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Science News Archive August 2019


Page 27 of 38

Diarrhea-causing bacteria adapted to spread in hospitals

Researchers discovered that Clostridium difficile is evolving into two separate species, with one group highly adapted to spread in hospitals. The emerging species, named Clade A, has evolved genes that metabolize simple sugars, allowing it to thrive on Western sugar-rich diets and evade common hospital disinfectants.

You're not so tough, h-BN

Researchers at Rice University have created a method to modify hexagonal-boron nitride (h-BN) by attaching carbon chains, making it easier to bond with polymers and other materials. This modification also makes the material more dispersible in organic solvents.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Glitch in neutron star reveals its hidden secrets

Scientists have studied the Vela Pulsar, a neutron star 1,000 light years away, to understand its behavior during a glitch. The team found that the star's spin increased before slowing down, providing a glimpse into its interior structure, which consists of three different components.

Tissue model reveals role of blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's

Researchers developed a tissue model that mimics blood-brain barrier disruption in Alzheimer's disease, showing how damaged barriers allow harmful molecules to enter the brain. The model also revealed that restoring the blood-brain barrier with certain drugs can slow down neuron cell death.

Cold winters not caused by Arctic climate change

Recent studies suggest a link between Arctic sea ice decline and mid-latitude cold winters, but a new study finds no causal relationship. Analysis of climate models reveals that both changes are caused by unusual atmospheric circulation patterns, not the Arctic sea ice itself.

Monash University study finds way to disarm dangerous bacteria

Researchers at Monash University have discovered an antibiotic that can prevent the life-threatening diarrhea caused by C. difficile. The treatment strategy could also counter diseases caused by other similar bacteria, including anthrax. Studies show that cephamycins can reduce spore production of C. difficile and Bacillus cereus.

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.

The formula that makes bacteria float upstream

Researchers have found a physical explanation for how bacteria swim against the current, with a new mathematical formula describing their motion behavior. The discovery could enable design of special tube surfaces to slow down bacterial migration.

Drought and childhood undernutrition

A recent study found that droughts are associated with poor childhood nutrition, particularly in areas with low agricultural diversity and ineffective governance. Researchers mapped the risk of child stunting during drought conditions using data from 53 countries since 1990.

Psychology can help prevent deadly childhood accidents

Expert David Schwebel outlines a model to reduce accidental injuries in children, grouping risk factors into environment-based, caregiver-based, and child-based categories. The model aims to stop an injury from occurring by preventing just one risk factor.

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.

Why stress and anxiety aren't always bad

Psychologist Lisa Damour presents a counterintuitive view of stress and anxiety as unavoidable and potentially helpful. She argues that moderate levels of stress can build resilience and that anxiety serves as an internal alarm system to alert us to threats.

Low-income, black neighborhoods still hit hard by air pollution

Research by Ohio State University found that low-income and African-American communities continue to face disproportionate levels of air pollution, exacerbating existing health disparities. The study's findings suggest that efforts to control pollution are not effectively addressing these inequities.

Novel dual stem cell therapy improving cardiac regeneration

A new dual stem cell therapy has shown promise in improving cardiac function and vascular regeneration following myocardial infarction. The treatment involves combining two types of stem cells to repair both the muscle cells and vascular systems of the heart, providing a potential alternative to complex heart transplants.

Nanoparticles' movements reveal whether they can successfully target cancer

Researchers developed a new method to analyze nanoparticles' movements in real-time, finding that targeting nanostars rotate faster and move across larger areas than non-targeting counterparts. This technology holds promise for reducing side effects of cancer treatments by delivering drugs directly to diseased cells.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Despite temperature shifts, treehoppers manage to mate

Despite temperature fluctuations, treehoppers' mating habits remain intact. Researchers at Saint Louis University found that male treehoppers' songs and female preferences adapt together in response to changing temperatures.

Scientists can now control thermal profiles at the nanoscale

Researchers designed and tested an experimental system that uses a near-infrared laser to actively heat two gold nanorod antennae to different temperatures, defying thermal diffusion. The team measured temperature differences as high as 20 degrees Celsius by analyzing scattered photons from green light.

Depression symptoms in Alzheimer's could be signs for cognitive decline

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that depression symptoms in cognitively healthy older individuals, combined with brain amyloid, can lead to changes in memory and thinking over time. The study suggests that depression symptoms could be a target for delaying the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

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.

Sleep, snacks and shift work

A new study found that consuming a snack reduces the impact of sleepiness and fatigue on night shift workers, compared to eating a meal or no food at all. The study's lead researcher hopes the findings will inform strategic eating patterns to help thousands of shift workers stay alert and healthy.

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.

Take a break! Brain stimulation improves motor learning

Researchers found that brain stimulation during short breaks improves recall of learned motor sequences, even after several hours of practice has stopped. The study suggests that pauses between practice sessions solidify learning in the brain, and stimulation can enhance this process.

Making sense of remote sensing data

Researchers introduce RadialPheno, a new tool to visualize phenocam-collected phenology data, providing meaningful insights into plant developmental events. The tool uses radial representation to identify recurrent events and integrates with common statistical methods, making it a valuable resource for phenology experts.

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.

Turbulence meets a shock

Researchers used Stampede2 to study shock turbulence interactions at high turbulence intensities, exploring amplification factors, shock jumps and turbulent Mach number. The study aims to improve understanding of turbulent flows interacting with shock waves, enabling advancements in supersonic aircraft design and supernova research.

The mind-muscle connection: For aesthetes, not athletes?

Focusing on movement during weightlifting may improve performance by reducing mechanical inefficiency and increasing automatic control processes. This contradicts the traditional mind-muscle connection theory, which suggests focusing on individual muscles enhances activation and development.

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.

Deciphering the regenerative potential of newborn mammalian hearts

Researchers aim to decipher the mechanisms that govern the regenerative capacity of large neonatal mammalian hearts and manipulate them to remuscularize the heart after muscle death. The study may lead to novel techniques for pediatric and adult heart disease interventions, addressing the fundamental problem of heart failure.

NASA's Aqua Satellite finds a large ragged eye in Typhoon Krosa

Typhoon Krosa has a large eye with coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as -63 degrees Fahrenheit around the center and in large bands south and east of the storm. NASA's Aqua satellite analysis revealed the eye's size, aiding forecasters in predicting its path and potential weakening over the next five days.

Direct toxic action of beta-amyloid identified

Researchers discover beta-amyloid blocks glutamate re-uptake in hyperactive neurons, causing false signals and impairments in signal processing. The soluble form of beta-amyloid dimers are responsible for the toxic effect, providing a new target for early treatment strategies.

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.

The brain inspires a new type of artificial intelligence

A team of scientists at Bar-Ilan University has developed a new type of ultrafast artificial intelligence algorithm based on the slow dynamics of brain function. This breakthrough outperforms traditional machine learning algorithms in various fields.

Virtual 'universe machine' sheds light on galaxy evolution

A University of Arizona-led team used supercomputer simulations to generate millions of virtual universes, challenging fundamental ideas about galaxy formation and the role of dark matter. The findings suggest galaxies formed stars more efficiently in the early universe than previously thought.

NASA gives Typhoon Lekima a twice-over with the Aqua satellite

The NASA Aqua satellite provided detailed images of Typhoon Lekima's cloud top temperatures, revealing cold air extending into the troposphere, generating heavy rainfall. The storm's powerful thunderstorms were also visible in infrared and visible light, surrounding a small, rounded eye.

Enhanced natural gas storage to help reduce global warming

Researchers have designed plastic-based materials that can store natural gas more effectively, achieving a high deliverable gravimetric methane working capacity. The developed material, COP-150, has a total cost of only $1 USD per kilogram and can be produced using freely available plastic materials.

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.

Rice chemists show it's hip to be square

Rice University chemists have developed a fast and inexpensive synthetic route to azetidines, a class of molecules that can be used as building blocks in drug design. The new method allows for the creation of NH-azetidines, which contain unprotected nitrogen atoms, making them more accessible for further reactions.

Development of simplified new mass spectrometric technique using laser and graphene

Researchers developed a simplified new mass spectrometric technique using a continuous wave laser and graphene substrate to analyze bio samples without sample preparation. This technology can obtain high-resolution images and secure enough heat needed for specimen analysis with small amount of light generated by the continuous wave laser.

A genetic chaperone for healthy aging?

Scientists discovered a protein called LIN-53 that controls muscle integrity, lifespan and levels of an essential sugar. The protein is an epigenetic factor that affects gene expression and heritable traits.

Green turtles eat plastic that looks like their food

Research suggests green turtles favour narrow lengths of plastic in natural colours like green and black over debris of other shapes and colours. Plastic was found in all examined turtles, with smaller ones containing more pieces.

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.

Oral appliances may be highly effective in treating a type of sleep apnea

A new study suggests that oral appliances can be an effective alternative to CPAP for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Patients with mild collapsibility and weaker reflex responses tend to benefit more from oral appliances, which move the lower jaw forward to prevent airflow obstruction.

Ultracold quantum particles break classical symmetry

Researchers at Heidelberg University confirm theoretically predicted deviation from classical scale symmetry using ultracold lithium atoms. The study provides new insights into the behavior of systems like graphene and superconductors, revealing a stiffening effect with compression.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study shows we like our math like we like our art: Beautiful

A new study shows that average Americans can evaluate mathematical arguments for beauty, using criteria such as elegance and universality. The research found that people share the same aesthetic sensibilities about math as they do about art and music, with consensus on what makes something beautiful.

Employees less upset at being replaced by robots than by other people

A study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that people are more upset about losing their jobs to robots than to other workers. The researchers discovered that this preference reverses when it comes to one's own job, with most individuals finding robot replacement less threatening to their self-worth.

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.

Better tools, better cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have created a super-stable form of MHC tetramer reagent, enabling faster detection and manipulation of T cells in patients. This breakthrough opens new possibilities for personalized cancer treatment strategies.