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Science News Archive September 2018


Page 4 of 37

Composite significantly reduces electromagnetic pollution

Researchers synthesized PANI/Zn ferrite composites, showing excellent microwave absorption performance. The fluffy structure and dielectric loss capabilities contribute to the attenuation of microwave energy, making this composite a good microwave absorber.

People can die from giving up the fight

Researchers describe five stages of give-up-itis, a condition characterized by progressive psychological decline and apathy, leading to potentially life-threatening consequences. The condition is triggered by severe trauma and affects the anterior cingulate circuit, governing motivation and goal-directed behavior.

Genetic analyses hone risk prediction for coronary disease

A recent study has shown that adding genetic factors to existing risk assessments can help predict future major coronary events in people with type 2 diabetes. The genetic score provides a significant improvement in correctly predicting cardiovascular risk, particularly when used early in life.

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.

Enhanced rehab for stroke doubles movement recovery

Researchers developed targeted plasticity therapy (TPT) to pair physical movements with vagus nerve stimulation, accelerating brain reorganization and recovery. The study found TPT to be twice as effective as traditional rehabilitation alone in doubling upper limb recovery rates.

True burden of stillbirths in Europe vastly underestimated

A study of 2.5 million babies in 19 European countries found that around one-third of stillbirths occur before 28 weeks of pregnancy but are not officially recognized, with significant gaps in knowledge of the burden of stillbirth. Improvements in reporting and policy can help acknowledge the loss of these parents' children.

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.

Stroke incidence rising in Taiwan contrary to falls in Western countries

A nationwide study in Taiwan found that stroke incidence is rising, contrary to declines in Western countries. The study examined hospital records of patients with a primary diagnosis of stroke between 2001 and 2013, and found that the incidence of ischemic stroke increased by 12% over 13 years.

Therapy applied directly inside the eye best for treating uveitic macular edema

A comparative clinical trial found that delivering corticosteroids directly into the eye is more effective than injecting them adjacent to the eye in treating uveitic macular edema. The treatment led to significant reductions in macular edema and improvements in visual acuity, with intravitreal triamcinolone and dexamethasone implant s...

Putting noise to work

Researchers have demonstrated that noise can induce coherence resonance in nonlinear systems, allowing for the detection of weak signals without a reference signal. The results show promise for developing passive lock-in amplifiers with reduced integration times and operating range.

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.

One hundred percent success

The University of Freiburg has been granted two Clusters of Excellence, CIBSS and livMatS, with funding of up to 100 million euros over seven years. The clusters will focus on biological signalling studies and bioinspired materials research.

PCB pollution threatens to wipe out killer whales

A new study published in the journal Science reveals that killer whale populations are severely affected by PCBs, with over half of studied populations showing significant declines. The research predicts that these populations may disappear within 30-50 years if current levels of pollution persist.

'Cellular memory' of DNA damage in oocyte quality control

New research reveals that Rnf212 helps create a 'cellular memory' of DNA damage in oocytes, allowing cells to assess the severity of defects and prevent defective eggs from being formed. This process ensures that only high-quality eggs are selected for the ovarian reserve.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why a 'cuckoo in the nest' can go undetected

Some species are unable to recognize genetic differences between their own offspring and those of intruders, leading to acceptance. Genetic features associated with recognition may have died out due to the disadvantage of being different, making it impossible for parents to reject parasitic offspring.

Viruses discern, destroy E. coli in drinking water

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new test that employs a bacteriophage to detect the presence of E. coli in drinking water. The test can provide results within hours, rather than days, allowing for faster action to be taken in case of contamination.

Decoding multiple frames from a single, scattered exposure

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technique to reconstruct sequence of diffuse images from one long photographic exposure. By using a coded aperture, they can extract individual frames from a single, scattered exposure, overcoming limitations such as motion and constant scattering medium.

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.

Improving kidney function in older populations

A study by Mohammad Asghar seeks to understand age-related kidney function impairment and identify targets for drug interventions. The researcher believes that mitochondrial respiration plays a critical role in maintaining normal kidney function.

Elusive stem cells could help repair damaged blood vessels

A unique source of stem cells in blood helps build blood vessels in embryos, contradicting previous theories. This finding brings scientists closer to using stem cells to repair damaged blood vessels and treat heart and circulatory diseases.

Heavy metal acts as heavy artillery against bacterial infections

Researchers found gallium effective in curbing bacterial growth in mice and patients with cystic fibrosis or chronic lung infections, including those infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Gallium's slow development of resistance makes it a potential alternative to standard antibiotics.

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.

Berkeley evolutionary biologist wins Milner Centre Prize

Dr Alison Feder's innovative work on HIV's high mutation rates and large population sizes has been recognized with the inaugural Milner Prize. Her research explores how drug resistance evolution affects patient dynamics, shedding light on the complex interactions between viruses and their hosts.

Shaking the swarm

Bees exhibit unique behavior when exposed to external loads, such as wind and rain. By analyzing their responses, researchers have gained insight into the collective problem-solving mechanisms of living systems.

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.

Researchers add surprising finds to the fossil record

Researchers discovered a new fossil that shows large angiosperm trees grew in North America by the Turonian age, dating back nearly 15 million years earlier than previously thought. This find provides more detail to our understanding of the landscape during this period and sheds light on the evolution of flowering plants.

Wearable defibrillator lowers sudden cardiac death, but only when you wear it

A UCSF-led study found that wearable cardioverter defibrillators lower mortality among patients who wear them consistently, but do not significantly reduce sudden cardiac death. The devices were more effective in reducing overall mortality, with a 35.5% lower risk of death compared to those who did not wear the device.

Baltimore liquor stores linked more to violent crime than bars and restaurants

A Baltimore study found that liquor stores have a stronger association with violent crimes, including homicides and aggravated assaults, compared to bars and restaurants. The researchers found that low-income neighborhoods have higher access to liquor stores and beer wine stores, which are linked to increased violence

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.

DEET scrambles worms' sense of smell

Researchers found that DEET interferes with Caenorhabditis elegans' neural circuitry, jumbling their response to certain odors. This knowledge could help develop more effective DEET alternatives.

Instrument boosts analysis of small, extremely dark materials

Researchers developed a new spectro-gonio radiometer called SHADOWS to analyze light reflected from very small or extremely dark materials. The instrument can probe samples measuring less than one millimeter cubed and provide information on physical and chemical properties.

Carnegie Mellon will help build 3D cellular map of human body

The Human BioMolecular Atlas Program (HuBMAP) aims to create a 3D map of the human body showcasing how tissues differ on a cellular level. This will provide scientists with a deeper understanding of tissue organization, growth, and function, ultimately leading to disease prevention.

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.

Spheres can make concrete leaner, greener

Researchers create spheres that can be made at low cost and promise to mitigate the energy-intensive techniques now used to make cement. The spheres are suitable for various applications, including bone-tissue engineering, insulation, ceramic, and composite materials.

Photonic chips harness sound waves to speed up local networks

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a chip-based technique that uses acoustic noise to increase signal capacity and processing speed in local networks. The new technology harnesses stimulated Brillouin scattering to extract and regenerate electronic signals, promising to reduce latency in high-speed services such as ...

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.

How to win friends online: It's not which groups you join, but how many

According to a study by Rice University data scientists, the number of groups and organizations an individual joins is crucial in forming online friendships. The researchers found that individuals who are active in multiple communities have a higher chance of meeting people with similar interests.

New protocol for measuring background levels of drugs in crime labs

Scientists at NIST and Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division developed a protocol to measure background drug levels, which can affect test results. The study found detectable amounts of 13 substances, including fentanyl, on various surfaces, highlighting the need for regular cleaning and increased sensitivity in labs.

Efficient generation of high-density plasma enabled by high magnetic field

Researchers at Osaka University developed a new method to efficiently heat plasma using high magnetic fields and relativistic electron beams. By guiding the beam along magnetic field lines, they achieved higher energy coupling rates than previous methods, making this approach more suitable for controlled nuclear fusion.

Otago discovery links DNA-packaging proteins and cancer development

Scientists have solved the structure of two proteins that control DNA packaging, potentially providing insights into why some people are at risk of developing specific cancers. The findings also shed light on how these proteins' mutations contribute to various types of cancer, including mesothelioma and leukemia.

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.

Both halves of NASA's Webb Telescope successfully communicate

The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully connected its two halves, enabling them to communicate like they will in flight. This test was a significant step forward for the program and provided an opportunity for engineers to fix any issues before launch.

Alcohol use in patients with chronic liver disease

Alcohol consumption is common among patients with liver disease, associated with poor outcomes. The authors advocate for expanded treatment of alcohol use disorder in everyday clinical practice, including patients with advanced liver disease.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Bad habits in childhood may lead to an 'unhealthy' balance of gut bacteria

A study suggests that childhood habits, including diet and physical activity, can shape the gut microbiota of teenagers, which may contribute to developing conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Healthy lifestyle habits during childhood appear to promote a balanced gut microbiota in late adolescence.

Is that selfie edited? Why it may matter for women viewers

A new study found that when women believed that selfies of thin and sexualized women had been edited, viewing these images had less negative impact on one aspect of their mental health. The study also found that participants judged women negatively for sharing edited pictures of themselves online.

Microplastics found deep in sand where turtles nest

Researchers from the University of Exeter discovered microplastics at depths of up to 60cm on beaches used by green turtles and loggerheads in Cyprus. The study found high levels of microplastics, which could alter conditions at hatching sites and impact turtle breeding.

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.

Milk protein shown to alleviate chemotherapy side effects

Researchers found that daily lactoferrin supplementation can change salivary protein profiles in cancer patients, protecting their taste buds and odor perception. This could help patients recover from chemotherapy with improved nutrition and quality of life.

The notorious luminous blue variable star

Three-dimensional simulations of the luminous blue variable star have revealed the physical forces behind its wild variations in brightness and spectrum. The simulations show that convection plays a key role in triggering outbursts, with helium opacity being a crucial factor.

Is student debt keeping Americans away from marriage?

Research shows that modern couples are delaying marriage to focus on paying off student loans and saving. The study highlights how attitudes towards marriage, living together, and debt have changed over two generations, suggesting that debt is becoming a barrier to marriage.

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.