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Science News Archive September 2018


Page 36 of 37

NASA-funded rocket to view sun with X-ray vision

Scientists are developing a NASA-funded rocket called FOXSI to study the Sun's X-ray emissions. The mission will use X-ray vision to detect nanoflares, which are intense eruptions that heat the solar atmosphere to millions of degrees Fahrenheit.

Coastal researchers examine resource scarcity and poverty traps in coastal Tanzania

Researchers are evaluating 13 villages across Tanzania's Pangani and Rufiji districts to identify how small communities get caught in poverty traps. They're also analyzing the local mangrove ecosystems, including their role as a habitat for commercially valuable fish and other species. The study aims to create a predictive socio-ecolog...

Ohio State scientists identify hormone link between diabetes and hypertension

Researchers found that high levels of aldosterone increase insulin resistance and impair insulin secretion, leading to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. African Americans with high aldosterone levels have almost a three-fold increased risk, while Chinese Americans are 10 times more likely to develop diabetes.

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.

Genome-wide study identifies genes linked to diverticular disease

Researchers identified 42 locations associated with 99 genes of interest in a genome-wide association study of over 500,000 people. The analysis found genes related to connective tissue cells and pathways, which could inform the development of new treatments for diverticulitis.

Eye movements take edge off traumatic memories

Researchers found that EMDR suppresses fear-related amygdala activity during recall of traumatic memories. The treatment also enhances extinction learning by deactivating the amygdala, a critical brain region for fear learning.

New smart materials could open new research field

Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered new smart materials that can work at extremely high temperatures, enabling improved fuel burn efficiency in jet engines. These materials also have the potential to reduce airplane noise over residential areas, offering a promising new application in various industries.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers study how wolf predation shapes elk antler evolution

Researchers found that wolves prefer to hunt bulls who have already shed their antlers, suggesting that antlers serve as a deterrent against wolf predation. This discovery provides insight into the evolution of elk antler retention time and challenges previous assumptions about the role of antlers in elk behavior.

Researchers outline game-theory approach to better understand genetics

Researchers outline a novel view of biochemistry as a signaling game between genes and their associated macromolecules, where sender and receiver interactions lead to biochemical reactions. This approach reveals the presence of molecular deception and conflict of interest between gene players, with potential implications for understand...

New study finds patients want more information about their medicine

A recent study published in Health & Social Care in the Community found that over a quarter of patients want more information about their medicines, while nearly half are concerned about long-term adverse effects. The research also revealed that older patients feel using regular medicines is less burdensome than younger patients.

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.

Expressing your gratitude is more powerful than you think

A new study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that people significantly underestimate the positive impact of writing letters of gratitude. Researchers discovered that recipients felt surprisingly happy and not awkwardly, dispelling concerns about effective expression.

Superbug discovery renews hope for antibiotic treatment

Research at the University of Edinburgh found that a previously thought-to-be ineffective antibiotic, fosfomycin, can actually kill Listeria bacteria in infected cells and mice. This breakthrough may provide new treatment options for life-threatening Listeria cases.

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.

Blue-green algae promises to help boost food crop yields

Scientists at Australian National University have engineered tiny carbon-capturing engines from blue-green algae into plants, promising a 60% increase in plant growth and yield. This breakthrough improves the way crops convert carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight into energy through enhanced photosynthesis.

Superradiance: Quantum effect detected in tiny diamonds

Researchers at TU Wien have measured the phenomenon of superradiance in tiny diamond defects, where one atom causes other atoms to emit energy as light. This creates an intense flash of quantum light that happens within 100 nanoseconds.

Brain scans could distinguish bipolar from depression

Researchers found that brain activity in the amygdala responds differently to facial expressions in individuals with bipolar disorder versus those with depression. The study demonstrated 80% accuracy in distinguishing between the two conditions. This finding holds promise for improving diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

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.

Evolutionary origins of animal biodiversity

Research team analyzed thousands of features across all living animal groups to create a 'shape space' for animal body plans. The results show that fundamental evolutionary change occurred in fits and starts, with animal designs continuing to evolve to the present day.

Boosting gravitational wave detectors with quantum tricks

A group of scientists from the Niels Bohr Institute aim to improve gravitational wave detectors by incorporating a 'filter' made of cesium atoms, which can neutralize Quantum Back Action and increase accuracy. The development is expected to show proof of concept within three years.

Evolution of animal designs

The study reveals that animal biodiversity has expanded episodically to the present day, contrary to theories of a single Cambrian explosion. The development of life until the Cambrian period included a wide range of designs, with regulatory genes playing a key role in increasing diversity.

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.

Amplification of extreme precipitation events

A modeling study demonstrated that latent heating can amplify moisture-driven increases in extreme precipitation by up to a factor of two. The analysis focused on a 2015 extreme precipitation event in Texas.

Children born through IVF may have higher risk of hypertension

A Swiss study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that children born through IVF may have a higher risk of developing arterial hypertension by age 16. The study measured ambulatory blood pressure and found that ART adolescents had a higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure than control participants.

Falling stars hold clue for understanding dying stars

Researchers have proposed a new method to investigate supernovae explosions, utilizing meteorites and electron anti-neutrinos. By measuring the amount of Ruthenium isotope 98Ru, scientists can estimate the characteristics of electron anti-neutrinos in supernovae, shedding light on their role in the explosion mechanism.

Light exchange

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have successfully demonstrated a logic gate that enables the exchange of information between photons and atoms, a breakthrough necessary for scaling up quantum computers. This achievement paves the way for the development of more powerful quantum computing systems.

Can sustainable development co-exist with current economic growth?

New research suggests that high- and low-income countries will struggle to achieve environmental sustainability if current economic growth patterns continue. The study argues that restructuring the economic system is key to making development compatible with ecological sustainability.

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.

Pathology and social interactions: Safety in numbers

Researchers found that social isolation accelerates tumor growth in sick flies, while healthy flies avoid sick individuals with advanced tumors. This study suggests that social interactions play a substantial role in cancer development and progression.

New research shows how children want their food served

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that children have different food serving preferences based on their age and gender. Younger girls prefer separate servings, while boys of the same age do not care about presentation style. The research also shows that older children prefer mixed or combined ingredients in their meals.

Mud from the deep sea reveals clues about ancient monsoon

Researchers reconstructed history of monsoon activity in northern Mexico using leaf wax compounds from deep sea sediments, settling a long-standing debate over its impact on ice age climates. The study helps predict regional climate responses to future conditions by understanding past variability.

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.

Body temperature regulation: how fever comes

A study by Takeo Nakanishi at Kanazawa University found that fever is regulated by prostaglandin E2 and OATP2A1 transporters, suggesting these as potential therapeutic targets for treating fever-related conditions.

Neutrophil nanosponges soak up proteins that promote rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed nanosponges that can safely absorb and neutralize a variety of proteins involved in rheumatoid arthritis progression. These nanosponges effectively treated severe rheumatoid arthritis in two mouse models, reducing swelling and minimizing cartilage damage.

Telescope maps cosmic rays in large and small magellanic clouds

Researchers used the Murchison Widefield Array to observe radiation from cosmic rays in two neighboring galaxies, detecting areas of star formation and remnants from past supernovae. The study provides insights into the rate of star formation in these galaxies, shedding light on their unique features.

How sickled red blood cells stick to blood vessels

Researchers found that immature reticulocytes are more prone to stick to blood vessel walls, leading to vaso-occlusive pain crises. A new microfluidic system mimicked post-capillary vessels, revealing how low oxygen levels cause sickle red cells to form stiff fibers that increase adhesion.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Infants can distinguish between leaders and bullies, study finds

A new study found that 21-month-old infants can recognize power differences between characters and expect those differences to endure over time. Infants understand that with leaders, they must obey even when the leader is not present, but with bullies, they only obey when the bully is around.

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.

Scientists pioneer a new way to turn sunlight into fuel

Researchers at St John's College, University of Cambridge, successfully split water into hydrogen and oxygen using semi-artificial photosynthesis, producing more solar energy than natural photosynthesis. This innovation could revolutionize renewable energy production with a green and unlimited source of energy.

Terahertz spectroscopy enters the single-molecule regime

Researchers at The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science developed a method to detect the motion of individual molecules using terahertz radiation. This breakthrough allows for the study of molecular vibrations and electron tunneling with unprecedented sensitivity.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Can social media networks reduce political polarization on climate change?

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that exposure to anonymous, bipartisan social networks can lead liberals and conservatives to improve their forecasting of global-climate trends. In the study, 88% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats correctly analyzed climate data after interacting in social media networks.

Like a zipper -- how cells form new blood vessels

Researchers at the University of Basel have found that endothelial cells can migrate within vessel sprouts while remaining firmly attached to each other. This process allows for the formation of a complex network of blood vessels that pass through the body from head to toe.

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.

Satellites more at risk from fast solar wind than a major space storm

A new UK-US study found that electron radiation levels within the Van Allen radiation belts can remain exceptionally high for 5 days or more after a solar wind event. This increases the risk of damage to satellites' electronic components, potentially leading to malfunctions and service outages.

Nalbuphine may help manage opioid-induced urine retention

Researchers found that nalbuphine effectively treated opioid-induced urine retention in a patient, suggesting it as a potential solution for those unable to use catheters. WHO guidelines also recently made recommendations on treatment intensification for type 2 diabetes and insulin use for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

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.