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Science News Archive August 2019


Page 33 of 38

Seeing how computers 'think' helps humans stump machines and reveals AI weaknesses

Researchers from the University of Maryland developed a novel approach to generate questions that challenge AI language models. By collaborating with humans and computers, they created a dataset of over 1,200 computer-stumping questions that revealed six different language phenomena consistently stumping computers. This work provides i...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A hog in wolf's clothing

A new study examines the effects of feral hogs and elephants on livestock, finding significant impacts on farming livelihoods. The research highlights the importance of considering non-carnivore species in mitigating wildlife impacts, with potential consequences for conservation efforts.

Heart-on-a-chip mimics drug response seen in humans

Researchers replicated human-like drug responses in TARA's engineered heart-on-a-chip system, predicting cardiac safety and efficacy. The study validated the platform's ability to model different heart diseases and measure contractile force of Cardiotype tissues.

Newly developed approach shows promise in silencing HIV infection

Researchers at University of Texas Medical Branch developed a new medication that works with the human body to further suppress HIV, potentially leading to HIV remission. The treatment targets dormant HIV genes by programming a protein called BRD4 to silence the virus.

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.

Knowing berry pests' varied diets may help control them

A Cornell University study reveals that spotted-wing drosophila adults and larvae eat mushroom and apple mixtures, as well as bird manure, to survive before and after the growing season. The results may help curb pest populations by encouraging growers to limit access to certain non-fruit food sources.

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.

What do you mean the hamburger isn't all that American?

Research institutions are encouraged to integrate graphic design into communications teams to reach socially relevant audiences. Collaborations between scientists and graphic artists result in clear, focused, and accessible infographics, pushing science forward.

Staring at seagulls could save your chips

Researchers found that herring gulls take 21 seconds longer to approach food when a human is watching, suggesting that just observing the birds can reduce food-snatching. The study highlights the importance of modifying individual behavior to manage gull-nuisance issues in urban areas.

Scientists create the world's thinnest gold

Researchers at the University of Leeds have created a new form of gold that is just two atoms thick, making it the thinnest unsupported gold ever created. The ultra-thin gold material has been shown to be 10 times more efficient as a catalytic substrate than traditional gold nanoparticles.

Development of flexible sensors mimicking human finger skin by DGIST

Researchers at DGIST developed flexible sensors that can detect pressure and vibration similar to human skin, with more sensitive detections. The sensors mimic 'Slow Adaptive' and 'Fast Adaptive' receptors, enabling accurate classification of fabric roughness and potential applications in artificial skin grafting and VR experiences.

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.

Reconstructing histological slices into 3D images

Japanese scientists have developed a new method to construct 3D models from 2D images, overcoming several limitations in current methods. The approach uses non-rigid registration and blending of rigid transforms to create accurate 3D reconstructions of human embryos with high success.

Scientists shed new light on how we perceive vibrations through touch

Researchers found a universal frequency decoding system that overrules tactile sensory channels when perceiving vibrotactile stimuli. This discovery suggests that different skin regions with varying receptors can cause the same brain sensations, revolutionizing our understanding of touch perception.

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.

Non-invasive imaging method spots cancer at the molecular level

Researchers developed a technique combining multiphoton microscopy with automated image analysis to distinguish between healthy and metastatic tissue without invasive biopsies or contrast dyes. The approach identified unique textural features in tissue that reflect cancer metastasis, allowing for early detection and improved treatment.

UCLA study links progenitor cells to age-related prostate growth

As people age, the prostate grows, leading to an increased risk for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. A new UCLA study found that older mice have more luminal progenitor cells, which can generate new prostate tissue, helping explain why the prostate tends to grow with age.

How the Pacific Ocean influences long-term drought in the Southwestern US

A new study from the University of Washington explores how Pacific Ocean conditions contribute to prolonged droughts in the Southwestern US. Researchers found that El Niño events can lead to multi-year droughts if followed by a La Niña event, and that a complex interplay between ocean and atmospheric conditions is at play.

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.

Bullet shape, velocity determine blood spatter patterns

Researchers developed a new technique to analyze blood spatter patterns, which can help investigators determine the origins of blood spatters and potentially identify the weapon used. The study's findings reveal that bullet shape and velocity play a crucial role in determining blood spatter patterns.

Many post on social media under the influence of drugs -- and regret it

A study by NYU's Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research found that one-third of young adults who use drugs post on social media while high, with nearly half later regretting the behavior. The study highlights the potential social harms associated with substance use, which are often overlooked.

Critical deployment of NASA Webb's secondary mirror a success

NASA successfully deployed its secondary mirror in a crucial testing step, paving the way for the James Webb Space Telescope's groundbreaking science. The successful test demonstrates the telescope's electronic connection and prepares it for integration into its final form.

Climate change could shrink oyster habitat in California

A new study by the University of California, Davis, reveals that climate change could lead to a significant decline in oyster habitats in California bays. The research found that changes in dissolved oxygen levels, water temperature, and salinity would have a greater impact on oyster growth than ocean acidification.

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.

Calcium levels in freshwater lakes declining in Europe and North America

A global study reveals calcium concentrations are critically low in many freshwater lakes, posing a threat to reproduction and survival of aquatic organisms. The decline is attributed to reduced sulphate deposition associated with acid rain, which has led to less calcium leaching from surrounding terrestrial areas.

DOE announces $6.5 million for isotope R&D and production

The DOE has allocated $6.5 million to advance isotope research and development, focusing on cancer diagnostic and therapeutic agents, as well as improving production techniques. This funding will enhance isotope availability and purity for US applications in science, medicine, and industry.

Rye is healthy, thanks to an interplay of microbes

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland reveals that rye's bioactive compounds are processed by both gut microbiomes and lactic acid bacteria, leading to improved insulin metabolism and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. The study used metabolomics to analyze compounds found in rye and its effects on human health.

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.

Seaweed sinks deep, taking carbon with it

A recent study found that seaweed can travel up to 5000 kilometers beyond coastal areas and sequester significant amounts of carbon. This discovery has significant implications for the global carbon budget and highlights the importance of macroalgae in blue carbon assessments.

Police use of force and fatality risk

A study analyzing 2013-2018 data found that Black men had the highest fatality risk from police violence, with a rate of 1 fatality for every 1,000 black male births. Racial disparities also affected female fatalities, with American Indian and Latina women facing increased risks compared to white counterparts

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.

A new paradigm for efficient upward culture of 3D multicellular spheroids

Researchers have developed a novel culture method for 3D multicellular spheroids, utilizing a durable superamphiphobic surface. This method enables efficient, safe, and in-situ observation of cell growth, with potential applications in drug screening, stem cell differentiation, and regenerative medicine.

Gender-neutral pronouns and gender equality

The use of gender-neutral pronouns is associated with favorable views about the roles of nonmales in public life. Researchers found that participants who used gender-neutral pronouns were less likely to assign a male name to a subsequent character, suggesting a reduction in mental bias.

Maya more warlike than previously thought

Researchers found extensive burning at Witzna and its surroundings dating back to the classic period, indicating scorched-earth military campaigns even during periods of prosperity. This challenges the idea that warfare was a late development in Maya civilization's decline.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Brain reorganization predicts language production

Research in four-year-old children found that the right hemisphere can take over language functions when the left hemisphere is damaged early in development. This flexibility of the brain offers insight into typical language development and recovery from injury.

Researchers forecast failure in disordered materials

Scientists predict potential failure sites in disordered materials like cellular foams and fiber networks by analyzing network connections. They used geodesic edge betweenness centrality to identify the most critical edges and predicted failure locations with high accuracy.

Is it safe to use an electric fan for cooling?

New research from the University of Sydney suggests that electric fans can be beneficial in hot, humid conditions but detrimental in dry conditions. The study calls into question current guidelines recommending fan use only when temperature rises above 35 degrees Celsius.

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.

Opioid use recovery requires persistence, range of services

A nationwide study found that individuals with opioid use problems require more intensive medical, psychological, and social support services over a longer period. Those who achieved longer-term recovery were more likely to use formal treatment, pharmacotherapy, and recovery support services compared to those with alcohol use disorder.

Young teens of color more likely to avoid peers with mental illness

Research reveals that students identifying as black or Latino are more likely to socially distance themselves from peers with a mental illness, indicating persistent mental illness stigma. Targeted anti-stigma interventions may benefit boys of color and Latina girls, who exhibit higher levels of discomfort around mental illness.

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.

New Zealand's biodiversity will take millions of years to recover

Recent calculations by University of Groningen researchers suggest that bird species in New Zealand will need around 50 million years to regain their lost diversity. However, the fate of endangered species like the kakapo and kiwi could add millions more years to this timeline.

New voyage to the universe from DESHIMA

Deshima, a Japanese-Dutch joint development, successfully obtained the first spectra and images of cosmic radio waves. The instrument achieves an ideal balance between frequency range and spectroscopic performance using innovative nanotechnology.

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.