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Science News Archive 2019


Page 54 of 486

Shark proof wetsuit material could help save lives

A new wetsuit material with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers can help reduce injuries from White Shark bites. The study found that the new fabrics were more resistant to puncture, laceration, and bites than standard neoprene.

Quantum computers learn to mark their own work

Researchers at University of Warwick develop protocol to measure how close a quantum computer's answer is to correct ones. This helps confirm if quantum computer has outperformed classical computers, so-called quantum supremacy.

Extraterrestrial biologically important sugars

Researchers found ribose and other biologically important sugars in meteorites, hinting at prebiotic origins on Earth. The discovery implies that sugars could have formed in space and been delivered to our planet, contributing to the emergence of life.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A four-way switch promises greater tunability of layered materials

A new material phase has been discovered that enables unique control over material properties, including electrical conduction. This discovery paves the way for manipulating these properties using temperature, pressure, and electric fields, opening up exciting opportunities for ultrathin energy and electronics technologies.

Self-cannibalizing mitochondria may set the stage for ALS development

Researchers discovered a phenomenon in brain cells where mitochondria 'eat themselves up' at an early stage of neurodegeneration. The study found that this self-destruction is selectively present in neurons prone to degeneration in ALS patients, providing potential targets for new therapies.

Mechanism connects early binge drinking to adult behaviors

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that intermittent exposure to high levels of alcohol in adolescent animals leads to altered gene expression in adulthood. Blocking microRNA-137 in adulthood reverses or reduces the lasting effects of youth drinking, such as increased anxiety and alcohol use.

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.

Quantum light improves sensitivity of biological measurements

Researchers used quantum light to track enzyme reactions in real-time without disrupting enzymatic activity, providing a potential breakthrough for biomedical applications. The technique combines quantum physics and biology to improve sensitivity and resolution.

Chemical and microbial diversity in boreal lakes

A study found that boreal lakes exhibit enhanced chemical and microbial diversity in response to rising organic matter levels, leading to increased decomposition of carbon dioxide and methane. This correlation has significant implications for the global carbon cycle and potential greenhouse gas emissions.

Protein imaging at the speed of life

The European XFEL has enabled scientists to create molecular movies of ultrafast protein movement, allowing them to observe proteins' physical functioning and enzyme activity in real-time. This breakthrough capability opens the door to answering bigger biological questions and potentially saving lives.

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.

Personality traits affect retirement spending

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that people with greater conscientiousness, extroversion, and positive emotions withdraw from their retirement portfolios at a lower rate. However, higher portfolio withdrawal rates may be concerning if it leads to early depletion of savings.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Gene therapy: Development of new DNA transporters

Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed new DNA transporters using artificial fats, offering a promising alternative to modified viruses. The lipids can encapsulate nucleic acids, protect them from degradation, and introduce them into cells efficiently.

UCLouvain strengthens connectivity of 1 in 8 of world's smartphones

UCLouvain's research developed Multipath TCP to support expanding global internet traffic, improving Wi-Fi and mobile network switching. The protocol is used by 800 million iPhones and has won international awards, enhancing connectivity in rural areas and offering a win-win for subscribers and telecom operators.

A genetic tug-of-war between the sexes begets variation

A study by Uppsala University researchers found a genetic tug-of-war between males and females that maintains genetic variation. This conflict leads to different gene variants being favored in each sex, contributing to the balance of genetic diversity.

Bees 'surf' atop water

Researchers discovered that bees use a specific wing motion to create a wave and propel themselves forward, essentially 'surfing' on the water's surface. This unique adaptation enables bees to escape drowning by generating a strong enough force to reach land.

Vietnam-era women veterans continue to experience wartime stress

A recent study found that Vietnam-era women veterans continue to struggle with stress-related mental health conditions, including PTSD, major depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. Exposure to sexual discrimination and harassment while deployed was a significant risk factor for poor health outcomes and increased disability.

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.

Four ways to curb light pollution, save bugs

Artificial light at night negatively impacts thousands of species, causing global declines in abundance. Experts recommend turning off unnecessary lights, using motion-activated fixtures, and selecting amber-colored lights to curb light pollution and preserve insect populations.

Switching to renewable energy could save thousands of lives in Africa

A new study from Harvard University and the University of Leicester estimates that nearly 50,000 people could die prematurely each year from fossil fuel emissions in Africa by 2030. The researchers found that a shift to clean energy sources could have a substantial health benefit for Africans.

Sierra Nevada has oldest underground water recharge system in Europe

Researchers from Spain and Portugal have identified the careo irrigation channels of Sierra Nevada as the oldest underground aquifer recharge system in Europe. The study, published in Journal of Hydrology, reveals that this ancient technique was used to channel water for centuries, with evidence dating back to the 11th Century.

Don't confuse luck with skill when rewarding performance

Researchers analyzed European football league matches to find that 'lucky' goals often led to increased playing time and ratings for players. The study highlights the importance of taking process and effort into account when evaluating performance to avoid bias and ensure fair rewards.

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.

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.

Rare genetic variants predispose to sudden cardiac death

Researchers identified rare DNA variants in 1% of asymptomatic adults that substantially increase risk of sudden cardiac death. Genetic sequencing may enable new opportunities to identify high-risk individuals prior to any symptoms.

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.

New catalysts remove NOx pollutants at lower temperatures

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a low-temperature catalyst using bulk defective vanadium oxide to remove NOx gas from industrial exhaust. The catalyst works at temperatures below 150 degrees Celsius with higher efficiency than conventional catalysts.

The Mark Foundation funds projects at the intersection of AI and cancer research

The Mark Foundation has awarded $2.2 million to fund projects exploring the intersection of AI and cancer research, including detecting pancreatic cancer tumors using 3D renderings and predicting patient responses to immunotherapies. Researchers aim to develop new tools for early cancer detection and improve treatment outcomes.

Ischemia trial validates current practice standards

The ISCHEMIA trial found that early revascularization doesn't lower rates of death or heart failure in stable patients, but improves quality of life and reduces spontaneous heart attacks. The study confirms the effectiveness of PCI in relieving angina symptoms.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Hot electrons harvested without tricks

Scientists have found a way to harness excess energy from photons that are too energetic for materials to absorb, potentially increasing the efficiency of solar panels. By combining a perovskite with an acceptor material, hot electrons can be readily absorbed, even without slowing down their loss of energy.

Opioid overdose deaths among younger medicare patients with disability

Researchers found a significant increase in opioid overdose deaths among younger Medicare patients with disabilities, from 57.4 per 100,000 in 2012 to 77.6 per 100,000 in 2016. Adults with psychiatric diseases, substance use disorder, and chronic pain had higher rates of opioid overdose death.

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.

NASA gets an eyeful of Typhoon Fengshen

Typhoon Fengshen strengthened from a tropical storm to a typhoon with an eye, producing deep convection and strong thunderstorms. The storm made landfall near Japan's Iwo To Island, expected to weaken over the next five days.

Evmenova receives Wiley Education Services Enhancement Grant

Anna Evmenova, a George Mason University Associate Professor, has received a $6,000 grant from Wiley Edu to refine and test an existing content slider in her EDAT 524: Universal Design for Learning course. The project aims to improve students' engagement in online self-assessment.

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.

New cell therapy improves memory and stops seizures following TBI

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine developed a cell therapy that transplants inhibitory neurons to improve memory precision after traumatic brain injury. The treatment prevented seizures in mice with traumatic brain injuries, showing promising results for potential human treatment.

Jackdaw mobs flip from chaos to order as they grow

Researchers observed a dramatic shift from chaotic to ordered motion in jackdaw mobs as they grew in density. The birds initially follow 'topological' rules for winter roosting but switch to 'metric' rules for predator avoidance, leading to the emergence of organized behavior.

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.

A marvelous molecular machine

Scientists discovered that reflectin proteins control iridocytes, which contribute to changing visibility and appearance. The proteins fold up when phosphate groups are added, exposing sticky surfaces that allow them to clump together, creating an osmotic motor that responds to neuronal signals.

Nudge increases cancer screening orders, but patient-facing nudge needed, too

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that implementing an electronic health record nudge increased cancer screening orders by 22% and 14%, respectively. However, the study also showed that patients' follow-through on screenings remained largely unchanged. The researchers suggest that future intervent...

eDNA reveals where endangered birds of a feather flock together

Australian scientists have developed a genetic probe to detect eDNA of the endangered Gouldian finch, revealing its habitat and distribution. The test uses a PCR primer to amplify mitochondrial DNA and a species-specific probe to identify Gouldian finch DNA, increasing knowledge on population trends.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.