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Science News Archive February 2019


Page 32 of 40

Scientists discover new type of magnet

Researchers at New York University have discovered a new type of magnet that exhibits unique properties, including sudden transitions and strong coupling with electric currents. This discovery has the potential to enhance data storage technologies and improve performance bottlenecks.

Research details sticky situations at the nanoscale

Researchers detail sticky situations at the nanoscale, finding that miniscule differences in surface roughness can cause significant changes in adhesion. Their theory predicts an increase in interface toughness as roughness increases, with potential applications in micro-electro-mechanical systems and nanoscale patterning.

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.

Reversal agent decreases life-threatening bleeding

A new reversal agent, andexanet alfa, effectively stopped acute life-threatening bleeding in patients taking factor Xa inhibitor blood thinners. Researchers found that good or excellent hemostasis occurred in 81.7% of patients after administering the reversal agent.

Researchers chart path to cheaper flexible solar cells

Perovskite-based solar cells have shown promise in recent years due to their simplicity, flexibility, and energy efficiency approaching those of traditional silicon-based cells. Researchers at Georgia Tech, UC San Diego, and MIT have reported new findings that could lead to devices with improved performance and longer lifetimes.

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.

Do fish recognize themselves in the mirror?

Researchers tested cleaner wrasse for self-awareness using a mirror test, finding that fish respond to their reflection and attempt to remove marks. The study raises questions about how to assess animal intelligence and challenges previous assumptions about self-awareness in non-human animals.

How do metastatic tumor cells grow in lymph nodes?

Researchers discovered that cancer cells growing in lymph nodes prefer to use fatty acids rather than glucose as an energy source. The metabolic adaptation was found to be triggered by the activation of yes-associated protein (YAP), which stimulates fatty acid oxidation in metastatic tumor cells.

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.

This is a neuron on nicotine

A team of scientists has developed a protein sensor that allows them to visualize where nicotine collects inside cells, revealing its effects on neural cells and the nature of nicotine addiction. The sensor, composed of a special protein, detects nicotine molecules and activates fluorescent proteins to glow brightly.

Game behavior can give a hint about player gender

Game behavior can be analyzed to predict a person's personality features, including gender. Researchers used machine learning on large amounts of game data from the Steam gaming platform to make accurate predictions. The study shows that even limited information about gameplay and achievements can provide good predictive values.

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.

New technique pinpoints milestones in the evolution of bacteria

Researchers use genetic analysis to determine when certain groups of bacteria evolved, providing insight into early environments and animal life. They found that three major groups of soil bacteria diversified around 450-350 million years ago, likely in response to changes in the environment.

All the data in the sky, alerted via UW eyes

The Zwicky Transient Facility has identified thousands of new objects in the night sky, including binary star systems and black holes. The facility's automated alert system has successfully generated over 1.2 million alerts each night, sharing data with survey partners who are experimenting with machine-learning classification systems.

Finding clues to a functional HIV cure

Scientists at George Mason University have identified a measurable indicator of cofilin dysfunction, a key protein regulating cell migration. This discovery may lead to new therapies to repair immune damages and potentially achieve a functional cure for HIV.

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.

Tak Mak lab discovers how the immune system 'thinks'

Researchers have discovered that immune cells produce brain chemicals like acetylcholine to fight off infections and control chronic virus infections. This breakthrough, published in Science, solves a puzzle scientists have pondered for over a century.

Evolution: Larger datasets unravel deep roots

Researchers introduce a new approach to analyzing genome content in animals, resolving long-standing debates about the origin and development of tissues and organ systems. The method yields consistent results with classical views of animal phylogeny, shedding light on early evolutionary history.

Thirdhand smoke residue exposes children to chemicals

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati found significant levels of nicotine on children's hands, even when caregivers did not smoke in their presence. The study suggests that indoor smoking bans may not fully protect children from exposure to tobacco smoke residue.

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.

The physics underlying complex biological architectures

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a theoretical framework that describes how pollen patterns form through phase separation. This discovery provides new insights into the intricate structures found in nature and could lead to the development of innovative materials.

NASA satellite shows Tropical Cyclone Gelena near Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Gelena is strengthening off Madagascar's northeastern coast, with forecasters predicting rapid intensification and a close passage to Mauritius. The storm will reach peak winds of 120 knots on Feb 9 as it approaches Rodrigues Island.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Safe to use hands-free devices in the car? Yes, according to research

Research from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that drivers using hands-free electronic devices are less likely to get into a crash. The study analyzed data from over 3,400 drivers and found that hands-free cell phone use was associated with a lower crash rate in some cases.

Studies lend support to 'grandmother hypothesis,' but there are limits

Recent studies lending support to the 'grandmother hypothesis' suggest that post-reproductive lifespan is linked to grandmotherly help, which declines with age. The research found that maternal grandmothers aged 50-75 increased grandchild survival, but paternal grandparents over 75 had a detrimental effect.

Green water-purification system works without heavy metals or corrosive chemicals

Scientists at the Institute of Process Engineering and Yangzhou University developed a green water-purification system that purifies pathogen-rich water in 30 minutes, killing over 99.9999% of bacteria like E. coli. The system uses graphitic carbon nitride sheets and does not leave behind secondary pollution or heavy-metal-ion residues.

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.

Do microplastics harm humans?

Researchers are unsure if microplastics cause harm to people as they accumulate in the body and organs, with varying effects depending on composition and additives. Microplastics have been identified in human feces, raising concerns about potential health risks.

Study links adult fibromyalgia to childhood sexual abuse

A Tel Aviv University study finds a link between chronic pain syndrome fibromyalgia and post-traumatic physical and psychological distress from childhood sexual abuse. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions are shown to be an effective treatment for survivors, improving quality of life and brain functionality.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Study estimates misuse of prescribed opioids in the United States

A new study estimates that 3.9 million US adults misused prescription opioids annually, with risk factors including co-occurring substance use disorders and psychological distress. Prescribers should be vigilant about potential misuse among patients prescribed potent opioid medications for long-term use.

Simpler parts make for a more efficient system

Researchers at George Washington University found that decentralized systems perform better when individual parts are less capable, as overly smart components lead to overcorrections and mistakes. This discovery has potential applications in company structure, autonomous vehicles, AI algorithms, and even biological evolution.

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.

Bubbles of brand new stars

Researchers have spotted a massive young stellar object with a jet emitted by a fledgling star, shedding light on the early lives of stars. The observations were made possible by ESO's MUSE instrument, which has been improved by the addition of Adaptive Optics Facility.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Mental illness not to blame for gun violence study finds

A new study by researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that individuals with access to guns were approximately 18 times more likely to have threatened someone with a gun, while most mental health symptoms were unrelated to gun violence. Limiting access to guns is key to reducing gun violence.

Tracking down a feat of nature

A palaeontologist is researching the evolution of a mineralised vertebrate skeleton, which led to an explosion in species diversity around 500 million years ago. The unique nanocrystal structure allows for flexibility and stability, enabling species to conquer new habitats and ecosystems.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

An elegant mechanism

Mitochondrial researchers at the University of Freiburg discovered a critical role for the metabolite channel porin/VDAC in protein import into mitochondria. The study shows that porin/VDAC stimulates carrier protein import independently of its channel activity, forming an 'elegant mechanism' to regulate mitochondrial function.

Hibernating hamsters could provide new clues to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers studied Syrian hamster brain changes during hibernation and found that phosphorylated tau, a protein implicated in AD, is rapidly reversed upon waking. Hibernating animals show high levels of long-chain ceramides, which may help protect neurons from oxidative damage.

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.

Research explains how snakes lost their limbs

Researchers studied genome sequences of various species to understand the genetic factors behind limb loss in snakes. By analyzing gene regulatory elements, they found that only one gene was lost in snakes, but not its associated regulatory element, suggesting a more complex process.

Female manakins use male mating call when implanted with male hormones

Researchers found that female manakins can produce a male-specific 'chee-poo' vocalization when implanted with testosterone, while untreated females cannot. In contrast, juvenile males who received testosterone exhibited vocalizations closer to those of treated females than adult males in the wild.