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Science News Archive April 2019


Page 5 of 44

How the olfactory brain affects memory

Researchers found that piriform cortex stimulation triggers synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, leading to enhanced memory formation. The study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the special role of olfaction in memory formation and retrieval.

Autism diagnoses prove highly stable as early as 14 months

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that autism diagnoses become stable starting at 14 months, with a mean age of diagnosis being significantly lower than previously reported. This suggests that accurate screening and earlier treatment can result in improved therapeutic benefits for children with ASD.

For low-income countries, climate action pays off by 2050

Successful global efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions would likely increase the average GDP of Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia by 2-6 percentage points by 2050. Lower oil prices due to reduced demand would also contribute to economic growth in these countries.

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.

Earlier detection of diabetic retinopathy with smartphone AI

Researchers at Michigan Medicine developed a smartphone-based tool that uses artificial intelligence to analyze retinal images and detect diabetic retinopathy. The device, called RetinaScope, achieved high sensitivity and specificity rates in a study, outperforming human graders in detecting the condition.

Why a smell test should become part of a regular doctor visit

A new study suggests that older adults with poor sense of smell may be at a 46% higher risk for death at 10 years and 30% at 13 years compared to those with good smell. Poor sense of smell is linked to higher mortality in both healthy and unhealthy individuals, with most of the risk remaining unexplained.

Graphene sponge helps lithium sulphur batteries reach new potential

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a graphene sponge that acts as a free-standing electrode in lithium sulphur batteries, improving their energy density and cycle life. The new design achieves an 85% capacity retention after 350 cycles, reducing instability issues.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Agriculture and bird decline in Costa Rica

Research suggests that large protected forest areas are crucial for conserving bird species, while coffee plantations can serve as habitats for migratory birds and young birds. Insectivores suffered the greatest declines, with population losses greater in smaller forest fragments.

Deep learning takes Saturn by storm

Researchers from UCL and University of Arizona developed a 'deep learning' approach called PlanetNet to detect storms on Saturn. The algorithm accurately maps the components and features in turbulent regions, revealing previously undetected atmospheric features such as ammonia ice clouds.

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.

Drug treats Type 2 diabetes in children, team announces

A clinical trial found liraglutide, an existing adult diabetes medication, effectively treats Type 2 diabetes in children. The study showed a significant reduction in A1C levels and improvements in glycated hemoglobin levels, offering new treatment options for this age group.

The Tietê, São Paulo State's main river, is filtered by dam reservoirs

A study by Brazilian researchers shows that the Tietê River's water quality improves steadily as it flows through a series of dams along its 1,100 km course. The filtration process retains matter in suspension, affecting light absorption and ultimately making the river transparent at its downstream end.

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.

Responses to environmental tragedies often make matters worse, ethicists find

Conservationists analyzed a controversial Australian goat removal program to develop a framework for evaluating intervention options. The study highlights the importance of considering community values, avoiding assumptions, and being logically sound in conservation decisions. It recommends key attributes such as clarity, transparency,...

Food system improvements could make it easier to eat healthier

A science advisory from the American Heart Association describes system-wide innovations to improve access to healthy foods. Improvements in food production, distribution, and consumer behavior can favorably impact health behaviors, such as reducing calorie consumption and increasing fruit and vegetable intake.

NASA looks at Tropical Storm Fani's rainfall rates

Tropical Storm Fani exhibited extreme rainfall patterns, with the heaviest downpours occurring south of its center circulation. GPM measurements showed hourly rainfall rates ranging from 1 inch (25 mm) in thunderstorm bands to 1.6 inches (40 mm) per hour in a localized area.

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.

Researchers to help develop next-generation hybrid and electric vehicles

The project aims to reduce cost, weight, and volume of systems powering hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles while improving performance, efficiency, and reliability. Researchers will design silicon-carbide integrated circuits for power modules and develop methods for packaging and integrating these circuits with other components.

Water creates traps in organic electronics

Researchers at Linköping University discover that water induces traps in organic semiconductors, reducing conductivity. Drying out the material improves performance, but reabsorption occurs if not done properly.

Carthage's lead and silver resources during Punic wars

Researchers found elevated levels of lead in sediment cores from Utica, Tunisia, linked to tailings from lead-silver mining, which began around the middle of the 4th century BC. This discovery suggests that Carthage's North African territory provided a source of economic resilience during the Punic wars.

Economic inequality, income, and generosity

Researchers analyzed donating behaviors and found that lower income levels do not lead to increased generosity in regions with high economic inequality. The study contradicts previous findings that individuals with lower incomes are more charitable than those with higher incomes.

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.

Potential biomarker for chronic fatigue syndrome

A study suggests that hyperosmotic stress can be used to diagnose ME/CFS, a condition characterized by persistent fatigue and other symptoms. The researchers developed a blood-based assay that measures changes in electrical impedance in response to plasma salt concentrations.

Major findings help understand bacteria's 'superglue'

Researchers from La Trobe University and the University of Queensland discovered how UpaB protein in bacteria sticks to human body parts, enabling new anti-microbial development opportunities. The study provides fundamental science that could inform future solutions to the global problem of antibiotic resistance.

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.

Researchers discover new charge transfer and separation process

Scientists have developed a new charge transfer and separation process called Twisted Intramolecular Charge Shuttle (TICS) that enables faster energy conversion in solar cells and photosynthesis. TICS molecules exhibit a bidirectional, role switching phenomenon, paving a new avenue for chemists to construct unique fluorescent probes.

Scientists trace the key factor of tiny onion-like BN to superhard nt-cBN

Researchers successfully synthesized nanotwinned cubic boron nitride (nt-cBN) and nanotwinned diamond (nt-diamond) using onion-like boron nitride (oBN) precursors. The size change of oBN precursor results in distinct microstructures, leading to significant alteration of microstructure and performance in the produced materials.

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.

Radiotherapy doubles survival for patients with mesothelioma

Research presented at ESTRO 38 conference finds that high dose radiation therapy significantly improves two-year survival rates for mesothelioma patients. The study, led by Dr. Marco Trovo, suggests radical hemi-thoracic radiotherapy as a new standard of care for this rare and aggressive cancer.

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.

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.

New research examines association between gun access and adolescent health

A new study found that personal gun access is associated with depression, suicidal ideation, and perceiving school as unsafe. In contrast, attending a school with common gun access is linked to lower odds of perceiving school as unsafe. The findings suggest complex associations between gun access and adolescent health.

New study examines the resurgence of milk sharing

A new study explores the history and resurgence of milk sharing practices, tracing them back to ancient times. The research highlights the importance of understanding the cultural context and advocating for safe sharing practices.

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.

Early lipids boost brain growth for vulnerable micro-preemies

Research at Children's National Hospital found that early lipid intake significantly increases global brain volume and boosts regional brain activity in micro-preemies. This is particularly important for preterm infants who are vulnerable to growth failure and neurocognitive impairment after birth.

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.

Clinical utility of rapid whole genome sequencing in neonates with seizures

A new study found that rapid whole genome sequencing can identify etiology and direct therapy in neonates with unexplained seizures. The analysis revealed six molecular diagnoses out of 19 patients, leading to changes in management for four patients, including targeted seizure medications and dietary supplements.

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.