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Science News Archive February 2019


Page 29 of 40

Study identifies new target to prevent, treat alcoholism

Researchers at OHSU discovered a gene linked to lower expression in primates who consumed heavy amounts of alcohol, which reduced consumption by almost 50% when increased in mice. The study highlights a novel target for treating alcoholism and mood disorders.

How bees stay cool on hot summer days

Harvard scientists develop a framework explaining how bees use environmental signals to collectively cluster and ventilate their hive. They found that individual bees respond to temperature variations, and the physics of fluid flow leads to efficient cooling solutions.

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.

NASA looks at Tropical Cyclone Funani's rainfall rates

Tropical Cyclone Funani's strongest rains wrapped around the center and extended northwest, with heaviest rainfall found around the center and a fragmented band of thunderstorms northwest. Rainfall rates reached up to 13 mm per hour, as the storm continued to move southeast towards Mauritius.

Gummy-like robots that could help prevent disease

Researchers have developed micromachines that can mechanically stimulate cells and microtissues, potentially preventing diseases. These gummy-like robots use cell-sized artificial muscles powered by laser beams to carry out complex tasks.

Study: Serious health concerns missed in older adults

Nearly half of adults aged 65 and older have two or more symptoms like pain, fatigue & depression, increasing the risk of negative health outcomes. Researchers urge improved training among healthcare workers to address symptom burden in older adults.

Tackling tumor scar tissue could be key to treating pancreatic cancer

Researchers have identified at least four different types of scar tissue in human pancreatic cancer, each influencing the disease in a unique way. This discovery may lead to tailor-made treatments, including immunotherapies, that target the powerful scar tissue wall protecting the cancer.

MRI cardiac stress test shows promise at identifying fatal heart disease

A study from Duke Health researchers reveals that MRI cardiac stress testing can predict mortality and diagnose coronary artery disease more effectively than existing methods. The non-invasive technology has potential as an alternative to stress echocardiograms, catheterizations, and nuclear exams.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Does the presence of colleges and hospitals increase home prices?

A study by University of California, Riverside researchers found that colleges and hospitals increase home prices, with average prices higher in ZIP codes with universities than without. The impact of distance from these institutions also varies, with stronger correlations for two-bedroom homes and one-bedroom rents.

Think big -- at least when it comes to global conservation

The eight largest countries account for 50 percent of Earth's land area but barely three percent of nations. Larger countries accumulate more ecosystem values, concentrating power in a few hands, and their domestic policies can have global environmental repercussions.

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.

How a fungus can cripple the immune system

Researchers discovered that gliotoxin, a mycotoxin from Aspergillus fumigatus, inhibits the production of leukotrieneB4 in neutrophilic granulocytes, disrupting communication between immune cells. This allows fungal spores to infiltrate tissues and organs, posing a fatal threat to people with weakened immune systems.

Fluconazole makes fungi sexually active

Researchers discovered that fluconazole treatment makes fungi sexually active, combining different resistance mechanisms and producing highly resistant offspring. This finding can help develop better drugs and overcome resistance.

DNA traces on wild flowers reveal insect visitors

Researchers from Aarhus University discovered that insects leave tiny DNA traces on flowers they visit, revealing at least 135 different species of butterflies and insects. This eDNA method holds vast potential for tracking endangered pollinators and managing unwanted pest species.

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.

Five solutions offered for achieving gender equality in medicine and science

Researchers Profs. Sonia Kang and Sarah Kaplan offer five solutions to address structural and systemic barriers to advancing women in science, medicine and global health. The authors challenge common myths about diversity and inclusion and propose innovative interventions to create a more inclusive environment.

Munitions at the bottom of the Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea is home to large quantities of sunken munitions, posing an environmental risk. Researchers have provided guidelines and decision-making support to help address this issue.

Psychology: Robot saved, people take the hit

A team of researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München conducted a study on human perception and behavior towards robots. They found that when robots are humanized through anthropomorphic features, participants are less likely to sacrifice them to save human lives.

Shorter course of radiation therapy effective in treating men with prostate cancer

A new UCLA-led study shows that men with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer can safely undergo higher doses of radiation over a significantly shorter period and still have the same successful outcomes as from a much longer course of treatment. The study analyzed data from 2,142 men treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy for...

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.

Physicist Elisabeth Gwinn receives 2019 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award

Elisabeth Gwinn, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded the 2019 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for her significant impact on promoting diversity and inclusion in physics. Her mentorship has led to a disproportionate number of women and underrepresented minority students pursuing Ph.D.s in physics.

New method improves infrared imaging performance

A new method developed by Northwestern Engineering's Manijeh Razeghi has greatly reduced image distortion caused by spectral cross-talk in dual-band photodetectors. This work enables high spectral-contrast infrared imaging devices for various applications, including medicine and security.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Life on the edge in the quantum world

Researchers at Aalto University have successfully controlled quantum phenomena in a custom-designed electrical circuit called a transmon. They were able to make the transmon jump multiple energy levels in one go, achieving speeds close to the theoretically calculated quantum speed limit.

Sea snakes that can't drink seawater

A new study reveals that sea snakes in dry regions rely on freshwater lenses formed on the ocean's surface to quench their thirst. Researchers found that only a portion of the captured snakes accepted the offered freshwater after rainfall began.

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.

At-home rehab comparable to clinic-based therapy to improve mobility

A randomized, assessor-blinded trial found that home-based telerehabilitation is as effective as clinic-based therapy in restoring arm function among stroke survivors. The study used a computer-based telerehabilitation system with game-ified activities and therapists using videoconferencing to assess progress.

Lightning's electromagnetic fields may have protective properties

A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers suggests that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields from lightning, known as Schumann Resonances, may protect cells from damage under stress conditions. The study found significant effects on living heart cells of rats within 30-40 minutes when exposed to these fields.

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.

Women's hormones play role in drug addiction, higher relapse rates

A Vanderbilt University study found that women's hormonal cycles play a critical role in drug addiction and relapse. When fertility-related hormone levels are high, females are more prone to seek rewards and make stronger associations with environmental cues, leading to higher relapse rates.

Cricket females choose male losers

Researchers found that female crickets choose males who lost fights over alpha males for mating. In a study using the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, females preferred males with lower aggression levels during courtship.

Seasons change: Researchers provide new definition for major Indian monsoon season

A new definition for the Northeast Indian Monsoon (NEM) season has been established using surface temperature analyses, identifying the average onset and demise dates as November 6 and March 13. This definition provides a more objective and reliable approach to monitoring the monsoon season, which is critical for millions of people in ...

Adenoid and tonsil trouble for teens

Researchers found that adolescent adenoids and tonsils do not shrink significantly during teenage years, contradicting previous medical consensus. This challenges existing guidelines for respiratory complications like obstructive sleep apnea, potentially leading to changes in surgical procedures.

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.

The 2008 recession associated with greater decline in mortality in Europe

A study published in Nature Communications found that the 2008 recession was associated with a greater decline in mortality rates in Europe. The researchers analyzed data from 15 European countries and found that periods of economic recession were linked to lower levels of pollution, fewer accidents, and sedentary lifestyles.

How the brain responds to texture

New research reveals that neurons in the brain's somatosensory cortex respond differently to various features of a surface, creating a high-dimensional representation of texture. This complex neural landscape allows for the rich sensation of texture, enabling us to distinguish between subtle differences.

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.

SIOP recognizes Lilia Cortina and Vicki Magley with the Katzell Award

Lilia Cortina and Vicki Magley have been honored with the Raymond A. Katzell Award for their work in addressing sexual harassment in the workplace and promoting human well-being through I-O psychology. Their research has garnered significant media coverage, including major news outlets and scientific publications.

Nitrogen gets in the fast lane for chemical synthesis

Rice University scientists have developed a novel method to incorporate nitrogen into molecules, bypassing traditional multi-step processes. This breakthrough enables the quick and efficient production of valuable alpha-aminoketones, which are crucial for drug design and synthesis.

New NIH research policy seeks greater inclusion across lifespan

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has introduced a new policy that eliminates arbitrary age limits in research, promoting inclusivity across the lifespan. This change aims to improve care for older adults by reducing exclusions and enhancing data analysis.

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.

Shedding light on the science of auroral breakups

Japanese scientists confirm the role of radiation belt electrons in ionizing the deep atmosphere during auroral breakups. The research provides new insights into the phenomenon, revealing a higher energy level than previously assumed.

A better way to make acrylics

A team of researchers at UConn and ExxonMobil have discovered a new, more energy-efficient method for producing acrylics. The technique uses a porous catalyst made of manganese and oxygen to facilitate chemical reactions, resulting in reduced energy consumption and fewer unwanted byproducts.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Among Latinos, Puerto Rican children less likely to use their asthma inhalers

A new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that Puerto Rican children were more than five times as likely as Mexican American children to have poor adherence to asthma control medications. Girls of both ethnic groups were also more likely to have poor or decreasing use of the medications.

Nanomachines are taught to fight cancer

New DNA-based nanomachines can selectively target malignant cells, breaking down vital genes and inducing apoptotic death. The design allows for better interaction with folded RNA molecules, but further experiments are needed to improve specificity.

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.

Will moving to the commercial cloud leave some data users behind?

Agencies are considering commercial cloud services to store and make available publicly-generated data, which could result in user fees for downloads and analyses. This could lead to decreased access and use of the data, particularly for individual users and organizations with small budgets.