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Science News Archive September 2018


Page 14 of 37

When refugees are barred from working, long-term integration suffers

Research from the Immigration Policy Lab found that EU countries' temporary employment bans for refugees hinder their long-term integration. Refugees who faced shorter wait times to work had higher employment rates, while those with longer bans struggled to find jobs and were more likely to be demotivated.

Overweight and obesity linked to higher risk of urinary incontinence for women

An analysis of published studies reveals that being overweight or obese is associated with a one-third increase in risk of urinary incontinence for young to mid-aged women. The risk is doubled in women with obesity. The findings suggest that lifestyle interventions may play a role in preventing and managing incontinence.

Seeing pesticides spread through insect bodies

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a technique to visualize the behavior of pesticides inside insect bodies, enabling them to follow their uptake, breakdown, and distribution. This method has potential applications for developing safer pesticides and reducing harm to beneficial pollinating insects.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UA study reveals Arizona EMTs face 39-percent greater risk of suicide

A recent UA study found that Arizona EMTs have a 39% greater risk of suicide compared to the general public. The study's authors aim to address this issue by developing educational resources and resiliency training programs for EMTs. Their efforts hope to minimize the risks associated with EMS service and support community heroes in need.

Light provides spin

FAU researchers find that incoming light causes electrons to rotate, influencing current flow and improving the efficiency of perovskite crystals. Heating perovskites to room temperature reveals a link between electron spin and current flow.

Snooker in the live cell

The Umeå University researchers created a method called Multi-directional Activity Control (MAC), which allows for real-time observation and control of cell signaling pathways. Using this technology, they successfully controlled the shuttling of proteins and organelles between different compartments in a single cell.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Premature brains develop differently in boys and girls

A study found that premature baby boys' brains are affected more severely than girls', with significant sex differences in gray matter and white matter. The research used MRI scans to analyze the brains of 33 infants, showing that even at one year old, there are major sex differences.

Amino acid deficiency connected to new viral disease

Researchers found that patients with low arginine levels had lower blood platelet counts and impaired immune function. Supplementing arginine in SFTS patients increased platelet production and cleared the virus faster, providing hope for potential treatment targeting this amino acid.

Can video game exercises help chronic low back pain?

A new study found that home-based video-game exercises can significantly reduce chronic low back pain in older adults, with a 27% reduction in pain and a 23% increase in function. The program was well-compliant, with participants completing an average of 85% of recommended sessions.

Study: Difficult people have most to gain from practicing compassion

A York University study found that difficult people who practiced acts of kindness had the greatest reductions in depression and increases in life satisfaction. Researchers tracked over 640 participants who were mildly depressed and asked them to complete online compassion training exercises.

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.

Outside competition breeds more trust among coworkers: Study

A new study from the University of British Columbia and Princeton University found that intense competition fosters pro-social behavior, including sharing, co-operation, and volunteering. This results in higher levels of contribution to collective pools and reported increases in generalized trust among coworkers.

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.

Unprecedented ice loss in Russian ice cap

A new study by CU Boulder-led researchers reveals that the Vavilov Ice Cap has dramatically accelerated, losing massive amounts of ice mass and challenging scientists' assumptions. The rapid collapse raises concerns for glaciers in other polar regions.

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.

Analysis finds HPV vaccine safe

A review of bivalent HPV vaccine data found no new or unexpected safety concerns. The majority of adverse event reports were classified as non-serious and mild.

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.

A new carbon material with Na storage capacity over 400mAh/g

A new carbon material has been discovered with a high Na storage capacity of over 400mAh/g, outperforming current hard carbon materials. The bi-honeycomb-like architecture shows an 85% plateau capacity at low voltage, potentially increasing energy density in sodium-ion batteries.

UT engineers develop first method for controlling nanomotors

Researchers at UT Austin developed a novel technique to switch the mechanical motion of nanomotors using visible light, opening doors to autonomous and intelligent machines. The method enables tunable speed and efficient control of nanomotors for various applications.

College students have unequal access to reliable technology, study finds

A study by Indiana University sociologist Jessica Calarco found significant gaps in the quality and reliability of technology owned by college students. Students from low-income families and students of color were more likely to experience issues with their devices, leading to stress and negatively impacting academic performance.

New micro-platform reveals cancer cells' natural behavior

Researchers developed a new cell culture platform to observe cancer cells' never-before-seen behaviors, revealing the mechanisms behind pancreatic cancer's clinical properties. The study shows that cancer cells can self-organize into micro-tumors and evade the immune system by releasing chemical markers on their surfaces.

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 your cell phone camera tells you about your brain

Researchers connected cognitive science's Universal Law of Generalization to information theory, revealing that the brain approaches optimal performance in perception and memory. This discovery has implications for education, particularly in STEM fields, where students learn to differentiate between complex stimuli.

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.

Where you live might influence how you measure up against your peers

A recent study reveals that people tend to compare themselves more strongly in situations of social tightness, such as job interviews, or collective, interdependent social situations. The researchers found a link between cultural tightness, interdependence, and social comparison across individuals, situations, and cultures.

Journal of the American Medical Association shines spotlight on geroscience

The Journal of the American Medical Association highlights the growing field of geroscience, which seeks to understand and address the biological mechanisms underlying aging. Researchers from the American Federation for Aging Research are leading the way in this area, exploring therapeutic interventions and extending healthspan.

Study examines how heartfelt guilt affects individuals

A recent study in the Australian Journal of Psychology found that heartfelt guilt leads to elevated arousal and biased preferences towards cleansing products. Participants who experienced guilt showed enhanced memory recall of threat words and a stronger desire for cleaning items.

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.

Physicists train robotic gliders to soar like birds

Researchers from UC San Diego use reinforcement learning to train gliders to navigate atmospheric thermals, achieving heights of 700 meters. The study highlights vertical wind accelerations and roll-wise torques as key cues for soaring birds, with implications for autonomous flying vehicle development.

Time to ban the sale of energy drinks to children, says senior doctor

A senior doctor calls for a ban on the sale of caffeinated energy drinks to children in England, citing concerns over obesity and mental health problems. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health supports these restrictions, highlighting the need for improved evidence to protect young people's health.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria enhance plant salinity tolerance

Researchers found that inoculation of rice plants with Brevibacterium linens RS16 improved photosynthetic traits and reduced volatile emissions in response to salt stress. This non-invasive approach enhances plant salinity tolerance, offering a potential solution for crop productivity under saline conditions.

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.

'Hoppy' beer without exploding bottles and too much alcohol

Researchers have identified the biochemical basis of unintended consequences in dry-hopping beer production, including high alcohol content and pressure issues. By understanding the effects of hops on fermentation, brewers can better control beer quality and safety.

What treatable traits predict future asthma attacks?

A study published in Respirology found ten treatable traits predictive of future asthma attacks, including depression and vocal cord dysfunction. The findings may help clinicians tailor treatment plans for patients with severe asthma.

Searching for new bridge forms that can span further

Researchers have identified optimal bridge concepts that require minimal material volume, potentially making longer spans feasible. The proposed designs contain regions resembling a bicycle wheel and would be significantly lighter than traditional suspension bridge designs.

A little labeling goes a long way

New research reveals infants can acquire object categories using just a few labeled examples, sparking the process of categorization. This 'semi-supervised learning' strategy efficiently integrates all subsequent objects into their evolving category representation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Creating 3D printed 'motion sculptures' from 2D videos

A new system, MoSculp, uses algorithmic processing of 2D videos to generate 3D printed motion sculptures, providing a detailed study of human movement for athletes, dancers, and others. The system has been shown to improve visualization and analysis of complex motion in over 75% of user studies.

Scientists crack genetic code of cane toad

A team of researchers has successfully sequenced and assembled the cane toad genome, providing a reference for understanding its interplay with ecosystems. The findings also identify three new viruses that could potentially be used as biocontrol agents, offering new hope in controlling the invasive species' population.

Characterization of pregnancy microbiome reveals variations in bacterial diversity

Researchers characterized the maternal microbiome during pregnancy, revealing variations in bacterial diversity across different body sites and gestational stages. The study highlights the importance of the maternal microbiome in supporting healthy pregnancy outcomes and may inform targeted interventions to promote fetal development.

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.

Commercially relevant bismuth-based thin film processing

Researchers at Osaka University developed a two-step process to produce materials with good morphological properties and excellent photoresistor performance. The technique improves photo response performance by up to 100 times compared to other methods, making bismuth sulfide a promising material for optoelectronic devices.

Researchers develop microbubble scrubber to destroy dangerous biofilms

A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has developed a system that harnesses the power of bubbles to destroy microbial biofilms. The system uses diatoms loaded with an oxygen-generating chemical, which creates microbubbles that propel tiny particles through the surfaces of tough films and deliver an antiseptic deathblow to...

$2 million award to reimagine US power grid

Michigan State University has been awarded a $2 million grant to develop new designs for long-duration storage on the US power grid. The project, called Scalable Thermochemical Option for Renewable Energy Storage (STORES), aims to create modular thermal storage systems that can store heat energy in the form of chemical energy.

Magnetic field milestone

Physicists from the University of Tokyo have generated a record-breaking magnetic field of 1,200 teslas using electromagnetic flux compression. The field was sustained for over 100 microseconds, far exceeding previous records. This achievement has significant implications for material science and fusion power generation.

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.

UMN researchers discover influenza virus doesn't replicate equally in all cells

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have made a groundbreaking discovery about the influenza virus, finding that its replication rate differs significantly between various cell types. The study reveals that certain cells are protected from severe infection, while others remain vulnerable to viral damage.