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Science News Archive July 2019


Page 16 of 41

A toxic chemical in marine ecosystems turns out to play a beneficial role

Researchers discovered that reactive oxygen species, once thought to cause cellular damage, actually protect phytoplankton cells from overproducing a compound used for photosynthesis. This finding challenges conventional wisdom and may have implications for understanding ocean resilience to climate change.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rebuilding global fisheries

Current fisheries management methods fail to rebuild many fish stocks with a 55% average recovery rate. Robotics-based approaches can achieve higher recovery rates and increased economic returns.

Targeting KRAS for potential cancer treatment

Researchers have discovered a potent KRAS inhibitor, BI-2852, that can target both active and inactive forms of the enzyme. The compound has shown promising results in lab assays, paving the way for the development of specific RAS inhibitors for cancer therapy.

Cigarette butts hamper plant growth -- study

A new study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety found that cigarette butts contain a bioplastic filter that harms plants, reducing germination success and shoot length of clover and grass by significant margins. The filters' chemical composition is believed to be the primary cause of damage.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Routine blood tests could predict diabetes

A study of over 900,000 VA patients found that routine blood tests with random plasma glucose levels below 200 mg/dL can accurately predict the development of diabetes. Patients with high glucose levels are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes in the future, making this test a valuable tool for early intervention and prevention.

Smart irrigation model predicts rainfall to conserve water

A predictive model combining plant physiology, soil conditions, and weather forecasts helps make informed decisions about irrigation, conserving up to 40% of water used. The research also aims to identify the best method for each crop and determine the costs and benefits of switching to an automated system.

Taking out the protein garbage becomes more difficult as neurons age

As cells age, their ability to remove damaged proteins and structures declines, leading to a buildup of waste inside neurons. Researchers discovered that restoring autophagy in aged neurons can restore protein disposal, providing insight into potential therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.

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.

Bridging the nanoscale gap: A deep look inside atomic switches

A team of researchers has gained insight into the inner workings of an atomic switch, revealing that its metallic filament is composed of both electrode and metal sulfide layer metals. This finding may lead to improved performance in atomic switches, crucial for next-generation AI and IoT devices.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Danas track through the East China Sea

Tropical Storm Danas is located near latitude 32.3 degrees north and longitude 125.1 degrees west, with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots (52 mph/83 kph). The storm is expected to approach South Korea's southwestern coast by July 20 and weaken due to frictional effects moving over land.

Operative versus non-operative treatment for 2-part proximal humerus fracture

A recent Nordic collaboration study found no significant difference in functional outcomes between operative and non-operative treatment in patients over 60 with displaced proximal humerus fractures. Non-operative treatment using a collar and cuff sling and physiotherapy was as effective as surgery in improving patient recovery.

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.

Discovering how diabetes leads to vascular disease

A team of scientists has identified a key molecular connection between diabetes and vascular disease, finding that high blood glucose activates an enzyme that constricts blood vessels. The study aims to develop new treatments targeting this pathway for reducing vascular complications of diabetes.

X-ray mapping enhances potential of lightweight magnesium

A world-first study has discovered a new technique to create stronger, lightweight magnesium alloys using atomic-resolution X-ray mapping. The finding significantly improves the structural integrity of automotive and aerospace industries by increasing the boundary pinning effect and strengthening the alloy.

Study reveals genetic similarities of osteosarcoma between dogs and children

A study published by TGen and Tufts University found that osteosarcoma in dogs shares many genomic features with human osteosarcoma, including low mutation rates and altered cellular pathways. This discovery could lead to the development of new therapies for both humans and animals affected by this deadly disease.

X-ray laser sight reveals drug targets

Serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography (SFX) allows researchers to analyze the tertiary structure of proteins previously inaccessible. This method uses powerful X-ray free-electron lasers to generate diffraction patterns before destroying the sample, enabling faster and cheaper drug design.

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.

Boosting the discovery of new drugs to treat spinal cord injuries using zebrafish

Researchers have designed a simple and efficient platform to discover new drugs treating spinal cord lesions using zebrafish, accelerating the translation period from discovery to clinics. The platform has identified a molecule with motor recovery properties in zebrafish larvae and showed efficacy in spinal cord injury models in rodents.

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.

Flexible user interface distribution for ubiquitous multi-device interaction

KAIST researchers developed FLUID platform for dynamic UI distribution on multiple smart devices, accelerating the shift from single-device to multi-device paradigms. The technology supports diverse applications, including live video streaming and navigation apps, enabling users to engage with multiple screens simultaneously.

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.

UTA physicist studying how extreme weather in space affects satellites

A UTA professor is working on a new classification system for geomagnetic storms based on overall storm energy, focusing on storms with large amounts of power that dissipate in the ionosphere. This research could lead to better understanding of how space weather affects satellites and ultimately life on Earth.

Quantum interference in service of information technology

Scientists have developed a quantum algorithm that can process large sets of data faster and more accurately than standard methods. The Kravchuk transform, a quantum counterpart of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), enables efficient processing of digital images, sound, and radio signals.

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.

Marijuana use among northern California women before, during pregnancy

Marijuana use among pregnant women in Northern California increased significantly between 2009 and 2017, with daily use rising from 1.17% to 3.05%. The study analyzed data from nearly 277,000 pregnancies, suggesting a possible trend towards more recreational marijuana use during pregnancy.

3q29 deletion survey: distinct social profile, high ASD risk

A survey of 93 people with 3q29 deletion syndrome reveals a distinct pattern of social disability and anxiety, even without an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. The study indicates a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder at a similar level to schizophrenia, particularly for females.

An air-stable and waterproof lithium metal anode

Researchers have developed a wax-based composite coating that protects lithium metal anodes from air and water, achieving high capacity retention rates. The coating prevents dendrite growth and maintains electrochemical performance under humid conditions.

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.

Atomically precise models improve understanding of fuel cells

Researchers at Kyushu University developed computer simulations using realistic atomic-scale models to understand reaction pathways in solid-oxide fuel cells. The study found that reactions are more likely to occur in layers with smaller pore sizes, but also identified a new degradation pathway that could impact performance.

Heat transport through single molecules

Scientists have successfully measured thermal transport through single-molecule junctions for the first time, revealing that heat transfer is length-independent. The breakthrough uses custom-developed calorimetric-scanning-thermal-microscopy technique to determine thermal conductance, which originates from atomic vibrations or phonons.

Heat flow through single molecules detected

An international team of researchers has successfully measured how heat passes between two gold electrodes through a single molecule. The study employed a scanning thermal microscope to detect the vibrations of atoms in an alkane molecule carrying the heat, providing valuable insights into thermal conduction at the molecular scale.

Predicting long-term risk of death from chest X-rays

Researchers developed a risk score using thousands of chest x-rays to predict long-term mortality. The system achieved high accuracy in identifying individuals at increased risk, providing valuable insights for healthcare.

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.

Study sheds light on the darker parts of our genetic heritage

Researchers successfully studied DNA methylation loss in human cells, revealing the activation of transposons that can lead to serious diseases. The study provides new insight into how changes in DNA methylation contribute to diseases and opens up potential for a new understanding of genome function.

Chest X-rays contain information that can be harvested with AI

A new AI tool, CXR-risk, analyzes chest X-ray images to predict health and mortality, providing independent information that surpasses radiologists' readings. The study found that CXR-risk identified people at high risk for future heart attack, lung cancer, or death with accuracy.

Newly discovered neural pathway processes acute light to affect sleep

A new Northwestern University study found that distinct areas of the brain process short pulses of light to affect sleep, challenging the widely accepted belief that all light information is relayed through one central pathway. The research suggests that acute exposure to light does not interfere with overall circadian rhythms.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Teacher treatment of students factors into racial gap in school suspensions

Researchers found that teachers' different treatment of black and white students accounted for 46% of the racial gap in suspensions. The analysis also showed that about 21% of the gap could be explained by differences in school characteristics and student behavior, but not differences in misbehavior itself.

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.

Take a bath 90 minutes before bedtime to get better sleep

A study published in Sleep Medicine Reviews found that bathing 1-2 hours before bedtime in water of 104-109 degrees Fahrenheit can significantly improve sleep quality. This is due to the cooling effect on the body, which regulates the circadian cycle and helps with rapid sleep onset.

Space research helps patients on Earth with low blood pressure condition

A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that exercise regimens during space flight, followed by saline injections after landing, can prevent orthostatic intolerance in astronauts. The condition is also diagnosed in patients as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), causing debilitating dizziness.

Biologist leads pioneering study on stress

A Louisiana State University biologist conducted a groundbreaking study using PET scans on wild songbirds to understand the role of dopamine in stress resilience. The research found that dopamine receptors decrease over time during captivity, leading to anxiety-related behaviors.

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.

What do the red 'ornaments' of female macaques mean?

Researchers studied Japanese macaques to investigate the link between female coloration and attractiveness. Contrary to previous assumptions, dominant female macaques with darker hindquarters were found to have greater reproductive success.