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Science News Archive August 2019


Page 30 of 38

Study finds changes in mindset key to helping college students exercise more

Researchers surveyed 135 college students and found that viewing exercise as a stress outlet can significantly increase their willingness to exercise. The most important factor in sustaining this habit was behavioral confidence, including visualization of future performance and external sources of encouragement.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA's MMS finds its first interplanetary shock

The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission has made the first high-resolution measurements of an interplanetary shock. The shock was triggered by a fast stream of solar wind overtaking a slower stream, creating a wave that spread across the solar system. By analyzing the data from this event, scientists gained evidence to support a theory o...

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.

Where are the bees? Tracking down which flowers they pollinate

Researchers use 'Reverse Metagenomics' method to identify preferred wildflowers for bees, providing valuable insights into pollinator behavior and habitat conservation. This technique can be applied to various studies, including diet analysis and airborne allergenic pollen identification.

Forest fragments surprising havens for wildlife

Camera trap surveys reveal 28 mammal species in protected forest and 21 in fragmented habitats, including critically endangered species like Sunda pangolin and Sumatran tiger. These findings suggest conservation value for small patches of remnant forest and the importance of further research.

Reducing exposure to opioids after cesarean delivery

Researchers at Kaiser Permanente discovered that allowing women to eat and move sooner after surgery improves recovery, reduces opioid exposure, and enhances breastfeeding experiences. The study's Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program led to a significant decrease in opioid use without increased pain or hospital stay.

Does cable news shape your views?

A new MIT study finds that partisan news coverage has a bigger impact on viewers without strong media preferences, while those with strong preferences may be less influenced. The study suggests that certain types of political media affect different populations in varying manners.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers discover why intense light can protect cardiovascular health

Researchers discovered that intense light amplifies the PER2 gene, which bolsters blood vessels and offers protection against heart attacks. The study found that mice exposed to intense light had reduced cardiac tissue damage after a heart attack, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for humans.

Tobacco plant 'stickiness' aids helpful insects, plant health

Researchers found that sticky glandular trichomes on tobacco leaves trap insects, which are then consumed by the spined stilt bug, a predator that protects the plant from pest infestation. This mutualistic relationship increases leaf yield and reduces plant damage without harming the tobacco plants.

New WSU technology to improve delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs

A WSU researcher has created a new technology that harnesses the immune system to target diseased tissues, improving drug delivery and reducing side effects. The technology uses neutrophils to deliver drugs directly to inflammatory sites, showing promise in treating acute lung injury and potentially other diseases.

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.

How maggots leap without legs

Researchers discovered that Asphondylia maggots use microscopic hairs to latch onto surfaces, forming a temporary leg to launch themselves into the air. This unique mechanism allows them to catapult themselves up to 121mm in just a few seconds, saving energy compared to crawling.

BrainHealth researchers study the neurochemistry of social perception

Recent research from Dr. Dan Krawczyk's lab at the Center for BrainHealth explored the effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on social cognition. Oxytocin consistently led a perception of greater dominance, while both hormones affected brain activity across trustworthiness and dominance.

GW researchers identify barriers to fungal infection diagnosis

Researchers found that around 21% of dermatologists rarely/never perform fungal preparations due to perceived adequacy or time concerns, while 25% with CLIA certification reported difficulty in obtaining the necessary certifications. The study emphasizes the need for increased education and policy-based interventions to ease the process.

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.

Genetic variation contributes to individual differences in pleasure

Research using identical and fraternal twins suggests that genetic variation contributes to individual differences in pleasure and reward processing. The study found that activation of the nucleus accumbens, a key structure in the brain's reward system, is moderately heritable, as are scores for physical anhedonia and pleasure.

Calcium: Good for bones, good for cultural conservation

Researchers developed a calcium-based conservation treatment that enhances hydrophobicity, reduces cracking and improves surface adhesion on various building materials. The treatment, inspired by natural structures like bone and kidney stones, provides improved acid resistance and minimal color effect.

Optimistic people sleep better, longer, study finds

A study of over 3,500 participants aged 32-51 found significant associations between optimism and various characteristics of self-reported sleep. Optimists were more likely to report very good sleep quality and adequate sleep duration. The research suggests that positivity may buffer the effects of stress by promoting adaptive coping.

NIH funding spurs expansion of clinical and translational research in Texas

The University of Texas System, along with Rice University, is partnering to expand clinical and translational research in Texas, producing better health outcomes for those in Texas and across the nation. The expansion will focus on clinical studies designed to improve medical outcomes for underrepresented populations.

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.

Fear of predators causes PTSD-like changes in brains of wild animals

A new study by Western University demonstrates that fear of predators can leave long-lasting traces in the neural circuitry of wild animals and induce enduringly fearful behaviour. The findings support the notion that PTSD is not unnatural and have important implications for biomedical researchers, mental health clinicians, and ecologi...

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.

Dark matter may be older than the big bang, study suggests

A new Johns Hopkins University study proposes that dark matter may have originated before the Big Bang, citing a connection between particle physics and astronomy. The research suggests that dark matter's existence could be revealed through its gravitational effects on galaxy distributions.

New synthesis method opens up possibilities for organic electronics

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a new synthesis method for producing high-performance n-type semiconducting polymers using the DArP method. The resulting polymers, P1 and P2, exhibit significant improvements in electron mobility and stability compared to existing materials.

Designing a light-trapping, color-converting crystal

Researchers at Stanford University have designed a crystal structure that can trap and convert both infrared and green laser light, significantly improving the efficiency of this process. The device, which is microscopic in size, has the potential to greatly benefit technologies in telecommunications, computing, and laser-based equipment.

Right or left, Americans value hard work to achieve success

A recent study found that people on both sides of the political spectrum value proportionality in achieving success, with liberals caring more about equity and conservatives valuing proportionality. The researchers aimed to understand the moral foundations behind political partisanship and how it influences policy support.

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.

Lung lining fluid key to elderly susceptibility to tuberculosis disease

Researchers found that lung lining fluid from older adults is more prone to dysfunction, allowing bacteria to infect and grow within macrophages. The study suggests that interventions targeting the lung mucosa's oxidative status may help make elderly individuals more resistant to respiratory infections.

Researchers identify key proteins for the repair of nerve fibers

Scientists at DZNE have identified a group of proteins that help regenerate damaged nerve cells, potentially leading to new treatments for spinal cord injuries. These proteins, part of the 'cofilin/ADF' family, drive growth and regeneration in both young and adult neurons.

Outbursts of hot wind detected close to black hole

An international team detected a very hot, dense outflowing wind close to a black hole at least 25,000 light-years from Earth. The gas was emitted in bursts that repeated every 8 minutes, revealing unprecedented behavior around a black hole.

Looking out for the little guys

Researchers found high genetic diversity within and between baitfish assemblages from different locations around Bermuda. The study suggests that the island's baitfish species are highly mixed populations with limited gene flow to other regions.

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.

Geneticists unlock the secret of mutant flies' longevity

Researchers identified 239 genes with altered activity in long-living fruit fly strains, including those involved in metabolism. The mutation triggers a global alteration of metabolism, affecting carbohydrate, lipid, and nucleotide metabolism, as well as immune response genes.

Surgical planning for head and neck cancer benefits from FDG-PET/CT

A new study published in The Journal of Clinical Oncology found that FDG-PET/CT imaging achieved true negatives in 94% of patients, suggesting its potential to assist clinicians in deciding on the best therapy for clinically N0 necks. This could lead to prevented patient morbidity and cost savings.

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.

New 'liquid biopsy' blood test improves breast cancer diagnostics

A new 'liquid biopsy' blood test called TARDIS detects circulating tumor DNA in patient blood, enabling precise monitoring of disease progression and response to treatment. The test's high sensitivity could help plan surgical resection and radiation therapy after pre-operative therapy.

The surprising merit of giant clam feces

Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered that giant clam feces contain symbiotic algae zooxanthellae, which can be transferred to juvenile clams and establish a symbiotic relationship. This finding may help solve the mystery of how coral reefs acquire these essential algae.

Study in Taiwan examines association of ADHD, causes of death

A nationwide study in Taiwan found that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be associated with a higher risk of death from injury causes. The study, which included nearly 276,000 patients with ADHD and nearly 2 million individuals without, found no increased risk of natural-cause death between the two groups.

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.

A long time ago, galaxies far, far away

Astronomers have found a treasure trove of previously unknown ancient massive galaxies, defying current models of the universe. These galaxies are connected to supermassive black holes and dark matter, providing new insights into cosmic evolution.

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.

Internet can be valuable tool for people with undiagnosed rare disorders

Researchers found that self-diagnosis using the internet can lead to successful diagnoses of rare inherited conditions like autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD). The study received over 665 referrals from 1996 to 2017, with positive genetic testing results in 27% of cases.

Earth's last magnetic field reversal took far longer than once thought

Scientists have discovered that Earth's magnetic field reversal took at least 22,000 years to complete, contradicting previous estimates of up to 9,000 years. The new analysis provides a detailed look at the turbulent time when the field weakened and partially shifted before finally reversing.

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.

Researchers develop method to automatically estimate rooftop solar potential

A team of researchers from UMass Amherst has developed a data-driven approach called DeepRoof that uses machine learning techniques and satellite images to identify rooftops with high solar potential, achieving accuracy of 91%. This method can speed up the process of rooftop installations by analyzing satellite images of entire cities.

USC researchers awarded $12.5 million grant for craniofacial research

The project aims to advance research by creating a resource for researchers around the globe to access data on craniofacial development and dysmorphologies. Craniofacial conditions affect approximately 600,000 people in the US, with cleft lip and palate being amongst the most common birth defects.

Astronomers reveal true colors of evolving galactic beasts

Researchers at Durham University have spotted a brief transition phase in the development of quasars, challenging conventional views on red quasar color. The team believes this phase is caused by a violent ejection of energy from supermassive black holes, blowing away dust and gas to reveal blue quasars.

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.

Researchers to study physics of underwater walking

The project aims to determine the forces that dictate underwater walking, shedding light on the colonization of land by animals. By studying Spanish ribbed newts, researchers hope to gain insight into the biomechanics of animal movement.