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Science News Archive April 2019


Page 9 of 44

Filling in the gaps of connected car data helps transportation planners

Researchers developed a way to fill in gaps in connected car data, enabling transportation planners to create more effective traffic congestion mitigation strategies. The study used two-months of connected vehicle data from 2,800 cars to reconstruct missing location-duration-path choices, improving travel demand dynamics and reducing e...

Teens prefer harm reduction messaging on substance use

A new study from the University of British Columbia found that teenagers prefer harm reduction messaging when discussing substance use, instead of traditional 'don't do drugs' approaches. The study's findings suggest that a non-judgmental approach to talking about substance use can help preserve family relationships and promote youth h...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UBC Okanagan engineers make injectable tissues a reality

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have created an automated encapsulation device that encases cells in microgels, protecting them from physical damage and the immune system. The device enables over 85% of cells to survive and can be scaled up for rapid production of cell-encapsulated microgels.

Sex and diet affect protein machineries

Scientists discovered that sex and diet substantially affect the proteome, a collection of proteins in an animal cell. Understanding these interactions may lead to personalized treatments for humans. The study analyzed large public datasets on human and mouse proteotypes, diet, and genetic status.

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.

Mystery of the universe's expansion rate widens with new Hubble data

Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have strengthened the case for new theories to explain the forces shaping the cosmos. The latest Hubble measurements suggest a faster expansion rate in the modern universe, contradicting expectations based on early universe observations.

Urging party supporters to sign up for postal votes is ineffective

A field experiment by University of Kent and Kings College London found that writing to party supporters about postal voting was not effective in persuading them to switch from polling stations. The study tested this common recruitment tactic, which has seen a significant increase in usage over the past few decades.

Novel vaccine for colorectal cancer shows positive phase I results

A novel colorectal cancer vaccine has demonstrated positive phase I results, with patients showing no signs of serious adverse events and activation of immune cells. The vaccine was found to be safe and effective in a small sample of human subjects, paving the way for further testing to determine its potential as a treatment.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Gestures and visual animations reveal cognitive origins of linguistic meaning

Studies in linguistics and experimental psychology demonstrate that our minds can assign linguistic structure to non-linguistic content on the fly. Gestures and visual animations help researchers understand how inferences are generated, suggesting that all inferential types result from general, productive processes.

New tech will detect infant breathing problems

Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University are developing a wearable sensor to monitor respiratory rate in new-born babies, especially in poor areas where access to healthcare is limited. The innovative technology aims to provide faster and more accurate identification of health conditions in new-borns, potentially saving lives.

Comfort food leads to more weight gain during stress

A study found that a high-calorie diet combined with stress leads to more weight gain than the same diet without stress. The researchers discovered a molecular pathway controlled by insulin and the NPY molecule, which drives additional weight gain. This highlights the importance of being mindful of food intake when stressed.

New technique uses power anomalies to ID malware in embedded systems

Researchers have developed a new detection technique that uses power anomalies to identify micro-architectural attacks in embedded systems. This approach can reduce the effects of malware even if it evades traditional detection methods, by slowing down data transfer rates by up to 97 percent.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

USF receives new NIH grant to help eliminate malaria in Southeast Asia

Researchers will assess whether mass treatment with primaquine can prevent relapses of Plasmodium vivax malaria along the borders of Thailand and Myanmar. The project aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a preventive malaria treatment that could benefit up to 80% of the population.

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.

Can we solve the riddle of the coral reef halos?

Researchers found that coral reef halos are more likely to occur in no-take marine reserves and are influenced by species interactions between plant-eating fishes and invertebrate-eating fishes. The presence of halos may serve as an indicator of aspects of reef ecosystem health.

Studying cell lineage in tumors reveals targetable vulnerabilities

A study analyzing over 7,000 tumors and normal samples reveals two simple patterns related to NAD production, a biomolecule essential to metabolism. Cancer cells' reliance on specific pathways for NAD production can be exploited with targeted therapies, offering new avenues for treating cancer.

PCORI award seeks to support students in recovery

The UCR School of Medicine will conduct research on collegiate recovery with a focus on increasing awareness, improving treatment support, and incorporating students' voices in decision-making. This effort aims to reduce stigma and improve outcomes for students in recovery.

The mobile game that can detect Alzheimer's risk

A specially designed mobile game, Sea Hero Quest, can detect people at risk of Alzheimer's by analyzing their spatial navigation skills. Researchers found that those with a high genetic risk, like the APOE4 gene, performed worse on the game, highlighting a potential early detection method.

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.

Scientists unearth 'utterly bizarre' chimera crab fossil

Researchers found a new species of 90-95 million-year-old crab fossil with multiple marine arthropod characteristics, showcasing an unusual branch on the crustacean tree of life. The exceptional preservation allowed detailed reconstruction and 3D-printer-ready models.

NASA examines Tropical Cyclone Kenneth in infrared light

Scientists study cloud top temperatures and identify strongest storms around the center of circulation and in a band of thunderstorms southwest of the center. The satellite data reveals cold cloud tops, indicating powerful storms with high rainfall potential.

High-efficiency thermoelectric materials: New insights into tin selenide

Researchers have identified a new thermoelectric material in tin selenide, which can convert 20% of heat into electrical energy, exceeding the efficiency of bismuth telluride. The material's crystal structure changes at high temperatures or pressures, producing a semi-metallic state that enhances its thermoelectric properties.

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.

Treatment, spending on outpatient care for depression in US

From 1998 to 2015, US spending on outpatient care for depression increased by 43%, primarily due to expanded insurance coverage for mental health conditions. The study analyzed national survey data and found a significant association between increased healthcare spending and improved mental health treatment outcomes.

Exposing cancer's metabolic addictions

Researchers have uncovered a new set of rules that predict how the tissue of origin influences tumor genetic makeup, with potential implications for targeted cancer therapies. The study found that cancer cells are addicted to specific NAD synthesis pathways, making them vulnerable to targeted interventions.

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.

Getting fertilizer in the right place at the right rate

Researchers found that in-soil placement of fertilizer resulted in less phosphorus loss from snowmelt runoff. This practice helps roots access and take up phosphorus, reducing its interaction with runoff. The study's findings aim to encourage growers to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Cui, Hensleigh, Chen and Zheng awarded the JMR Paper of the Year

Huachen Cui, Ryan Hensleigh, Hongshun Chen and Xiaoyu Zheng won the JMR Paper of the Year Award for their work on additive manufacturing and high-temperature ceramic metamaterials. The paper demonstrates an approach to fabricate three-dimensional microarchitected materials with high specific strength.

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.

Veritable powerhouses -- even without DNA

A team of researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute identified a parasite with functional mitochondria that produce energy without its own genetic material. The Amoebophrya ceratii parasite has nearly all metabolic processes working, allowing it to thrive on its own with significantly reduced genetic material.

Newly discovered Ebolavirus may not cause severe disease in humans

Researchers from the University of Kent have found that a newly discovered Ebolavirus, known as Bombali, is unlikely to cause severe disease in humans. The study compared amino acid sequences of virus proteins and identified positions that determine whether a virus causes disease in humans.

Imaging system helps surgeons remove tiny ovarian tumors

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel fluorescence imaging system to improve surgery for ovarian cancer, enabling surgeons to detect and remove tumors as small as 0.3 millimeters. This technology has shown promising results in mice, with median survival rates 40% longer than those without image guidance.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Protein Science Best Paper Awards to Yu-ming Huang and Abhay Thakur

Yu-ming Huang and Abhay Thakur have been awarded the Protein Science Best Paper Award for their pioneering work on biomolecular diffusion and protein folding. Their research has shed new light on the importance of diffusional channeling in metabolism, signaling, and other cellular processes.

Reindeer adapt to climate change by eating seaweed

Research reveals that reindeer on Svalbard island are adapting to climate change by eating seaweed during harsh winters. Stable isotope studies show that the reindeer eat seaweed as a supplementary source of nutrition, but not exclusively, as they need normal food to sustain themselves.

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.

Study reveals vast diversity of ocean microbes

A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals a vast diversity of ocean microbes called protists, which form complex relationships with other members of the microbial food web. The research team analyzed over 900 single cell genomes, documenting genetic code that had never been identified before.

Researchers use machine-learning system to diagnose genetic diseases

A machine-learning system using clinical natural language processing and genome sequencing diagnose rare genetic diseases in record time, providing critical information to intensive care physicians. The automated pipeline achieved significant time-savings and concurred with expert manual interpretation in 97% of cases.

Five new innovators join Chain Reaction Innovations in third cohort

Chain Reaction Innovations' third cohort of five new innovators will leverage Argonne National Laboratory's resources to develop market-ready businesses. The program aims to accelerate energy and science technologies, with a focus on water sensing, hydrogen technologies, and energy storage.

Study finds differences in storefront tobacco advertising by product type

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health documents specific characteristics of storefront tobacco advertisements, highlighting variations in ad features across product categories. The research found that cigarette ads dominated window space, while cigar and ENDS ads were more commonly placed near entry points.

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.

Researchers observe slowest atom decay ever measured

Researchers at the University of Zurich's XENON1T detector have observed the slowest atom decay ever measured, with a half-life time over a trillion times longer than the age of the universe. This rare process, called double electron capture, was detected for the first time and has implications for understanding dark matter.

Scientists translate brain signals into speech sounds

Researchers used brain signals from epilepsy patients to program a computer to mimic natural speech, potentially improving quality of life for paralyzed individuals. The study successfully recreated vocal sounds with varying accuracy and demonstrated generalizability across patients.

Risk and unnaturalness cannot justify EU's strict policy on GMO

A new study concludes that EU's restrictive regulation of GMO crops cannot be justified, even considering risks to the environment. The researchers argue that GMO crops can be consistent with organic farming principles and should not be treated differently from conventional products.

New nanomaterial to replace mercury

Researchers at NTNU have created a new electronic component that emits ultraviolet light, replacing traditional fluorescent lamps with a non-toxic and cheaper alternative. The technology has the potential to increase market demand for UVC products by 40% annually.

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.

Hopkins researchers ID neurotransmitter that helps cancers progress

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have uncovered the role of a neurotransmitter called N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) in the spread of aggressive cancers. NAAG is found to be more abundant in higher-grade cancers, making it a potential marker for tumor progression or regression during cancer therapy.

Could a popular food ingredient raise the risk for diabetes and obesity?

A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that consuming propionate may trigger a cascade of metabolic events leading to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. The research also showed that mice exposed to chronic propionate resulted in weight gain and insulin resistance.