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Science News Archive September 2018


Page 15 of 37

Fiber optic sensor measures tiny magnetic fields

Researchers developed a light-based technique for measuring weak magnetic fields, like those from the brain. The sensors can detect the brain's magnetic field and have the potential to replace MRI machines, offering an alternative for real-time brain activity mapping.

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.

More doctor visits lead to less suicide attempts for fibromyalgia patients

Fibromyalgia patients who regularly visit their physicians are much less likely to attempt suicide than those who do not. Regular care engagement is key in managing the disorder and reducing risk of suicide. The study suggests connecting patients at-risk with outpatient providers can improve care and reduce suicidal risk.

Co-evolution between a 'parasite gene' and its host

Researchers found a new mechanism by which small snoRNAs regulate the splicing process of host genes, ensuring proper protein production. This breakthrough discovery opens a new avenue of research into gene expression and has implications for understanding diseases like cancer.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Women who breastfeed for at least five months have more kids

A Cornell University study found that women who breastfeed their first child for five months or longer are more likely to have three or more children. The researchers suggest that long-duration breastfeeding may capture preferences about family and child investment among highly educated women.

Heartbeat paces learning

Researchers found that the cardiac cycle modulates neural responses to external information in humans and rabbits, with improved learning rates observed during the resting phase of the cardiac cycle. This suggests a potential link between bodily rhythms and learning, warranting further investigation.

Chemists produce and test novel solid oxide electrolysis cell

Chemists at Ural Federal University have created electrochemical cells for water electrolysis in the presence of carbon dioxide, demonstrating enhanced performance under 'hard' conditions. The study reveals that these cells can produce synthesis gas, a semi-finished fuel, with high efficiency and stability.

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.

NSF awards contract to group led by WHOI to continue OOI

The National Science Foundation has awarded a coalition of institutions, led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, a five-year, $220 million contract to operate and maintain the Ocean Observatories Initiative. The OOI is an advanced system that measures various ocean properties and processes.

Moderate warming could melt East Antarctic Ice Sheet

A study suggests that parts of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet would melt if Antarctica warms by 2°C for millennia, contributing to rising global sea levels. The research found evidence from warm periods in Earth's history indicating the ice sheet had retreated during similar warming conditions.

'Robotic skins' turn everyday objects into robots

Yale researchers have developed 'Robotic Skins' technology, enabling users to animate everyday objects and create multi-functional robots on the fly. The skins can perform different tasks depending on the properties of the soft objects and how they are applied, allowing for complex movements.

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 material without limits

Researchers at Lehigh University have developed a new, more efficient way to produce cubic boron nitride, a material with exceptional durability and potential for improved power conversion efficiency in electronic devices. The approach enables larger crystals of the material to be produced at lower costs and reduced energy consumption.

Diverse forests are stronger against drought

Research by University of Utah biologist William Anderegg and colleagues found that diverse forests are more resilient to droughts due to a variety of hydraulic traits in tree species. Forests with multiple types of trees and diverse water use patterns showed less impact from droughts, with satellite data confirming the findings.

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.

Regular, low-intensity exercise reduces severity of stroke

A recent study suggests that individuals who are physically active before suffering a stroke tend to have better outcomes, with milder symptoms. This protection is attributed to the maintenance of a complex network of blood vessels within the brain, which is promoted by exercise.

How long does a quantum jump take?

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have successfully measured the duration of the photoelectric effect, a crucial process in quantum physics. The results reveal that different quantum jumps take varying amounts of time, ranging from 100 to 45 attoseconds for electrons from tungsten atoms.

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.

New insight into aging

Researchers at McGill University found that aging brains retain neuroplasticity but experience dysregulation leading to unstable learning. Increasing GABA levels in older rats prolonged the effects of audio tone exposure, suggesting a potential strategy for improving retention in the aging brain.

Beyond archeology: NCALM pursues new technology, new projects

NCALM has made significant contributions to the field of Earth science, using lidar technology to map terrain and create detailed topographical maps. The center's work has also had practical significance, including assessing earthquake and landslide risks.

Newborn opioid withdrawal requires a 'cascade of care,' study suggests

A study published in Advances in Neonatal Care reports that managing neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) requires a cascade of care, emphasizing the need for improved coordination and resources. The researchers identified four essential areas to improve NAS care, including greater education and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

ESMO 2018 awardees announced

The ESMO Award 2018 is bestowed on Jean-Charles Soria, a pioneer in developing anti-cancer drugs, while Tony Mok receives the ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award for his practice-changing contribution to lung cancer. Pasi Jänne and Margaret Foti also receive awards for their translational research and mentorship efforts, respectively.

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.

Young children's oral bacteria may predict obesity

A study found that two-year-old children's oral bacteria may predict their weight gain trajectories, suggesting a potential early indicator for childhood obesity. Lower diversity in oral microbiota and a higher Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio were associated with rapid infant weight gain.

Origami inspires highly efficient solar steam generator

Researchers have developed a solar steam generator that approaches 100% efficiency for producing clean water from seawater. Inspired by origami, the device uses a 3D photothermal material to capture sunlight and evaporate water more efficiently than traditional flat devices.

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.

Puerto Rico, one year later

Chemists in Puerto Rico remained resilient and united after Hurricane Maria, causing a humanitarian crisis and billions of dollars in damage. The storm impacted the pharmaceutical industry, academic institutions, and environmental health, with researchers studying the effects on water and air quality.

Researchers train robotic gliders to soar

Scientists from the Salk Institute and UC San Diego use reinforcement learning to train gliders to navigate atmospheric thermals, reaching heights of 700 meters. The research highlights the role of vertical wind accelerations and roll-wise torques as navigational cues for soaring birds.

Study examines foraging of mountain gorillas for sodium-rich foods

A new study examines mountain gorilla foraging habits in Rwanda, highlighting the need to adapt local land use practices to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. The research reveals that accessing sodium-rich foods can lead to increased risk of hypothermia and crop damage, emphasizing the importance of reevaluating agricultural practices.

Zombie cells found in brains of mice prior to cognitive loss

Scientists report that senescent cells accumulate in certain brain cells prior to cognitive loss, but eliminating them diminishes tau protein aggregation and memory loss. The study identifies two brain cell types, microglia and astrocytes, as prone to senescence.

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.

Changes are needed to fund US water infrastructure

A new study highlights the need for policy changes to allow private capital to invest in US water systems with aging infrastructure. The Journal of the American Water Resources Association article notes that public-private partnerships and loan guarantees are hindered by existing federal budgetary policies.

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.

Fly mating choices may help explain variation across species

Researchers at the University of Stirling investigate how female dance flies use sexual ornaments to attract mates, finding that females deceive males by inflating their appearance to increase food rewards. This discovery sheds light on the role of sexual selection in creating diversity among species.

Zebrafish research highlights role of locus coeruleus in anesthesia

Researchers used a larval zebrafish model to explore neural mechanisms of general anesthesia. The study revealed that the locus coeruleus (LC) plays a modulatory role in both the induction of and emergence from intravenous general anesthesia via a cooperative mechanism with norepinephrine (NE).

Surviving insects and plants are tougher than we think

A new study suggests that insect pollinators and plants that have survived agricultural intensification are more likely to survive future environmental changes due to their ability to withstand stresses. These species include common weed species like brambles and thistles, as well as generalist pollinators that can feed on a wide varie...

International study suggests ancient globalization

A team of international scientists used radiocarbon dating to examine human societies on a broader and longer-term scale, finding that societies often experienced booms and busts simultaneously. This suggests that early globalization was possibly a strategy for societies to grow through migration, trade, and conflict with other societies.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Intestinal bacteria produce electric current from sugar

Researchers at Lund University discovered that intestinal bacteria like Enterococcus faecalis can generate an electric current from breaking down sugar inside their cells. This finding has implications for bioenergy production, waste treatment, and biosensors.

For-profit hospitals correlated with higher readmission rates

A University of Illinois Chicago study reveals that patients treated in for-profit hospitals have higher readmission rates compared to those in public or non-profit institutions. For-profit hospitals had the highest mean and median readmission ratios across six major diseases.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Father's obesity in early puberty doubles asthma-risk for future offspring

Research suggests that weight gain between childhood and puberty increases the risk of developing asthma later in life, including for future generations. The study found no correlation between weight gain before or after puberty, but rather a link to overall inflammation during this critical developmental period.

How slick water and black shale in fracking combine to produce radioactive waste

Researchers at Dartmouth College have characterized the phenomenon of radium transfer in hydraulic fracturing, a widely-used method for extracting oil and gas. The study found that radium present in the Marcellus Shale is leached into saline water, becoming increasingly enriched as wastewater travels through the fracture network.

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.

Nearly half of resident physicians report burnout

Burnout among US resident physicians is widespread, with high rates in urology, neurology, and emergency medicine. High levels of anxiety during medical school are associated with burnout symptoms during residency.