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Science News Archive February 2019


Page 38 of 40

UC Riverside physicists create exotic electron liquid

Physicists at UC Riverside created the first production of an electron liquid at room temperature, opening the way for new optoelectronic devices and basic physics studies. The achievement could lead to development of efficient terahertz devices for applications such as cancer detection and space communications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Convergent gene losses in herbivores and carnivores

Herbivore species lost genes related to triglyceride digestion inhibition and pancreatic enzyme secretion, enabling efficient digestion. Carnivores lost genes linked to appetite regulation, glucose production, and detoxification of plant compounds, indicating reduced gut microbial diversity.

Biggest ever map of human Alzheimer's brain published

A team of researchers has created the largest dataset of its type ever, mapping the relative levels of over 5,825 distinct proteins across six regions of the brain. The study reveals new molecular targets for Alzheimer's disease and identifies changes in the cerebellum that may protect it from damage caused by the disease.

A reconfigurable soft actuator

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a method to change the shape of a flat sheet of elastomer using actuation that is fast, reversible, and controllable by an applied voltage.

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.

WVU researcher unearths an ice age in the African desert

Researchers Graham Andrews and Sarah Brown from West Virginia University discovered drumlins, a type of hill formed by glaciers, in the Namibian desert. The study provides evidence of an ice stream in southern Africa during the late Paleozoic Age, about 300 million years ago.

Monthly wages are an important step towards economic development

Researchers from the University of Zurich found that self-control concerns are the primary driver of demand for monthly payments among Kenyan dairy farmers. The study shows that 86% of farmers prefer to receive a large payment at the end of the month, even if it means lower prices, to overcome trust issues and set aside savings.

Rapid gene cloning technique will transform crop disease protection

Researchers have developed a new method called AgRenSeq, which enables the rapid recruitment of disease resistance genes from wild plants and their transfer into domestic crops. This technique has been successfully trialed in a wild relative of wheat and holds promise for protecting multiple crops worldwide.

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.

Mayo Clinic researchers develop prediction tool for kidney stones

Researchers used data from Olmsted County, Minnesota to develop an online prediction tool that predicts the likelihood of future kidney stone episodes. The tool takes into account factors such as age, sex, body mass index, pregnancy history, and family history of stones.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Research shows hidden fire risk of emollients

A recent study published in the Fire Safety Journal found that commonly-used emollients can increase fabric flammability, posing a hidden fire risk. The research, conducted by Anglia Ruskin University, tested various emollients and found that even paraffin-free products can ignite fabrics quickly.

Where does this contamination come from?

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a simple method for detecting water contamination from ruminants directly at source using a DNA test. The technology uses targeted DNA amplification and detection to identify specific bacteria found in the intestinal microbiome of grazing cattle.

Putting yourself in their shoes may make you less open to their beliefs

Researchers found that taking someone else's perspective can make people less open to their opposing views, particularly when values are incongruent. In contrast, simply generating arguments for the other side without engaging in perspective-taking was effective in increasing receptiveness.

Heat impairs immune defense against flu virus

High ambient temperatures reduce food intake, body weight, and immune response in mice infected with viral pathogens like the flu virus and Zika virus. Nutritional supplementation may enhance immune responses to emerging infectious diseases in tropical or developing countries.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Compounded pain creams no better than placebo

Researchers found compounded pain creams ineffective in relieving localized pain, with small benefits attributed to peripheral nervous system drugs. The treatment's lack of efficacy and high cost make it less suitable than FDA-approved compounds.

What drives patients to use medical marijuana: mostly chronic pain

A new study found that most medical marijuana users in the US are treating chronic pain, with 85.5% of patients reporting an evidence-based condition. The study analyzed data from states with legalized medical use of marijuana and found a dramatic increase in patient numbers over time.

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.

Genome structure of malaria parasites linked to virulence

The study reveals that malaria parasite genomes are shaped by parasite-specific gene families and strongly correlate with virulence. The researchers identified unique features in the organization of gene families involved in antigenic variation, which enables high virulence in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium knowlesi.

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.

Male killer whales hunt more than females

Researchers monitored southern resident killer whale population and found that males dive deeper and are more successful hunters than females. The team tracked the animals' movements and diving patterns using archival tags to estimate how much fish they capture, revealing sex differences in foraging activity.

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.

Mindfulness and sleep can reduce exhaustion in entrepreneurs

A recent study from Oregon State University suggests that mindfulness practices can reduce exhaustion in entrepreneurs by compensating for sleep deprivation. The research found that even short periods of mindfulness exercise, such as 10 minutes a day, can have the same benefits as an extra 44 minutes of sleep per night.

Word order predicts a native speaker's working memory

Researchers found that left-branching language speakers outperformed right-branching language speakers in recalling initial stimuli across verbal and non-verbal working memory tasks. This suggests that the language structure affects the way native speakers process, store, and retrieve information.

Yeast study prompts rethink of DNA safekeeping

A new study led by Grant Brown suggests that at times of stress, DNA replication errors are far more frequent than previously appreciated. This could lead to increased mutations in human cells, potentially contributing to cancer and other diseases.

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.

How froghoppers grip on smooth surfaces

Researchers discovered that froghoppers pierce leaves with their hind-leg spines to create traction, while also indenting epoxy surfaces to avoid slipping. This unique attachment mechanism could lead to innovative gripping systems for robots.

New study shows cost effectiveness of early cancer surveillance

A new study published in Pediatric Blood and Cancer found that early cancer surveillance in patients with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome is cost-effective, resulting in additional years of life. The research showed a significant increase in life expectancy for high-risk patients, with healthcare costs estimated at $17,000 per year gained.

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.

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 warming world increases air pollution

Climate change is warming the ocean but land faster, increasing continental aridity and aerosol concentration. This leads to a heightened risk of smog and air pollution, posing health problems for people, animals, and plants worldwide.

Study: Medicare rules increase out-of-pocket costs of MS drugs

Researchers found that Medicare patients with multiple sclerosis spend $6,894 a year out of pocket for treatment. This is attributed to the lack of incentives for companies not to raise prices, leading to restrictive policies and high coinsurance cost-sharing models.

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.

Research: Religion affects consumer choices on specialty foods

Research finds that religiosity affects the selection of diet-minded foods, while sustainability-minded food consumption is driven by moral foundations of care. Marketers can leverage this knowledge to design products and marketing communications tailored to specific religious groups.

Early spring rain boosts methane from thawing permafrost by 30 percent

A recent study found that early spring rainfall warms up thawing permafrost bogs in Alaska, promoting plant growth and increasing methane emissions. The team discovered a 30% increase in methane production compared to previous years, highlighting the sensitivity of these regions to thermal effects.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Rutgers study finds rise in overdoses from opioids in diarrhea drug

Overdoses from opioids in loperamide have increased nationwide, with cardiac failure being a major concern due to the high toxicity of the drug when misused. Misusing non-prescription loperamide can lead to serious consequences, including irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest.

Heat waves, food insecurity due to climate change may weaken immune systems

Research in mice at the University of Tokyo found that heat waves can reduce the body's immune response to flu. However, providing supplemental nutrition before and after infection can help restore normal immune function. The study suggests that food insecurity may weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to illness.

Cutting health care costs

A new Harvard University study reveals that reducing spending on cardiovascular disease has slowed healthcare cost growth among the elderly population. The research found that investments in preventative care can produce significant savings, with nearly half of the reduction attributed to cardiovascular health.

Laughter may be best medicine -- for brain surgery

Researchers at Emory University discovered that electrical stimulation of the cingulum bundle can induce laughter and a sense of calm in patients undergoing brain surgery. The technique has potential applications in treating depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain via deep brain stimulation.

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.

Study examines women, men and brain marker of Alzheimer's disease

A study examining nearly 300 clinically normal adults found that women showed more tau deposits in the brain than men, associated with greater Aβ plaque deposits, supporting potential reasons for differences in AD risk between men and women. The findings may be limited by the study population's age and demographic characteristics.

OU astrophysicist modeling the early stages of solar system

A University of Oklahoma astrophysicist is using a new algorithm to model the early stages of planetary system formation and the impact of nearby stars on planets in binary systems. This research will be integrated into Oklahoma classrooms through the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.