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Science News Archive June 2019


Page 18 of 41

Pushing the bounds of memory

University of Houston researcher Margaret Cheung is exploring the molecular structure of memories at the precise moment they are formed in single neurons. She aims to understand how calcium signaling and calmodulin affect cellular processes, including human cognition.

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.

Latest artificial intelligence research from China in Big Data

Recent Chinese AI research has made significant breakthroughs in big data analysis, with a focus on developing algorithms to detect abnormal data regions and repair historical correlations. Researchers have also proposed using Doppler measurements to improve target tracking performance in noisy environments.

A warming Midwest increases likelihood that farmers will need to irrigate

A new study predicts that Midwestern corn growers will require irrigation as temperatures rise and crop yields increase, posing risks to local water sources. The researchers found that the warmer atmosphere will draw more moisture from plants, necessitating a significant expansion of irrigation to maintain current yields.

Dark centers of chromosomes reveal ancient DNA

Researchers have discovered big chunks of ancient Neanderthal and other ancient DNA in the dark centers of human chromosomes, which can be used to study chromosome behavior during cell division and evolutionary descent. The findings also suggest that certain centromere haplotypes may influence differences in sense of smell.

Quantum music to my ears

Scientists have successfully recorded and played back music using Rydberg atoms, which respond to radio waves, enabling potential improvements in audio data transmission. The research could lead to better noise-picking capabilities and improved security in deep 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.

Dormant neural stem cells in fruit flies activate to generate new brain cells

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered that a protein complex called CRL4 is essential for reactivating dormant neural stem cells in fruit flies, which can then generate new neurons. This finding could lead to therapeutic treatment of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.

Now your phone can become a robot that does the boring work

A Purdue University researcher has developed an app that allows users to easily program robots to perform mundane tasks, such as picking up parts and delivering them. The app uses augmented reality and can be used for household chores, reducing the need for expensive software programmers or mobile robots.

UToledo research links fracking to higher radon levels in Ohio homes

A new study at The University of Toledo connects fracking to higher household concentrations of radon gas, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Scientists found that closer distance to fracking wells is linked to higher indoor radon concentrations, with average levels exceeding safe EPA and WHO standards.

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.

New drug compound could tackle major life-limiting kidney disease

Researchers developed a new class of drugs to treat autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a hereditary progressive disease causing cysts and kidney failure. The compound reduces levels of cyclic AMP, suppressing cyst growth and potentially controlling the disease.

Monitoring biodiversity with sound: How machines can enrich our knowledge

Researchers compared traditional bird survey methods to modern sound recording devices, finding that machines can accurately measure population densities and map species territories. The study provides a systematic overview of available recording devices and user guides for scientists to sample animal populations acoustically.

Researchers link gene to cannabis abuse

A specific gene associated with a lower amount of a certain nicotine receptor in the brain increases the risk of cannabis abuse. The study, conducted by Aarhus University, analyzed the complete genome of over 2,000 cannabis abusers and found a strong association between the genetic variant and cannabis abuse.

Women's awareness of alcohol's role in breast cancer risk is poor

Research published in BMJ Open reveals that only one in five women attending breast clinics and screening appointments know that alcohol is a risk factor for breast cancer. The study suggests that understanding modifiable risk factors for the disease needs to be increased, particularly through brief information on health risks associat...

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.

Risky business: New data show how manatees use shipping channels

A new study analyzes 10 years of data on manatee movement patterns, revealing that they use nearshore channels more frequently and travel faster in all channel types. This research sheds light on the risks associated with vessel collisions and informs suggestions for optimal channel maintenance.

Microfluidics device captures circulating cancer cell clusters

Researchers developed a microfluidic device to capture circulating cancer cell clusters, providing a new tool for studying metastasis and developing anti-metastatic drug therapies. The device's design enables the collection of viable human cancer cell clusters from patient blood samples, offering a novel approach to combatting cancer.

Preoperative management of inflammation may stave off cancer recurrences

Researchers found that administering anti-inflammatory treatments before surgery can eliminate the spread of cancer cells and promote prolonged survival in animal models. These findings suggest a potential paradigm shift in cancer treatment approaches, particularly for patients undergoing resectable cancers.

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.

Yale-led study reveals biology of leptin, the hunger hormone

A Yale-led study reveals the mechanisms by which leptin increases appetite in response to low energy levels. The research found that reductions in plasma leptin concentrations stimulate food intake through a chain of events involving the brain, endocrine system, and AgRP neurons.

A dietary supplement improves skills of an atypical Rett syndrome patient

A dietary supplement called L-serine has been shown to improve the neuronal function of a patient with a mutation associated with atypical Rett syndrome. The study, led by Dr Xavier Altafaj, found that supplementation with L-serine reversed alterations caused by the mutation and improved the patient's motor and communicative abilities.

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.

Origin of life -- a prebiotic route to DNA

Researchers at LMU Munich propose a direct mechanism for synthesizing DNA subunits from organic compounds in a prebiotic environment. This process could have given rise to DNA strands on early Earth, potentially 4 billion years ago.

Health policies key factor in hospitalization of seniors

A University of Waterloo study found that home-care patients in Alberta and British Columbia are more likely to be sent to hospital, while long-term care residents in these provinces were half as likely as those in Ontario. The researchers attributed regional differences to healthcare policies and infrastructure.

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.

Polymer faculty receive NSF awards totaling over $1 million

Three UA professors, Li Jia, Shi-Qing Wang, and Mesfin Tsige, have received NSF grants for research projects on bio-renewable polymers, mechanical performance of glassy and semicrystalline polymers, and multiscale modeling of mechanically-interlocked macromolecules. The total award value is over $1.1 million.

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.

Advanced computational modeling of the gut for biodefense

A new high-performance computing-driven model of the gut predicts emerging behaviors and responses to biological threats, simulating cell phenotype changes, signaling pathways, and immune responses. The model identifies key factors that delineate the outcome of infection, including epithelial cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells.

A new force for optical tweezers awakens

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a new type of force that minimizes light usage in optical tweezers, reducing photo damage to cells. This breakthrough enables more realistic experiments with longer cell lifespans.

Parental support is key when autistic adolescents want to learn to drive

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that autistic adolescents need the support of their parents or guardians to prioritize independence and develop life skills before learning to drive. Driving instructors emphasize the importance of parent-supervised practice, individualized training, and prioritizing independent living.

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.

Hydrogenation of white phosphorus leads way to safer chemical technology

Researchers at Kazan University have developed a new method to synthesize organophosphorous compounds directly from white phosphorus, reducing the need for toxic chlorine oxygenation technology. The innovative process utilizes electrolysis and acid on a lead cathode, resulting in high-speed, selective, and easy-to-control synthesis.

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.

€10 million Atlantic survey seeks to uncover health of deep ocean

A €10 million, four-year project will assess the Atlantic's health using latest technologies, combining data on marine life, habitats, and human activities. The study aims to provide unprecedented insights into climate change's effects on plant and animal life in the Atlantic.

Surgery to straighten a deviated septum improves quality of life

Researchers at Radboud University Medical Center found that septoplasty significantly improves patients' quality of life by increasing nasal airflow and reducing symptoms. After two years, the positive effects persisted, indicating a long-term benefit from the procedure.

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.

Automated cryptocode generator is helping secure the web

A Massachusetts Institute of Technology-developed system automatically generates optimized cryptography code for Google Chrome browsers and web applications, matching performance of handwritten code but faster. The system, known as Fiat Cryptography, is being widely used by tech firms and has populated Google's BoringSSL library.

Changing how we predict coral bleaching

Researchers developed an algorithm using over 30 years of satellite data to isolate extreme warming events leading to documented coral bleaching in the Red Sea. The findings suggest that coral bleaching may have been greatly underestimated and indicate a emerging pattern of extreme warming events in the northern region.

A new manufacturing process for aluminum alloys

Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a single-step manufacturing process to produce nanostructured rods and tubes directly from high-performance aluminum alloy powder. The process, called ShAPE, achieves significant improvements in product ductility while eliminating multiple steps required in conventiona...

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.

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.

How hepatitis B and delta viruses establish infection of liver cells

Princeton University researchers have developed a scalable cell culture system that allows for detailed investigation of how host cells respond to infection with HBV and HDV. The system, called SACC-PHH, enables chronic HBV infection for up to 40 days, providing unprecedented opportunities to study host responses to hepatitis viruses.

Coral bleaching causes a permanent change in fish life

A long-term study in the Seychelles found that repeat coral bleaching caused lasting changes to fish communities, with large predator fish declining and being replaced by seaweed-loving fish. The study suggests that under current levels of ocean warming, permanent changes to reef fishes are likely on most coral reefs globally.

ELSI researchers use biological evolution to inspire machine learning

A study by Tokyo Institute of Technology researchers explores the connection between biological evolutionary open-endedness and recent studies in machine learning. They propose combining neural networks with artificial life ideas to create autonomous systems that invent or discover new things.