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Science News Archive February 2019


Page 22 of 40

Molecular Lego blocks

A team of researchers from TUM used computational screening and data mining to analyze 64,000 organic compounds, identifying key structural frameworks and functional groups that facilitate favorable charge transport. The study reveals the importance of molecular design in creating efficient electronic components.

New molecules reverse memory loss linked to depression, aging

Researchers at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health develop new therapeutic molecules that rapidly improve memory symptoms and renew underlying brain impairments. The compounds target specific impaired brain receptors causing memory loss, reversing cognitive deficits and improving brain function.

Civil engineering professor Steve WaiChing Sun wins NSF CAREER Award

Steve WaiChing Sun, a civil engineering professor at Columbia University, has won a National Science Foundation CAREER award to develop an augmented intelligence approach for predicting material failures. His tool uses deep reinforcement learning to generate accurate predictions and improve complex analyses and designs for infrastructure.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Teens living in US states allowing medical marijuana smoke less cannabis

A large-scale study of American high school students found that legalizing medicinal marijuana has led to a drop in cannabis use among teenagers. The study, which used data from over 800,000 students across 45 states, found a 1.1% reduction in teen cannabis smokers in states with medical marijuana laws compared to those without.

Diet could help runners beat stomach issues

A new study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that a low FODMAP diet reduces exercise-related gastrointestinal symptoms and improves perceived ability to exercise. The research involved a group of healthy recreational exercisers who followed two eating plans with varying FODMAP content.

Brain pathways of aversion identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped brain networks that control the habenula, a structure linked to feelings of discomfort and aversion. The study suggests a specific pathway that can be modulated using optogenetics, offering hope for developing new treatments for depression and anxiety disorders.

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.

Uncovering a 'smoking gun' of biological aging clocks

A newly discovered rDNA clock can accurately determine an individual's chronological and biological age. The study found that calorie restriction interventions accelerate or slow aging in mice, as well as in humans, making it a potentially widely applicable predictor of individual age.

What happens to magnetic nanoparticles once in cells?

Magnetic nanoparticles break down within stem cells, releasing iron that's stored in non-magnetic form or used to create new magnetic particles. This phenomenon may help explain the presence of natural magnetism in human cells.

Get fit for a fit gut

Research suggests that higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with greater gut microbiota diversity, independent of body fat percentage. The study found that exercise at a high intensity improved gut microbiota diversity in cancer survivors.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Spacecraft measurements reveal mechanism of solar wind heating

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London, University of Arizona, and University of Iowa made the first direct measurement of how energy is transferred from electromagnetic fields to particles in the solar wind. This process, known as Landau damping, causes electrons to be energized and heats interplanetary space.

Genetic tricks of rabbits resistant to fatal viral disease

Researchers found that genetic variation in immune systems of rabbits allowed them to rapidly evolve resistance to the myxoma virus. The study discovered a multi-gene basis for this resistance, which emerged similarly in populations across Australia, France, and the UK.

Human cells can change job to fight diabetes

Researchers have shown that human cells can differentiate into different cell types, changing their original function. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for diabetes by influencing glucagon-producing cells in the pancreas to produce insulin instead.

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.

Tracking pollen with quantum dots

A new method using quantum dots tracks individual pollen grains, providing insights into the mysterious journey of pollen. Researchers can now observe where most pollen grains land up once they leave flowers.

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.

C-sections by trained health officers a safe alternative

A new study published in BJS shows that community health officers with surgical training can provide safe alternatives to medical doctors for C-sections, improving maternal mortality rates in Sierra Leone. The study found no significant difference in outcomes between graduates of a two-year training program and medical doctors.

CUNY SPH awarded grant for environmental and occupational health scholarships

The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy has been awarded a two-year, $200,000 grant to provide 10 scholarships annually to aspiring women or minority graduate students pursuing the Master of Science program in Environmental and Occupational Health. The scholarships will support students' full-time study and experien...

Only 'modest' improvement in heart failure survival rates since 2000

A large UK study found that heart failure survival rates have only improved modestly since 2000, with significant disparities in outcomes across different socioeconomic groups. The research highlights the need for increased investment in heart failure services to address these inequalities.

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.

Customized mix of materials for three-dimensional micro- and nanostructures

Scientists at KIT integrate a microfluidic chamber into a 3D laser lithography device to produce multi-colored, fluorescent security features from seven different materials. The system enables precise production of three-dimensional microstructured security features for applications such as banknote and document counterfeiting.

Ice shelves buckle under weight of meltwater lakes

Researchers have directly observed an Antarctic ice shelf bending under the weight of ponding meltwater, a phenomenon that may have triggered the 2002 collapse of the Larsen B ice shelf. The study found that meltwater lakes can contain up to two million tons of water, pushing downward on the ice and creating stress.

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.

More scrutiny needed for less-deadly foodborne bacteria

Researchers used whole-genome sequencing to investigate a Bacillus cereus outbreak in upstate New York, revealing the causal agent produced an emetic toxin. The study highlights the potential of real-time data sharing to prevent and detect outbreaks more effectively.

Drug-resistant TB cured with new approaches in post-war DRC

A large study found that multidrug-resistant tuberculosis can be cured in conflict-affected communities using molecular diagnostics, shorter treatment periods, and socioeconomic incentives. The new approach led to a 83% cure rate compared to 74% for conventional therapy.

New method uses fluorescence to identify disease-causing forms of proteins

Researchers developed a method using fluorescent compound AggTag to identify intermediate forms of proteins that misfold and aggregate in live cells, which are believed to contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The method allows for simultaneous detection of multiple proteins with distinct colors.

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.

Giant 'megalodon' shark extinct earlier than previously thought

Researchers revised the megalodon shark's extinction timeline, finding evidence of genuine fossil occurrences until 3.6 million years ago. The team proposes that competition with great white sharks led to megalodon's demise, rather than a supernova or marine mass extinction.

SIOP recognizes John C. Scott with Humanitarian Award

John Scott, Ph.D., has been recognized by SIOP for his sustained humanitarian efforts, including developing a partnership between SIOP and the United Nations to promote I-O psychology for social responsibility. This award highlights Dr. Scott's contributions to reducing human suffering through organizational actions.

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.

Fate of meerkats tied to seasonal climate effects

Scientists assess how meerkat populations will fare in response to future changes in seasonal rainfall and temperature. The study found that hotter summers may threaten the persistence of meerkat populations, but warmer winters can alleviate negative effects.

Study unfolds a new class of mechanical devices

Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a new class of mechanical devices called 'developable mechanisms' that can transform into useful functions without taking up space. These devices can be integrated into surfaces to create compact machines with complex tasks.

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.

Dangerous school commutes lead to student absenteeism

A Johns Hopkins University study models routes to school for Baltimore students and finds those who commute through areas with double the average crime are 6% more likely to miss school. Chronic absenteeism has been linked to lower achievement, student disengagement and increased risk of dropping out.

Road salts could endanger ecosystems, water supplies

Excessive road salt application has led to increased chloride levels in streams and rivers, posing health risks and disrupting ecosystems. Implementing brine solutions and snow plows can reduce salt use by up to 70%.

First Neanderthal footprints found in Gibraltar

Scientists have discovered the first Neanderthal footprints in Gibraltar, dated to around 29 thousand years ago. The footprints, along with those of other species, provide significant insight into the wildlife community of the Rock's past.

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.

Cannabis use in teens raises risk of depression in young adults

A systematic review and meta-analysis found cannabis use among adolescents is associated with a significant increased risk of depression in adulthood. The study's findings suggest that widespread cannabis use among young people makes the scale of the risk more serious, with a population attributable risk of around 7%.

Decoding the human immune system

Scientists have sequenced a key part of the human immune system, discovering unexpected overlaps between adults and infants' antibody sequences. This finding could provide potential new targets for vaccines and treatments that work across populations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

RIT faculty part of NASA's $242 million SPHEREx mission

Rochester Institute of Technology professor Michael Zemcov is contributing to NASA's SPHEREx mission, which will map galaxies across the universe to study inflation and galaxy formation. The mission aims to answer questions about the origin and evolution of key biogenic molecules like water and carbon monoxide.

Asthma pill targets airway muscles to decrease attacks

A new asthma pill has shown promising results in reducing airway muscle and inflammation, potentially leading to improved symptoms and reduced attacks. The investigational drug, Fevipiprant, may also reduce the need for oral steroids, a common treatment for severe asthma.

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.