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Science News Archive January 2019


Page 18 of 37

Mangrove patches deserve greater recognition no matter the size

Scientists at ZSL urge governments to prioritize the conservation of small mangrove patches despite their size, highlighting the critical ecosystem services they provide. The loss of these habitats threatens critically endangered species and coastal communities, and could exacerbate climate change impacts.

Is marketing of opioids to physicians associated with overdose deaths?

A study found that increased opioid marketing to physicians was associated with higher prescribing rates and subsequent overdose deaths. The analysis, which analyzed industry marketing data and national opioid prescribing and death data, reported $40 million in targeted marketing efforts across over 2,200 counties.

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.

Signs of memory problems could be symptoms of hearing loss instead

A recent Baycrest study found that many older adults being evaluated for memory concerns had mild to severe hearing loss. Addressing hearing issues may mitigate or fix what appears to be a memory problem. Hearing loss is a common chronic condition affecting 50% of those over 65 and 90% of those over 80.

Otoliths -- the fish's black box -- also keeps an eye on the metabolism

Researchers have shown that fish otoliths record information on fish metabolism, providing a unique window into how species adapt to changing conditions. By analyzing the carbon isotopes in otoliths, scientists can infer the fish's activity level and metabolic rate, offering new insights into climate change impacts.

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.

Tinkering with public debt we doom innovation and growth

Research by Bocconi University finds that public debt increases the cost of capital for innovative firms, forcing them to choose only profitable projects over riskier ones, ultimately affecting national GDP growth. A high public debt can lead to a 4% decline in GDP growth after five years compared to a normal debt level.

UNIST research team received Minister of Science and ICT Award

The UNIST research team has been awarded the Minister of Science and ICT Award for their study on clarifying the concept and scope of Industry 4.0 using big data analytics and artificial intelligence. The team identified key convergence R&D issues, including infrastructure development, AI development, and industrial innovation.

Researchers find new ways to harness wasted methane

Researchers have developed a high-performance catalyst for converting methane to formaldehyde using nanomaterials and a core-shell structure. The catalyst has a stable structure and high reactivity at high temperatures, increasing efficiency by more than twice as much as before.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smart microrobots that can adapt to their surroundings

Researchers have created biocompatible microrobots inspired by bacteria that can swim through fluids and modify their shape as needed. These devices use embodied intelligence to navigate complex systems without compromising speed or maneuverability.

Targeting 'hidden pocket' for treatment of stroke and seizure

Researchers have identified a pH-sensitive pocket in the NMDA receptor that can be targeted by redesigned compounds, offering specificity for stroke and seizure treatments. The 94-series compounds show promise in preventing excessive neuronal firing without affecting healthy brain regions.

Plant peptide helps roots to branch out in the right places

A Japanese research team identified a plant peptide that helps lateral roots grow with the right spacing. The TOLS2 gene was found to be expressed in lateral root founder cells and inhibits their formation, while the RLK7 receptor suppresses nearby cell growth.

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.

Antibodies to a retina protein to be used as a kidney cancer marker

Scientists at Sechenov University have discovered a new highly sensitive and quick method for diagnosing kidney cancer using antibodies to a retina protein. The method measures the immune response to arrestin-1, which is synthesized in cancerous cells of kidneys, and has been shown to detect benign growths at early stages.

Some pregnant women don't believe cannabis is harmful to their fetus

A new review by UBC researchers found that up to one-third of pregnant women do not believe cannabis is harmful to their fetus. The study suggests that perceptions about cannabis use influence decision-making among pregnant women. Women who used cannabis during pregnancy were more likely to be under 25, unemployed, or have low income a...

Placentas adapt when mothers have poor diets or low oxygen during pregnancy

Cambridge researchers have discovered that placentas can adapt to function properly despite poor diets or low oxygen during pregnancy, impacting on pregnancy outcomes and lifelong health. This adaptation helps the placenta transport sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, mitigating complications such as fetal growth restriction.

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.

Liver cancer patients can be treated for Hep C infection

A large study found no significant difference in liver cancer recurrence between patients treated with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C. The treatment was also shown to reduce the aggressiveness of cancer when it did recur. This new data reassures providers that treating Hep C is safe and beneficial for these patients.

UNIST faculty member named as potential Nobel Prize winner

Distinguished Professor Ruoff has been recognized by Clarivate Analytics as a probable winner of the physics prize for his work on carbon-based materials, including capacitive energy storage and supercapacitors. He is one of 17 top-tier scientists selected globally.

Home-based hypertension program produces 'striking' results

A pilot study at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that an innovative home-based care-delivery program helped 81% of participants achieve blood pressure control in seven weeks. The program used Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure devices and patient navigators to facilitate rapid assessment and medication adjustments.

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.

Gene therapy promotes nerve regeneration

Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating nerve damage by combining neurosurgical repair with gene therapy, which stimulates the survival of nerve cells and regeneration of nerve fibers. The discovery is an important step towards developing a new treatment for people with nerve damage.

UNIST professor honored with '2018 National Top 12 R&D Performance'

UNIST professors Eunmi Choi and Yong Hwan Kim received recognition for their groundbreaking research on remote detection of hazardous radioactive substances. Their innovative technology has the potential to detect radioactivity from tens of kilometers away, revolutionizing radiation detection.

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.

Researchers discover synaptic logic for connections between two brain hemispheres

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed a new method to identify functional properties of individual synapses linking the two hemispheres. They found that callosal inputs and local inputs with similar orientation preference are clustered within the dendritic field, enabling coordinated network activity.

Green turtle: The success of the reintroduction program in Cayman Islands

A study by University of Barcelona researchers found that the green turtle reintroduction program in Cayman Islands has successfully recovered the species' population, with a high genetic diversity. The program's success is attributed to careful management and monitoring, ensuring the long-term survival of the species.

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.

Hand-knitted molecules

Researchers from Empa successfully synthesized chain-shaped molecules between two microscopically small gold tips. The properties of the resulting molecule can be monitored in real time during synthesis, enabling the creation of electrically conductive molecules with atomic precision.

Using bacteria to create a water filter that kills bacteria

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a novel membrane technology that purifies water while preventing biofouling using bacterial nanocellulose and reduced graphene oxide. The new membrane can filter water twice as fast as commercially available ultrafiltration membranes and is environmentally friendly.

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.

Does being bilingual make children more focused? Study says no

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that bilingualism does not improve executive functions in children, including remembering instructions and controlling responses. Researchers used a computer test to compare the cognitive abilities of Turkish-German bilingual and monolingual children between ages 5-15.

Have new appointment wait times improved at VA health care system?

A study by the US Department of Veterans Affairs found that new appointment wait times have decreased at VA medical centers, making it easier for veterans to access healthcare services. The research compared primary care, dermatology, cardiology, and orthopedics appointments in 15 major metropolitan areas.

New therapeutic avenue in the fight against chronic liver disease

Researchers at UNIST have discovered that endotrophin plays a crucial role in producing a pathological microenvironment in liver tissues of chronic liver disease. ETP levels are associated with metabolic dysfunction and systemic insulin resistance, making it a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target.

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.

Enhanced NMR reveals chemical structures in a fraction of the time

MIT researchers have developed a new NMR technique that enhances sensitivity, enabling the analysis of complex protein structures in minutes. This breakthrough could provide insights into Alzheimer's and other diseases by studying amyloid beta protein and membrane-bound proteins.

Classic double-slit experiment in a new light

A research team at the University of Cologne has successfully performed a variant of the double-slit experiment using resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. The experiment provided valuable information about the dynamic physical properties of solids and proved a fundamental theoretical prediction from 1994.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Right on target: Light hybrid molecule stop tumor growth in mice

A team of scientists has successfully developed a hybrid molecule that uses light therapy to stop tumor growth in mice, with a remarkable 70% success rate. The innovative approach combines photodynamic therapy with targeted drug delivery, allowing for precise elimination of malignant cells and reduced toxicity.

New combination blood test for pancreatic cancer may catch disease earlier

A new combination blood test has been developed to detect pancreatic cancer earlier, with a detection rate of nearly 70% and a false-positive rate of less than 5%. The test uses two different sugars produced by pancreatic cancer cells and can detect subtypes that may have been missed by existing tests.

Researchers map out the relationship between mental disorders

The study analyzed register data from 5.9 million people in Denmark, uncovering how different types of mental disorders accumulate across a lifespan. Comorbidity is confirmed as the rule, not the exception, with those diagnosed with one mental disorder more likely to receive diagnoses for all other types.

The cerebellum's hidden roles in social and reward-driven behavior

Research reveals an important cerebellar function in cognitive and emotional control, shedding light on connections between cerebellar damage and mental challenges. The study also identifies a direct pathway between the cerebellum and the ventral tegmental area, which regulates dopamine release.

Cultivating 4D tissues -- the self-curving cornea

Researchers created a self-curving cornea by molding cells to form a desired shape, mimicking the natural cornea. The 4D tissue structure was achieved through innovative cell actuators that forced surrounding tissue to move in a predetermined manner.

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.