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Science News Archive September 2018


Page 1 of 37

ZSL names world's largest ever bird -- Vorombe titan

Researchers at ZSL's Institute of Zoology have reclassified the world's largest bird as a distinct species, Vorombe titan. The giant elephant birds, thought to be extinct for over 1000 years, had unexpected diversity across three genera and four distinct species.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Eye discovery to pave way for more successful corneal transplants

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a characteristic of the Descemet membrane that can cause difficulties for surgeons performing corneal transplants. The study found that elastin, an elastic-like fiber, governs the direction of the membrane's roll and may be responsible for its unidirectional behavior.

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.

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.

Unveiling the mechanism protecting replicated DNA from degradation

The study reveals that the WD40 repeats in AND-1 prevent nascent DNA cleavage by a nuclease, allowing for successful cell division. The discovery highlights the crucial function of AND-1 in protecting replicated DNA from degradation during replication and cell proliferation.

China has seen remarkable progress in diabetes research over the past two decades

A recent study published in SCIENCE CHINA Life Sciences reveals significant advancements in diabetes research in China since 1995, with a substantial increase in publication numbers and citation metrics. The study highlights the need to address the growing diabetes epidemic, suggesting opportunities for new drug development, high-quali...

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.

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.

NSO molding the future of solar physics research thanks to new NSF funding

The National Solar Observatory (NSO) has received a supplemental grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance its scientific output and foster collaboration in the field of solar physics. The new funding will support the development of advanced data products, engage graduate students, and nurture international expertise.

NASA finds Trami an organized, wide-eyed typhoon

Typhoon Trami displays symmetrical shape and large eye as it approaches Japan's southern islands. Maximum sustained winds reach near 90 knots, forecast to impact Okinawa Island and surrounding areas.

Scientists discover genetic basis for how harmful algae blooms become toxic

Researchers identified a cluster of genes responsible for producing the neurotoxin domoic acid in microscopic plants. The knowledge will allow scientists to track the development of bloom toxicity at the genetic level and predict toxin production before it occurs, helping to mitigate harm from algae blooms.

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.

Cancer hijacks the microbiome to glut itself on glucose

Leukemia undercuts normal cells' ability to consume glucose, leading to a diabetic-like condition that favors cancer growth. Researchers have identified key strategies, including manipulating insulin production and gut bacteria, which can be targeted with low-tech therapies like serotonin supplementation.

Minority medical residents face burden of bias during training

A study by Yale physicians found that minority residents experience daily bias and microaggressions, as well as being asked to serve as 'ambassadors' for diversity. The researchers emphasize the need for proactive efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in residency programs.

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.

Quantum mechanics work lets oil industry know promise of recovery experiments

Scientists at Vanderbilt University have developed a method to predict the outcomes of various additive combinations used to extract more oil from wells. By using quantum mechanical simulations and experimentation, they found that calcium, magnesium, and sulfates can enhance oil recovery by modifying the surface charge on calcite.

How some algae may survive climate change

A Rutgers-led study reveals how green algae adapted to tolerate hostile conditions by stealing genes from bacteria, providing clues for engineering more resilient algae. The findings suggest that these hardy species can survive climate change and offer potential solutions for biofuel production and other applications.

Ensuring cohesion in a society that is drifting apart

The University of Konstanz will lead a new research initiative to explore social cohesion from a cultural studies perspective. Researchers will investigate the role of socio-economic factors, mass media, and collective feelings in promoting social cohesion.

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.

Research aims to develop innovative drugs for heart failure and diabetes

A team of researchers, led by Professor Davide Calebiro, will investigate the function of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) to develop new therapies for diseases like heart failure and diabetes. They will use innovative microscopy methods to directly visualize individual receptors in living cells.

Kidney disease biomarker may also be a marker for COPD

Researchers found that albuminuria, a marker of kidney damage, is associated with increased risk of developing moderate-to-severe COPD and declining lung function. The study suggests that endothelial damage in the lungs may play a key role in COPD development and progression.

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.

Improved In vivo imaging of atherosclerotic plaque development

A team at University of Tsukuba developed a tool to image atherosclerotic plaque development in mice, allowing for the evaluation of drugs and analysis of individual patient risk. The method involves expressing fluorescent protein in immune cells that congregate in plaque, enabling accurate measurement of plaque quantity and progression.

Researchers find value in unusual type of plant material

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a novel type of lignin, C-lignin, that can be refined into various bioproducts with high yields and minimal processing. This breakthrough has the potential to transform agricultural markets by utilizing a previously underutilized plant biomass.

Building a flu factory from host cell components

A team of researchers investigated influenza A's impact on lung-derived cell lines, discovering that the virus alters protein levels and locations. The study found that many proteins are relocalized, with viral and ribosomal proteins increasing in autophagosomes.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Teens who've tried marijuana have used it in more than one form

A study of 10th-graders in Los Angeles finds that most teens who have tried marijuana use it in multiple forms, including smokable, edible, and vaporized products. The research raises concerns about the health implications of cannabis use among adolescents amid a growing market with sleek packaging and health benefits claims.

Perovskite solar cells leap toward commercialization

Scientists at OIST have developed a method to fabricate low-cost high-efficiency perovskite solar cells, boasting an efficiency comparable to crystalline silicon cells. The technique uses a gas-solid reaction-based method to produce uniform panels with improved stability and production costs.

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.

Finding new combination therapies for neuroblastoma

A phase 2 clinical trial found that combining a novel compound called alisertib with chemotherapy had anti-tumor activity in children with high-risk, relapsed neuroblastoma. The treatment resulted in an objective response rate of 21% and one-year progression-free survival of 34%.

NASA looks at major Hurricane Rosa's water vapor concentration

Hurricane Rosa's high water vapor content and cold cloud top temperatures indicate its potential for heavy rainfall, with the eye featuring a ring of storms around a 20 nautical mile-wide area. The storm is currently a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

NASA identifies wind shear tearing apart Tropical Cyclone Liua

Tropical Cyclone Liua was severely impacted by strong westerly to northwesterly vertical wind shear, causing the storm to lose its structure. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center issued the final bulletin on Liua, which was centered near 12.0 degrees south latitude and 161.1 degrees east longitude.

New insights into the structure of a killer protein

Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have gained new insights into the structure of Bax, a protein responsible for programmed cell death. The team's work, published in Cell Death and Differentiation, sheds light on the dynamics of this protein.

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.

NASA looks at Tropical Storm Kirk's Caribbean rainfall

Tropical Storm Kirk brought intense rain to the Leeward Islands on September 28, with the heaviest downpours recorded near its center. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected hourly rainfall rates of up to 4 inches per hour, posing a risk of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

New, highly stable catalyst may help turn water into fuel

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a new, porous electrocatalyst that can split water molecules at a higher rate than current industry standards. The material, made from a mixture of metal compounds and perchloric acid, has shown improved stability in acidic environments.

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.

Discovery paves way for improved ovarian cancer care

Researchers identified subtle epigenetic differences that explain why some ovarian cancer patients respond to PARPi drugs, while others do not. The study adds to a vital checklist for matching patients with the right therapy for their cancer.

Sensitive babies become altruistic toddlers

A study found that infants' responsiveness to fearful faces at 7 months predicts altruistic behavior in toddlerhood. Additionally, brain responses in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are linked to this early precursor of prosocial behavior.

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.