaking supersymmetry

Kanazawa University researcher Hajime Moriya shows that the extended Nicolai supersymmetric fermion lattice model breaks supersymmetry and has a strictly positive energy density for any homogeneous ground state. This contradicts previous claims that supersymmetry may be restored in the infinite-volume limit.

Text messages quickly track health care use during Ebola outbreak

A new NYU study used text message surveys to track maternal health services during the 2015 Ebola outbreak, finding a drop in hospital-based births and similar declines in both public and private facilities. The method's accuracy was validated through propensity score matching with national survey data.

Traces of opiates found in ancient Cypriot vessel

Researchers at University of York and British Museum discovered traces of opiates in a sealed vessel dating back to Late Bronze Age. The presence of opiate alkaloids suggests that the vessel may have been used for medicinal or ceremonial purposes.

Progressive movement

Strong graduates from more educated and wealthy families are more likely to enroll in a university far from home. Socioeconomic factors, including academic performance and family background, inhibit student migration. Students' expectations, ambitions, and views towards human capital also play a role.

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.

Drinking more water reduces bladder infections in women

A controlled trial found that women who drank an additional 1.5 liters of water daily experienced 48 percent fewer repeat bladder infections compared to those who drank their usual volume of fluids. This increased fluid intake may help reduce the use of antibiotics and combat antibiotic resistance.

Nitrite's got to be cruel to be kind

Researchers at Umeå University discovered that Vibrio cholerae uses nitrate respiration to control its population expansion and survival, even in the absence of oxygen. This smart metabolic mechanism allows the bacterium to thrive in the intestine's low-oxygen environment.

Genes key to identifying drug resistant parasites in Brazil

A study published in eBioMedicine found that the absence of four particular genes in the Leishmania infantum parasite makes it less susceptible to miltefosine, an oral drug used to treat visceral leishmaniasis. This discovery could lead to a new prognostic test to predict treatment outcomes and tailor medicines accordingly.

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.

European Psychiatric Association comprehensive review demonstrates that exercise is an effective treatment for major mental health conditions and should form a core part of treatment

A comprehensive review by the European Psychiatric Association recommends exercise as a key treatment for mental health conditions, reducing symptoms of depression and schizophrenia. The guidelines suggest structured exercise, two to three times a week, can improve cognition, cardiorespiratory health, and overall well-being.

How have mortality rates changed over time for infants, children?

Mortality rates for infants and children in the US have declined significantly since 1999, according to a study analyzing death certificate data. The study found decreases in deaths from sudden infant death syndrome and unintentional injuries among young people, but increases in suffocation and strangulation deaths in infants.

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.

Special issue of Health Physics highlights women in radiation protection

A special issue of Health Physics journal highlights women's contributions to and experiences in radiation protection and safety. The articles showcase the historic roles of women pioneers and their diverse roles in health physics, including research on approaches in monitoring radiation exposure.

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.

'Spacesuits' protect microbes destined to live in space

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed protective suits for bacteria that allow them to thrive in environments without oxygen. The hybrid system mimics photosynthesis and captures carbon dioxide, producing various chemical compounds that can be used by industry or in space colonies.

Americans favor women politicians over men, says Stevens study

A recent study by Stevens Institute of Technology found that both men and women favor female politicians, with men rating them significantly higher than male politicians. The survey of 1,400 voting-age Americans revealed that men, particularly Democratic men, assess women politicians more favorably than male politicians.

Child abuse could leave 'molecular scars' on its victims

Research at University of British Columbia and Harvard University found distinctive methylation differences in DNA of adult men who experienced child abuse as kids. The study suggests that methylation could be used as a biomarker for investigators or courts in weighing allegations of child 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.

Microresonators offer a simpler approach to sensing with light pulses

Researchers developed a simpler method to generate multiple frequency combs using small devices called optical microresonators. The technology generates up to three frequency combs simultaneously, reducing the need for complex synchronization electronics and enabling faster acquisition times.

130-year-old brain coral reveals encouraging news for open ocean

A 130-year-old brain coral's skeleton provided evidence that the North Atlantic Ocean has significantly less nitrogen pollution than previously estimated. The study found no signs of increased human-made nitrogen emissions, suggesting U.S. pollution control measures are effective in limiting ocean impact.

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.

Keeping our cells stable: A closer look at microtubules

A team of researchers has used cryo-electron microscopy to study how microtubule-associated proteins regulate cell structure and transport. They found that MAP4 stabilizes microtubules while blocking kinesin's movement, which could lead to new treatment strategies for cardiac hypertrophy and neurodegenerative diseases.

Do price spikes on some generic drugs indicate problems in the market?

A new USC study reveals that sudden price hikes for some generic drugs are becoming more common, reflecting emerging strategies by generic manufacturers to target therapeutic areas with limited competition. The study found that prices for most generic drugs declined over time, but the fraction of drugs with prices that at least doubled...

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.

A wrench in Earth's engine

A team of researchers from CU Boulder has discovered that stagnant slabs, which form when oceanic plates are forced deep underground, may be caused by a thin layer of weak material at the boundary of the planet's upper and lower mantle. This discovery could change how scientists think about tectonics and volcanism on Earth's surface.

A new global marine environmental forecasting system will serve the public soon

The new global marine environmental forecasting system will provide accurate predictions of ocean temperature, salinity, velocity, and tidal currents with a horizontal resolution of 10 km. The system's accuracy is expected to reach an advanced international level, enabling clear identification of ocean mesoscale phenomena.

Super-resolution microscopy builds multicolor 3D from 2D

Scientists developed a new method to analyze and reconstruct super-resolution images into a 3D volume with multiple colors. This technique enables the observation of complex molecular structures in cells, resolving protein complexes previously invisible.

This wild plant could be the next strawberry

Groundcherries, a wild fruit native to Central and South America, may be domesticated for large-scale production through genome editing. The groundcherry's drought tolerance and enticing flavor make it an appealing candidate for the next major berry crop.

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.

Pollution exposure and minority employment

Racial and ethnic minorities in the US are disproportionately exposed to industrial air pollution, but face lower employment rates. The study found that strict environmental regulations may not necessarily harm employment opportunities.

Psychotropic polypharmacy is common in Alzheimer's disease

A study published in European Neuropsychopharmacology found that up to half of people with Alzheimer's disease use a psychotropic drug, with those receiving first-line anti-dementia drugs showing a decreased risk of polypharmacy. The most common combination included antidepressants with antipsychotics or benzodiazepines.

'Turbocharging' photosynthesis in corn hikes yield

Researchers from Cornell University and the Boyce Thompson Institute found a way to overexpress a key chaperone enzyme called RuBisCO Assembly Factor 1 to increase RuBisCO content in corn. This discovery has the potential to improve photosynthetic efficiency, leading to increased biomass production and reduced environmental footprint.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Focus on neuroscience, nociception to improve anesthesia, paper says

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute argue that targeting nociception can lead to improved anesthesia outcomes, including reduced medication use and faster patient recovery. By combining drugs to affect nociception, anesthesiologists can achieve a more desirable anesthetic state with better pain control.

Health-related quality of life overlooked in cancer drug studies

A McMaster University-led review of 52 articles found no significant association between progression-free survival and health-related quality of life in cancer patients. The study suggests that clinical trials should measure health-related quality of life directly to ensure patients are receiving effective treatments.

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.

Anthropogenic nitrogen in North Atlantic

Recent research suggests that anthropogenic nitrogen inputs to the North Atlantic may be lower than previously thought. Coral skeletons show minimal changes in nitrogen isotope ratio over the past 130 years, contradicting model simulations predicting a significant decline.

CRISPR tames the wild groundcherry

Researchers use CRISPR to tame the wild groundcherry, increasing fruit size and weight, and reducing weed growth habit. The modified plant also exhibits fewer instances of fruit drop, addressing food safety concerns.

Large meta-analysis links early menopause to higher type 2 diabetes risk

A large meta-analysis of over 191,000 postmenopausal women found that early menopause and premature ovarian failure are associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women who begin menopause before age 40 are 50% more likely to develop the disease than those with normal menopause between ages 45-55.

Brain networks tied to free will

A study of brain lesions reveals consistent connections between regions linked to volition and agency, which are components of free will. The identified networks suggest possible underpinnings of free will and could aid studies of related neuropsychiatric disorders.

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.

With a little help from my friends

A mathematical model explains why some bacteria cause disease in small doses while others require thousands of bacteria, attributing it to the scale of their attack mechanisms.