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Science News Archive April 2019


Page 1 of 44

Engineers tap DNA to create 'lifelike' machines

Researchers developed DASH materials that exhibit metabolism, self-assembly, and organization - key traits of life. The biomaterial autonomously emerges from nanoscale building blocks, grows, and decays, allowing it to perpetuate dynamic processes.

Too much smiling in a sales pitch could kill the deal

A recent study published in the Academy of Management Journal found that overconfidence and prolonged joy can lead to decreased funding. Presenters who flashed their biggest smiles for three seconds received more funding than those who did so for just two seconds, but those who smiled for four seconds lost funding

Do 'microglia' hold the key to stop Alzheimer's disease?

Researchers studied how microglia cells in the brain respond to toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study found that age, sex, and genetics affect microglial response, suggesting that modulating this response could lead to new treatments.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A promising new treatment for infants with Noonan syndrome

Researchers at Université de Montréal found that MEK inhibitor trametinib can reverse hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and valvular obstruction in patients with RIT1-associated NS. Dramatic improvement was seen in two infants treated with the drug, suggesting a new treatment option for life-threatening heart disease.

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.

Keto diet has potential in military, researchers say

A new study published in Military Medicine found that a ketogenic diet can lead to significant weight loss and improvements in insulin sensitivity among military personnel. Participants on the keto diet lost an average of 17 pounds and reduced their body fat by 5%, while those on a normal diet experienced no such changes.

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.

Breaking open the gates of antibiotic resistance

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a way to target both of a bacteria's defenses with one hit, weakening its ability to develop antibiotic resistance. By interfering with a specific type of tRNA molecule, the team was able to make bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics.

Argonne helps provide platform for future advanced nuclear reactor

The Versatile Test Reactor will allow scientists to test various fuels, coolants and reactor components to evaluate new technologies for future generations of advanced nuclear reactors. The reactor's experimental configurations will provide key information to scientists as they work to develop innovative reactor designs.

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.

Tracking small things in cells

Researchers created SCOTfluors, a class of small fluorophores that can be attached to common metabolites and emit light in the visible to near-infrared range. This allows for the observation of metabolite trafficking in living cells without destroying them.

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.

Anti-stress brain chemical is related to PTSD resilience after trauma

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry has discovered a relationship between the anti-stress brain chemical nociceptin and PTSD symptom severity. Women with less severe PTSD symptoms had fewer receptors for the chemical in regions of the brain involved in the threat alarm system, suggesting a potential marker for resilience.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Advanced detection tool to limit the spread of devastating tree pathogens

A new detection tool has been developed to identify quarantine tree pathogens, reducing analysis time and enabling prompt reactions. The tool can be used by non-scientists and is crucial in preventing the spread of devastating pathogens like Xylella fastidiosa, Ceratocystis platani, and Phytophthora ramorum.

SwRI using drones with machine learning to automate methane leak detection

Researchers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) are developing a system to automate methane leak detection using drones equipped with infrared cameras and machine learning algorithms. The system can identify small methane leaks and substantially reduces false positives, making it more effective than conventional detection systems.

Can the brain help heal the heart?

Research on brain-heart interactions may lead to life-saving therapies for heart failure and arrhythmia by manipulating specific nerves to emit electrical signals. Dr. Cheng's lab is developing a comprehensive map of neurons and their connections to the heart.

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.

Guidelines proposed for newly defined Alzheimer's-like brain disorder

A newly recognized brain disorder called Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE) has been defined with recommended diagnostic criteria. LATE is characterized by cognitive impairment and hippocampal sclerosis, similar to Alzheimer's disease, but progresses more gradually.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Cryptographic breakthrough helps spies to shake hands

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a new encryption system called matchmaking encryption, which allows for secure and private communication. The system uses real-time interactions to verify participants' identities, enabling messages to be sent on a 'dead drop' basis and read at a later date.

Analysis of old people's civic participation

A 55-year study found that older citizens' civic participation improves their cognitive function, physical and mental health. The research highlights the need for more diverse data from non-English speaking countries to design effective policies promoting civic participation.

Put down the protein shake: Variety of protein better for health

A new study suggests that consuming a variety of protein sources, rather than relying on a single type, can have numerous health benefits. The research found that excessive consumption of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) from popular protein powders may reduce lifespan and negatively impact mood and weight gain.

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.

Australian blue tongue lizard ancestor was round-in-the-tooth

A 15 million-year-old fossil discovery reveals the ancient Egernia gillespieae was remarkably similar to modern lizards, equipped with a robust crushing jaw. The study sheds light on the evolutionary history of Australia's bluetongue lizards and social skinks.

Innovative treatment restores sight in patient

Researchers have developed an innovative treatment using long-acting steroid implants to improve vision and reduce symptoms in patients with melanoma-associated retinopathy. After three years of monitoring, the patient's visual acuity remained stable at 20/20, marking a significant breakthrough in treating this debilitating ailment.

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.

Keeping fit is more than physical: It's a state of mind

A new study in Heliyon reveals that individuals who engage in solo or group exercise activities are more motivated by social connectedness than those exercising alone. Exercise motivation, self-control styles, and personality traits also predict participation frequency, with CrossFit participants ranking highest in intrinsic motivation.

Do you smell what I smell?

A recent study from the Monell Center sheds light on individual differences in odor perception, finding that small changes in olfactory receptor genes can significantly impact how strong and pleasant an odor is. The research used high-throughput sequencing technology to identify genetic variations affecting odor perception.

When a 'she' becomes an 'it'

A study published in Scientific Reports found that the human brain perceives women less humanity and more like an object when they are dressed in a swimsuit or underwear. This perception might trigger treatments typically observed in interactions with objects, leading to gender violence.

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.

Researchers define Alzheimer's-like brain disorder

Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE) is a newly-defined brain disorder resembling Alzheimer's disease but caused by misfolded TDP-43 protein. It affects 25% of individuals over 85 years old, causing gradual cognitive decline and impacting daily life.

Excessive rainfall as damaging to corn yield as extreme heat, drought

A recent US study found that excessive rainfall can reduce corn yield by up to 34% relative to expected yields, similar to the impact of extreme heat and drought. The research highlights the need for improved crop insurance models to address climate change-driven extreme weather events.

Isle Royale winter study: 13 new wolves, 20 radio-collared moose

The annual Winter Study report chronicles the effects of wolf reintroductions on the island's ecosystem, with 13 new wolves and 20 radio-collared moose providing valuable data. Researchers expect a slowing down of moose population growth due to severe vegetation damage, while wolf pups may be possible this year.

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 can be done to prevent another CRISPR crisis?

A new article recommends explicit management of conflict of interests, banning exclusive rights to research results, and enhanced informed consent to guide germline gene editing. The author argues that regulation and penalties are necessary to ensure public trust in science.