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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 13


Page 13 of 38

Color-changing artificial 'chameleon skin' powered by nanomachines

Researchers developed artificial 'chameleon skin' that changes color when exposed to heat or light using nanoparticles coated in a polymer shell. The material's color-changing abilities rely on light-powered nano-mechanisms, similar to nature's chromatophores, allowing for dynamic displays and active camouflage.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

Unprecedented therapy found effective for blood cancer patients with no treatment options

A clinical trial discovered that selinexor, a novel therapy, effectively knocked down bone marrow cancer in over a quarter of patients, including two who achieved complete remission. The treatment showed promise for patients resistant to multiple therapies and offered new hope for those with limited treatment options.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 21, 2019

Study finds air pollution linked to risk of premature death

A new international study found a link between air pollution and increased mortality rates, particularly among Australians who are more sensitive to particulate matter. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, analyzed data from 652 cities across 24 countries and regions.

SourceMonash University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 21, 2019

Fake news can lead to false memories

Researchers found that nearly half of respondents recalled rich details about fabricated news stories, especially those aligned with their political beliefs. The study suggests that fake news can plant entirely fabricated memories, even after explicit warnings, and that people may be more likely to act on these false memories.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

Mosquitoes push northern limits with time-capsule eggs to survive winters

New research shows that mosquitoes at the northern edge of their range are successfully surviving cold winters using diapause eggs. This rapid local adaptation could impact efforts to control the spread of invasive species like Asian tiger mosquitoes, which transmit diseases such as Zika and dengue viruses.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 21, 2019

Fish oil supplements have no effect on type 2 diabetes

A systematic review of over 58,000 participants found that consuming more long-chain omega-3 fats from fish oils had no impact on diabetes diagnosis or glucose metabolism. However, high doses may worsen glucose metabolism in some individuals.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 21, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New way to make micro-sensors may revolutionize future of electronics

Researchers at Binghamton University have found a way to improve the performance of tiny sensors that could lead to breakthroughs in microphone manufacturing, making them smaller, better and cheaper. The new design combines two methods for electrostatic actuation, eliminating nonlinearity and allowing for predictable control over devices.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 21, 2019

New study highlights sociodemographic disparities in oral cancer screening rates

A recent study by Brigham researchers found that sociodemographic factors, such as income and race, predict differences in oral cancer screening (OCS) rates. The results show that minority and low-income individuals are less likely to receive recommended OCS exams at dental visits, highlighting disparities in access to quality care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 21, 2019

Study identifies main culprit behind lithium metal battery failure

A study led by UC San Diego researchers identifies the root cause of lithium metal battery failure as bits of lithium metal deposits that break off from the anode during discharging. These deposits get trapped in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, lowering Coulombic efficiency and causing batteries to fail. The findings coul...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2019

Self-folding 'Rollbot' paves the way for fully untethered soft robots

Researchers developed self-folding soft robots inspired by origami, using 3D-printed active hinges that can be programmed to fold at different temperatures. The Rollbot, a flat sheet that curls into a wheel and propels itself, demonstrates the method's capabilities.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Robotics·DateAug 21, 2019

Plant protection: Researchers develop new modular vaccination kit

Scientists at MLU have developed a new method for vaccinating plants against viruses, enabling rapid identification and production of precisely tailored substances. The new method follows the modular principle, allowing for flexible combat against new pests and improving the efficiency of siRNA molecules.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

20-million-year-old skull suggests complex brain evolution in monkeys, apes

A new study on a 20-million-year-old fossil from South America reveals that the brain evolved repeatedly and independently in monkeys, with some early members having more complex brains than previously thought. The research also sheds light on the visual-olfactory trade-off in primate evolution.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 2019

Physicists create world's smallest engine

Researchers have built the world's smallest engine, a single calcium ion, which uses random fluctuations to generate vibrations and store energy in discrete units. This tiny motor has potential applications in recycling waste heat and improving energy efficiency in future technologies.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 21, 2019

Babbling babies' behavior changes parents' speech

Babies shape their own learning environments through babbling, influencing parents' speech to use simpler words and shorter sentences. Infants who receive more learning opportunities from their mothers are faster learners of new speech sounds.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Child Language·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

Scientists discover why brown fat is good for people's health

Researchers at Rutgers University have found that brown fat can filter and remove branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) from the blood, which are linked to diabetes and obesity. The study suggests that environmental factors such as cold temperatures or spicy foods may be able to control BCAA uptake by brown fat.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2019

Environmental DNA proves the expansion of invasive crayfish habitats

Researchers used eDNA to survey Japanese and signal crayfish habitats around Lake Akan, finding signal crayfish are widely distributed, potentially threatening native species. eDNA analysis identified presence or absence of aquatic organisms more reliably than conventional methods.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalFreshwater Science·DateAug 21, 2019

The challenge: Make and purify a medical isotope that must be used the same day

Scientists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have successfully produced and purified two rare medical isotopes, Sc-43 and Sc-47, which can be used for visualizing and destroying solid tumors. The team's innovative approach uses a combination of particle accelerators and purification techniques to overcome production challenges.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateAug 21, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Omega-3 fats have little or no effect on type 2 diabetes

Researchers analyzed 83 randomized controlled trials involving 121,070 people with and without diabetes. They found that increasing long-chain omega-3 fats had little or no effect on likelihood of diabetes diagnosis or glucose metabolism. In contrast, higher doses of long-chain omega-3 may have negative effects on diabetes risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 21, 2019

New brain map could improve AI algorithms for machine vision

A new study has mapped the primate brain's visual system organization, revealing that distinct types of cells may work differently than previously thought. The research found that specific regions of the lateral geniculate nucleus and visual pulvinar share the same type of connectivity with the cortex.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateAug 21, 2019

Artificial muscles bloom, dance, and wave

Researchers from KAIST have created an ultrathin artificial muscle that expands, contracts, and rotates using electricity, opening doors for applications in wearable electronics and advanced prosthetics. The actuator is flexible, durable, and highly responsive, with a durability of over five hours.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Robotics·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

Can pomegranate juice protect the infant brain?

A clinical trial found that mothers who consumed pomegranate juice daily during pregnancy had infants with better brain development and connectivity. The study provides preliminary evidence for the potential neuroprotective effects of polyphenols in at-risk newborns.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 21, 2019

Thanks to a world record in tomography, synchrotron radiation can be used to watch how metal foam forms

Scientists have developed a new imaging method called tomoscopy using synchrotron radiation to observe the foaming of liquid metals in great detail. This technique allows for the analysis of dynamic processes with high temporal resolution, providing insights into material distribution and pore formation.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

Breaking up is hard to do

Researchers discovered that electrons in copper oxide superconductors continue to pair up even above the critical temperature, reducing the energy gap. This finding constrains theories about high-temperature superconductivity and opens avenues for designing more precise materials.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2019

Texas cities increasingly susceptible to large measles outbreaks

A computer simulation reveals that a 5% decrease in vaccination rates could lead to massive measles outbreaks in Texas cities, with Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth particularly at risk. The study finds that even with current high vaccination rates, there's a significant chance of an outbreak involving over 400 people in some areas.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 21, 2019

'Tornado Alley' twisters may be easier to predict in April than in May

April tornadoes influenced by global climate patterns, while May events more strongly linked to internal atmospheric processes. Shifting weather patterns within seasons affect tornado frequencies, suggesting a key factor in climate change impact studies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

Lower back pain? Self-administered acupressure could help

A recent study published in Pain Medicine found that self-administered acupressure can improve symptoms of chronic low back pain. Researchers compared three groups: relaxing acupressure, stimulating acupressure, and usual care, with the acupressure groups experiencing pain and fatigue improvement after six weeks.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPain Medicine·DateAug 21, 2019

Stanford researchers explain earthquakes we can't feel

Researchers discovered that slow slip events can arise with rate-strengthening friction, which produces stable sliding. The team found that changes in poroelastic pressure reduce friction, leading to a slow slip event.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids·DateAug 21, 2019

It's Fab! A hidden touch of antibody

Antibodies recognize viruses and cancer cells via Fab arms, but now researchers know the Fab portion also directly binds to Fc receptors. This discovery opens up a new strategy for developing therapeutic antibodies with enhanced binding properties.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 21, 2019

Obesity embargo alert for September 2019

Researchers found that frequent interruptions to sitting time with simple resistance activities lowered postprandial insulin responses and insulin:glucose in adults with overweight or obesity. An agent-based model also showed community diffusion strategies as key drivers of pediatric programs for childhood obesity prevention.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

Improved functional near infrared spectroscopy enables enhanced brain imaging

Researchers developed a new method using frequency domain measurement in functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), improving image quality and spatial resolution. This innovation enables enhanced brain imaging with greater depth sensitivity, paving the way for more accurate neuroimaging applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateAug 21, 2019

Hush, baby -- the dog is whimpering!

A new study reveals that dogs communicate distress more effectively than cats, and pet ownership is associated with increased emotional sensitivity to negative animal vocalizations. Dog whines are rated as sad as human baby cries, while cat meows sound sadder only to cat owners.

SourceAarhus University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 21, 2019

Tiny ear bones help archaeologists piece together the past

Researchers analyzed ear ossicles from 20 juveniles excavated in 18th-19th century burial grounds to understand maternal pre-pregnancy and late pregnancy diets. The study provides a unique link between diet and early pregnancy health.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalAnnals of Human Biology·DateAug 21, 2019

Spaceflight consistently affects the gut

A new Northwestern University study discovered that spaceflight consistently changes the abundance and diversity of gut bacteria in mice. Using a novel analytical tool called STARMAPS, researchers found that spaceflight causes a specific change on the microbiome, but ruled out radiation as the cause.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMicrobiome·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

California's rooftop-solar boom leaves equity gap

A new study finds that California's rooftop-solar adoption is closely correlated with socioeconomic status and health indicators in disadvantaged communities. The study suggests that state programs must target these communities to improve access to clean energy, rather than relying on broad income classifications.

SourcePSE Healthy Energy·JournalEnergy Policy·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

Shift to more intense rains threatens historic Italian winery

A centuries-old Italian winemaking tradition is under threat from shifting rainfall patterns, leading to earlier grape harvests and reduced flavor complexity. Intense precipitation events are exacerbating the effects of global warming on premium wines.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 21, 2019

Understanding the animal brain could help robots wash your dishes

Researchers believe that studying animal brains can improve AI's ability to tackle complex tasks like dish-washing. By understanding how biological neural networks work, AI systems may be able to overcome barriers and achieve superhuman performance.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2019

Is it autism? The line is getting increasingly blurry

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that differences between people with autism and the general population are shrinking over time. The researchers believe that changes in diagnostic criteria, such as a shift from lack of interest in others to simply having fewer friends, are contributing to the apparent increase in prevalence

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

Scaling up a nanoimmunotherapy for atherosclerosis through preclinical testing

Researchers have developed a nanotherapeutic called S-HDL that reduces inflammation in blood vessels, halting plaque accumulation and vessel wall inflammation in animal models. The new production method boosts therapeutic yields by up to 80-fold, paving the way for human application.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 21, 2019

New cyclization reactions for synthesizing macrocyclic drug leads

Scientists at EPFL have found a way to generate over 9,000 macrocyclic molecules below 1 KDa with high structural diversity. The new method enables the discovery of surprisingly efficient macrocyclization reactions, leading to the identification of binders for different disease targets.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 2019

Making it count

Round numbers can significantly increase people's sense of accomplishment when tracking progress towards goals, according to Washington State University research. Studies show that customers feel more accomplished when their progress is expressed in round numbers, particularly at intermediate targets.

SourceWashington State University·JournalMarketing Letters·DateAug 21, 2019