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Science News Archive September 2018


Page 19 of 37

Keep cool: Researchers develop magnetic cooling cycle

Scientists create six-step cycle that uses magnetic materials to cool down, reducing greenhouse impact of traditional refrigerants. The technology could be more efficient than vapor compression and has potential for widespread use.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New blood test detects early stage pancreatic cancer

Researchers have developed a new blood test that can detect pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages with 96% accuracy, providing a potential breakthrough for earlier diagnosis and treatment. The test uses an antibody microarray to identify specific immune-regulatory proteins and cancer-associated antigens.

Tropics are widening as predicted by climate models, research finds

Research finds that climate models and observational data match up well in predicting the widening of the tropics. The expansion may continue over the next several decades, with varying rates from year to year and location to location. The study's findings have added confidence to predictions based on current climate models.

World's first passive anti-frosting surface fights ice with ice

Researchers at Virginia Tech developed a passive anti-frosting surface that keeps surfaces 90% dry and frost-free in humid, sub-freezing conditions. The surface uses intentional ice stripes to create low-pressure zones, pulling moisture from the air onto the nearest ice stripe.

Eelgrass wasting disease has new enemies: Drones and artificial intelligence

A team of scientists is using a holistic approach to understand the causes of eelgrass wasting disease, deploying drones, artificial intelligence, and geographers to survey seagrass beds across 36 sites from San Diego to Alaska. The project aims to unravel why some eelgrasses fall victim to the disease while others resist it.

Thinking beyond yourself can make you more open to healthy lifestyle choices

A new study published in PNAS found that engaging in self-transcendence tasks can increase receptivity to health messages and lead to increased physical activity. Participants who reflected on values bigger than themselves showed greater brain activity in reward regions compared to those who focused on their own least important values.

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.

What recipes produce a habitable planet?

A cross-disciplinary team led by Rice University will investigate the formation of life-essential elements in rocky planets during their early evolution. The CLEVER Planets project aims to understand how these elements survive turbulent periods and ultimately lead to habitability, with a focus on rocky worlds beyond our solar system.

Development of insect wing vein patterns

A developmental model was constructed to recreate the intricate patterns of secondary veins in insect wings. The study analyzed images from 232 species and found that the model effectively recreated venation patterns across three orders.

The gene code of growing limbs

Researchers identified six main combinations of five Hoxd genes involved in digit development in mice, providing a higher resolution and clarity in understanding how architect genes orchestrate the rhythm of development. This study offers a new perspective on limb patterning motifs and could pave the way for future genetic work.

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.

Soil holds the secret to mitigating climate change

Researchers found that soil's health can be improved through agronomic management, such as cover crops and conservation tillage. This approach can help preserve crop yields and mitigate the effects of climate change on global food supply.

College students vs. mathematics: why the difficulties?

A University of Houston researcher is studying 1,000 community college students taking developmental math coursework to understand the causes of math struggles. The four-year study aims to identify factors contributing to math learning disabilities and develop strategies for early intervention.

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.

Tiny fossils reveal how shrinking was essential for successful evolution

A new study reveals that getting smaller was crucial for mammalian evolution, reducing jaw stresses while maintaining feeding power. The research used CT scans and computer simulations to analyze fossil skulls and lower jaws, providing a new explanation for the mammalian jaw's unique structure.

Compact fiber laser may enable wearable tech and better endoscopes

Researchers developed a smart, flexible photoacoustic imaging technique using a compact fiber laser that may have potential applications in wearable devices, instrumentation, and medical diagnostics. The new technique provides better sensitivity than existing piezoelectric transducers for medical imaging.

Aspirin found not to prolong healthy aging

A large international study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that daily low-dose aspirin has no effect on healthy independent living in older adults. The study enrolled over 19,000 participants and followed them for an average of 4.7 years.

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.

New online tools provide best practices in surgical care for older adults

The American Geriatrics Society unveiled a suite of online tools to aid surgeons in caring for older adults, with nine interactive clinical scenarios exploring unique challenges and opportunities in surgical care. The tools aim to improve care for the growing population of older adults undergoing surgery.

Ceres takes life an ice volcano at a time

A new study on Ceres reveals that the dwarf planet's ice volcanoes generate an average of more than 13,000 cubic yards of cryovolcanic material each year. This amount is equivalent to filling a movie theater or four Olympic-sized swimming pools.

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.

Paris climate targets could be exceeded sooner than expected

A new study accounts for permafrost carbon release in emission budgets, showing the world may exceed Paris climate targets sooner than thought. Permafrost thaw causes large amounts of previously trapped carbon to be released into the atmosphere, making it a critical factor in estimating emission budgets.

A protective shield for sensitive enzymes in biofuel cells

A team of researchers has developed a new mechanism to protect enzymes from oxygen as biocatalysts in fuel cells. The protective mechanism is based on oxygen-consuming enzymes that draw their energy from sugar, allowing for the production of a functional biofuel cell with high efficiency.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UNIST drone innovation to clean up water pollution

A UNIST student startup team, LOAD, has developed a drone-based system for efficient water quality monitoring. The system uses a portable analysis device on the drone's lower part to maximize accuracy and speed in data collection.

AVMA recognizes UTCVM's Rouse with Lifetime Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Barry Rouse, a renowned immunologist, has received the American Veterinary Medical Association's Lifetime Excellence in Research Award for his groundbreaking work on HSV-1 and ocular disease. He has continuously funded research since 1978, garnering over $20 million in funding and publishing more than 400 scientific manuscripts.

Understanding surface science to manufacture quality cosmetics

A research team studied liquid penetration on rough surfaces, providing key findings for everyday products like cosmetics and industrial applications. The study identifies five variables controlling cavity-filling rates, required for liquids to penetrate cavities in surfaces.

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.

More than 4 billion birds stream overhead during fall migration

Researchers estimate 4 billion birds migrate through the US each year, with an average return rate of 76% for short-distance migrants and 64% for long-distance migrants. The study reveals that tropical wintering species survive better than those in the US, despite longer migrations.

Resynchronizing neurons to erase schizophrenia

Researchers at UNIGE successfully resynchronized neurons to correct desynchronization in neural networks, suppressing behavioral symptoms associated with schizophrenia. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, offers promising results for a new therapeutic approach targeting defective inhibitory neurons.

Shifting focus from life extension to 'healthspan' extension

Researchers recommend focusing on healthspan instead of life extension to address frailty and disease towards the end of life. Olshansky advocates for prioritizing health over extending lifespan, citing the need to address disparities in healthcare access and nutritious living.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Sperm quality study updates advice for couples trying to conceive

A recent study published in Molecular and Cellular Proteomics found that men should have frequent sex around the time of ovulation to improve their chances of conception. The research suggests that longer periods of abstinence can cause DNA damage in sperm, negatively impacting fertility rates.

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.

Anthropogenic impacts on phenotypic selection

Researchers analyzed literature from 1999 to 2018 and found no stronger phenotypic selection in populations exposed to anthropogenic selection pressures. Some human disturbances may reduce selection by increasing fitness and decreasing opportunities for selection.

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.

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.

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.

Cord blood clue to respiratory diseases

Researchers found high immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels among babies born in October and December in Melbourne, indicating a potential link between maternal exposure to grass pollen and increased risk of respiratory diseases. Conversely, being pregnant for an entire grass pollen season may have a protective effect on babies.

Virtual simulation and 3D modeling assure high performance of projects

Tau Flow's computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology creates virtual prototypes of processes or environments, reducing time and money spent on trial and error methods. The company has successfully implemented its solution in various industries, including Formula 1, cosmetics, and mining.

Geologists reveal ancient connection between England and France

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that the British mainland was formed from the collision of three ancient continental land masses: Avalonia, Laurentia, and Armorica. This finding explains the abundance of tin and tungsten in South West England, which is also found in Brittany and other areas of mainland Europe.

People with asthma at higher risk of becoming obese

A new study has found that people with asthma are more likely to become obese, especially if their asthma begins in adulthood or if they have non-allergic asthma. The research, which followed over 8,600 participants for two decades, suggests the relationship between asthma and obesity is more complex than previously thought.