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Science News Archive 2019


Page 74 of 486

Bead-making complex off the Florida coast

Researchers uncover ancient bead-making settlement on Raleigh Island, featuring high-production facilities for lightning whelk shells. The site predates the Mississippian era chiefdoms and offers insights into pre-Columbian economies.

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.

National-scale study shows that invasive grasses promote wildfire

A recent national-scale analysis found that invasive grasses can significantly increase wildfire risk, with some doubling fire frequency in affected areas. Eight non-native grass species, including cheatgrass and buffelgrass, were identified as major contributors to increased fire occurrence.

Researchers lift the curtain behind the 'black box' of data broker records

A study by INFORMS journal Marketing Science found that data records used in targeted advertising are not as reliable as assumed, with accuracy rates varying between demographics and interests. The researchers conducted field tests to assess the effectiveness of third-party consumer profiling and found mixed results.

Light-based 'tractor beam' assembles materials at the nanoscale

Scientists at the University of Washington create a method to assemble nanoscale semiconductor materials into larger structures using optical tweezers. The technique allows for precise control over material size and shape, with potential applications in quantum computing.

NASA provides an infrared analysis of Tropical Cyclone Maha

Tropical Cyclone Maha was a powerful storm with the potential to generate heavy rainfall, as revealed by NASA's infrared analysis. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 100 knots and circling strongest storms at cloud top temperatures of minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.

University of Utah economists tally societal cost of preterm birth

The total cost of preterm birth in the US was estimated to be $25.2 billion in 2016, with an average cost of $64,815 per birth. Preterm births are a leading cause of infant mortality and maternal health issues, with over 22,000 babies dying before their first birthday annually.

High frequencies and speech perception

Researchers found that extended high-frequency hearing loss contributes to difficulty hearing speech in noisy environments even in individuals with normal hearing. The study suggests EHF hearing may predict age-related hearing loss at an early age, highlighting the importance of preventive measures.

Shark skin microbiome resists infection

A study found that shark skin microbiomes resist infection and maintain native bacterial communities even after injury. Regional differences were also detected in the microbial communities across different locations.

Invasive grasses and fire regimes in the United States

Non-native invasive grasses increase fire occurrence and frequency across multiple ecoregions in the United States. Eight species showed significant increases in fire size and six in fire frequency, posing a risk to vulnerable ecosystems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Protein Data Bank at Rutgers Awarded $34.5 million grant

The Protein Data Bank at Rutgers has received a $34.5 million grant over five years to enhance services and improve the quality of its vast repository of 3D biomolecular structures. With more than 150,000 structures available, the data bank plays a crucial role in discovering lifesaving drugs and supporting various fields of research.

Deep sea vents had ideal conditions for origin of life

A UCL-led research team has successfully created self-assembling protocells in hot, alkaline seawater, a key stepping stone to cell-based life. The study suggests that heat and alkalinity are necessary for the formation of life, adding weight to the theory that deep-sea hydrothermal vents could be the origin of life.

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.

Studies find nurse-led program improves care of older adults

A nurse-led program has been shown to improve the care of older adults, with improved patient safety, quality of care, and reduced complications. The program addresses issues specific to this population, including falls, medications, and dementia symptom management, and helps healthcare providers become unit-based leaders.

Cell signalling breakthrough opens up new avenues for research

A team led by Professor Claire Eyers has made a major breakthrough in cell signalling research, revealing a diverse and complex phenomenon of protein modification. The study found that approximately one-third of unique 'non-canonical' phosphorylation sites exist in addition to the well-studied serine, threonine and tyrosine residues.

Suspended layers make a special superconductor

Researchers at the University of Groningen have created a new type of superconductor using suspended layers of molybdenum disulfide. The superconductivity is strongly protected against external magnetic fields, even in extremely strong static magnetic fields.

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.

Tethered chem combos could revolutionize artificial photosynthesis

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new approach to artificial photosynthesis that improves the efficiency of capturing light and splitting water molecules to produce hydrogen fuel. The system uses molecular tethers to attach chromophores to catalysts, allowing for stable and efficient electron transfer and ge...

Peering into a more 'human' petri dish

Cell culture media has remained relatively unchanged for over 70 years, but Jason Cantor is developing 'physiologic media' that closely mimics real biological conditions. This allows researchers to study cell behavior in a more accurate and relevant way, potentially revealing fundamental insights into human diseases such as blood cancer.

ACP issues guidance for colorectal cancer screening

The American College of Physicians recommends screening for colorectal cancer in adults at average risk who do not have symptoms. The recommended screening frequency varies depending on the chosen strategy, with options including fecal immunochemical tests, colonoscopy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy.

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.

Health care provider deserts may leave patients in the cold

Researchers found that people with ACA health insurance are more likely to find themselves in 'artificial provider deserts,' areas with limited coverage, and must travel further to access care. The study highlights the need for consumers to carefully consider their insurance options to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Some skin cancers may start in hair follicles

Researchers found that newly cancerous pigment stem cells migrate up and out of hair follicles to establish melanomas in nearby surface skin before spreading deeper. This discovery sheds new light on the biology of melanoma and suggests potential new ideas for treatment.

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.

2D antimony holds promise for post-silicon electronics

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new material, 2D antimony, which holds promise for manufacturing even smaller computer chips. The material has high charge mobility, making it a suitable alternative to silicon, and its properties could lead to the discovery of even better materials.

Deep neural networks uncover what the brain likes to see

Researchers developed a novel computational approach using deep artificial neural networks to predict neural responses to images. The study found that certain stimuli, such as checkerboards or sharp corners, elicit strong responses from neurons, contradicting current dogma in the field.

New research project to tackle emergency natural disaster response problems

A new research project aims to improve natural disaster emergency preparedness and response in countries badly affected by earthquakes, flooding, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. The RESPOND-OR project will investigate issues relating to emergency response management of large-scale natural disasters in Indonesia and Sudan.

RoboBee powered by soft muscles

Researchers at Harvard develop resilient RoboBee with soft artificial muscles that can withstand collisions and achieve controlled hovering flight. The breakthrough solves long-standing challenges in microrobotics, paving the way for potential applications in search and rescue missions.

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.

Better autonomous 'reasoning' at tricky intersections

Researchers have developed a new model to help autonomous vehicles navigate intersections with obstructed views, reducing the risk of collisions. The model estimates risks based on factors like sensor noise, driver awareness, and occlusions.

Sea-level rise and Paris Agreement pledges

Researchers estimate that greenhouse gas emissions up to 2030 will contribute approximately 1m of sea-level rise by 2300, with the top 5 emitters responsible for around 25% of this increase. Stringent near-term emission reductions are necessary to limit long-term sea-level rise

Fighting the HIV epidemic

A new study found that stigma about HIV preventive medication (PrEP) use is significantly associated with lower intention to start PrEP among women. The study recommends expanding public messaging, addressing stereotype beliefs, and designing interventions that integrate stigma reduction at the individual and community levels.

Neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease

Researchers discovered that DAPPD promotes phagocytosis of microglia cells, leading to reduced amyloid deposition and improved cognitive function. The study suggests that targeting neuroinflammation may be a viable therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.

ACP issues new guidance statement for colorectal cancer screening

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released a new guidance statement for colorectal cancer screening in average-risk adults between 50 and 75 years old. The guidance suggests that physicians select the most suitable screening test for each patient based on factors such as benefits, harms, costs, availability, frequency, and p...

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.

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.

Post-lithium technology

Researchers have developed a high-performance cathode made of an organic polymer for sodium-ion batteries, achieving excellent electrochemical performances. The new material outperforms current polymeric and inorganic cathodes in capacity delivery and retention.

Complex society discovered in birds

Researchers have discovered a multilevel society in vulturine guineafowl, a small-brained bird species. The study found that the birds form stable groups with hundreds of individuals and associate preferentially with specific other groups, similar to primates.

Lost trees hugely overrated as environmental threat, study finds

A new study by Ohio State University and Yale University estimates that deforestation contributes only 7% of manmade net carbon emissions, down from previous estimates of 27%. The research also highlights the importance of forest management in reducing carbon emissions.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Chemists observe 'spooky' quantum tunneling

Researchers successfully suppressed quantum tunneling in ammonia molecules by applying a strong electric field, demonstrating the phenomenon's 'spookiness'. The study uses this approach to explore molecular dynamics and potentially exploit it with other molecules.

Scientists identify protein that promotes brain metastasis

Researchers have identified CEMIP as a key protein promoting brain metastasis in breast and lung cancers. By blocking CEMIP, it may be possible to prevent or treat brain metastases, which are a common cause of cancer deaths. High levels of CEMIP in primary tumors have been linked to a faster progression to brain metastasis.

Synthetic phages with programmable specificity

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created synthetic phages that can recognize and attack a broader range of bacterial strains, providing a potential solution for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. The synthesized phages share the same genome but have different receptor binding proteins, allowing them to target specific hosts.

Technique helps robots find the front door

Researchers create method that enables robots to use environmental clues to plan routes, reducing time spent exploring properties and eliminating the need for maps of specific residences. The approach leverages pre-existing algorithms to generate a new map of the environment as the robot moves around, represented as semantic clues.

Biosimilar drugs can reduce costs but still face challenges in the US

Research from the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic reveals biosimilar drugs can lower costs for patients, but their use is still hindered by regulatory barriers. The study found that while physicians are willing to prescribe biosimilars, cost savings are minimal, and market share remains limited.

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.

The truth about misinformation

A new study by Anne Hamby and colleagues found that people are more willing to update their memories if something bad has happened to a character, such as a death or serious illness. The researchers discovered that explaining alternative causes of events can help change beliefs and promote tolerance.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

SRNL radiation detection systems operating at ports of Tacoma and NY/NJ

The SRNL-designed radiation detection system has been successfully implemented at the Port of Tacoma and NY/NJ, detecting illicit radioactive material in intermodal cargo containers. The system is expected to save significant time and space requirements for scanning these containers, increasing operational efficiency.

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.