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Science News Archive November 2019


Page 33 of 41

Friends of BrainHealth fund innovative new research projects

The Center for BrainHealth has awarded five scientists with innovative research grants to study brain health and performance. These studies aim to improve understanding of brain disorders and develop new treatments, including biomarkers for dementia and multiple sclerosis.

Implantable artificial kidney achieves preclinical milestone

Researchers at UCSF have successfully implanted a bioreactor containing human kidney cells into pigs without triggering an immune reaction or blood clots. The device, similar to the size of a deck of cards, maintained healthy kidney function and demonstrated progress towards eliminating dialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

NASA's NICER catches record-setting X-ray burst

NICER detected a record-breaking X-ray burst from pulsar SAX J1808.4-3658, revealing a two-step change in brightness caused by the ejection of separate layers from the pulsar surface. The observations also show X-rays reflecting off of the accretion disk and burst oscillations.

Penn State awarded $3.3M to develop more efficient gas turbines

The US Department of Energy has funded three Penn State projects to enhance combustion turbine performance and efficiency in fossil fuel power generation. Researchers will utilize additive manufacturing techniques to improve cooling effectiveness, fuel injection hardware, and ceramic matrix composite turbine vanes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hubble captures a dozen galaxy doppelgangers

The Hubble Space Telescope reveals a remote galaxy split into multiple images by gravitational lensing, allowing astronomers to study its structure and environment. The Sunburst Arc, 11 billion light-years away, resembles galaxies from an earlier time in the universe's history.

Biology: Artic sea ice loss may facilitate disease spread in marine mammals

A study published in Scientific Reports found that Arctic sea ice reduction facilitates the spread of disease among marine mammals, particularly through open water routes. Widespread exposure to Phocine distemper virus (PDV) was observed in sea mammals across the North Pacific Ocean, peaking in 2003-2004 and again in 2009.

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.

Can our thoughts alter our brains?

The study found that BCI training alters specific regions of the brain involved in motor and visual tasks. This suggests potential therapeutic benefits for conditions like stroke rehabilitation. The changes occur within a short period, raising hopes for more efficient decoding of BCI activities.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Mated female mosquitoes are more likely to transmit malaria parasites

Research reveals that mated female mosquitoes are more susceptible to transmitting malaria parasites, highlighting the importance of targeting male mosquitoes in vector control measures. This study provides new insights into the impact of mating on mosquito susceptibility to P. falciparum.

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.

Hurt in the east -- distance in the west

The project Generation 1975 -- being 14 in the new Germany examines the transformation process after the Wall came down, with feelings of condescension and trauma prevalent in the east. Life plans were destroyed, but positive memories of a childhood in the GDR remain.

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.

Sounds of mosquito mating rituals could lead to quieter drones

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that mosquitoes use sound to communicate during mating, which could lead to quieter drones. The study also found that targeting the specific frequency of the sound can disrupt breeding and population growth.

NASA-NOAA satellite finds Tropical Storm Nakri affecting Kalayaan

Tropical Storm Nakri, known as Quiel in the Philippines, has maintained strength with maximum sustained winds near 60 knots (69 mph/111 kph). The storm is forecast to cross the South China Sea and make landfall in Vietnam on Nov. 12, potentially affecting Kalayaan municipality.

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.

$2 million grant will support development of 'magnetic camera'

Researchers will build a quantum mechanical magnetic camera using $2 million grant from NSF, enabling them to capture snapshots of weak magnetic fields emanating from quantum materials. The device aims to reveal intricacies of magnetic interactions and may have industrial applications in quality control and medical diagnostics.

Study finds sex bias in bird conservation plans

A new study reveals that conservation plans often overlook habitats used by females, putting declining species at greater risk. Researchers found that female birds face a higher threat to their habitats than males, highlighting the need for inclusive conservation strategies.

Stem cell transplants used to grow fully functional lungs in mice

Scientists at Columbia University have successfully grown fully functional lungs in mouse embryos using transplanted stem cells. The innovative technique has shown promising results, suggesting that it may eventually be possible to generate human lungs in animals for transplantation and studying new treatments.

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.

Targeted gene modification in animal pathogenic chlamydia

Scientists adapted a genetic tool to modify virulence factors in zoonotic Chlamydia, revealing distinct sets of factors determine host infection and disease. The study sheds light on the molecular mode of action of SinC and IncA, opening new avenues for investigating these pathogens.

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.

Catalyst switching means four become one

Scientists at KAUST have successfully combined four polymers to form a single substance using a novel approach called catalyst switching. This breakthrough could lead to the development of materials with enhanced properties, such as improved energy storage and tissue engineering applications.

SwRI demonstrates balloon-based solar observatory

Southwest Research Institute successfully demonstrated a miniature solar observatory on a high-altitude balloon, collecting 75 minutes of solar images. The SwRI Solar Instrument Pointing Platform provides optical precision equivalent to imaging a dime from a mile away, supporting the development of custom solar instruments.

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.

Debunking common misperceptions of Asian community health

Research published in Public Relations Review debunks myths about Asian American health, revealing a lack of awareness and reluctance to seek care. Community engagement is crucial for addressing health disparities and promoting participation in healthcare initiatives.

Federal funding targets critical need in disability education

The University of Arizona is receiving $2.5 million in federal funding to train students as educational interpreters and teachers for K-12 students with visual impairments. This program aims to address a shortage in these fields, providing opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships.

Liver-chip identifies drug toxicities in human, rat, and dog models

A new study reveals that the Liver-Chip model can recreate species-specific toxicity responses to known tool and drug compounds, improving safety predictions in humans. The research demonstrates how this platform could help ensure that safe and effective therapeutics are identified sooner.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Anorexia nervosa comes in all sizes, including plus size

A new study from UCSF finds that adolescents and young adults with plus-size anorexia nervosa are at risk of cardiovascular complications, including slow heart rate and electrolyte imbalances. The study challenges traditional views of anorexia nervosa as solely affecting underweight individuals.

Earthquake impact can be affected by seasonal factors, historical study shows

Researchers found that a shallow frozen ground layer likely caused more ground failure in the 1911 Kemin earthquake due to its ability to inhibit drainage of pore-pressure excess. The study suggests seismologists should consider seasonality in soil characteristics when making probabilistic liquefaction or ground failure assessments.

Exceptional fossils may need a breath of air to form

Research by The University of Texas at Austin found that the presence of oxygen is necessary for fossilization, not its absence. Low-oxygen environments helped set the stage for fossilization once oxygen became available, preserving delicate marine specimens from the Early Jurassic period.

Time in host country -- a risk factor for substance abuse in migrants

A nationwide cohort study of 1.2 million people found that refugees and migrants who stay in their host country for longer are more likely to adopt local alcohol and drug behaviors and access healthcare. The study suggests that acculturative processes may lead to an increased risk of substance use disorders over time.

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.

Nature might be better than tech at reducing air pollution

Restoring native vegetation could cut air pollution by an average of 27 percent, according to a new study published in Environmental Science & Technology. The research found that nature-based solutions might be cheaper options for cleaning the air near industrial sites and other pollution sources.

On the way to intelligent microrobots

The Paul Scherrer Institute has developed a micromachine that can perform different actions using magnetic fields. The robot measures only a few micrometres across and can be reprogrammed to flap its wings, hover, turn, or side-slip. This technology is an important step towards micro- and nanorobots that can carry out various tasks.

The cost of waiting in emergency departments

A new study published in Economic Inquiry reveals that prolonging emergency department wait times increases hospital costs, with moderate and severe cases bearing the brunt of the expenses. The study found a 3-6% cost increase for moderately severe cases and 6% for serious cases.

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.

Tumor-specific therapy targets ovarian cancer

Nami Therapeutics develops nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, offering increased efficacy and reduced toxicity. The platform selectively targets ovarian cancer metastasis in the peritoneal cavity, improving survival rates.

New measurement yields smaller proton radius

Physicists have produced a new value for the proton's radius in an experiment conducted at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, measuring 0.831 fm, smaller than previous results and in agreement with recent muonic atomic spectroscopy results. The new method used electron scattering and novel techniques to improve precision.