Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive July 2019


Page 1 of 41

Centimeter-long snail robot is powered with light

Scientists develop a soft snail robot that harnesses energy from a laser beam to crawl on horizontal surfaces and climb vertical walls. The robot's unique properties offer insights into micromechanics with smart materials, paving the way for future exploration in small-scale soft robotics.

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.

Neuroimaging essential for Zika cases

A recent study found that 71% of Brazilian infants exposed to the Zika virus in the womb experienced brain abnormalities, including calcifications and malformations. The study highlights the importance of early neuroimaging for Zika-exposed infants, even those without congenital Zika syndrome.

The urbanization of the beach

The urbanization of Southern California's beaches has led to a loss of biodiversity, with some beaches showing up to half of their natural inhabitants missing. The disturbance caused by grooming and filling with the wrong sand further exacerbates this issue, impacting the ecosystem health and coastal ecosystems.

Finding weakness in bacterial protein to fight anti-biotic resistance

A team of scientists has discovered previously unknown binding sites on a bacterial enzyme that could guide novel approaches to antibiotic design. The researchers identified key sections of the MraY enzyme that can be targeted with new drugs to inhibit the spread of certain bacterial infections.

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.

Precision editing of gut bacteria reduces cancer in mice

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that precision editing the gut microbiome can reduce inflammation-associated colorectal cancer in mice. The study suggests targeting metabolic pathways specific to intestinal inflammation could prevent or reduce cancer risk.

TESS satellite uncovers its ‘first nearby super-Earth’

Astronomers have characterized a super-Earth discovered by the TESS satellite, which orbits a dwarf star every 55.7 days and may support liquid water on its surface. The planet's conditions could provide insight into Earth's heavyweight planetary cousins.

How to recognize where a volcano will erupt

Researchers developed a new method to predict vent location forecasts by combining physics and statistics, successfully testing it on the Campi Flegrei caldera in Italy. The approach improves accuracy for predicting future eruptions and expanding ash plumes, providing valuable insights for land usage planning in volcanic areas.

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.

'Sniff-cam' to detect disease

Scientists have developed a highly sensitive 'sniff-cam' that can detect low levels of disease biomarkers in breath, including diabetes, lung cancer, and Parkinson's disease. The device uses an ultraviolet ring light, filters, and a camera to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath.

Animal friendships 'change with the weather' in the Masai Mara

A University of Liverpool study reveals that wild animals adjust their social preferences with the weather, affecting extinction risk. The research found that species alter their grouping patterns between wet and dry seasons, influenced by factors like migration and feeding preferences.

Neurocognitive basis for free will set out for the first time

A University of Warwick academic has answered the question of human free will for the first time, proposing a new framework for neurocognitive free will. The study identifies key features that satisfy design elements of free will, including adaptive access to unpredictability and conscious construction of the self.

Hidden chemistry in flowers shown to kill cancer cells

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have successfully extracted and modified a compound from feverfew to kill chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells in laboratory experiments. The compound, parthenolide, works by increasing reactive oxygen species levels in cancer cells, causing them to die.

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.

Overturning the truth on conservation tillage

A study by North Dakota State University researchers found that conservation tillage systems can reduce on-farm costs while preserving long-term productivity, dispelling concerns about lower yields.

SUTD researchers developed a unique method of fabricating 3D porous structures

Researchers from SUTD's Soft Fluidics Lab developed a new 3D printing method, immersion precipitation 3D printing (ip3DP), which allows for the fabrication of 3D porous models in one step. The porosity of the printed objects can be easily controlled by adjusting polymer concentrations and solvent types. This novel approach enables the ...

NASA finds tropical storm Wipha whipped up

Tropical Storm Wipha formed quickly in the South China Sea, with NASA's Aqua satellite detecting strong thunderstorms and cold cloud top temperatures. The storm is expected to move northwest towards southern China, making landfall near Hanoi, Vietnam.

One in 10 older adults currently binge drinks

A study by NYU School of Medicine found that over 10% of adults aged 65+ binge drink, with males and cannabis users more likely to engage in this behavior. Binge drinking increases the risk of health problems, particularly among older adults with chronic health issues.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

What the brains of people with excellent general knowledge look like

The brains of individuals with exceptional general knowledge exhibit efficient structural networking, allowing for better information integration and recall. This is evident in a recent study where participants with more efficient fibre networks scored higher on the Bochum Knowledge Test.

Optimizing structures within complex arrangements of bubbles

Researchers at Aberystwyth University used computer simulations to find optimal bubble arrangements within circular discs that minimize perimeter length. The study reveals that the number of possible structures increases as the number of bubbles grows, leading to a narrower range of area ratios for the smallest perimeter.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Biodiversity highest on Indigenous-managed lands

A UBC-led study found that Indigenous-managed lands have the highest levels of biodiversity worldwide, with even protected areas coming in second. The research highlights the importance of collaborating with Indigenous communities to protect species and conserving biodiversity beyond traditional conservation boundaries.

Advance in understanding of all-solid-state batteries

Researchers identified a critical current density that prevents void formation and cell failure in all-solid-state batteries. This breakthrough could enable the development of commercial solid-state batteries for electric vehicles.

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.

New protein-sensing mechanism discovered

The nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC) identifies and sorts nascent polypeptide chains inside the ribosomal tunnel. NAC inserts its β-subunit into the tunnel to sense translation activity and regulate protein biogenesis.

Higher vitamin A intake linked to lower skin cancer risk

Researchers from Brown University found that people with high vitamin A intake had a 17% reduced risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, the second-most-common type of skin cancer. The majority of vitamin A came from diets rich in fruits and vegetables.

Uncovering secrets of bone marrow cells and how they differentiate

Researchers mapped distinct bone marrow niche populations and their differentiation paths for the production of bone, fat and cartilage. The study identified seven distinct cell states in two branching pathways and showed how transcription factors influence fate decisions to specific bone marrow lineages.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Glowing cholesterol helps scientists fight heart disease

Scientists developed a technique to study heart disease in action, enabling them to identify ways to lower plaque-forming lipoproteins. The LipoGlo system allows researchers to measure lipoproteins in tiny droplets of blood, opening up new avenues for treating cardiovascular disease.

Actively swimming gold nanoparticles

Scientists have designed gold nanoparticles to mimic bacterial swarming behavior, creating a collective movement towards glucose gradients. The artificially created nanoswimmers exhibit chemotactic behavior, similar to bacteria, and demonstrate the potential for studying collective intelligence on the nanoscale.

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.

Faint foreshocks foretell California quakes

Researchers found nearly three-fourths of foreshocks preceded mainshocks by days to weeks, significantly higher than previously understood. Advanced signal processing techniques and computing capabilities enabled the detection of small foreshocks with magnitudes less than 1.

Laser solitons: Theory, topology and potential applications

Researchers have developed a way to create stable laser solitons without external radiation, with potential applications in storing digital information. These solitons have complex internal structures and topologies, such as the 'apple' and 'trefoil' shapes, which can merge and potentially be used in digital storage systems.

Magnetic 'springs' break down marine microplastic pollution

Researchers have developed a new approach to purging water sources of microplastics using tiny coil-shaped carbon-based magnets, known as magnetic nanosprings. These stable catalysts can remove a significant fraction of microplastics in just eight hours and are also magnetic, making them easy to collect for repeated use.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

I see the pattern under your skin

A team from Kyoto University found that collagen in the skin is organized in a mesh-like structure, with elastic fibers following the same orientation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding skin pliability and could lead to breakthroughs in skin grafts and transplantation.

Successful first trial for dizziness monitoring device

A new wearable device has been shown to detect eye flicker with high accuracy, helping diagnose the most common causes of dizziness. Researchers collected 9,000 hours of data from 17 participants, proving the technology's reliability and safety.

You can't squash this roach-inspired robot

A new insect-sized robot created by UC Berkeley researchers can scurry across the floor at nearly the speed of a cockroach and withstand the weight of an average human. The robot's design allows it to 'leapfrog' forward using electric vibrations, enabling it to navigate through tight spaces.

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.

NASA casts a double eye on hurricane Flossie

NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites analyzed Flossie's cloud top temperatures and structure as the storm strengthened. The strongest storms had colder cloud temperatures, indicating potential for heavy rainfall.

Major class of viruses reveals complex origins

A new study reveals that circular Rep-encoding single-stranded DNA viruses have acquired their genetic components through complex evolutionary processes. The findings show that these viruses are 'obsessive borrowers', appropriating genetic material from various sources, including bacterial and eukaryotic cells.

Experiments explore the mysteries of 'magic' angle superconductors

New experiments reveal that magic-angle twisted graphene's superconductivity arises from strong interactions between electrons, yielding insights into the rules governing superconductivity. The discovery provides a fundamentally different mechanism for superconductivity compared to traditional materials.

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.

Excellence payments to hospitals improve hip fracture care

A study by University of Oxford researchers found that the Best Practice Tariff scheme saved up to 7,600 lives in England between 2010 and 2016. The scheme led to improved standards of care for hip fracture patients, including increased surgeries within 36 hours and reduced hospital readmissions.

'Promising' antibody therapy extends survival in mice with pancreatic cancer

Researchers have identified a key protein involved in pancreatic cancer cell growth and found an antibody therapy that targets it, reducing tumour growth and increasing survival time in mice. The treatment combines the antibody with gemcitabine and achieves up to a sixfold increase in survival time compared to controls.

Study debunks 'July Effect' for heart surgery

Researchers analyzed over 470,000 cardiac procedures and found no differences in mortality, complications, or costs between July and other months. The study suggests that experienced multidisciplinary teams can provide high-quality care regardless of resident training status.

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.

Climate change alters tree demography in northern forests

A 38-year study found climate change affects conifer growth, while broad-leaved trees thrive, altering forest composition and ecosystem functions. Climate change accelerates, primeval mixed forests may shift to broad-leaved tree forests, impacting carbon storage, water provision, biodiversity, and wood supply.

Traded forest tree seeds pose a great risk of introducing harmful pests

A recent study found that non-native insect pests and fungal pathogens pose a significant threat to global tree and forest ecosystems. The research, led by CABI, highlights the need for improved phytosanitary measures in trading tree seeds to reduce the risk of introducing harmful organisms.

Scientists take step toward more efficient fuel refinement processes

Researchers have developed a biochemical approach to control the conversion of natural gas into liquid fuel, overcoming challenges in selective hydroxylation of methane and propane. This method uses an artificial P450 system driven by hydrogen peroxide, showing comparable or better catalytic properties than known enzymes.

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.