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Science News Archive November 2019


Page 28 of 41

Combining satellites, radar provides path for better forecasts

Researchers at Penn State combined geostationary satellites and traditional weather radar to create a system that produces the best forecasts for severe thunderstorms. The study found that assimilating satellite and radar data simultaneously leads to the most accurate predictions, with warning times increased by up to 40 minutes.

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.

Large scale integrated circuits produced in printing press

Researchers at Linköping University and RISE have developed a process to print complete integrated circuits with over 100 organic electrochemical transistors. The technology uses screen printing and can be used to power devices such as displays and sensors.

Degenerative eye condition (AMD) to affect 77 million Europeans by 2050

A degenerative eye condition called AMD is projected to affect 77 million Europeans by 2050, with the number of existing cases rising by 15% and new cases increasing by 75%. The estimated projections show that one in four older adults will have AMD, ranging from under 1 in 10 for those younger than 65 to over 27% of those over 75.

UC research finds potential target for tumor-causing condition

Researchers have discovered that autophagy activity is essential to maintain high mTORC1 activity in cells with mutated genes, and blocking this process can mimic human TSC symptoms. This finding holds promise for developing new therapeutic concepts for treating patients with this devastating disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Aging in good health: The inequalities are widening

Researchers found that life expectancy in Switzerland has increased, but the country's population who only attended compulsory schooling are living longer in poor health. The gap between men and women is also widening, with women experiencing a smaller increase in healthy years due to their higher life expectancy

'Messy' production of perovskite material increases solar cell efficiency

Scientists at Cambridge discovered that perovskite materials can be more efficient when their chemical compositions are less ordered, simplifying production processes and lowering costs. This is achieved by creating areas with different compositions that trap energized charge carriers, improving solar cell efficiency.

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.

Study: E-cigarettes may be more harmful to heart health than tobacco

A landmark study suggests that e-cigarette use is associated with coronary vascular dysfunction at rest, even in the absence of physiologic stress. The researchers found that blood flow decreased after both inhalation and handgrip stress in e-cigarette users compared to traditional cigarette smokers.

Biomarker blood test could reveal high risk heart patients in need of treatment

A new biomarker blood test has identified adults with mild hypertension who are at higher risk for cardiovascular events without symptoms. The test detected slight elevations in protein biomarkers in approximately one-third of these individuals, who were more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes, or congestive heart failure.

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.

Evolution of butterfly wing pattern mimicry

Researchers identified genomic elements regulating optix gene expression in Heliconius butterflies, found to be necessary for normal pattern development. These elements evolved in parallel in distantly related species with similar patterns, highlighting the complexity of butterfly wing patterning.

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.

Associations between childhood maltreatment and offending behaviors later in life

A study published in BMC Public Health found that children who experienced maltreatment are more likely to engage in delinquent and offending behaviors in adolescence and young adulthood. Males showed a significantly higher frequency of non-violent offending behaviors compared to females, with no differences by race or sexual orientation.

Quitting Facebook could boost exam results

A study by the University of Technology Sydney found that students with lower grades had significantly lower marks when using Facebook, with a six-mark difference in a 60-mark exam. Students who devoted less time to social networking sites saw an improvement in their results.

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.

Weekend sudden cardiac arrests are more deadly

Researchers found that patients who suffered a cardiac arrest between Saturday and Sunday were about 20% less likely to survive than those on weekdays. The study suggests improving AED awareness, availability, and training can help address weekend cardiac arrests.

For the first time: A method for measuring animal personality

A study on mice has created a set of objective measurements for personality, revealing the connection between genes, behavior, and individual traits. The researchers found that each mouse had a unique personality that consistently informed its behavior.

Degradable plastic by DMDO: 'Unnecessary' component key

Associate Professor Kohsaka and his team created a new polyester using DMDO, which reacts with chemicals and decomposes. The study demonstrated the feasibility of this plastic as a possible solution to the plastic waste problem.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New catalyst efficiently produces hydrogen from seawater

Researchers have developed a new oxygen evolution reaction catalyst that can produce hydrogen from seawater at current densities capable of supporting industrial demands. The catalyst requires relatively low voltage to start seawater electrolysis and avoids obstacles that limited earlier attempts.

Each mouse is different

Researchers create algorithm to identify stable traits that capture mouse behavior, revealing unique individual characteristics and genetic basis. The method has potential to advance knowledge of mouse personality and its relation to mental health and disease.

Causes of declining Arctic surface albedo

A study found a significant reduction in Arctic surface albedo, primarily driven by decreased snow cover fraction accounting for 70% of the decline. Reduced sea-ice extent also contributed to the decrease, while soot deposits did not play a primary role.

Common anti-inflammatory may increase risk of diabetes

Researchers found that healthy men taking commonly prescribed doses of glucocorticoids for a short period experienced changes in blood sugar metabolism, associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes. The study highlights the need for medical professionals to consider and monitor potential side effects.

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.

Project to answer last wishes spreads successfully

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found a program that fulfils end-of-life wishes can ease bereavement by encouraging conversations about the patient's identity. The project, which costs around $5 per wish, has been successful at several hospital intensive care unit sites.

Specific jobs linked to poor heart health for women

A study of over 65,000 postmenopausal women found specific jobs, including healthcare providers, are associated with poorer cardiovascular health. Researchers suggest occupation is an important determinant of women's heart health, highlighting the need for workplace health programs to improve heart health.

Winter coat color in hares

Researchers used whole-genome sequencing to discover the Agouti gene's role in winter coat color change in mountain hares. The study suggests introgression from non-color-changing species drove this variation, highlighting a key factor in polymorphism of winter coats in hares.

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.

Vitamin B12 deficiency linked to obesity during pregnancy

Pregnant women with low vitamin B12 levels experience increased fat production and reduced breakdown, predisposing them to obesity. A recent study found that vitamin B12 deficiency impairs fat cell metabolism, leading to increased inflammation and impaired metabolic function.

The pathway to Parkinson's takes a surprising twist

Researchers found that Parkinson's disease dopamine neurons can shut down without fully dying, releasing chemicals that cause inflammation and senescence in healthy neighbors. This discovery suggests new avenues for therapies targeting SATB1 or p21 to prevent or slow the disease.

Wide-ranging gender disparities remain in pediatrics

Despite small gains, women make up only 18% of medical school deans and 26% of chairs in pediatrics; researchers argue that basic scientific principles can foster gender equity. Initiatives have failed due to lack of institutional support, and diversity task forces risk widening inequities.

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.

Brand drug discount cards increase private insurer costs by 46%

Research found brand pharmaceutical company discount cards for brand-name drugs increased private insurer costs by 46%. The study analyzed data from 2.8 million prescriptions, showing that patients using these cards often paid more due to higher insurance premiums.

Salmonella -- how the body fights back

Scientists discovered that blood stem cells acquire energy from bone marrow support cells in response to salmonella infection, enabling them to produce millions of bacteria-fighting white blood cells. This discovery could lead to new approaches to treating people with salmonella and other bacterial illnesses.

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.

Forecasting dengue: Challenges and a way forward

A team of scientists has developed new ways to forecast dengue infections by combining disease and climate data. The project aimed to predict maximum weekly cases, the week of peak cases, and total season cases, but models still struggle to accurately predict epidemics.

Side effects of insomnia drugs

A recent study compared two insomnia treatments, brotizolam and suvorexant, finding they improved sleep efficiency but had varying impacts on balance. Orexin receptor antagonists like suvorexant may have fewer side effects than commonly prescribed hypnotics.

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.

Researchers highlight progress and challenges of phloem research

New study highlights significant advances in phloem-insect/pathogen interaction understanding, but notes research gaps and barriers to study. Researchers propose integrating phloem-feeding insect/pathogen interactions into plant science for improving host resistance.

Gut microbes and colorectal cancer

A study explores the genetic mechanisms by which alterations in colon-associated microbes might promote colorectal cancer. Alterations in gut microbes have been linked to increased DNA methylation changes and CRC risk.

Potential vitamin and Alzheimer's drug produced in yeast

Researchers at DTU Biosustain successfully produced 0.6g/L of ergothioneine in yeast broth, a promising antioxidant with neuroprotective effects. The production method could lead to cheaper and more accessible supplements, addressing high market prices due to chemical synthesis costs.

Opioid-related cardiac arrest patients differ from other cardiac arrests

A recent study found that opioid overdose victims who suffer cardiac arrest differ from other cardiac arrest patients, with unique characteristics that may require different treatment. Opioid-related cardiac arrest survivors are more likely to be admitted to a hospital due to improved survival rates in urban and rural areas.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A cheaper way to scale up atomic layer deposition

Scientists at EPFL have developed a cheaper way to scale up atomic layer deposition, reducing costs and increasing precision. The new liquid-phase method uses standard lab equipment and achieves coatings that are not possible with gas-phase ALD.