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Science News Archive August 2019


Page 3 of 38

Nanostructured material with potential for use in catalyzers

A Brazilian research group, supported by FAPESP, has developed a nanostructured titanium oxide material through electrospinning and atomic layer deposition. The material exhibits high surface area and reacts with UV light to degrade organic matter.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New funding awarded to two early career scientists

Two Argonne scientists, Ahmet Uysal and Kibaek Kim, have been awarded Early Career Research Program funding to tackle complex challenges in water separation and electric grid modernization. Their research programs will utilize cutting-edge technologies and facilities at Argonne National Laboratory.

The 'inflammation' of opioid use

New research reveals a strong correlation between opioid use, brain inflammation, and negative emotional states during withdrawal. The study found that inflammation in the gut and central amygdala may contribute to the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

Researchers demonstrate all-optical neural network for deep learning

A two-layer all-optical artificial neural network has been successfully demonstrated for complex classification tasks, outperforming computer-based neural networks. The researchers plan to expand this approach to large-scale optical deep neural networks for specific practical applications.

Bacteria feeding on Arctic algae blooms can seed clouds

New research reveals that bacteria from Arctic algae blooms can travel to the atmosphere and seed clouds, impacting global weather patterns. The particles help accelerate ice crystal formation, influencing climate and precipitation patterns.

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.

Biochar: A better start to rain forest restoration

Researchers at Wake Forest University's Center for Amazonian Scientific Innovation found that biochar combined with fertilizer significantly improved height and diameter growth of tree seedlings. The treatment also increased the number of leaves developed by the seedlings.

Research funded by DoD to improve infrared detectors used for night vision

The US Department of Defense has awarded $7.5 million to researchers at the University of Arkansas to explore a new material for infrared imaging devices. The goal is to create lighter, faster, and more energy-efficient detectors with higher signal-to-noise quality, addressing limitations in current technology.

Drug resistance signature discovered in Crohn's disease

Researchers at The Mount Sinai Hospital have identified a unique cell signature associated with drug resistance in Crohn's disease patients. This discovery may enable the development of personalized treatment plans and improved patient outcomes.

Researchers demonstrate first all-metamaterial optical gas sensor

The new sensor uses metamaterials to eliminate the need for a dielectric filter, reducing size and energy consumption. It can detect gas concentrations with high sensitivity, using less energy than commercial systems, making it ideal for automotive, consumer electronics, and medical applications.

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.

White matter affects how people respond to brain stimulation therapy

Researchers found that patients with more connected white matter in targeted brain regions respond better to non-invasive electrical brain stimulation, suggesting a potential breakthrough in personalizing the therapy. The study also showed partial reversal of abnormalities in brain activity caused by traumatic brain injury.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

MIT's fleet of autonomous boats can now shapeshift

Researchers at MIT have developed a new algorithm that enables the 'roboats' to smoothly reshape themselves as efficiently as possible. The system, designed for Amsterdam's canals, allows groups of linked roboat units to unlatch from one another and reattach to form various structures, such as bridges and stages.

Lower risk for heart failure with new type 2 diabetes drug

A new study published in The BMJ found that SGLT2 inhibitors, commonly used for type 2 diabetes, reduce the risk of heart failure by 34% compared to another type of diabetes drug. The study also showed a 20% lower risk of death among patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors.

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.

Human developmental clock mimicked in a dish

Researchers create a 'clock in a dish' to study human developmental timing, replicating a genetic mutation linked to spondylocostal dysotosis. This breakthrough provides insight into the hard-wired timing within cells and may accelerate cell development for clinical benefit.

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.

Global warming may diminish plant genetic variety in Central Europe

A new study published in Nature found that only a few individuals of the thale cress plant have adapted to extreme climate conditions, suggesting a potential collapse of species genetic diversity in Central Europe. This could lead to reduced plant populations unable to survive due to changing precipitation and temperature patterns.

Lack of oxygen doesn't kill infant brain cells, as previously thought

Research published in Journal of Neuroscience shows brief periods of hypoxia persistently disrupt the hippocampus, vital for learning and memory, but brain cells do not die as previously thought. Instead, cells fail to mature normally, reducing long-term potentiation, a cellular basis of learning.

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.

'Charismatic carbon'

A study found that seaweed aquaculture has huge potential for carbon sequestration, with suitable area sufficient to render the entire global aquaculture industry carbon neutral. However, farming seaweed alone won't balance emissions from global food production due to cost and growth constraints.

A unique conducting state under UV-irradiation

Researchers at Ehime University discovered a molecular insulating crystal that reversibly exhibits metal-like conducting behavior under UV-irradiation. This unique property indicates the existence of other photoexcited states of matter with novel properties.

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.

Scientists explore aged paint in microscopic detail to inform preservation efforts

Researchers used X-ray imaging and nanoscale techniques to analyze the chemical processes involved in aging oil paints. The study found that metal soaps can cause deterioration in artworks, particularly those composed of oil paints. The findings have implications for art conservation and potential solutions to prevent further damage.

Getting to the root of how plants tolerate too much iron

Scientists have identified a major genetic regulator of iron tolerance, called GSNOR, which enables plants to grow in environments with high iron levels. The discovery could lead to crop species that thrive in soils with excess iron, improving food security and yields.

What a Virginia wildflower can tell us about climate change

Researchers found that American bellflowers' colonization of new areas led to beneficial adaptations, such as self-fertilization, but also detrimental mutations reducing overall vigor. This study draws attention to climate change's potential legacies and the inherent perils of species expansion.

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.

Searching for dangerous gut bacteria

A new Emmy-Noether Independent Junior Research Group is exploring the mechanisms behind certain bacteria causing disease in some people but not others. The team aims to develop strategies for preventing symptoms and restoring gut health.

Study discovers abnormal expression of genes in psychopathy

A new study reveals that psychopathic violent offenders exhibit abnormal expression of genes and immune-response-related molecular pathways, which have also been linked to autism. The findings suggest that targeting the opioid system could be a feasible treatment approach for psychopathy.

Ancient civilizations were already messing up the planet

A massive collaborative study reveals that early humans globally altered their environments as far back as 10,000 years ago. The study found widespread land use changes, including deforestation and invasive farming, starting around 3,000 years ago.

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.

Friendships factor into start-up success (and failure)

Research at Cass Business School found that entrepreneurial groups with strong friendship bonds are more likely to persist with a failing venture and escalate financial commitment. The study suggests that understanding team emotions is crucial for best decision making in start-ups.

Hints of a volcanically active exomoon

Researchers at the University of Bern discover hints of a volcanically active exomoon, or exo-Io, orbiting the hot giant planet WASP-49b. The presence of sodium gas at an anomalously high-altitude suggests the existence of a small rocky moon that could be responsible for the observed phenomenon.

A protective factor against Alzheimer's disease?

Researchers discovered that higher levels of TREM2 protein in cerebrospinal fluid are associated with improved prognosis and reduced cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. The study suggests that TREM2 may play a key role in regulating the brain's protective immune response, offering new therapeutic strategies.

How visceral leishmaniasis spread through central-Southern Brazil

Visceral leishmaniasis has expanded to Central-Southern Brazil through three dispersion routes: Bolivia-Brazil gas pipeline, Paraguay, and western Santa Catarina State. The study highlights the lack of joint policies with neighboring countries as a risk factor for disease spread.

Cracking the code of a brain cancer that keeps coming back

Scientists used single-cell transcriptomics to map cell types and molecular cascades driving medulloblastoma growth. They discovered new treatment targets, including the HIPPO-YAP/TAZ pathway, which can be targeted with an FDA-approved cancer drug.

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.

Biophysics: The art of worming through tight spaces

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München use computer simulations to study the invasion of epithelial cells and bacterial biofilms into confined microspaces. They discover three distinct modes of invasion based on the level of motile activity, which can lead to clusters of cells detaching and 'worming' through narrow gaps.

Flathead Bio Station researcher helps uncover ocean iron level mystery

Researchers discovered that Asian dust brings nutrients to the ocean, affecting plankton growth and nutrient availability. The study confirms how tightly coupled plankton biology is to iron supply from the atmosphere, highlighting the need for considering atmospheric and ocean circulation variability in forecasting climate change impacts.

Detailed map shows how viruses infect humans

Biologists at Columbia University created a detailed map of protein-protein interactions between human-infecting viruses and infected cells. The study revealed insights into Zika virus infection and HPV's role in cancer, with potential implications for diagnostics and vaccine development.

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.

Negative interest rate policies are backfiring -- new research

Research from the University of Bath finds that negative interest rate policies are backfiring, curbing loan growth and damaging banking profits. Bank margins were being squeezed, eroding capital bases and limiting credit growth, thereby stifling domestic demand.

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.

The Lancet: New analyses of the worldwide epidemiological evidence demonstrate link between different forms of menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer incidence, and find that some risk persists for many years

A new study analyzing worldwide epidemiological evidence finds a significant association between menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer incidence. The research indicates that the risks are greater for users of oestrogen-progestagen hormone therapy than for oestrogen-only hormone therapy.

Brain waves detected in mini-brains grown in a dish

Scientists have successfully grown miniature brains from stem cells that exhibit functional neural networks and produce brain waves resembling those of preterm babies. The study marks a significant breakthrough in understanding human brain development and may lead to new insights into diseases such as autism, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.

A global assessment of Earth's early anthropogenic transformation

A global archaeological assessment reveals that prehistoric humans had a substantial impact on Earth's landscapes by 3,000 years ago. The 'big-data' approach to understanding human legacy on Earth suggests an early and widespread effect of human activity on the environment.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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