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Science News Archive April 2019


Page 29 of 44

Scientists synthesize new nanowires to improve high-speed communication

Researchers synthesized new In0.28Ga0.72Sb nanowires with high carrier mobility and fast IR response, outperforming existing materials in terms of responsivity and decay times. The minimized crystal defects are attributed to a catalyst epitaxy technology that enables precise atom alignment.

ASHG launches Human Genetics Scholars Initiative

The Human Genetics Scholars Initiative aims to increase workforce diversity in human genetics research by providing intensive mentoring, skill-building, and community-building opportunities. The program will support up to 240 diverse young researchers over five years.

Caregiving not as bad for your health as once thought, study says

A recent study published in The Gerontologist suggests that the link between caregiving and negative health effects has been overstated. After analyzing data from over three decades of research, Johns Hopkins researchers found a weak association between caregiving and immune system biomarkers.

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.

Astronomers capture first image of a black hole

Scientists have captured the first-ever image of a black hole, which reveals the massive black hole at the center of the galaxy Messier 87. The image was achieved using the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), an unprecedented Earth-sized virtual telescope linking telescopes around the globe.

Reducing greenhouse gases while balancing demand for meat

A new study found that reducing meat consumption could cut greenhouse gas emissions by the most, while also increasing use of animal byproducts. By combining various strategies such as eliminating waste and finding uses for byproducts, researchers estimate a 43% reduction in emissions from the meat supply chain.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Is maternal vaccination safe during breastfeeding?

The article review found no risks associated with breastfeeding mothers receiving routine and standard vaccinations. In fact, there are benefits for both mothers and infants, including enhanced antibody response and reduced vaccine-related fever after infant vaccination.

Simultaneous heatwaves caused by anthropogenic climate change

A recent study by ETH researchers suggests that anthropogenic climate change is causing simultaneous heatwaves across the Northern Hemisphere, affecting key agricultural regions and densely populated areas. The study found that such large-scale heatwaves first appeared in 2010 and have since become more frequent and widespread.

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.

New cancer drug targets accelerate path to precision medicine

Researchers used CRISPR technology to disrupt every gene in over 300 cancer models from 30 cancer types, discovering thousands of key genes essential for cancer's survival. The team developed a system to prioritize and rank 600 drug targets promising for development into targeted cancer treatments.

The chocolate school, a short story for promoting science

The Science of Chocolate project uses storytelling to promote interest in scientific careers, particularly among girls, by highlighting the work of women researchers. The project has received funding from the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology and is published in Catalan and Spanish.

Genetic code of WWI soldier's cholera mapped

Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute have sequenced the genome of a non-toxigenic strain of Vibrio cholerae from WWI, showing it is distantly related to strains causing modern pandemics. The strain lacked a flagellum and possessed genes for ampicillin resistance.

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.

NASA launches two rockets studying auroras

NASA has launched the AZURE mission, carrying instruments to measure atmospheric density and temperature in auroral regions. The mission will release colorful gas tracers to track particle flow and provide valuable data on ionosphere dynamics.

Mapping cellular diversity by looking for common topics of gene control

A Belgian team developed a new bioinformatics method called cisTopic to analyze gene regulation in cells. The method discovers common topics of gene control across cells, revealing unique gene activity patterns. This enables researchers to understand cellular diversity and its implications for diseases.

£1.1 million project to develop new biodegradable stents

The £1.1 million project aims to develop bioresorbable stents that prevent complications associated with metal stents, treating severe peripheral vascular disease. The new device will dissolve between 18-24 months, preventing life-long presence of metal stents and associated chronic inflammation.

Number of nonsmokers with COPD on the rise

Research reveals that exposure to biomass fuel is a major contributor to COPD in nonsmokers, particularly in rural populations. The study found that 61% of patients lived in rural areas and had exposure to biomass gas, highlighting the need for further research into this subset of nonsmokers with COPD.

Substituting healthy plant proteins for red meat lowers risk for heart disease

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that diets with high-quality protein sources from plants like legumes and nuts lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure compared to those with red meat. This study provides evidence for the benefits of plant-based diets in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.

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.

Novel study creates new metric to illustrate disadvantaged areas nationwide

A novel study creates a new metric to illustrate disadvantaged areas nationwide, highlighting the regions with the highest disparity between opioid-related deaths and access to treatment providers. The study found that nearly 32% of US counties lack any treatment programs, while over 19% have a low number of treatment programs per death.

Too hungry to learn -- new research provides food for thought

A new study found that food insecurity at home, particularly during early childhood and adolescence, hampers learning abilities in Indian adolescents. The research team analyzed test scores and found that 47% of children experienced household food insecurity, leading to lower scores in reading, vocabulary, maths, and English.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Industrial 3D printing goes skateboarding

A team at Michigan Technological University developed the Gigabot X, an industrial 3D printer that uses waste plastic particles to create large, strong prints. The printer has shown significant cost savings and high returns on investment for producing sporting goods products.

SWOG cancer research network study opens window into immune microenviroment

A comprehensive SWOG Cancer Research Network study has identified a host of targets for new or existing cancer drugs. The research, published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, found higher counts of cancer-fighting TILs in pre-treatment tissue samples of breast cancer patients who achieved complete response to chemotherapy.

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.

New wasps named after biscuits and Doctor Who aliens

Researchers from the University of Adelaide named ten new parasitic wasp species inspired by everyday objects like chocolate biscuits and Doctor Who aliens. The discovery highlights the importance of taxonomy in understanding and documenting ecosystems.

Tracking the sources of plastic pollution

A new global initiative led by the University of Birmingham aims to better understand how plastics are transported and transformed in rivers, accumulating in river sediments. The project's first results show a complex picture with a huge diversity in types and sources of plastic in selected river estuaries.

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.

Teens face health and safety risks exploring sex online

A study by Michigan State University found that online sexual experiences can predict offline risks, including HIV risk, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence. The researchers identified four classes of experience patterns, which predicted susceptibility to these outcomes.

Fuel cell advance a breath of fresh air for future power alternative

Engineers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have revealed new insights about the chemical reactions that power fuel cells, shedding light on their degradation issues. The study found that the rate-limiting step in fuel cell efficiency is not oxygen splitting, but rather how oxygen atoms find and enter vacancies at the surface.

Physics tip sheet: APS April Meeting

The 2019 APS April Meeting features talks on Event Horizon Telescope project's first results, nucleosynthesis in neutron star mergers, and the proposed AMEGO mission. These discoveries shed light on black holes, dark matter, and the universe's evolution.

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.

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.

New guideline decreases breast cancer re-operation rates

A new surgical guideline has been shown to decrease re-operation rates for breast cancer patients undergoing lumpectomy. According to a study by UBC medical student Alex Monaghan, women with early-stage breast cancer are now 72% less likely to require additional surgery.

UConn and Foundation for Prader Willi Research create stem cell biobank

A new collaboration will create a centralized biobank of induced-pluripotent stem cells for Prader-Willi syndrome, enabling researchers to investigate the genetic basis of the disease and explore potential therapies. The biobank will provide high-quality cellular resources to accelerate research and development of new treatments.

New method for evaluating cancer risk of chemicals is quick, precise, inexpensive

Researchers from Boston University Schools of Medicine have developed a fast and accurate approach to assessing the carcinogenicity of chemicals. The new method uses machine learning algorithms to distinguish between carcinogens and non-carcinogens, providing a cost-effective solution for prioritizing chemicals for further testing.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cell death may be triggered by 'hit-and-run' interaction

A new study reveals that BAX, a crucial driver of apoptosis, is activated by transient interactions with BH3-only proteins at two distant sites on the protein. This 'hit-and-run' interaction initiates the conversion of BAX into a lethal protein for cells.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Next-generation gene drive arrives

Scientists at UC San Diego developed a new CRISPR-based 'allelic drive' to selectively swap genetic variants, allowing precise editing of specific traits in populations. The technology has potential applications in agricultural pests, disease-carrying insects, and conservation efforts.

Bionics: Electric view in murky waters

A team of scientists from the University of Bonn has created a camera that uses electrical pulses to capture images in murky or dark water, mimicking the sensing abilities of the African elephantnose fish. The 'electric camera' can identify objects, determine distances and shapes, and even distinguish between living and dead prey.

New project promises more robust and agile mobile networks

The TAPIR-CM project seeks to strengthen SDN and NFV-augmented networking for agility and flexibility. Researchers aim to apply machine learning/ai to forecast data traffic behavior, improving network performance. A working prototype is expected by the end of the 4-year project.

Nature could provide the answer for blindness caused by diabetes, say experts

Researchers have found and tested compounds from a group of plants that could be used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy and other degenerative eye diseases. The study suggests that these natural compounds may provide a new approach to treating blindness caused by diabetes, offering hope for future treatments.

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.

Animal-assisted therapy improves social behavior in patients with brain injuries

A clinical trial found that animal-assisted therapy can foster social competence and increase emotional involvement in patients with brain injuries. The study showed that patients exhibited more active social engagement, expressed positive emotions, and reported higher satisfaction when an animal was present during therapy sessions.

Forcing a smile for customers linked with more drinking after work

A study by Penn State researchers found that employees who regularly fake or suppress emotions to provide good customer service are at risk of heavier drinking after work. The results suggest that employers may need to rethink their policies on employee happiness and job autonomy.