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Science News Archive August 2019


Page 16 of 38

Physicists use light flashes to discover, control new quantum states of matter

Researchers at Iowa State University have made three groundbreaking discoveries about non-equilibrium quantum phase discovery via non-thermal ultrafast quench near quantum critical points. These findings could lead to the development of new technologies such as optical computing, novel sensors and high-speed communication capabilities.

The journey of the pollen

Researchers from Kiel University discovered a complex interplay of factors influencing pollen adhesion to surfaces. They found that pollen's adhesive properties change depending on the duration of contact and microstructure of the surface, providing new insights into coating processes and transporting medicinal substances.

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.

Decades-old puzzle of the ecology of soil animals solved

An international research team deciphered the defence mechanism of filamentous fungi, discovering that certain fungal pigments like aurofusarin protect fungi from predation. These pigments were found to repel small soil animals such as worms and springtails, and may have evolved due to extremely high concentrations of defence chemicals.

Study reveals profound patterns in globally important algae

A new study has found that Atlantic coccolithophores are surprisingly scarce in fertile equatorial waters, despite being abundant in subpolar and temperate regions. This discovery sheds light on the inner workings of the ocean carbon cycle and raises questions about the impact of coccolithophore populations on global productivity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

BU finds alternative to 'revolving door' of opioid detox and relapse

Researchers at Boston University School of Public Health found that patients who start long-term buprenorphine treatment before discharge from a short-term inpatient program are less likely to relapse and more likely to keep up treatment. This approach reduces the risk of overdose and improves outcomes for opioid users.

New research explores the use of New Psychoactive Substances by young people

A study of 2,039 young people found that NPS users experienced significant mental health problems and physical issues, including heart and liver damage. The research also identified contributing risk factors such as family breakdown, trauma, and peer pressure, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address NPS use.

City parks lift mood as much as Christmas, Twitter study shows

A study by the University of Vermont found that visitors to urban parks use happier words and express less negativity on Twitter after their visit, with a lasting effect. The impact is comparable to the mood spike on Christmas Day, highlighting the importance of green spaces for mental health.

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.

Green space is good for your mental health -- the nearer the better!

A new study by researchers at the University of Warwick and others found that living within 300m of urban green space is associated with greater happiness, sense of worth, and life satisfaction. The study used data from 25,518 people in London and found that proximity to green space was more important than lifestyle factors.

Antibiotic use linked to heightened bowel cancer risk

Research published in Gut journal suggests a link between antibiotic use and increased risk of bowel cancer, particularly for cancers of the proximal colon. Conversely, rectal cancer risk was found to be lower among those prescribed antibiotics, possibly due to differences in gut microbiome activity.

BAFfling cancer growth strategies

Researchers at CeMM Research Center have identified new targets for treating BAF mutant cancers by analyzing the effects of single subunit loss on chromatin accessibility and transcription. The study reveals that aberrant functions of remaining complexes may confer cancer-promoting properties, making them potentially druggable.

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.

Painting a bigger biosociological picture of chronic pain

A recent study published in PLOS Biology has made significant progress in understanding chronic pain by integrating psychosocial factors and neurobiology. The researchers found two key traits - Pain-trait and Emote-trait - that are associated with back pain characteristics, as well as a link between socioeconomic status and chronic pain.

Doctors tell parents too late that their child is near death, survey suggests

A survey of bereaved Danish parents suggests that doctors often inform them of their child's terminal illness too late, with over four in ten saying they were told just hours before death. The study highlights the need for improved education and training for healthcare professionals on how to break bad news to families.

Longline fishing hampering shark migration

An international study found that longline fisheries globally impact migrating shark populations, with approximately a quarter of their migratory paths affected. The research used satellite tracking and big data analysis to examine shark movements at a global scale.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Do hospital ads work?

Researchers found that hospital advertising increases patient choice, with wealthy patients and those living far from hospitals responding well. However, a blanket ban on hospital advertising can lead to increased hospital readmissions by up to 1.2 per 100 discharges.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New rapid DNA test to diagnose chlamydia infection in koalas

A new DNA test can diagnose chlamydia infection in koalas within 30 minutes, providing on-the-spot results and allowing for quicker treatment decisions. The test, developed using the LAMP method, targets a specific sequence of DNA in the bacteria and has been successfully trialled at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

Smart sink could help save water

A smart sink was tested at Stanford University to see if it could help people use less water while still being comfortable. The results showed that participants used up to 26% less water when washing dishes with the automated faucet.

New immune system understanding may help doctors target cancer

Researchers have discovered that natural killer cells interact with HLA class 2 proteins, which can activate them to attack cancer cells. This breakthrough may lead to new ways to harness the immune system to fight cancer and avoid attacking healthy tissues.

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.

How to improve multiple sclerosis therapy

Researchers identify various disease mechanisms underlying progressive MS, highlighting the need for precise therapy approaches targeting different pathomechanisms. Financial obstacles, including patent expirations, also hinder the development of new drugs.

Examining the link between caste and under-five mortality in India

A recent study found that under-five mortality rates in India remain high among scheduled caste and tribe populations, with significant gaps between well-off and deprived castes. The researchers identified key factors contributing to these disparities, including educational attainment of women and household wealth.

Study supports link between pollution and neuropsychiatric disorders

A new study suggests a significant link between exposure to environmental pollution and an increase in the prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders. The study found poor air quality associated with increased rates of bipolar disorder and major depression in both the US and Denmark.

Laser printing technology: Creating the perfect bioprinter

Researchers analyzed 33 studies on laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) bioprinting to optimize techniques and materials. They found that LIFT technology provides precise cell transfer and precise 3D printing capabilities, with potential applications in tissue transplantation.

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.

New hydrogels show promise in treating bone defects

Researchers from UCLA School of Dentistry developed a new hydrogel that promotes tissue repair and regeneration, inducing stem cell migration to enhance bone healing. The clay-enhanced hydrogel has a more porous structure, improving its ability to deliver cells to defective areas.

Low levels of vitamin D in elementary school could spell trouble in adolescence

A University of Michigan study found that children with vitamin D deficiency during elementary school were nearly twice as likely to develop externalizing behavior problems as those with higher levels. Low levels of the protein transporting vitamin D were also linked to self-reported aggressive behavior and anxious/depressed symptoms.

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.

Is pollution linked to psychiatric disorders?

A new study suggests a possible link between environmental pollution and an increase in psychiatric disorders. Poor air quality was associated with higher rates of bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and personality disorders in both US and Danish populations.

A lack of self control during adolescence is not uniquely human

A review of adolescent brains across species reveals that impulsiveness is a biological adaptation crucial for brain maturation. The human brain undergoes significant changes during adolescence, including pruning of neural connections and strengthening of white matter tracts, which enables optimal brain function in the adult stage.

Global change is triggering an identity switch in grasslands

A new study found that global change is triggering a significant shift in grassland plant species, with many plots experiencing drastic changes despite minimal changes in total species count. This shift could impact the critical services provided by grasslands, including carbon storage and food production.

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.

5 cool technologies your tax dollars are funding

Recent advances in biomedical imaging and bioengineering funded by the NIH include a non-invasive blood glucose monitoring device and a skin patch that monitors blood pressure continuously. Additionally, researchers have developed painless laser scans for breast cancer screening and prosthetic hands with sensory feedback.

Global change and plant community composition

Grassland plant communities exhibit delayed responses to global change drivers like nutrient pollution, drought, and climate warming. The number of applied anthropogenic factors increases the likelihood of community response.

Numerical estimation and visual fixation

A study of 27 people found that numerical estimation relies on accumulating quantities across multiple visual fixations. This challenges the long-held assumption that approximate numerical estimation occurs rapidly and in parallel.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Religion associated with HPV vaccination rate for college women

A new study found that 25% of female college students between 18-26 years old have not been vaccinated for HPV, with 70% identifying with a particular religious faith. College students are advised to educate themselves on the importance of HPV vaccination despite their parents' previous opposition.

New clues on stem cell transplant rejection revealed in study

Scientists found that mutations in mitochondrial DNA can induce an immune response, leading to the rejection of stem cell transplants. The study used hybrid stem cells with nuclear and mitochondrial DNA from different sources and showed that even a single mitochondrial mutation can trigger an immune response.

A novel T-cell subset associated with type 1 diabetes

A recent study at University of Eastern Finland discovered a novel T-cell subset, peripheral helper T cells, associated with the onset of type 1 diabetes. These cells were found to be more frequent in children who later developed the disease and those with autoantibodies indicating genetic risk.

Reassessing nuclear safety

A recent study reassesses nuclear safety by prioritizing both objective and subjective risks, aiming to reduce psychological and physical trauma. The guidelines advocate for improved system resilience and shift towards systems-thinking in risk assessment.

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.

Comparing your house to your neighbors' can lead to dissatisfaction

A new study by Iowa State University researcher Daniel Kuhlmann found that people are more likely to be dissatisfied with their homes if they are smaller than their neighbors'. This phenomenon, known as positional housing concerns, suggests that people's perceptions of their own homes are influenced by the size of their neighbors' houses.

Scientists uncover mystery of DNA methylation

Researchers at Technical University of Denmark have developed a method to quickly couple enzymes with specific methylation patterns, revealing which enzymes are responsible for certain patterns. This discovery holds great promise for improving DNA transformation and introducing foreign DNA into host organisms.

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.