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Science News Archive March 2019


Page 26 of 43

Blood test to diagnose heart attacks is flawed, warn researchers

Researchers found that one in 20 patients had troponin levels higher than the recommended limit, but most were being treated for other conditions. The study highlights the need for medical staff to carefully interpret troponin levels to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

The power of gratitude in the workplace

A study by Portland State University researchers found that expressing gratitude to colleagues can improve physical and mental health outcomes, including better sleep, fewer headaches, and healthier eating. The study also highlights the importance of creating opportunities for employees to express gratitude in the workplace.

Quasar jets confuse orbital telescope

Researchers found an error in active galactic nuclei measured by Gaia space telescope and corrected it. The findings rely on a new way of indirectly studying quasar optical emission using radio telescopes.

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.

Research shines light on preventing infection after miscarriage

A large-scale international trial led by the University of Birmingham examined if antibiotics can prevent surgical complications after miscarriage surgery. The trial showed that giving a preventative single dose of antibiotics prior to surgery did not result in a significant reduction in pelvic infection within 14 days post-surgery, bu...

Powering devices -- with a desk lamp?

Researchers have developed special light harvesters that can convert ambient indoor lighting into usable energy, potentially powering wireless devices in homes and offices. The technology uses organic photovoltaics to optimize the use of artificial room lighting, which is abundant but often underutilized.

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.

Climate change could devastate painted turtles, according to new study

New research suggests climate change could devastate painted turtle populations as temperature fluctuations disrupt the sex ratio, potentially leading to population collapse. The study found that warmer temperatures combined with stronger thermal fluctuations increase the risk of drastic shifts in demographics, ultimately threatening t...

Cardiovascular disease in China

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) cases increased by 14.7% in China between 1990 and 2016, with nearly 94 million cases reported in 2016. The overall death rate from CVD dropped by 29% during the same period, indicating a decrease in CVD burden.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Changes in rat size reveal habitat of 'Hobbit' hominin

A study of rat body sizes over time provides new evidence for the local environment during the time of Homo Floresiensis. The results indicate that the habitat was mostly open grasslands more than 100,000 years ago but shifted rapidly to a more closed forested environment around 60,000 years ago.

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.

Special effects: How a movie could reduce corruption

A Nigerian feature film, 'Water of Gold,' significantly increased anticorruption reports when paired with a texting campaign, resulting in 240 concrete reports over seven months. The experiment demonstrates the potential for media to shift social norms and combat corruption.

Determining what binds to mucus

Researchers have developed a new technique to measure the binding of thousands of small molecules to mucus components, revealing a previously unknown pattern associated with mucin binding. This breakthrough could lead to better treatments for diseases characterized by excessive mucus production.

Tunas, sharks and ships at sea

The study used data from over 800 sharks and tunas, as well as 900 industrial fishing vessels, to create a map of the northeast Pacific Ocean. The researchers found that vessels from Taiwan, China, Japan, the US, and Mexico accounted for over 90% of fishing in key habitat areas for seven shark and tuna species.

Research finds simple urine test allows for rapid diagnosis of preeclampsia

Researchers developed a rapid, non-invasive urine test to diagnose preeclampsia, with an accuracy rate of 86% compared to other biochemical tests. The 'Congo Red Dot' test can provide results within three minutes, allowing for early detection and treatment, thereby reducing maternal deaths and premature births.

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.

New evidence proves the work of UN agencies is effective

A study by Oxford University and UN agencies finds that key services can contribute to multiple sustainable development goals, even among high-risk children and adolescents. Simple combinations of programs such as parenting support, cash transfers, and safe schools provide greater impacts.

Reports of corruption increase in Nigeria after film and text campaign

A Nigerian movie about corruption and a subsequent text-messaging campaign led to a record number of corruption reports from citizens in Nigeria. The two-part campaign generated 241 reports from 106 communities, with most people reporting bribes and embezzlement perpetrated by politicians and law enforcement.

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.

ZEB1 throttles therapeutic target, protecting KRAS-mutant lung cancer

Researchers found that ZEB1 forces KRAS-driven lung cancer cells to switch from stable to mobile, resistant mesenchymal cells, making them less responsive to MEK inhibitors. A combination of an HDAC inhibitor and a MEK inhibitor reversed this transition and restored vulnerability to targeted therapy.

Blunting pain's emotional component

Researchers at WashU Medicine developed a pain killer that blocks kappa opioid receptors to restore motivation in rodents. The compound dampens the negative emotions associated with pain without causing euphoria, offering a potential approach to less addictive pain treatment.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Virtual time-lapse photos can capture ultrafast phenomena

Scientists developed Virtual Frame Technique (VFT) to generate thousands of images of fast phenomena, using conventional photos from any device. VFT performs better than high-speed cameras and has been used for various applications, including droplet impacts and fracture mechanics.

The media shape public opinion about surrogacy and homosexuality

A recent study examines how Spanish television news programs influence public attitudes towards surrogacy and gay parenthood. The research found that the way surrogacy is presented on TV, highlighting the commodification of women's bodies, can lead to negative attitudes towards both surrogacy and gay couples seeking to start a family.

Reducing the burden of tuberculosis treatment

Researchers at MIT have developed a new drug delivery system that allows patients to switch from daily to monthly doses of antibiotics, reducing the burden of tuberculosis treatment. The device slowly releases antibiotics over one month, eliminating the need for daily pills.

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.

Looking back and forward: A decade-long quest for a transformative transistor

Negative capacitance field-effect transistors (NC-FETs) have been proposed as a way to make traditional transistors more efficient by adding a thin layer of ferroelectric material. The technology has the potential to transform the semiconductor industry and enable chips that compute far more while requiring less frequent charging.

On-the-spot genome analysis

Researchers at Garvan Institute of Medical Research have developed a computational method to reduce the amount of memory necessary for genome alignment, allowing for real-time analysis on smartphones. This breakthrough enables remote disease identification and point-of-care microbial infections.

Bat flight model can inspire smarter, nimbler drones

Engineers at the University of British Columbia have created a three-dimensional computer model of bat flight, capturing its complexity for the first time. This breakthrough could lead to better drone design and efficient aerial vehicles.

Defects help nanomaterial soak up more pollutant in less time

Rice University researchers developed a novel molecular sieve that can remove perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) from polluted water more efficiently and effectively than current technologies. The nanomaterial features random, large-pore defects that improve its adsorption capacity and fast-adsorption kinetics.

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.

Inside a tumor: Purple bacteria visualize 'big eaters'

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich used optoacoustic imaging with purple bacteria to detect macrophages in tumors, providing insights into their activity and role in cancer development. This breakthrough enables novel non-invasive technologies for diagnosis and treatment.

Tiny 'blinkers' enable simultaneous imaging of multiple biomolecules

Researchers have developed tiny 'blinkers' that can image single molecules of RNA or protein inside cells simultaneously, opening up new possibilities for diagnostics and treatments. The approach uses fluorescent probes that blink with variable duration and frequency to detect dozens of biomolecules at once.

Hematopoietic stem cells: Making blood thicker than water

Researchers at Osaka University discovered Ragnase-1's crucial role in regulating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The study reveals how Ragnase-1's post-transcriptional regulation maintains blood cell homeostasis, preventing excessive proliferation associated with leukemia.

Coastal ecosystems suffer from upriver hydroelectric dams

Researchers found that dammed rivers in Mexico's Pacific states experience severe coastal recession, with mangrove forests and commercial fishery habitats being particularly affected. The study highlights the need to consider the environmental and economic impacts of hydroelectric dams on entire regions.

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.

Drug-delivering device streamlines tuberculosis treatment in pigs

Scientists have developed a retrievable wire-like device that safely delivers large dosages of drugs over several weeks to treat tuberculosis (TB) in pigs. The device, tested successfully, could help patients adhere to treatment regimens more easily, particularly in remote areas where healthcare resources are limited.

'Inactive' ingredients may not be, study finds

A study from MIT and Brigham and Women's Hospital found that nearly all pills and capsules contain ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or irritations in certain patients. The researchers aim to raise awareness of this issue and stimulate reforms to protect patients.

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.

Testing the symmetry of space-time by means of atomic clocks

Scientists tested the symmetry of space-time by comparing two atomic clocks, confirming their excellent accuracy and a fundamental hypothesis of the theory of relativity. The experiment improved the limits for testing space-time symmetry by a factor of 100.

Researchers explore link between metal exposure and Parkinson's symptoms

A new study from Iowa State University researchers explores the biological processes by which exposure to metals can contribute to Parkinson's-like symptoms. The study found that manganese combines with a protein called alpha-synuclein, leading to misfolded proteins and a neurodegenerative response.

Researchers uncover new clues to surviving extinction

Researchers analyzed ancient ocean fossils to understand ecological transformation after mass extinctions. The study found that survivors shared similar traits with predecessors, but had a surge in modern traits like mobility and diverse feeding habits, driving recovery.

Breaking down bedbugs

A new study by Harvard researchers finds that notifying potential tenants of past bedbug infestations can help reduce the spread of bedbugs and save landlords money. The policy creates an unofficial quarantine, reducing the chances of an infested unit being rented and allowing landlords time to thoroughly treat the space.

Astronomers discover 83 supermassive black holes in the early universe

Researchers have discovered 83 supermassive black holes powering quasars 13 billion years ago, shedding light on their formation and evolution. This finding increases the number of known black holes at that epoch and provides new insights into their impact on the early universe's gas state.

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.

Scientists delineate pathway that helps us make antibodies

Researchers have identified a key pathway, ufmylation, that regulates plasma cell development and antibody production. By targeting this pathway, scientists hope to develop more effective vaccines and treatments for autoimmune diseases like lupus and arthritis.