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Science News Archive April 2019


Page 2 of 44

Bots exploiting blockchains for profit

Researchers found that bots use time delays to make trades faster than humans, allowing them to frontrunning and take advantage of human error. High fees paid to prioritize transactions pose a security threat to the entire blockchain.

Reef engineers

Marine scientists investigate the relationship between bumphead parrotfish and their coral reef habitat using molecular analysis, finding that coral rock contains more calories than live coral. The study sheds light on the complex dynamics of coral reef ecology and the role of bumphead parrotfish in shaping their environment.

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.

Designer drugs to inhibit hepatitis A virus

Researchers have identified a promising compound, golvatinib, that inhibits hepatitis A virus infection. The discovery was made possible by combining high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy and molecular modeling to understand the structural basis of neutralization.

Poor, crowded cities lack access to opioid reversal drug, Rutgers study finds

Rutgers researchers analyzed 90 retail pharmacies in 10 New Jersey cities and found that naloxone was available in 60-70% of more affluent communities but less than 25% of lower-income areas. The city's population, affluence, and opioid-related hospital visits over five months were correlated with naloxone availability.

Star with strange chemistry is from out of town

Researchers found a star in the Milky Way Galaxy with low magnesium levels and high Europium levels, indicating it formed elsewhere, likely in a now vanished dwarf galaxy. The discovery suggests galaxy evolution models are supported by the presence of similar chemical signatures in other stars from dwarf galaxies orbiting the Milky Way.

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.

Brain mapping: New technique reveals how information is processed

Scientists have developed a new method to quickly map brain connections, enabling systematic study of connection patterns within single individuals. The technique, combining infrared laser stimulation with functional MRI, reveals the direction of information flowing in the brain, critical for understanding brain processing.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gender impacts brain activity in alcoholics

Research from Boston University School of Medicine found that alcoholic men have diminished brain activity in emotional processing regions compared to women. The study suggests that gender-specific prevention and treatment approaches may be necessary for effective management of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

Deadly box jellyfish antidote discovered using CRISPR genome editing

Researchers at University of Sydney have discovered an antidote to the deadly Australian box jellyfish sting, blocking necrosis, skin scarring and pain. The medicine was developed using CRISPR genome editing techniques, which identified a pathway in human cells that can be targeted by a known cholesterol-blocking drug.

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.

Study reveals how glial cells may play key epilepsy role

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute found that excess calcium in glia cells causes them to hyper-activate a molecular pathway leading to seizures. They identified calcineurin and sandman proteins as key players in the process, suggesting a promising avenue for future drug development.

Brain signaling proteins hit the road running

Researchers found that resting state of signaling proteins are highly mobile and dynamic, affecting how they respond to drugs. This new understanding may explain previous disappointments in drug development for neurological 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.

Only some people get one health benefit from social support

A new study suggests that social support only benefits those with a positive attitude about themselves, but not those with low self-esteem. People with high self-esteem already have advantages compared to those with low self-esteem, and social support only helps them more.

New study finds river wildlife contain cocaine, pharmaceuticals and pesticides

A new study has found cocaine, pharmaceuticals and pesticides in UK river wildlife, highlighting the presence of 'invisible' chemical pollution that poses a risk to wildlife health. The study detected illicit drugs and banned pesticides in freshwater shrimp, revealing a surprising occurrence in smaller rural catchments.

How the brain integrates sensory input

Researchers identify brain areas where flexible sensory integration takes place, including the parietal lobe and frontal lobe. The study's findings could be useful for understanding diseases affecting sensory processing, such as autism.

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.

Right combination of diet and bacteria limits cancer progression

A combination of prebiotics and probiotics reduces the expression of pro-carcinogenic genes and may help treat colorectal cancer. The study used a unique gut-on-a-chip model to investigate diet-microbiome-host interactions, revealing a mechanistic basis for the observed beneficial effects.

To boldly go or anxiously hang back?

Scientists at UCSF have discovered a type of neuron called VIP interneurons that play a crucial role in anxiety-driven decision-making. By shutting off signals from these cells, researchers found they can reduce anxious behavior, offering potential insights into treating brain disorders.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Fat cell discovery could help combat obesity-related health issues

Scientists have identified three specific subtypes of precursor cells that go on to become fat cells, which may help determine an individual's health risk. The discovery could lead to the development of new treatments that target 'fast burning' fat cells to prevent weight gain and metabolic disease.

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.

The space rock that hit the moon at 61,000 kilometers an hour

Astronomers captured a meteorite hitting the moon's surface during January's total lunar eclipse, creating a crater up to 15 meters across. The impact was recorded using eight telescopes in Spain and revealed an object measuring 30-60cm in diameter, traveling at 61,000 kilometers per hour.

'Seeing the light' behind radiation therapy

Researchers have developed a system to accurately deliver precise doses of radiation to cancer tissues while minimizing exposure to healthy ones. The new system uses specialized polymer gel to visualize the spatial location and dose of treatment in real-time.

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.

Amid genomic data explosion, scientists find proliferating errors

Researchers found large numbers of errors in publicly available genomic data, including mistakes in gene annotation that resulted in truncated or missing sequences. The errors are due to human and technological factors, such as imperfect DNA sequencing technology and confusion about protein function.

510(k) market clearance for FluChip-8G Influenza A+B Assay

The FDA has cleared InDevR's FluChip-8G Influenza A+B Assay, enabling the detection of non-seasonal and seasonal influenza viruses in a single multiplexed assay. This technology can identify emerging strains like H7N9 and H5N1 with high accuracy.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Field study finds pellet-fed stoves cut air pollutant emissions 90%

A North Carolina State University study finds that compressed wood pellet-fed stoves reduce air pollution by about 90% for a range of contaminants associated with health problems and climate change. The stoves performed well in real-world conditions, with drastic cuts in pollutant emissions.

Making glass more clear

Researchers have developed an energy renormalization algorithm to predict glass' mechanical behavior at varying temperatures. This approach enables the design of dynamic materials with optimal properties, scaling molecular simulations up by roughly a thousand times.

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.

Genetic testing has a data problem; new software can help

TeraPCA, a new tool developed by Purdue University researchers, is designed to analyze large genetic datasets more efficiently. By making approximations of top principal components and leveraging multithreading, TeraPCA can process data in five or six hours compared to two days with existing methods.

MUSC psychologists release results of survey of 'Maria generation' kids

A recent study found that over 7% of surveyed children in Puerto Rico exhibited clinically significant symptoms of PTSD, with 45% having damage to their own homes and 58% experiencing a friend or family member leaving the island. Social connections and timing of surveys may be protective factors against higher PTSD rates.

Sleep and exercise affect new moms differently than new dads

A study found that new mothers who slept more had greater well-being, while fathers who slept more reported lower overall well-being. The researchers also discovered that on days when fathers exercised more, there was a lower likelihood of arguments with their partners.

New forecasting system alerts residents of New Delhi about unhealthy air

A new forecasting system provides 72-hour forecasts of fine particulates in New Delhi, helping officials and residents plan to reduce exposure to unhealthy air. The system uses measurements, computer modeling, and statistical techniques, improving accuracy but requiring refinement for precise pollutant levels.

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.

Changing climate may affect animal-to-human disease transfer

Researchers from The University of Queensland and Swansea University have found that environmental conditions play a key role in animal-to-human disease transfer. This new understanding could help predict the spread of emerging infectious diseases and prepare for future outbreaks.

Antibiotics may treat endometriosis

Researchers discover that metronidazole reduces lesions caused by endometriosis in mice, suggesting a potential treatment for the painful condition. The study also reveals that gut microbiota may play a role in driving or preventing endometriosis progression.

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.