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Science News Archive August 2019


Page 15 of 38

Lung cell transplant boosts healing after the flu in mice

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a method to transplant healthy lung cells into injured mice, improving blood-oxygen levels and promoting lung regeneration. The technique, using specialized alveolar type-two cells, showed promise in treating various models of lung injury.

Folded paper creates portable lab for field laboratory tests

A team of scientists developed a technique to coat low-cost paper with a liquid-infused polymer layer, creating a portable lab for field laboratory tests. The coated paper performed significantly better than uncoated paper in terms of fluid delivery and accuracy.

Vaping impairs vascular function

A recent study found that vaping impairs vascular function, reducing blood flow and increasing arterial stiffness in healthy adults. The study used MRI scans to measure the effects of e-cigarette inhalation on the body's vascular system.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ammonia for fuel cells

Researchers at the University of Delaware have made significant progress in developing a cost-effective fuel cell technology utilizing ammonia, a nitrogen-based liquid fuel. Ammonia has been identified as the lowest-cost fuel produced from renewable energy, with potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve efficiency.

Climate is changing faster than animal adaptation

An international team of scientists analyzed over 10,000 climate change studies and found that birds and other animals cannot adapt quickly enough to keep pace with climate change. This mismatch between the timing of biological events and the availability of food resources poses a significant threat to species survival.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

What's at the 'heart' of a heartbeat?

Atrial fibrillation is a major concern due to its association with serious complications like heart failure and stroke. Researchers have identified a new piece of the puzzle that has changed the field's understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to atrial fibrillation, involving a phosphatase regulatory subunit known as PPP1R3A.

Solution from VTT to prevent beer bottle explosions

VTT scientists developed a genetic test to detect diastatic yeasts, which cause off-flavours, increased alcohol, and over-carbonation. The new method differentiates between problematic and harmless strains, offering breweries savings in time and cost.

Nicotine-free e-cigarettes can damage blood vessels

A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that nicotine-free e-cigarettes can immediately reduce vascular function and impair blood flow. The researchers used MRI exams on healthy adults to measure changes in blood vessels after vaping a single e-cigarette, revealing significant damage.

MSD and Francis Crick Institute unite to tackle Motor Neurone Disease

Scientists at MSD and Francis Crick Institute are working together to better understand Motor Neurone Disease, a devastating disease with no current treatments. The collaboration aims to identify key mechanisms that can kill motor neurons and build scientific understanding for future treatments.

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.

Applying machine learning in intelligent weather consultation

A new machine learning method, MOML, simulates weather consultation to improve forecast accuracy by 27.91% compared to ECMWF model forecasts. The approach leverages observational data and both high- and low-frequency information for more accurate results.

Skeletal shapes key to rapid recognition of objects

Researchers at Emory University found that the medial axis of an object, or its skeletal geometry, is a crucial visual tool for object recognition. The study suggests that this inner mechanism may play a more important role than previously thought in recognizing objects quickly.

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.

More children suffer head injuries playing recreational sport than team sport

A study of 8,857 children found that recreational sports led to more serious head injuries than contact sports, with bike riding and skateboarding causing the most frequent serious injuries. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and safety measures in recreational sports to prevent head injuries in children.

Rise of dinosaurs linked to increasing oxygen levels

Researchers found a significant increase in oxygen levels in ancient rocks, possibly setting the stage for dinosaur expansion into tropical regions. The discovery provides insight into the evolutionary diversification of dinosaurs during a critical period.

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.

Some pregnant women are exposed to gadolinium in early pregnancy

A small number of pregnant women are exposed to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) before recognition of pregnancy, according to a recent study. The researchers suggest implementing pregnancy screening measures and safety protocols to reduce inadvertent exposures.

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.

Wave climate projections predict risks to Aussie coastlines

Researchers mapped out how much waves are likely to change around the globe under climate change, finding that limiting warming to 2 degrees would keep signals of wave climate change within natural variability. However, 48% of the world's coast is at risk if we don't limit warming, with changes in wave height, period, or direction.

A Stone Age boat building site has been discovered underwater

A new 8,000-year-old structure has been found next to the oldest known boat building site in the world on the Isle of Wight. The site features an intact wooden platform with split timbers, providing evidence of advanced woodworking skills and technological advancements.

Studying animal cognition in the wild

Observational fieldwork provides valuable insights into evolutionary function, conditions for cognitive skill employment, and brain plasticity. Janmaat's five-step guideline guides scholars in studying cognition in wild animals through a suite of behaviours and statistical models.

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.

Amazon rainforest absorbing less carbon than expected

A new study reveals that phosphorus-deficient soils reduced projected carbon dioxide uptake by 50% in the Amazon compared to current estimates. The Amazon Basin plays a critical role in mitigating climate change, but outdated assumptions have been used in models, leading to inaccurate predictions.

All-in-one: New microbe degrades oil to gas

A new microbe called Methanoliparia has been found to degrade long-chain hydrocarbons into methane and carbon dioxide. This discovery provides an alternative to the previously thought complex partnership between archaea and bacteria.

Free rides could lead to better health outcomes for seniors

Researchers at USC Center for Body Computing found that free ride programs can help older adults attend medical appointments more frequently, reducing social isolation. The study provided unlimited Lyft rides to patients with chronic diseases, resulting in improved quality-of-life experiences.

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.

Spending on illicit drugs in US nears $150 billion annually

A new RAND Corporation report estimates that US spending on cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine reached nearly $150 billion in 2016. The market for cannabis is roughly the size of the cocaine and methamphetamine markets combined, with total spending fluctuating between $120 billion and $145 billion each year.

To make lakes healthy, you first need the right recipe

Researchers from NIOO-KNAW suggest a different approach to lake restoration by identifying four types of lakes based on spatial differences. Flushing with clean water may not be effective in all lake types, while reducing nutrient supply is key to permanent recovery.

Simple computational models can help predict post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Researchers developed a simplified computational model to predict locations susceptible to post-traumatic osteoarthritis in patients with ligament ruptures. The model identified areas prone to degeneration, suggesting potential pathways for patient-specific clinical evaluation and rehabilitation protocols.

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.

Studying organ crosstalk leads to a deeper understanding of sepsis

Researchers investigated metabolic changes across organs in a large animal model of sepsis, identifying common and organ-specific alterations that could inform new therapeutic approaches. The study, published in The American Journal of Pathology, has the potential to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with sepsis.

Brain takes a beating as arteries age

As humans age, their brains receive increased load from the heart's beating due to stiffening large arteries, causing damage to smallest blood vessels. The hippocampus, crucial for episodic memory, is particularly vulnerable to this increased stress.

Enabling longer space missions

Researchers used computer modeling and laboratory tests to investigate how changing gas flow rates and magnetic field sizes affect Hall thruster performance. They found that maintaining optimal ionization and acceleration regions can prolong the life of these systems, making them suitable for even longer space missions.

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.

Shape-shifting sheets

Researchers from Harvard SEAS developed a mathematical framework that can turn any sheet of material into any prescribed shape. The framework, inspired by paper craft kirigami, uses cuts to change flexibility and morph into 3D shapes.

Stardust in the Antarctic snow

A TUM research team discovered iron-60 in Antarctic snow, ruling out cosmic radiation and nuclear sources. The isotope's presence suggests the solar system recently passed through an interstellar gas cloud.

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 tools to minimize risks in shared, augmented-reality environments

University of Washington researchers developed a prototype toolkit called ShareAR to build collaborative AR features without compromising user privacy and security. The team created 'ghost objects' to signal the physical location of private virtual content, addressing concerns around data breaches and harassment.

BRCA1/2 genetic testing recommendations still leave issues unresolved

New USPSTF recommendations for BRCA1/2 genetic testing are beneficial, increasing use of genetic counseling and testing for those with high risk. However, concerns remain about large-panel genetic tests, direct-to-consumer multi-panel tests, and racial and socioeconomic disparities in genetic testing uptake.

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.

Engineers make transistors and electronic devices entirely from thread

Researchers at Tufts University developed transistors made from linen thread, enabling the creation of fully flexible devices with superior flexibility and material diversity. The device can be woven into fabric or worn on the skin, allowing for seamless integration with biological tissues.

Helping skin cells differentiate could be key to treating common skin cancer

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified LSD1 as a key regulator of skin cell turnover and found that blocking it could be an effective treatment method for non-melanoma skin cancers. The study shows that targeting LSD1 can force skin cells to differentiate, potentially turning tumor cells into healthier cells.

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.

Multi-tasking protein at the root of neuropathic pain

A study published in Journal of Neuroscience reveals that FLRT3 protein, involved in neuron development and cell adhesion, is also critical for pain sensitization. High levels of FLRT3 protein were found in the dorsal horn following nerve injury, leading to touch sensitivity and mechanical allodynia.

Poo transplants to help save koalas

Researchers found that faecal inoculations changed the koalas' microbiomes, allowing them to eat messmate. This could affect all aspects of their ecology, including nutrition and habitat selection. The study provides a proof of concept for using encapsulated faecal material to introduce new microbes in koalas' guts.

Indigenous scholars confront the power, limitations of genomics

The SING workshop brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous scientists to discuss genomic tools and their social and political ramifications. Participants learn about the limitations of genomics research and its applications in health and environmental policy.

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.