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Science News Archive November 2019


Page 26 of 41

Vaccine reduces likelihood of severe pneumonia

A new study finds that a vaccine against pneumococcal bacteria reduces the likelihood of severe pneumonia in children by 35%. The research also highlights the importance of vaccinating children to protect the whole community and reduce the spread of pneumococcus. By evaluating the effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccines in Asia, the stu...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Songbirds sing species-specific songs

Researchers found that gene activity in brain regions called song nuclei is associated with species-specific patterns of singing in songbirds. The study identified a signaling molecule called BDNF as a mediator of changes in trans-regulated genes, which disrupted the structures of learned songs in adult zebra finches.

Larger than life: Augmented ants

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have created the first augmented reality experience to pair with a taxonomic research paper, presenting six new species of Strumigenys ants from Fiji. The app, Insects3D, allows users to view 3D models of ant specimens in AR and magnify them up to the size of a lion.

Etalumis 'reverses' simulations to reveal new science

Etalumis, a probabilistic programming framework, has been developed to control existing simulators and run on large-scale HPC platforms. It enables researchers to interpret vast volumes of experimental data by essentially 'reversing' simulations, bringing new insights into complex physics problems.

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.

Low-cost, portable system takes OCT beyond ophthalmology

Researchers developed a low-cost, portable OCT system that can image structures in hard-to-reach areas like joints. The device uses an endoscopic delivery system to provide real-time quantitative information on cartilage thickness without damaging the tissue.

Using sound waves to remotely target drugs to tumors

Biomedical engineers have combined ultrafast ultrasound imaging with ultrasonic tweezers to precisely track and target drug carriers within a phantom blood vessel. This new method could enable acoustic control and real-time tracking of drug release within the body, potentially improving targeted therapeutics.

Small RNAs link immune system and brain cells

A recent study by Goethe University Frankfurt identified 17 microRNA families that play a crucial role in the interface between the immune and neuronal systems, showing sex-specific differences in gene expression. These findings may lead to new therapeutic approaches for psychiatric diseases.

Superconducting wind turbine chalks up first test success

A team of researchers has successfully tested a superconducting rotor on an active wind turbine, demonstrating the compatibility of this technology with operational environments. The achievement marks a significant step towards wider adoption of superconducting generator technology in wind turbines.

ACP addresses high cost of prescription drugs in new policy papers

The American College of Physicians recommends improving transparency, lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients, and enhancing access to affordable medications. The policies aim to stem the escalating costs of prescription drugs by increasing oversight and regulation of Pharmacy Benefit Managers and public health plans.

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.

New spin directions in pyrite an encouraging sign for future spintronics

Researchers have discovered unconventional energy- and direction-dependent spin textures on the surface of pyrite-type crystals, enabling both in-plane and out-of-plane spin components. This finding opens new possibilities for topological spintronics devices and unlocks the potential of pyrite in future spintronics applications.

Brookhaven-Commonwealth Fusion Energy Project wins DOE funding

The Brookhaven-CFS project aims to develop breakthrough technologies for the fusion power industry, focusing on quench detection and protection systems. The team will collaborate to characterize high-temperature superconductors and test their ability to withstand damage-inducing events.

Listening to music while driving reduces cardiac stress

A study by Brazilian researchers found that listening to instrumental music attenuates cardiac stress while driving, increasing parasympathetic nervous system activity and reducing sympathetic nervous system activation. This can contribute to the creation of cardiovascular preventative measures for situations of acute stress.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

This is what the monsoon might look like in a warmer world

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum and University of Oxford studied a dripstone from India's Mawmluh Cave to reconstruct the Indian monsoon's past climate. They found the monsoon was less reliable 125,000 years ago, suggesting global warming may lead to similar changes.

Last Arctic ice refuge is disappearing

New research reveals the last remaining Arctic ice refuge is disappearing due to increased ocean currents and atmospheric winds, with the oldest ice declining twice as fast as the rest. The Last Ice Area will soon be gone, threatening wildlife survival and potentially leading to the loss of species.

Some hoppy news: Hops don't need to go dormant in order to flower

Researchers at Colorado State University have found that hops can be induced to flower without the traditional vernalization period, enabling year-round indoor production. This breakthrough could lead to a new era of sustainable and locally grown hops, supporting the craft brewing industry.

Stress with disrupted body clock increases risk of metabolic disease

A study published by Professor Henrik Oster suggests that daily stress coupled with a disrupted internal clock increases the risk of developing metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This is because environmental stress can affect food intake, promote weight gain, and have long-lasting effects on stress responses.

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.

Depression linked to nutrition in middle-aged and older Canadians

A new study found that depression is linked to nutrition in middle-aged and older Canadians, with lower intakes of fruits and vegetables being a risk factor. The study also found that immigrant women were more likely to experience depression than Canadian-born women.

Researchers find new way to target childhood cancer

Researchers have identified a new target molecule for treating childhood cancer neuroblastoma, which may lead to more effective treatments. The study found that high levels of a long non-coding RNA called 'lncNB1' are associated with poor prognosis, and its inhibition can cause cancer cells to die.

Deep learning assists in detecting malignant lung cancers

A deep convolutional neural network-based software improved radiologist detection of malignant lung nodules by 70.3%, reducing false positives to 0.18 per X-ray. The study suggests machine learning methods can help overcome challenges in detecting lung lesions on chest X-rays.

A fast and precise look into fiber-reinforced composites

Researchers at Paul Scherrer Institute have improved a method for small angle X-ray scattering to investigate fibre orientation in composites, enabling faster analysis with conventional X-ray tubes. This innovation has potential applications in medicine and security.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

7T MRI offers new insights into multiple sclerosis

Researchers used powerful imaging technology to discover a common indicator of brain inflammation in early-stage MS patients and its link to gray matter damage. The study found LME was present in nearly two-thirds of the patients, with significant correlations to lesions in gray matter regions.

At the heart of regeneration: Scientists reveal a new frontier in cardiac research

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have identified a critical role of lymphatic vessels in heart repair, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating congenital heart defects and cardiac injuries. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of cardiac regeneration, paving the way for potential therapeutic targets.

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.

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.

Deep neural networks speed up weather and climate models

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed domain-aware neural networks to replace expensive parameterizations in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. These algorithms can predict environmental data more accurately with significantly less training data, enabling faster and higher-resolution simulations.

Cats of the sea offer insights into territorial behavior of wild fishes

A new study by the University of Plymouth explores how wild fishes behave spatially when reacting to an artificial stimulus, such as a laser. Researchers found that certain species would 'chase' the lasers, up to five metres, and that there were differences based on size and gender within species.

Good noise, bad noise: White noise improves hearing

Researchers from the University of Basel found that adding white noise to a quiet environment improves the brain's ability to distinguish subtle tone differences. This is achieved through reduced neuronal activity in the auditory cortex, allowing for more precise sound perception and potentially improving cochlear implant results.

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.

AI-driven single blood cell classification

A new AI-driven approach can accurately classify single blood cells, improving leukemia diagnostics and reducing variability. The method, trained on over 20,000 images, was compared to human expert accuracy, showing comparable performance in identifying diagnostic blast cells.

Nuclear warheads? This robot can find them

A US Department of Energy-backed robotic system has successfully identified the source of nuclear radiation and verified if it was shielded. The 'inspector bot' could be part of a swarm to inspect facilities like gas centrifuge enrichment plants, detect undeclared uranium use, or verify disarmament treaties.

Protein could offer therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer

A study published in Nature Cell Biology has identified a protein called CD9 that drives growth of pancreatic cancer and could be a target for new treatments. The researchers found that CD9 is present on the surface of cancer stem cells, which are a driving force behind cancer growth.

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.

Drug discount cards could actually cost patients more

New research finds that brand-name drug discount cards lead to higher health care spending in Canada, with private insurer costs increasing by 46 per cent. However, for some patients, using a discount card can result in increased out-of-pocket costs, potentially up to $10 more.

Delivering large genes to the retina is problematic

A new study shows that a commonly used vector for large gene transfer can deliver genes to retinal cells, but provokes an acute inflammatory response when injected subretinally into rats. The researchers conclude that further work is needed to understand the inflammatory pathways involved and modulate the immune response.

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.

New SLAS Technology auto-commentary released

The new SLAS Technology auto-commentary discusses the challenges of gathering analytical measurements and introduces realized-based measurement systems as potential replacements. These systems use robots as central system integrators, providing flexibility and enabling decentralized open systems.

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.

New exploration method for geothermal energy

A new method for locating potential drilling sites covered by water has been presented by an international research team, combining bathymetry measurements with geochemical profiles. This approach allows the distinction between permeable and non-permeable structures, enabling more precise location of promising locations for drilling.

Long-term blood pressure variation and risk of dementia

A population-based cohort study found that people with substantial changes in blood pressure over time were at greater risk of dementia. Variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure led to similar findings, suggesting potential to prevent dementia through targeting blood pressure variability.

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.