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Science News Archive March 2019


Page 12 of 43

A1c test misses many cases of diabetes

A new study presented at ENDO 2019 found that the A1c test used to diagnose diabetes tends to underestimate its prevalence. The test missed detecting 73% of diabetes cases compared to the oral glucose tolerance test, highlighting its limitations.

Eating later in the day may be associated with obesity

A new study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting suggests that eating later in the day is associated with a higher body mass index and greater body fat. The research used advanced technology to track participants' sleep, physical activity, and eating patterns over a week-long period.

Older adults with type 1 diabetes often not aware of hypoglycemia

Researchers found that older adults with type 1 diabetes spend more than an hour per day in the hypoglycemic range, increasing their risk of severe complications. This study highlights the need for interventions to reduce the risk of severe hypoglycemia in this age group.

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.

Key evidence associating hydrophobicity with effective acid catalysis

A team of researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University has demonstrated that the tunable hydrophobic nature of dense siloxane gels strongly correlates with their catalytic activity. The study shows that molecules with different hydrophobicity interact differently with surfaces, leading to increased or decreased catalytic activity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rapid magnetic 3D printing of human cells

Researchers at McMaster University have developed a method to create artificial tumours using magnetic 3D printing, enabling faster and more affordable testing of new treatments. The technique uses magnets to concentrate human cells in a predetermined area, forming 3D cell clusters that mimic human tissues.

Breakthrough in air purification with a catalyst that works at room temperature

Researchers have developed a new catalyst that can efficiently break down ammonia in the air, converting it into harmless nitrogen gas and water. The catalyst, made of gold nanoparticles on a metal oxide framework, is effective at room temperature and has been shown to reduce gases contaminated with ammonia to undetectable levels.

Breast cancer may be likelier to spread to bone with nighttime dim-light exposure

A new animal study suggests that exposure to dim light at night may contribute to the spread of breast cancer to bones. Researchers created a mouse model of bone metastatic breast cancer and found that mice exposed to a light/dim light cycle had larger tumors and increased bone damage compared to those in a standard light/dark cycle.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

CPAP machine improves weight loss in dieting adults with obesity, sleep apnea

A new study by The Endocrine Society found that treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with an overnight CPAP machine can result in more weight loss for adults with obesity who try to lose weight by restricting calories. Patients who received concurrent CPAP treatment lost an average of 5.7 pounds more than those who did not treat thei...

Squishing blood stem cells could facilitate harvest for transplants

Researchers have found that modulating blood-forming stem cells' stiffness could help drive them out of the bone marrow and into the blood, but they need to be stiff to stay put. The study, published in Cell Stem Cell, suggests that altering cell biomechanics can improve mobilization regimens for stem cell-based therapy.

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.

Jupiter's unknown journey revealed

Researchers used computer simulations to discover Jupiter was formed four times further from the sun than its current position and migrated over 700,000 years. The Trojan asteroids' asymmetry provided key evidence for this migration theory.

A social bacterium with versatile habits

A study on Myxococcus xanthus reveals diverse social behaviors among cooperative bacteria, contradicting the assumption that groups are genetically homogeneous. The researchers attribute this diversity to evolutionary selection favoring specific 'social genes' that control behavior.

Sleep problems, Alzheimer's disease are linked, but which comes first?

A new study explores the connection between poor sleep and Alzheimer's disease, revealing that sleep helps clear excess amyloid beta and tau proteins from the brain. Disruption of slow-wave sleep can cause a significant increase in these protein levels, suggesting that sleep plays a crucial role in preventing Alzheimer's development.

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.

New computational tool could change how we study pathogens

A new analysis tool developed by Florida State University scientists can help improve understanding of population genetics and combat pathogens. The f-coalescent model, which incorporates fractional calculus, offers a promising method for analyzing the spread and distribution of disease vectors.

Time maps: How our brain perceives time

A study by SISSA neuroscientists reveals the existence of temporal maps in the brain's supplementary motor area (SMA) for decoding abstract features of time. The maps are represented via topography and duration tuning, with different portions responding to specific durations.

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.

Tall ice-cliffs may trigger big calving events -- and fast sea-level rise

Researchers have discovered that tall ice-cliffs on glaciers can trigger massive calving events, which could lead to rapid sea-level rise. The study found that cliffs over 100 meters high are most susceptible to slumping, a process that accelerates calving without waiting for the melting of the front.

Scientists argue for more comprehensive studies of Cascade volcanoes

The Cascades Arc is home to a string of volcanoes with radically different histories, sparking researchers to look beyond individual volcanoes. By analyzing heat flow, seismic wave speeds, and other data sources, scientists aim to understand why some volcanoes erupt differently than others.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Energy monitor can find electrical failures before they happen

A new sensor system can monitor wiring in buildings or ships to detect impending electrical failures, allowing for timely repairs. The system was tested on a Coast Guard cutter, pinpointing a motor with burnt-out wiring that could have led to a serious fire.

Like mountaineers, nerves need expert guidance to find their way

Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a gene mutation that causes motor axon misrouting, leading to improper connection with muscles. The study reveals how p190 acts as a blinder to guide axons outside of the spinal cord, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms of cell signaling and development.

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.

Chemicals induce dipoles to damp plasmons

Researchers at Rice University discovered that molecules on the surface of gold nanorods induce dipoles, scattering enough energy to dampen plasmon signals. This finding enhances catalysis applications and challenges previous explanations for signal loss via plasmon damping.

Scaling forward

A researcher at Argonne National Laboratory has developed a faster way to create molecular models, accelerating the screening of potential new organic materials for electronics. The approach uses machine learning to predict electronic properties and enables scientists to screen more packing arrangements than before.

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.

When neurons are out of shape, antidepressants may not work

Salk Institute researchers found altered neuron growth patterns and low levels of key genes in SSRI non-responders, leading to abnormal neuronal communication. This discovery provides new insights into the complex neural circuitry underlying depression.

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.

Colonization in slow motion

A long-term experiment in the Arctic deep sea reveals that sedentary animals colonize new habitats at a slow pace. The study found that it took up to 18 years for the first settlers to establish themselves, with only 13 species of multicellular invertebrates identified after four decades.

A first glimpse deep beneath an ultraslow-spreading mid-ocean ridge

Researchers used advanced electromagnetic technology to create images of an ultraslow-spreading mid-ocean ridge, revealing new insights into the formation of black smokers and subsea metal deposits. The study provides groundbreaking information about the subsurface distribution of different rock types and melts, shedding light on funda...

Caterpillars retrieve 'voicemail' by eating soil

Researchers found that caterpillars ingest soil and retain a microbiome similar to the soil itself, allowing them to access 'voicemails' left behind by plants. This discovery sheds light on the impact of soil legacy on insect health and has potential applications for agriculture.

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.

Ankle exoskeleton fits under clothes for potential broad adoption

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a lightweight, low-profile, and inexpensive ankle exoskeleton that can be worn under clothes without restricting motion. The device features an unpowered friction clutch mechanism and a soft shank sleeve, weighing just over one pound and costing less than $100 to fabricate.

Study reveals impact of plain cigarette packaging warnings

Research reveals that smokers using plain-packaged cigarettes are more likely to notice and read health warnings, think about the risks, and consider quitting due to the appearance of the pack. The study supports standardised packaging as an effective measure in reducing tobacco appeal and promoting public health.

New model found effective in predicting risk of opioid overdose

A new study developed a machine-learning algorithm to predict opioid overdose risk among Medicare beneficiaries with at least one opioid prescription. The model outperformed traditional statistical models in identifying subgroups of patients at similar risk of overdosing, especially those with low risk.

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.

Researchers get humans to think like computers

Researchers found that people strongly agreed with computer-generated answers on image identification tasks, validating the idea that humans and machines see images differently. This suggests that advances in artificial intelligence may need to be improved to narrow the gap between human and machine visual abilities.

The success of an environmental charge

The UK's single-use plastic bag charge has led to a substantial reduction in plastic bag use, with the average frequency of use falling from 'sometimes' to 'very rarely'. The study also found that consumers are ready to support other environmental charges, including a 5p charge on plastic water bottles and increased fuel duties.

Mayo Clinic researchers identify potential new therapy for liver diseases

Mayo Clinic researchers have identified a potential new therapy for liver diseases, finding that the drug sivelestat may effectively lower portal hypertension. The study showed that deposits of fibrin and inflammatory cells contributed to portal hypertension, which was successfully inhibited by sivelestat.

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.

Obese mouse mothers trigger heart problems in offspring

A high-fat, high-sugar diet in pregnant mice causes heart problems in their offspring, which are then passed down to subsequent generations. The defects in heart mitochondria are thought to be caused by epigenetic changes in the mother's eggs.

Salamanders chew with their palate

Researchers have discovered that salamanders, like the Italian Crested Newt, chew their prey using their palatal teeth, breaking it up with a rhythmic motion. This unique chewing mechanism is similar to that found in ancient mammals and may date back to the early days of land-based vertebrates.

4D-printed materials can be stiff as wood or soft as sponge

Rutgers engineers created flexible, lightweight materials that change shape with temperature, enabling better shock absorption and morphing airplane or drone wings. The materials can be reshaped and returned to their original form on demand, opening up possibilities for soft robotics, tiny implantable biomedical devices, and more.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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