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Science News Archive April 2019


Page 7 of 44

Gestational diabetes in India and Sweden

A new study from Lund University found that Indian women are younger and leaner when developing gestational diabetes compared to Swedish women. The researchers identified a gene linked to increased risk in Swedish women but protective effects in Indian women.

Scientists take a 'metamaterials' approach to earthquake damage

Researchers are investigating whether metamaterial concept can be scaled up to city size to reduce earthquake damage. Simulations show that structures act as resonators, plucking energy from Rayleigh waves, and optimal building arrangement could reduce damage by decreasing height radially inward.

A personality test for ads

Researchers used digital footprints to determine personality traits and matched them with images, finding that extroverts preferred simple images featuring people, while open-minded individuals favored cool colors. The study showed that personalized ads could increase consumer interest and purchase intentions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Creativity is not just for the young, study finds

A new study reveals that Nobel Prize winners in economics exhibit two distinct life cycles of creativity. Conceptual innovators tend to peak in their mid-20s, while experimental innovators reach their creative peak in their mid-50s. This research suggests that the type of approach taken by an individual plays a significant role in dete...

Novel therapies slow CKD progression in patients with diabetes

A new SGLT2 inhibitor medication has been shown to significantly slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with diabetes. The CREDENCE trial demonstrated a 34% reduction in the risk of end-stage kidney disease, as well as improved cardiovascular outcomes.

Association between high blood PCB levels and premature death

A large Swedish study found a strong association between high blood polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels and premature death. The study, which followed over 1,000 seniors for 10 years, showed that individuals with the highest PCB levels had a 50% excess mortality rate from cardiovascular disease.

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.

Another victim of violence: Trust in those who mean no harm

Researchers found that exposure to violence impairs the ability to place trust in individuals who are likely to be helpful, leading to increased disciplinary infractions. The study suggests that this cognitive disruption can have long-lasting effects on social functioning and stability.

AI-generated profiles? Airbnb users prefer a human touch

Researchers found that when participants were unsure whether a profile was written by a human or an algorithm, they distrusted the one they believed to be machine-generated. The study suggests designing AI communication tools with transparency and trustworthiness in mind can improve user experience.

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.

Changes from head injuries associated with increases in youth offending

A longitudinal study found that changes in individuals with head injuries were associated with increases in self-reported and violent offending among adolescents and early adults. Head injury is five to eight times more common among individuals involved with the criminal-justice system than in the general population.

A spoonful of peppermint helps the meal go down

A pilot study at the Medical University of South Carolina found that peppermint oil improved symptoms of esophagus disorders, including difficulty swallowing and non-cardiac chest pain. The study showed a significant improvement in symptoms among patients with spastic disorders of the esophagus.

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.

Human-caused climate change played limited role in Beijing's 2013 'airpocalypse'

A Northwestern University study concludes that human-caused climate change played only a minor role in the city's record-breaking air pollution event. Researchers suggest that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can greatly improve air quality and mitigate health problems, making it a win-win for public health and the environment.

Mysterious eruption came from Campi Flegrei caldera

Researchers verified that the 29,000-year-old Masseria del Monte Tuff eruption at Campi Flegrei caldera was responsible for widespread volcanic ash layers across the Mediterranean. The study suggests that this large-magnitude event occurred between known caldera-forming events, reducing the recurrence interval of such eruptions.

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.

New view of how ocean 'pumps' impact climate change

A new paper outlines critical mechanisms involved in the ocean carbon cycle, specifically the biological pump. Researchers found that particle injection pumps are a more efficient way of pulling carbon from the surface into the deep waters.

Place-based management can protect coral reefs in a changing climate

Researchers developed a new tool to pinpoint areas where improved wastewater management and landscape practices can benefit downstream reefs. This study highlights the importance of coordinating local actions across land and sea to promote resilience of coral reefs to global climate change.

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.

Veterans suffer from 'culture shock' when returning to university

A study of 20 military veterans on a US college campus found that cultural differences led to arguments, isolation, and mental health issues. Veterans struggled to relate to civilians' trivial concerns, clothing, and respect for authority figures, often feeling like they were being ostracized.

Americans' beliefs about wildlife management are changing

A new study finds large declines in traditionalist views on wildlife management, with a rise in mutualists believing animals have the same rights as humans. The study's findings have implications for wildlife managers to engage diverse state residents in conservation efforts.

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.

Developing a model critical in creating better devices

A new computational model developed by Preeya Achari predicts the behavior of water on the surface of hexagonal boron nitride, a compound used in cosmetic products. The model provides more control over devices made with this material and water, leading to improved performance.

Exercise activates memory neural networks in older adults

A new University of Maryland study reveals that acute exercise increases activation in the hippocampus and other key brain regions associated with memory. This finding suggests that single sessions of exercise can promote adaptations and improve network integrity, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's 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.

Researchers discover surprising quantum effect in hard disk drive material

Scientists have found a surprising quantum effect in cobalt-iron alloy materials commonly used in hard disk drives. By controlling electron spin direction, the researchers can alter magnetic state, allowing for more efficient information storage and potential applications in electric motors, generators, and magnetic bearings.

Bacteria uses viral weapon against other bacteria

Researchers discovered that certain bacteria use viruses to identify and kill rival bacteria for resources. The discovery has implications for synthetic biology and medicine, where understanding bacterial competition could lead to breakthroughs in treating infectious diseases.

Individual nutrition shows benefits in hospital patients

A Swiss study finds that individualized nutrition significantly benefits hospital patients, improving treatment outcomes and reducing serious complications. The trial, involving over 2,000 patients, showed a statistically significant reduction in mortality and complication rates.

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.

33-year study shows increasing ocean winds and wave heights

Researchers analyzed wind speed and wave height measurements from satellites and ocean buoys to find extreme winds increasing by 8% and waves by 5% in the Southern Ocean over the past 30 years. This increase has significant implications for rising sea levels and coastal flooding.

Rehabilitation psychologists: #SayTheWord disability

Rehabilitation psychologists argue that avoiding the term 'disability' has unintended consequences, including reinforcing negative attitudes. They advocate for reclaiming the term as a valued aspect of diversity and identity, and encourage others to normalize its use.

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.

Caffeine gives solar cells an energy boost

Scientists have discovered that caffeine can improve the performance and thermal stability of perovskite solar cells, increasing their efficiency from 17% to over 20%. The unique molecular structure of caffeine allows it to interact with perovskite precursors, giving this technology an edge on the market.

NIH awards University of Delaware's Lachke $1.7 million grant

Salil Lachke's research aims to understand the developmental disorders that cause anophthalmia and microphthalmia, rare eye defects occurring in 1 in every 5,300 babies born in the US. The NIH grant will support his investigation of Rbm24, a gene implicated in eye development and potentially other diseases.

Snowmelt causes seismic swarm near California's Long Valley Caldera

Researchers found a strong correlation between meltwater runoff and seismic activity in the region, suggesting that seeping water may trigger small earthquakes. The study suggests that the shallow nature of the earthquakes is due to the unique geology of the area, with steeply dipping rock layers acting as a conduit for meltwater.

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.

Using DNA templates to harness the sun's energy

A team of researchers at Arizona State University has made significant progress in optimizing artificial photosynthesis systems that mimic the first stage of photosynthesis. They have developed a way to use DNA to self-assemble structures that capture and transfer energy over long distances with high efficiency.

Being too harsh on yourself could lead to OCD and anxiety

A new study found a correlation between strong feelings of responsibility and the development of OCD or GAD in American university students. The research identified three types of inflated responsibility, with personal blame and continued thinking having the strongest link to the disorders.

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.

Haunted by the past

Research at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience reveals that insomnia may be caused by a failing neutralization of emotional distress. Good sleepers can settle past experiences as neutralized memories, but people with insomnia are unable to do so.

Working to advance radiation therapy for children with cancer

The new software automates image capture and analysis, providing more accurate radiation beam targeting and refined patient positioning. This technology enhances the quality assurance strategy in radiation therapy, potentially reducing toxicity and improving treatment outcomes.