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Science News Archive January 2019


Page 20 of 37

SwRI scientists study moon craters to understand Earth's impact history

Researchers calculated lunar crater ages using thermal data and found a rate of large impacts two to three times higher on both bodies over the last 290 million years. This discovery challenges the theory that Earth's craters were worn away through erosion, instead suggesting a lower impact rate prior to 290 million years ago.

Psychological distress is a risk factor for dementia

A Danish population-based study found that vital exhaustion, a state of emotional suffering and somatic symptoms, is associated with a higher risk of dementia later in life. The study, published in IOS Press, suggests that addressing psychological risk factors may be crucial in preventing dementia.

New hope for stem cell approach to treating diabetes

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a new method for producing insulin-producing beta cells from human stem cells, which are more responsive to fluctuating glucose levels. The resulting cells were transplanted into diabetic mice and effectively controlled blood sugar for several months.

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.

Higher suicide rates evident among youth certain groups of Medicaid enrollees

A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that nearly four in ten youth who died by suicide were Medicaid enrollees. The study suggests effective suicide screening for enrollees could decrease suicide mortality in the US, and highlights the need for targeted prevention efforts among specific demographic subgroups.

BU: US youth suicides more prevalent in states with higher gun ownership

A new study reveals that US youth suicide rates are significantly higher in states with higher levels of household gun ownership. The research found a strong correlation between household gun ownership and youth suicide rates, suggesting that easy access to firearms contributes to an increase in actual suicides.

Combination therapy treats leishmaniasis, HIV patients

Researchers have developed a more effective treatment for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in HIV patients, combining AmBisome with miltefosine. The combination therapy achieved parasite clearance rates of up to 88% compared to 55% with monotherapy.

Understanding insulators with conducting edges

Scientists have discovered a way to create artificial edge states in topological insulators using ultracold quantum gases in optical lattices. This breakthrough could lead to increased stability and energy efficiency in mobile devices, as well as the development of more efficient lasers.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Awareness is barrier to 'plastic-free periods'

A recent study by Anglia Ruskin University found that many women are shocked to discover the amount of plastic in commonly-used disposable menstrual products. The research suggests that raising awareness is key to changing behavior and encouraging the adoption of more sustainable alternatives, such as organic pads and reusable cloth pads.

Another piece of Ebola virus puzzle identified

A team of researchers at Texas Biomed has identified the interaction between an Ebola virus protein and a human cell protein that may be crucial to understanding the virus's life cycle. By studying this interaction in human cells using live virus, the scientists hope to develop potential drug targets to stop the disease.

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.

Green innovation to revolutionize construction industry

A new, greener construction binder has been developed using fly ash, reducing environmental pollution and improving material quality. The technology, valued at KRW 100 million, has been transferred to a company, Hawoo Eco-friendly Construction Materials Co., Ltd., which plans to produce lightweight aggregates for concrete plants.

Mapping the brain at high resolution

Researchers have developed a new way to image the brain with unprecedented resolution and speed, revealing individual neurons and their connections. The technique combines expansion microscopy with lattice light-sheet microscopy, allowing for rapid imaging of large volumes of brain tissue.

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.

Brain's cerebellum found to influence addictive and social behavior

The study found that the cerebellum influences reward processing and social behaviors, which could lead to new treatments for addiction. The researchers used optogenetics to activate cerebellar neurons connected to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), triggering pleasurable behaviors in mice.

Local focus could help tackle global problems

Researchers argue that 'positive parochialism' can be a foundation for environmental concern and action, highlighting the potential of local focus to address global issues. The study examines the legacy of the Parish Maps project, which promoted local environmentalism and created thousands of maps across the UK and beyond.

A new way to transfer energy between cells

Researchers have found a way to transfer electrons between proteins without direct contact, contradicting existing evidence and enabling better understanding of protein behavior and energy dysfunctions in diseases.

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.

Poor sleep and heart-related death

Research by University of Adelaide scientists has revealed that poor blood oxygenation during sleep is a significant indicator of the chance of heart-related death. Extended episodes of interrupted breathing while asleep also increase the risk.

Study highlights lack of fair access to urban green spaces

A new study by the University of British Columbia found that people with higher incomes and more education tend to have greater access to urban green spaces than their less privileged neighbors. The study highlights the need for wider distribution of trees, shrubs, and pocket parks as cities continue to expand.

Epigenetics contribute to male and female differences in fear memory

A mouse model of traumatic memory found that male mice recall fear-related memories better than female mice due to natural activation of cyclin dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) in males. Artificial activation of Cdk5 reduced the strength of fear memories in female mice, highlighting sex differences in how fear is remembered.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Fruit fly promiscuity alters the evolutionary forces on males

Researchers found that female fruit flies' increased promiscuity influences the evolution of male traits, prioritizing fertility over enticing females. The study suggests a shift in the balance between pre- and post-mating sexual selection, with males adapting to optimize fertilization success.

New scale for electronegativity rewrites the chemistry textbook

A new scale of electronegativity has been developed, providing a more comprehensive and extensive definition that can predict the approximate charge distribution in different molecules and materials. The new definition averages the binding energy of valence electrons and offers an equation to describe the total energy of an atom.

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.

Addressing expected challenges after resumption of HPV vaccination

After Japan's HPV vaccination suspension, researchers at Osaka University suggest ways to reduce cervical cancer risk and promote vaccination. They propose targeted immunization for older women, the nine-valent vaccine, and a behavioral economics approach to boost public acceptance.

New light shed on intensely studied material

Pedot is an organic polymer that has been the subject of much experimental research, but few theoretical studies have been conducted. Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new theory of electronic structure and optical properties of PEDOT, overturning previous research. This new understanding has significant implications...

Blister fluid could help diagnose burn severity

Researchers analyzed 56 samples of blister fluid from burns of different depths and healing times to develop a new classification system. They found that specific protein patterns in blister fluid could predict burn depth and time to re-epithelialization, leading to more accurate diagnoses and potential reductions in scarring.

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.

New thermoelectric material delivers record performance

Researchers have discovered a new class of half-Heusler thermoelectric compounds with a record high figure of merit, converting heat to electricity efficiently. The compound composed of tantalum, iron, and antimony demonstrated promising thermoelectric performance without using expensive elements.

J-PAL and Pratham awarded philanthropic funding toward education systems change

The five-year grant will support J-PAL's policy team and Pratham in scaling up the TaRL approach across multiple countries in Africa, building foundational skills through activities and materials tailored to each group. The initiative aims to shift from 'schooling for all' to 'learning for all', enabling governments, local schools, and...

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.

Mapping the neural circuit of innate responses to odors

A team of neuroscientists has identified two distinct types of neurons in the lateral horn (LH) of fruit flies that are responsible for the innate insect's aversion to carbon dioxide. The study reveals a complex neural circuit underlying olfactory responses, with one type of neuron projecting connections out of the LH and another havin...

Automated text messages improve outcomes after joint replacement surgery

A study found that automated text messaging systems can improve clinical outcomes after total knee or hip replacement surgery, including faster recovery times and higher patient satisfaction. The system sent personalized messages to patients, increasing their adherence to home exercises and reducing opioid use.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How to rapidly image entire brains at nanoscale resolution

Scientists have developed a new imaging technique that allows for rapid and detailed scanning of entire brains at the nanoscale. This breakthrough method, combined with the lattice light-sheet microscope, enables visualization of any desired protein and has the potential to revolutionize neuroscience research.

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.

Air pollution increases ER visits for breathing problems

A study of air pollution and respiratory emergency room visits found associations between ozone, fine particulate pollution, and increased ER visits for asthma, COPD, and pneumonia, varying by age group and pollutant level. The study suggests that protecting vulnerable populations from air pollution is crucial.

Wired for obesity

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have identified a set of molecules that wire the body weight center of the brain. Blocking these signals causes connections to fail and leads to elevated body weight.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

How our cellular antennas are formed

Researchers from UNIGE develop in vitro system to form microtubule doublets, revealing crucial role of tubulin in preventing uncontrolled ciliary structure formation. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting differences between human and pathogen cilia.

Sea slug study illuminates how mitochondria move

Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered how neurons manage mitochondrial transport, a process crucial for nerve cell function and energy production. The study found that cAMP signaling enhances mitochondrial transport after synapse formation, requiring significant energy to maintain communication between cells.

Study reveals financial interests of patient organizations assessing NHS treatments

A study found that over two-thirds of patient organizations involved in assessing NHS treatments received funding from the manufacturer or a competitor, yet decision-makers were aware of less than a quarter of these interests. The researchers advocate for stronger policy on disclosure and greater transparency to reassure the public abo...

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.

How stem cells self-organize in the developing embryo

A study published in Nature reveals that gut tube formation is driven by collective cell movements of the endoderm, triggered by a molecular gradient converted into a force gradient. This process coordinates cells to form a hollow tube structure crucial for respiratory and gastrointestinal tract development.