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Science News Archive November 2019


Page 14 of 41

New hybrid device can both capture and store solar energy

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new hybrid device that can capture and store solar energy, offering promise for applications from power generation to distillation and desalination. The device achieves high efficiency harvesting and storage, with up to 90% efficiency and 80% recovered energy at night.

Largest study ever finds that urban green space can prevent premature deaths

A systematic review and meta-analysis of nine longitudinal studies involving over eight million people found that increasing green areas can prevent premature all-cause mortality. The analysis revealed a 4% reduction in premature mortality per each increment of 0.1 in vegetation score within 500 meters of the residence.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

To navigate, flies make flexible mental maps of the world

Researchers found that fruit flies can build and update mental maps of their surroundings by linking visual features to compass neurons, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. This flexible mapping ability has implications for how other animals navigate in the wild and may even influence human navigation.

DDT linked to higher risk of diabetes among Asian Indian immigrants to US

A study from the University of California, Davis found a link between high levels of DDT and increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic disease in Asian Indian immigrants. Prior exposure to the pollutant may contribute to their higher rate of diabetes, even after migration to the US.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New IOF-ESCEO position paper offers practical guidance for osteoporosis management

The new position paper provides practical guidance for managing postmenopausal osteoporosis, including easy-to-use algorithms that illustrate decision pathways based on absolute risk of fracture. The paper aims to offer the most appropriate interventions to patients, with a focus on targeting therapeutic interventions for low, high and...

Unruly T cells complicate the intended benefits of HIV vaccines

Research reveals that activated T helper cells can hinder HIV vaccine efficacy, as they migrate to mucosal tissues and express coreceptors that facilitate viral entry. This discovery highlights the need for careful consideration of T cell responses in vaccine development.

A super-fast 'light switch' for future cars and computers

A team of scientists at ETH Zurich has developed a novel electro-opto-mechanical switch that can assess surroundings quickly and recognize people and obstacles. The switch uses plasmonics technology, which enables fast and compact switching with low losses.

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.

Would people be willing to give their personal data for research?

A study published in PLOS ONE found that over half of people would be willing to donate their personal data for research. The researchers developed a new questionnaire to explore individuals' motivations, which identified three key reasons: serving society, gaining personal benefits, and understanding data purpose.

Behavioral sciences in the promotion of oral health

The article highlights the importance of behavioral sciences in dentistry, expanding the understanding of oral health beyond 'disease' to a broader concept. Recent studies have shown promising results in employing cognitive behavioral therapy for managing dental anxiety and pain, as well as addressing oral health inequalities.

Black carbon found in the Amazon River reveals recent forest burnings

International researchers have found that most of the black carbon transported to the Atlantic Ocean is 'young' and likely results from recent forest fires. The study, published in Nature Communications, used radiometric dating and molecular composition analysis to quantify and characterize the black carbon flowing in the Amazon River.

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.

Soft skin-like robots you can put in your pocket

A new robotic skin called ElectroSkin has been created, which can crawl across surfaces using artificial muscles and electrical charges. This innovative technology could lead to the development of soft robots for environmental monitoring, robot grippers, and wearable technologies.

Underwater robotic gliders provide key tool to measure ocean sound levels

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed an effective method to use underwater robotic gliders to measure sound levels over broad areas of the sea. The gliders can conduct repeated surveys of a region, providing real-time measurements of changing noise levels and helping scientists track ocean sound pollution.

Smart buildings face challenges but have plenty of potential

Researchers identified 120 publications on occupant-centric control (OCC), but only 42 studies included field implementation. OCC's reliance on data raises technological and privacy issues, including secure data storage and whole-building approaches.

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.

Asking if behavior can be changed on climate crisis

Researchers found that reflecting on past sacrifices made by others for future generations can increase a sense of moral obligation to protect the environment. However, this approach has limited impact in increasing pro-environmental attitudes or motivations, and may even evoke feelings of unworthiness.

Dog and sheep bones help injured pigeons fly again

A new treatment using whittled sheep and dog bones has been found to be an effective alternative to metal pins for stabilizing fractured wings in pigeons. Pigeons with the bone implants were able to fly as well as before the operation, with no rejection of the implanted bones.

Obesity embargo alert for December 2019 issue

A population-based study found that only 1.3% of eligible patients received weight-loss medications, highlighting a significant gap in treatment access. The study also showed that phentermine was prescribed for over 75% of medication days, with most patients filling it for more than four months.

Researchers develop new database of druggable fusion targets

Researchers have identified 111,582 gene fusions in eight species, including humans, mice, and cattle. The ChiTaRS database provides a list of over 800 druggable fusions useful for personalized therapy in complex diseases like cancers and Alzheimer's.

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.

Li-ion battery components to be printed on an inkjet printer

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University have successfully printed electrodes for miniature li-ion batteries using an inkjet printer. The proposed technological approach utilizes a lithium and manganese-enriched cathode material, which can lead to further miniaturization of these power supplies.

NASA's Fermi, swift missions enable a new era in gamma-ray science

The detection of record-setting gamma-ray bursts by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has provided new insights into the mechanisms driving these events. The blasts produce an initial pulse of gamma rays, followed by afterglows that can be detected at longer wavelengths.

Menopause isn't the only reason for low libido in older women

A study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that up to 40% of women over age 60 experience low libido. The most surprising theme was that many women identified sexual dysfunction in their male partners as a major contributor to their own lack of desire for sex.

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.

First detection of gamma-ray burst afterglow in very-high-energy gamma light

An international team of researchers has successfully detected a gamma-ray burst in very-high-energy gamma light, challenging current understanding of these phenomena. The detection was made using the H.E.S.S. telescope and reveals the presence of extremely accelerated particles that exist long after the explosion.

When grown right, palm oil can be sustainable

A new study by EPFL and WSL found that oil palm crops planted on former pastures in Colombia have an unchanged total carbon storage over time. The research suggests a carbon-friendly alternative to deforestation, using large areas of abandoned pastures that could be converted favorably.

Predicting Alzheimer's disease-like memory loss before it strikes

A new study by Gladstone Institutes reveals that specific patterns of brain activity can predict Alzheimer's symptoms in young mice. By analyzing sharp-wave ripples and short gamma power, researchers found that deficits in these activities at an early age can predict memory problems decades later.

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.

Studies continue to highlight benefits of bariatric surgery in teens

Recent studies highlight the benefits of bariatric surgery in adolescents, showing significant improvements in musculoskeletal pain, physical function, and quality of life after three years. Additionally, researchers found that patients may be at risk for iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies years after surgery.

Decarbonizing the power sector

Using a first-time combination of multiple modelling systems, researchers show that relying mainly on wind and solar would bring most co-benefits for the health of people and planet. Land use requirements for power production will increase in all scenarios, with bioenergy being the most land-devouring method.

New analytical screening tools for the detection of cardiovascular disease

Researchers propose a novel framework to analyze thousands of complete data sequences from stress echocardiography, revealing early signs of cardiovascular disease. The method uses Multiple Kernel Learning (MKL) to project heterogeneous data into a low-dimensional space, distinguishing between healthy and pathological responses.

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.

Bats in attics might be necessary for conservation

A new study highlights the importance of building roosts for little brown bats' survival during maternity season. Researchers found that 84% of reproductive females roost in attics, while males prefer rock crevices or trees.

Demographic shifts, voter fears, and presidential voting

Research reveals that communities experiencing demographic change moved towards pro-immigration Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, contradicting conventional wisdom. The study used a novel approach analyzing voting precincts instead of large geographic areas.

Consuming cholera toxin counteracts age-associated obesity

A research team found that consuming cholera toxin B stimulates health-protective immune responses that counteract age-associated obesity. The study used animal models and found that the toxin helped restore immune homeostasis and reduce inflammation, leading to leaner physiques and improved health outcomes.

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.

SwRI-developed direction-finding antenna wins 2019 R&D 100 Award

The AF-369 VHF/UHF terrestrial antenna increases useable bandwidth by 80%, providing accurate direction finding across a wide frequency range. This innovation reduces the overall cost and complexity of monitoring systems, enabling critical spatial awareness for intelligence analysts.

Endangered whales react to environmental changes

Researchers found that right whales were present throughout the year in Massachusetts Bay, with a significant increase in detections during winter-spring months. This shift has implications for conservation efforts, as it suggests that whales are adapting to changing conditions and may be entering areas without protections.

Majority of childhood sex-abuse survivors achieve complete mental health

A new study found that two-thirds of adult childhood sexual abuse survivors met the criteria for complete mental health, highlighting factors associated with resilience and flourishing. Social isolation, chronic pain, and a history of substance dependence or depression are impediments to recovery.

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.

NASA identifies new Atlantic Tropical Storm Sebastien

NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image of newly formed Tropical Storm Sebastien northeast of the Leeward Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm is moving northwest at 8mph and may strengthen slightly over the next day.

When do alcohol-dependent mothers parent harshly?

Research reveals alcohol-dependent mothers exhibit harsher parenting when children express intense negative emotions or frustration. Harsh parenting decreases among non-alcohol dependent mothers over time, while increasing among those with greater psychological-behavioral difficulties stemming from alcohol impairment.

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.

Scientists develop a new method to detect light in the brain

Researchers from Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, University of Salento, and Harvard Medical School have developed a new light-based method to capture and pinpoint the epicenter of neural activity. The approach allows for novel ways to map connections across different brain regions.

Tiny filters help detect cancerous blood cells

Researchers developed a microfluidic device with tiny pillars to capture malignant plasma cells from blood samples. The device shows great potential as an early detection or monitoring tool for MM disease progression.

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.

Cell death or cancer growth: A question of cohesion

Researchers found that CD95 activation triggers apoptosis in individual cells, but stimulates growth in clusters of cancer cells. The study suggests new ways to transform growth-stimulating signals into cell death signals for cancer cells.

Artificial intelligence algorithm can learn the laws of quantum mechanics

Researchers have developed a deep machine learning algorithm that can predict the quantum states of molecules, enabling faster design of drug molecules and new materials. The algorithm can process complex quantum chemical data in seconds on a laptop or mobile phone, revolutionizing computational chemistry and molecular physics.