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Science News Archive May 2019


Page 38 of 42

Paul Sajda awarded DoD's Vannevar Bush Fellowship

Paul Sajda, a professor at Columbia University, has been awarded the Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship for his research on cognitive neuroscience. The fellowship will support his project to develop a testable model of human brain dynamics governing rapid decision-making in natural environments.

Industry-ready process makes plastics chemical from plant sugars

A team of researchers at UW-Madison has developed a new process for producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from plant sugars, which is a versatile chemical crucial for building a renewable economy. The process uses an inexpensive solvent system and can be integrated into existing industrial systems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breaking bread with rivals leads to more fish on coral reefs

A new study finds that when competing fishermen cooperate over local environmental problems, they can improve the quality and quantity of fish on coral reefs. The research, conducted across five coral reef fishing communities in Kenya, reveals that communication among competitors leads to more fish and higher quality catches.

Study asks patients' input to improve the hospital experience

The i-HOPE Study found that patients' priority unanswered questions include shared decision-making, patient-provider communication, and care transitions. By incorporating patient input, hospitals can improve hospitalization outcomes and provide more effective solutions.

New holographic technique opens the way for quantum computation

Researchers from EPFL developed a new holographic technique that can encode quantum information in a nanostructure, enabling high-resolution imaging of electromagnetic fields and manipulating the quantum properties of free electrons. This breakthrough has significant implications for quantum computing applications.

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.

Researchers develop better way to determine coastal flooding risk

A new methodology for building computer models has been developed at Oregon State University, enabling better prediction of coastal flooding risk. The research used statistical techniques and 'emulation' to reduce complexity and improve performance, allowing for nearly instantaneous use of the model for future flooding scenarios.

Training for first-time marathon 'reverses' aging of blood vessels

Research presented at EuroCMR 2019 found that training for and completing a first-time marathon reduces arterial age by four years and systolic blood pressure by 4 mmHg, comparable to medication effects. The study included 139 healthy first-time marathon runners who experienced significant improvements in cardiovascular health.

NASA reveals heavy rainfall in Tropical Cyclone Fani

Tropical Cyclone Fani brought heavy rainfall to the region and continues to drop heavy rainfall on May 3 as it moves towards Bangladesh. The GPM mission satellite captured an overpass of the powerful storm, showing high thunderstorms stretching into the troposphere and measuring rainfall rates up to 50 millimeters per hour.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Stephenson Cancer Center physician is senior author on major study

A recent clinical trial at the Stephenson Cancer Center found that patients with stage two, three, or four ovarian cancer can expect about 75 months of survival when their tumors are completely removed. The treatment regimen that caused fewer difficult side effects was just as effective as those with more severe side effects.

Missing molecule hobbles cell movement

Cells lacking CD13 protein can't move normally, hindering their ability to repair wounds and metastasize. Researchers discovered that CD13 acts as an organizer, gathering recycled integrin proteins at the cell membrane to enable movement.

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.

First demonstration of antimatter wave interferometry

Researchers at the University of Bern have successfully demonstrated wave behavior in a single positron interference experiment, proving the quantum-mechanical origin of the observed pattern. The experiment used an innovative Talbot-Lau interferometer and nuclear emulsion detector to achieve micrometric resolution.

What the wheat genome tells us about wars

Researchers reconstructed wheat breeding history through genetic analysis, linking its evolution to human migration patterns, geopolitical events, and climate change. This knowledge will help optimize modern wheat varieties for improved yield and adaptability in a growing world population.

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.

Hubble spots a stunning spiral galaxy

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a breathtaking image of NGC 2903, a nearby spiral galaxy. The study aims to understand the relationship between a galaxy's central black hole and its rugby-ball-shaped bulge.

Vital signs can now be monitored using radar

Researchers developed a wireless radar system to monitor vital signs without cumbersome wires, achieving accuracy comparable to standard equipment in uncontrolled environments. The system detected subtle chest movements for sleep apnea monitoring with high precision.

Quantum sensor for photons

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have developed a quantum sensor that measures visible light particles without destroying them. The innovation, led by Tracy Northup, allows for tailored light fields to be generated through feedback loops, paving the way for future quantum applications.

How grunting influences perception in tennis

Research by Jena University's sport psychology team reveals that loud grunting noises in tennis can lead to a biased perception of the ball's trajectory, causing players to overestimate its distance. Despite this, the sound of grunting does not hinder opponents' ability to predict the ball's flight.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New approach for solving protein structures from tiny crystals

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a new approach to solve protein structures from tiny crystals, utilizing unique sample-handling and data-assembly techniques. The method enables the study of difficult-to-crystallize cell-surface receptors and other membrane proteins, improving our understanding of health and disease.

Nanoscale thermometers from diamond sparkles

Researchers developed a highly-sensitive nano-thermometer that accurately measures temperature at the nanoscale using diamond nanoparticles. The sensor exploits the properties of these tiny particles on the quantum level, enabling non-invasive temperature measurements in biological samples and electronic circuits.

Needleless vaccine will protect children from dangerous viruses

Researchers have developed an orally administered hepatitis B vaccine that is both effective and safe. The new vaccine uses a technique called 3D imaging to understand how the vaccine behaves in the body, leading to improved efficacy and reduced side effects.

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.

Cooperation among fishers can improve fish stock in coral reefs

A study published in Nature Communications found that cooperation among competing fisheries can lead to improvements in both the quality and quantity of fish in local reefs. Fishers who communicated with their competitors about fishing gear and rules reported higher fish stocks.

RIT professor develops microfluidic device to better detect Ebola virus

A RIT professor developed a microfluidic device that detects the Ebola virus using CRISPR gene-editing technology, allowing for early treatment and potential outbreak control. The device can detect the virus within five minutes of combining automated sample processing and fluorescence sensing.

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.

New brain mechanisms regulating body weight

Researchers found that a specific molecule called interleukine-6 (IL-6) plays a crucial role in regulating energy balance. In obese rodents, IL-6 levels decrease, leading to increased body weight and fat accumulation. The study suggests that targeting this molecule could lead to effective anti-obesity treatments.

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.

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.

Suicidal thoughts? Therapy-oriented website can help

The website nowmattersnow.org uses dialectical behavioral therapy to reduce suicidal thoughts and negative emotions in users. Nearly one-third of visitors experienced significant reductions in suicidal thoughts and emotional intensity after using the site.

Tapping fresh water under the ocean has consequences

Tapping into ocean freshwater resources could threaten onshore aquifer systems, lead to diminished groundwater availability and cause land subsidence. This could have devastating effects on coastal population centers, especially in densely populated areas.

Sculpting super-fast light pulses

Scientists create ultrathin device with silicon nanopillars to shape ultrafast light pulses, enabling controlled compression, splitting, and distortion. This technique has potential for high-speed communication and studying ultrafast phenomena.

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.

For giant pandas, bamboo is vegetarian 'meat'

Researchers used nutritional geometry to assess giant pandas' macronutrient mix, revealing a high protein content similar to hypercarnivores. Despite their plant-based diet, pandas' energy intake comes from protein-rich bamboo, blurring the line between herbivore and carnivore.

Organ bioprinting gets a breath of fresh air

Researchers develop a new bioprinting technology that can create complex vascular networks, mimicking the body's natural passageways. This breakthrough enables the creation of exquisitely entangled structures for 3D printing replacement organs, potentially addressing the need for organ transplants.

Why you love coffee and beer

A genome-wide test suggests that bitter and sweet beverage preferences are related to the psychoactive properties of these beverages, not genetic variations in taste genes. People prefer certain drinks due to their emotional and psychological impact.

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.

Self-powered wearable tech

Michigan State University researchers have created a potential solution for emerging wearable tech by developing highly stretchable supercapacitors powered by crumpled carbon nanotube forests. The new design has demonstrated solid performance and stability, even under extreme stretching and relaxing cycles.

Connecting neurons in the brain

A team of scientists at VIB and KU Leuven has discovered a key role for Prl-1 phosphatase in specifying the formation of neuronal circuits in the brain. The discovery, made using a genetic single-cell approach in fruit flies, sheds light on how complex brain patterns develop during early development.

Unhackable: New chip stops attacks before they start

MORPHEUS, a new processor architecture, blocks potential attacks by encrypting and randomizing key bits 20 times per second. This makes vulnerabilities virtually impossible to exploit, providing a future-proof secure system.

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.

The immaculate conception?

Researchers at Hebrew University have discovered a way to transform skin cells into the three major stem cell types that comprise early-stage embryos. This breakthrough has significant implications for modelling embryonic disease, placental dysfunctions, and infertility problems by creating human embryos in a petri dish.

Bats evolved diverse skull shapes due to echolocation, diet

Researchers found that echolocation was a major driver of skull shape evolution in bats from 58-34 million years ago. Diet played a more dominant role in shaping skulls starting around 26 million years ago, but not uniformly across all bat species. The study provides new insights into the evolutionary forces behind bat diversity.