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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 24


Page 24 of 47

New memristor boosts accuracy and efficiency for neural networks on an atomic scale

Researchers demonstrate a new type of compound synapse that can achieve synaptic weight programming and conduct vector-matrix multiplication, achieving accuracies up to five times those of conventional devices. The development uses atomically thin boron nitride memristors running in parallel for energy-efficient performance.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 16, 2018
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.

New research identifies two types of drought across China and how they evolve

Two types of flash drought have been identified in China, Type I driven by high temperatures and evapotranspiration, while Type II is initiated by rainfall deficiency. Both types have increased significantly over the past 30 years, with a two-fold greater increase for Type I.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 16, 2018

Hippocampus yields clues to treatment strategies for cognitive deficits in MS

A recent study by the MAGNIMS Study Group provides new insights into the involvement of the hippocampus in multiple sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease that affects cognition. The research suggests that modifying the hippocampus through aerobic exercise and memory retraining may be effective in improving cognitive outcomes for MS pa...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateOct 16, 2018

State pension plans would be better off avoiding external management fees

Researchers found that state pension plans pay higher external fees when they need to increase contributions, but these fees do not improve performance. Investing in a conventional portfolio would have eliminated up to 44% of unfunded liabilities and recouped around $4.2 billion

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPublic Budgeting &amp Finance·DateOct 16, 2018
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.

Public opinion on GMOs might impact similar technologies in stores

Researchers found that people who believe GMOs are beneficial are less likely to support labeling of nano products, while those who distrust scientific authorities more favor labeling. The study aims to better inform shoppers' purchasing decisions and help businesses understand consumer views on emerging technologies.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Responsible Innovation·DateOct 16, 2018

Looking and listening for signals of navy test explosions off Florida coast

A team of researchers analyzed seismic and acoustic data from US Navy explosions off the Florida coast to better understand the relationship between local magnitude and charge weight. They found that both types of data can be used to identify underwater explosions, with seismic signals providing clearer evidence.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 16, 2018

Innuendo alone can fuel conspiracy theories, research shows

A study by the University of Exeter found that innuendo alone in news coverage can lead people to believe false information, spreading conspiracy theories. The research suggests that journalists should avoid including 'errant data' that may be misconstrued when there is uncertainty about facts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHealth Communication·DateOct 16, 2018

A human brain model in a petri dish?

The Brainstorm Project aims to develop a philosophical framework for government policy and regulations on brain organoid research. The two-year project, led by CWRU researcher Insoo Hyun, will bring together neuroscientists and bioethicists to explore emerging ethical issues in this rapidly advancing field.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateOct 16, 2018
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.

Guidelines for a standardized data format for use in cross-linguistic studies

The Cross-Linguistic Data Formats Initiative sets out proposed guidelines for a standardized format for linguistic databases, providing a software package, basic ontology, and usage examples. This initiative aims to standardize data formats to facilitate sharing and re-use of data in comparative linguistics.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScientific Data·DateOct 16, 2018

Infants are more likely to learn when with a peer

A new study found that infants who viewed instruction with a peer showed better neural response and improved phonemic learning compared to those who watched alone. The researchers suggest that social interaction increases arousal, which in turn boosts learning, and provide motivation for acquiring new skills.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2018

Loss of a microRNA molecule boosts rice production

Researchers found that increasing miR397 levels in domesticated rice plants resulted in traits similar to wild rice, including long stems and few flowering structures. Transgenic expression of the gene encoding miR397 partially de-domesticated rice, boosting grain production and improving resilience.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateOct 16, 2018
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.

Algorithmic innovation may help reduce invasive heart procedures

Researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara developed new algorithms to localize atrial fibrillation using non-invasive electrocardiographic imaging. This technology has the potential to aid in diagnosis and prognosis of cardiac disorders without requiring invasive surgeries.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateOct 16, 2018
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.

The science of sustainability

A new study presents a unified path for development and conservation, considering the needs of both people and nature. By using leading projections and aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, researchers envision a world in 2050 where human well-being and nature thrive together.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateOct 16, 2018

Top athletes weigh in on perceived effectiveness of anti-doping measures

A study asked top German cyclists and field athletes to rate the effectiveness of various anti-doping methods. The athletes identified improved detection and diagnostics, increased bans for offenders, as key strategies. Increased fines and leniency programs were ranked lower in effectiveness.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 16, 2018

Antarctic ice shelf 'sings' as winds whip across its surface

Scientists have discovered that winds blowing across Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf cause it to vibrate, producing a near-constant set of seismic tones. The vibrations can be used to monitor changes in the ice shelf from afar and may provide insights into climate change.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 16, 2018

Renewable energy is common ground for Democrats and Republicans

A study by Christine Horne and Emily Kennedy found bipartisan support for renewable energy, with conservatives viewing it as financially smart and a step towards self-sufficiency. Democrats strongly link renewable energy to environmental protection and reducing carbon emissions. The research highlights an area of common ground between ...

SourceWashington State University·JournalEnvironmental Politics·DateOct 16, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Higher temperatures could help protect coral reefs

Researchers found that more aggressive farmerfish groups, which defend their territories from intruders, resided near branching corals and provided better protection. Additionally, corals planted in the territories of aggressive fish suffered less damage than those in non-aggressive groups.

SourceOxford University Press USA·DateOct 16, 2018
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.

Sex or food? Decision-making in single-cell organisms

Unicellular diatoms demonstrate primitive behavioral biology by choosing between nutrient sources and mating partners. Researchers found that cells move towards pheromones or food depending on hunger level, influencing biofilm dynamics.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateOct 16, 2018

New findings cast light on lymphatic system, key player in human health

Researchers at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have identified the signaling molecules that activate the Wnt signaling pathway in the lymphatic vascular system. This discovery could lead to better therapeutic options for lymphedema and associated disorders, including cancer and atherosclerosis.

SourceOklahoma Medical Research Foundation·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 16, 2018
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.

Just how blind are bats? Color vision gene study examines key sensory tradeoffs

A new study reveals that bats' loss of UV vision may be linked to the development of advanced echolocation abilities. The research found that most bat species with high-duty cycle echolocation have non-functional SWS1 genes, suggesting a trade-off between vision and hearing.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 16, 2018

Sydney to move away from CBD model

A recent study suggests that Sydney's urban structure is shifting from a monocentric city to a polycentric model, with populations aggregating around existing major urban areas. The study found that social cohesion and residential suburb attractiveness are key factors in driving this change.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateOct 16, 2018

ESMO advocacy for patient-centred care takes on global dimension

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has launched a global initiative to integrate supportive and palliative care into cancer treatment. Twenty new institutions from Japan, Denmark, Estonia, and Qatar have been recognized as Designated Centres of Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateOct 16, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

This RNA-based technique could make gene therapy more effective

MIT biological engineers have developed a way to regulate RNA expression, giving precise control over the dose of therapeutic protein a patient receives. This technology allows doctors to tailor treatment for individual patients and offers a quick way to turn off protein production if necessary.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 16, 2018

Holographic images increase accuracy of external ventricular drain insertion

A new technique using holographic images guides the insertion of external ventricular drains, increasing accuracy and reducing complications. The mixed-reality headset provides visualizations of individual patients' unique brain anatomy, allowing neurosurgeons to perform procedures more accurately and safely.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateOct 16, 2018
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.

Forest carbon stocks have been overestimated for 50 years

Researchers at CIRAD found an incoherence in a conversion factor for calculating basic wood density, leading to potential errors in estimating forest carbon stocks. The corrected formula will improve the accuracy of forest carbon assessments and understanding of forests' role in climate regulation.

SourceCirad·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateOct 16, 2018

Religious leaders' support may be key to modern contraception

Women in Nigeria who received support from clerics were significantly more likely to use modern contraceptives. In contrast, strong religious adherence was linked to lower contraceptive use rates. The study emphasizes the importance of engaging religious leaders to promote family planning services and improve maternal health outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateOct 16, 2018
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.

Youth violence lower in countries with complete ban on corporal punishment

A cross-national analysis of over 400,000 adolescents in 88 countries reveals that complete bans on corporal punishment are associated with reduced physical fighting among young people. The study found a 42% decrease in female youth violence and a 31% reduction in male youth violence compared to countries without such bans.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBMJ Open·DateOct 16, 2018

Why mothers in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan choose cesarean delivery

Research from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan reveals a significant preference for cesarean delivery among women, with rates exceeding 30% in these regions. The primary reasons cited are the fear of pain during labor, antagonistic relationships with healthcare providers, and concerns over deteriorating quality of care during birth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 16, 2018

3D imaging opens door to better understanding of fascinating leaf complexity

Researchers have developed a new method for creating three-dimensional images of leaves, allowing scientists to study the complex dynamics of water and gas exchange within plant cells. This breakthrough has significant implications for improving crop photosynthetic performance and understanding plant biology.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateOct 16, 2018

'Terrorism does not terrorize' claims new study

A major review of 400 research articles found no significant association between acts of terrorism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggesting that 'terrorism isn't terrorising' in terms of causing increased PTSD. The study argues that the focus on PTSD has overshadowed other impacts, such as social and economic effects.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateOct 16, 2018
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.

Battery mainstay headed for high-tech makeover

A collaboration between industry and science aims to improve the longevity of lead batteries by understanding complex chemical interactions. The research will focus on improving the performance of lead batteries using advanced tools and techniques.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateOct 16, 2018

True sanctuary

Researchers found high levels of illegal shark fishing in a Marshall Islands shark sanctuary, highlighting the need for active monitoring and enforcement. Satellite technology is proposed as a solution to track fishing vessels and monitor compliance with fishing regulations.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalConservation Letters·DateOct 16, 2018

Video monitoring of tuberculosis treatment effective in urban and rural areas

A study from University of California San Diego found that patients who recorded videos of themselves taking TB medications had better adherence to treatment than those observed in-person. VDOT (video directly observed therapy) was also cost-effective and preferred over traditional DOT.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateOct 16, 2018

Number of Veterans Affairs facilities offering acupuncture growing rapidly

The number of Veterans Affairs facilities offering acupuncture has increased from 42% to 88% in the past 7 years, according to a recent study. Acupuncture is being recognized as an effective component of chronic pain management and other areas of care in the VHA.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMedical Acupuncture·DateOct 16, 2018
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.