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Science News Archive April 2019


Page 11 of 44

Cleaner, cheaper ammonia

Researchers at UTokyo develop a new process to produce ammonia more efficiently and sustainably than the current Haber-Bosch method. The Samarium-Water Ammonia Production (SWAP) process reduces energy consumption, raw material costs, and environmental impact.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A close look at lithium batteries

A novel fluorescence probe technique reveals the distribution of active lithium on lithium metal anodes, enabling differentiation between dendrites and dead lithium. This technique aids in understanding battery malfunctions and optimizing new battery structures.

Changes in rainfall and temperatures have already impacted water quality

A study by Carnegie ecologists found that climate change is a key factor in increasing nitrogen runoff into US waterways, exacerbating eutrophication. The research analyzed historical trends and found that warming temperatures and precipitation patterns are directly linked to higher nitrogen levels.

Smelling with your tongue

Scientists from the Monell Center have discovered that humans possess functional olfactory receptors in their taste cells, challenging the long-held belief that smell and taste are independent sensory systems. This groundbreaking finding may lead to the development of odor-based taste modifiers to combat diet-related diseases.

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.

Blood thinner found to significantly reduce subsequent heart failure risks

Researchers found a significant reduction in strokes and heart attacks with low-dose blood thinner use in patients with worsening heart failure or coronary artery disease. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, suggests that this strategy may improve outcomes for patients at risk of subsequent issues.

Seminal approach to recycle platelet concentrates for stem cell culture

A consortium of researchers from Portugal has developed a proof-of-concept experiment to produce a new blood-derived product by applying PEF to platelet concentrates. The process ensures the valorization of discarded components, providing a valuable source for cellular therapies and regenerative medicine.

Polymer reversibly glows white when stretched

Researchers developed a first-of-its-kind elastic polymer blend that displays white fluorescence when deformed and then goes dark after relaxing. The material's color can be tailored by using different fluorescent rings, enabling the creation of a white-light-emitting polymer.

Salish seafloor mapping identifies earthquake and tsunami risks

Seafloor mapping reveals active fault zones with potential to trigger tsunamis in the central Salish Sea, affecting islands and coastal areas of the US. Researchers warn of increased tsunami risk due to recent fault activity and unstable Cascadia Subduction Zone.

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.

Energy-saving new LED phosphor

Chemists at the University of Innsbruck have created a novel red phosphor called SALON, which emits light in the visible red range and reduces energy loss. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient white LEDs with improved color quality.

Study shows the potential of carbon nanotubes to cool electronic circuits

Researchers found that mechanically stretched carbon nanotubes can extract heat efficiently, making them a promising material for cooling flexible electronic devices. This technology could be an efficient alternative to traditional vapor-compression refrigerators, reducing ozone depletion and global warming.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Frustrated materials under high pressure

Researchers at HZDR modify magnetic behavior of exotic materials Cs2CuCl4 using high pressures, revealing unusual magnetic properties and potential applications in quantum computing. The study contributes to the understanding of geometrically frustrated crystals.

Stroke patients receive different amounts of physical therapy

A study by Brown University researchers found that stroke patients who receive more physical therapy have lower readmission rates, with those receiving 75 minutes or more of PT being 14% less likely to be readmitted. However, the amount of occupational therapy had minimal impact on readmission risks.

Study: Microbes could influence Earth's geological processes as much as volcanoes

Researchers found that microbes consume and trap carbon sinking into the trench off Costa Rica's Pacific coast, potentially influencing geological processes on similar scales as volcanoes. This discovery has important implications for understanding carbon movement from Earth's surface into its interior over geological timescales.

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.

Brain scans on movie watchers reveal how we judge people

Researchers used brain scans to explore unconscious biases in movie watchers, finding that the brain is naturally biased towards people who are like us, but also against those who are different. The study suggests that our brains can be influenced by learned knowledge and external factors, changing how we perceive others.

In France, people living by protected areas are more environmentally conscious

A study found that individuals residing near protected areas in France exhibit higher levels of pro-environmental behavior, including increased support for environmental associations and participation in citizen science programs. The research attributes this trend to the inspirational impact of wilder landscapes on nature awareness.

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.

An army of micro-robots can wipe out dental plaque

A team of engineers, dentists, and biologists from the University of Pennsylvania developed microscopic robotic cleaning crews that can precisely and non-invasively remove dental plaque. The robots use catalytic activity to kill bacteria and break down biofilms, offering a potential solution for biofilm-related infections.

Chemotherapy or not?

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have made breakthroughs in identifying who will benefit from chemotherapy using artificial intelligence and radiomics. The studies focused on markers outside the tumor that can indicate treatment response, providing hope for personalized medicine and improved patient outcomes.

Women underreport prevalence and intensity of their own snoring

A new study found that women tend to underreport snoring and underestimate its loudness, with only 72% reporting snoring compared to 88% objective measurements. Women also reported snoring less often and described it as milder, potentially due to social stigma.

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.

Scientists develop low-cost energy-efficient materials

Scientists have created amorphous softmagnetic alloys with high magnetic properties, technological plasticity, and ultrahigh strength. The new iron-based alloys surpass common industrial analogues in terms of their properties, offering relatively low cost and simplicity of industrial production.

COPD and type 2 diabetes

Research highlights the association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the importance of collaborative care to address underlying systemic inflammation. Achieving optimal glucose control is crucial in patients with coexistent T2 DM and COPD.

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.

Controlling instabilities gives closer look at chemistry from hypersonic vehicles

A team of researchers used a reduced order model to analyze data from high-fidelity simulations, gaining new knowledge about chemical reactions in hypersonic flows. The study looked at three types of gas compositions and found that vibrations temperatures could be predicted, as well as the formation of nitric oxide in small amounts.

Study unravels mystery of antimicrobial frog secretions

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology identify molecular mechanism behind Bombinin H2 and H4 peptides' antimicrobial properties. The peptides inhibit microbial activity by creating holes in cell membranes, ultimately killing microorganisms.

A new window into macaque brain connections

Researchers have developed a new imaging technique that allows them to see how living monkey brains are wired, revealing precise connections between the two hemispheres. The opto-OISI method combines optical intrinsic signal imaging and optogenetics to map brain connections point-to-point.

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.

People with happy spouses may live longer

A study published in Psychological Science found that spousal life satisfaction was associated with lower mortality rates, even after controlling for individual factors. The research suggests that having a happy spouse can have significant consequences for one's health and longevity.

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.

Time-restricted eating shows benefits for blood glucose

A randomized crossover trial found time-restricted eating improved glucose control, regardless of when the men chose to stop eating. The study's results suggest modulating meal times can improve glucose control and may lead to weight loss.

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.

Water walking -- The new mode of rock skipping

Researchers at Utah State University have discovered a new mode of water surface skipping termed 'water walking', which involves elastic spheres gaining significant speed to maintain a deformed shape. The team's findings provide new insights into water impact physics and lay the foundation for future design of water-walking drones.

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.

New rules for lung transplants lead to unintended consequences

A new policy expanding lung transplant boundaries has led to increased costs due to longer travel distances, resulting in reduced organ availability for local donors. The study found that patients at smaller transplant programs are disadvantaged by the policy, particularly those in economically disadvantaged areas.

Seven seconds of Spiderman viewing yields a 20% phobia symptom reduction

Researchers found that exposure to Spiderman and Antman movie excerpts reduces spider and ant phobia symptoms by 20%. The study suggests a new direction for positive exposure therapy, which may be an optimal solution for treating phobias. Marvel movies provide an accessible and enjoyable form of in-vitro exposure.

Scientists discover how 'superbug' E. coli clones take over human gut

Researchers found that a 'superbug' clone of E. coli called ST131 has evolved to prevent itself from becoming the sole dominant clone, allowing it to colonize the human gut more competitively than other strains. The discovery provides insight into how this process happens and may help develop strategies to prevent it.

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.

Multiple myeloma: DNA rearrangement may predict poor outcomes

A DNA rearrangement in immunoglobulin lambda (IgL) translocations is associated with poorer outcomes and reduced survival benefit from immunomodulatory drugs like lenalidomide. Patients with this genetic marker are more likely to relapse and die within the first three years after diagnosis.