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Science News Archive March 2019


Page 3 of 43

Improving equity in global physician training

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine propose revisions to visa categories and licensing laws to host foreign medical graduates for short-term clinical training experiences in the US. This would improve educational impact and equity in global health partnerships.

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.

UAlberta leads urgent call for sample rocks from Mars

A new publication outlines objectives for Mars Sample Return campaign, providing a blueprint for answering key questions about Mars. The University of Alberta is home to a vast collection of meteorites and experts like Chris Herd emphasize the importance of returning samples from Mars with context.

What 'Big Data' reveals about the diversity of species

Researchers at University of Göttingen investigated how different data sources can be integrated for biodiversity research. They found that higher data resolution is crucial for accurate studies, but detailed data often have smaller global availability and representativeness.

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.

Hubble captures rare active asteroid

Asteroid Gault, one of only a handful to be caught disintegrating, has been observed in clear images from the Hubble Space Telescope. The object's two narrow tails indicate it is slowly undergoing self-destruction, releasing material into space.

Biologists find a way to boost intestinal stem cell populations

Researchers found that aging contributes to a decline in intestinal stem cells, which can lead to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Boosting these cells with a compound called nicotinamide riboside (NR) reverses this effect and provides protection against age-related damage.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Changing the relationship between disability and technology

A new research project is harnessing diverse disciplines to examine the relationship between disability and technology, aiming to produce new ideas about how disability is seen in a world of artificial intelligence and robotics. The project will also create new technologies that can be used by people with disabilities today.

Major EU grant for research on collective identity

The European Research Council awards €2.4 million grant to investigate collective identity, self-identity, and social cognition. The project, led by Professor Dan Zahavi, aims to understand the relations between individuals and groups.

2019 HFSP Research Grants

The Human Frontier Science Program (HFSPO) awarded $35 million in Research Grants to 34 winning teams, including 9 Young Investigator Grants and 25 Program Grants. The grants fund cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research projects globally.

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.

Winds of change...Solar variability weakens the Walker cell

Researchers found a slowdown of the Walker cell during solar-cycle maxima, shifting trade winds and precipitation patterns in the tropical Pacific. The study suggests that global hydrology and ocean-atmosphere coupling amplify the solar signal.

Home-based tools can help assess dementia risk and progression

A new study evaluates the effectiveness of three home-based assessment methods to monitor cognitive function and decline in participants over 75. The results show that all approaches are feasible but with varying degrees of success, and suggest potential improvements in participant retention rates and reduced costs.

Record efficiency for perovskite-based light-emitting diodes

Scientists have created high-performance perovskite light-emitting diodes by rational molecular passivation, achieving a record-high 21.6% external quantum efficiency. The discovery overcomes defects in perovskites, allowing for efficient emission of near-infrared light.

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.

Nanovaccine boosts immunity in sufferers of metabolic syndrome

Researchers develop nanovaccine using pyridine functionalized poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) material, overcoming restricted immune response in mice with gut-initiated metabolic syndrome. The study explores the interrelationship between nanomaterials, immune responses and the microbiome.

Researchers target metastasis in fight against cancer

Researchers have developed an experimental combined drug therapy that dramatically shrinks tumours and prevents metastasis in mice by targeting the DNA repair capability of cancer cells. The treatment has few side-effects compared to traditional chemotherapy and is being tested in clinical trials.

New approach could boost energy capacity of lithium batteries

Researchers at MIT developed a new 'hybrid' cathode combining two approaches to increase energy output per pound and liter, resulting in higher power density. The new material can already beat existing batteries in terms of energy density, paving the way for longer-range electric cars and portable electronics.

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.

Modelled climate change impact on mosquito-borne virus transmission

A study predicts climate change will lead to increased and new exposures to humans of diseases carried by mosquito vectors, with poleward shifts in Aedes-borne virus distributions. The model suggests a middle-of-the-road temperature increase could produce the greatest expansion in viral transmission by Ae. albopictus.

Grid cells create 'treasure map' in rat brain

Grid cells in rat brain provide a 'treasure map' for goal-directed navigation by carrying information about goals, not just space. Their activity fields shift to follow the location of hidden rewards.

Okinawan sea grapes reveal secrets of plant evolution

Scientists decoded the genome of umi-budo, a popular Okinawan seaweed, to understand its unique shape and assist farmers in proper cultivation. The study revealed key genes controlling growth and development, potentially helping ease crop issues and address environmental concerns.

University of Hawaii team records self-destructing asteroid

Asteroid Gault, a well-known space rock, has begun slowly disintegrating as it develops comet-like tails. The newly observed event suggests that asteroids are dynamic and active worlds, prone to spin-up processes that can lead to disintegration.

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.

Novel brain map tracks early brain atrophy from HIV infection

Researchers have developed a novel brain map that tracks early brain atrophy in people with HIV, revealing a two-stage model of brain damage. The study suggests that the frontal lobe is affected early on, while the caudate/striatum area becomes more damaged as clinical symptoms appear.

New Yorkers brace for self-cloning Asian longhorned tick

The Asian longhorned tick population has grown dramatically across Staten Island, with researchers finding the species in 7 of 13 parks surveyed in 2017 and 16 of 32 in 2018. The ticks can clone themselves in large numbers and are likely to continue spreading throughout the city.

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.

Cornell model helps dairy farms reduce nitrogen, save money

A Cornell dairy nutrition model has been updated to help farmers reduce nitrogen in manure and waterways. Research found that feeding cows less protein can maintain milk production while reducing nitrogen excretion by 14-18% and saving farmers $147-$157 per cow annually.

New evidence of deep groundwater on Mars

Researchers from USC Arid Climate and Water Research Center discovered that deep groundwater likely exists in a broader geographical area than previously thought, with an active system as deep as 750 meters. Groundwater is believed to originate surface streams in near-equatorial areas on Mars.

Fungus has decimated the populations of 501 amphibian species worldwide

A microscopic fungus has caused a significant decline in amphibian populations, with at least 501 species affected. The chytrid fungus has led to a 93% decline in anuran species, which account for 89% of all amphibian species, and is thought to have spread from Asia to Central America via human transportation.

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.

Sea anemones are ingesting plastic microfibers

New research finds that sea anemones consume tiny fragments of plastic in the ocean along with their food. Bleached anemones retain these microfibers longer than healthy ones, highlighting the impact of plastic pollution and climate change on coral reefs.

First global tally of an amphibian killer

The study reveals Bd as one of the most destructive invasive species, causing at least 501 amphibian species decline. Despite this, some species show recovery and host resistance.

Harnessing T-cell 'stemness' could enhance cancer immunotherapy

A study suggests that increasing T cells' exposure to potassium, mimicking high potassium levels, could make cancer immunotherapies more effective. Growing T cells under conditions of high potassium preserves their stem-cell-like quality, allowing them to replicate and grow.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Decision makers need contextual interactive guidance

A team of researchers developed an interactive program using trade-off diagrams to support decision-making in complex scenarios. The tool allows for compromises and balancing of competing interests, increasing decision quality with contextual information. However, interactivity also improves decision-making, but to a lesser extent.

What's in this plant? The best automated system for finding potential drugs

Researchers developed a computational mass-spectrometry system that identified thousands of plant metabolites, including previously unknown compounds with medicinal properties. The new method provides 10 times the coverage of previous methods and has applications in drug discovery and understanding plant physiology.

Research leads to new molecular diagnostic tool

A new computational model facilitates diagnosis of previously unsolved cases of neurodevelopmental and congenital abnormalities by examining DNA methylation. The test resolved dozens of new cases, providing a specific diagnosis that can help predict the course of the disease.

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.

Knowledge gap closed in our understanding of degradation of ethane

A team of UFZ researchers has discovered an archaeon that oxidises ethane, a major component of natural gas, on the seabed. The single-celled organism, Candidatus Argoarchaeum ethanivorans, was found to degrade ethane into carbon dioxide through a unique metabolic pathway.

Promising new drugs for old pathogen Mtb

Researchers develop drugs targeting specific component of folate pathway, potentially addressing drug resistance and treatment time. The compounds are more effective than existing antifolate medication PAS, offering hope for new treatment options.

Scientists reveal largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton

The discovery of the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found sheds new light on the lives of these massive predators. The specimen, weighing over 40% more than the next largest known taxon, suggests that different types of dinosaurs may have grown to significantly greater sizes than previously thought.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Designer organelles bring new functionalities into cells

Researchers at EMBL have engineered a membraneless organelle that can build proteins from natural and synthetic amino acids, allowing for detailed study and control of cellular function. The innovation uses phase separation to create a wobbly wall-less organelle with precise tasks.

Dark matter experiment finds no evidence of axions

The ABRACADABRA experiment, led by MIT physicists, detected no evidence of axions within a specific mass range. The team reported that axions in this mass range do not exist or have an even smaller effect on electricity and magnetism than previously thought.

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.

Hubble watches spun-up asteroid coming apart

Astronomers have observed the disintegration of asteroid 6478 Gault using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and other observatories. The asteroid's rapid spinning has caused it to shed material, resulting in two narrow tails of dusty debris streaming from its surface.

Close Cassini flybys of Saturn's ring moons

The Cassini spacecraft gathered data on five small moons close to Saturn's rings, revealing no volatiles other than water ice. The moons' geology was shaped by complex processes, including tidal stresses, with optical properties influenced by contamination from the main rings and ring material.

BU finds universal background checks lower homicide rates

A new Boston University study reveals that states with universal background check laws for all gun sales had 15% lower homicide rates compared to those without such laws. The study also found that laws limiting the sale of guns to people convicted of violent misdemeanors were associated with a more dramatic reduction in homicide rates.