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Science News Archive October 2019


Page 29 of 47

Work time and commercial market integration

In a large-scale study of 8 small-scale societies and 14 industrialized countries, researchers found that men engaged in commercial labor worked approximately 55 hours per week compared to 45 hours per week for noncommercial labor. Women across all levels of commercialization averaged around 55 hours per week.

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.

Empty spaces, how do they make a protein unstable?

Researchers used NMR spectroscopy and hydrostatic pressure to study the impact of internal cavities on protein stability. They found that filling these cavities with water destabilizes the protein, which has significant implications for industrial enzymes and biological drugs.

Hope is a key factor in recovering from anxiety disorders

A University of Houston study found that hope increases during cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders, leading to greater recovery rates. Moderate-to-large increases in hope were consistent across different CBT protocols and anxiety disorders.

Shipment tracking for 'fat parcels' in the body

Scientists develop a new method to track lipid metabolism in the body, allowing for clearer distinction between marked and unmarked lipids. This breakthrough enables researchers to examine both normal and pathological deviations in detail, with potential applications for investigating drug side effects on fat metabolism.

The nano-guitar string that plays itself

Researchers at Lancaster University created a nano-electronic circuit that vibrates on its own when given an electrical current, generating motion directly from the energy. The carbon nanotube wire used in the device oscillated at frequencies too high for human hearing, producing sound waves equivalent to an A string pitched 21 octaves...

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.

Weak immune system linked to serious bacterial infection in children

A new study has found that nearly 70% of children with an immune deficiency had two or more bouts of invasive pneumococcal disease. The research suggests that a weakened immune system increases the risk of life-threatening bacterial infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

Unlocking the biochemical treasure chest within microbes

A team of microbiologists developed CRAGE to study and produce secondary metabolites, compounds produced by microbes for internal and external messaging. The technique allows scientists to access these compounds more readily than before, filling significant gaps in our understanding of microbial interactions.

Sensory and motor brain plasticity is not limited by location

Research reveals brain areas can be repurposed to process information from unrelated body parts, contradicting previous assumptions about body map limitations. Functional MRI scans showed unused hand regions activated by movements of other body parts, suggesting a more dynamic and adaptable brain network.

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.

Yale scientists help immune system find hidden cancer cells

A new system developed by Yale scientists uses viral gene therapy and CRISPR gene-editing technology to make cancer cells stand out from the crowd, helping the immune system spot and eliminate tumors that other forms of immunotherapies might miss.

Opioid analgesics from fungus

Three peptides from Australian fungus Penicillium exhibit unique amino acid structures, leading to development of bilorphin and bilactorphin as novel analgesics acting on opioid receptors. These findings suggest a new pathway for pain management with reduced adverse effects.

Dementia spreads via connected brain networks

A new study at UCSF used brain maps to predict FTD progression by analyzing connected brain networks, offering insights into the disease's spread and potential clinical tools. The research suggests that individualized predictions can be made based on neural network maps, which could lead to more effective treatment development.

Is bipolar disorder associated with increased risk of Parkinson's disease?

A systematic review and meta-analysis of seven studies with 4.3 million participants found a potential association between bipolar disorder and an increased likelihood of a subsequent Parkinson disease diagnosis. However, subgroup analyses suggest possible overestimation of the magnitude of the associations.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Overlap allows nanoparticles to enhance light-based detection

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to amplify the light emitted by molecules using plasmonic nanoparticles. By optimizing the spectral frequency overlap between the molecule and nanoparticle, they can enhance signal detection up to 10 times. This technique has potential applications in analyzing catalysts and improv...

Researchers map the evolutionary history of oaks

A study published in New Phytologist reveals the evolutionary history of oaks, showing that different lineages are driven by distinct sets of genes. The research highlights the key role oaks play in supporting ecosystems and provides insights into conservation efforts.

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.

Lakes worldwide are experiencing more severe algal blooms

A global survey of large freshwater lakes found that summer algal blooms are increasing in intensity, harming aquatic life and human activities like agriculture and tourism. Climate change is likely exacerbating the problem, with warmer temperatures hindering recovery efforts in some areas.

Researchers build a soft robot with neurologic capabilities

A team of researchers has developed a robotic device that can mimic the sensory function of human skin, allowing it to sense touch and respond accordingly. The device, which features a stretchable transistor, represents a significant step towards creating prosthetics that can directly connect with peripheral nerves.

Lehigh to present research, new programs at BMES 2019

Lehigh University is presenting various research projects, including 3D printing for tissue regeneration and biomechanics of Ebola adhesion. The university also launched a new B.S. program in Biocomputational Engineering, emphasizing innovation in bioengineering and healthcare.

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.

Study shows a much cheaper catalyst can generate hydrogen in a commercial device

Researchers have developed a cheap catalyst that can generate hydrogen gas for hours in a commercial device, offering a potential solution to reduce the cost of producing this important industrial chemical. The catalyst, based on cobalt phosphide nanoparticles, was tested in a commercial electrolyzer and operated well over 1,700 hours.

Age and DNA methylation

A new method called PedBE clock estimates age in children under 20 using DNA methylation patterns from cheek cells. This technique is linked to gestational age and autism spectrum disorder, suggesting its potential for studying child development through epigenetics.

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.

Children's health and lead in soil

Researchers discovered a 44% decrease in topsoil lead between 1999 and 2017 and a 64% decline in children's blood lead levels between 2000 and 2016. These findings suggest a link between reduced soil lead and lower blood lead levels in children.

Investing in love and affection pays off for species that mate for life

A new study by biologists at the University of Chicago and University of North Carolina reveals how species that form long-term pair-bonds raise their young more efficiently. By investing in love and affection, males stimulate females to work harder, leading to increased reproductive success.

Stress during pregnancy may affect baby's sex, risk of preterm birth

Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center identifies the types of physical and psychological stress that may matter most to pregnant women. Physically stressed mothers are more likely to give birth prematurely and have a female baby, while socially supported mothers are more likely to have a male baby.

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.

Soil on moon and Mars likely to support crops

Researchers successfully grew ten crops in Mars and Moon soil simulant, including garden cress, tomato, and radish. The study found that nine out of ten crops produced edible parts, with the exception of spinach.

Bioelectronic implant could prevent opioid deaths

Researchers developed a bioelectronic implant that can sense dangerously low oxygen levels and administer naloxone to prevent opioid deaths. The device is small, wireless, and can be implanted just beneath the skin to bypass barriers in current overdose treatment.

How to enable light to switch on and off therapeutic antibodies

Researchers developed optogenetic platform 'optobody' that activates antibody fragments with blue light, enabling temporal control over protein functions in living cells. The tool has great clinical promise for therapeutic strategies in cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Breastfeeding disparities among us children by race/ethnicity

A recent study analyzing national survey data found significant breastfeeding disparities among US children based on race/ethnicity. Breastfeeding rates were lower for black infants compared to white infants, especially when sociodemographic factors were considered.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers explore spinal discs' early response to injury and ways to improve it

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in understanding how spinal discs respond to injury. They found that using drugs like fasudil can calm cells and delay their default healing response, which has potential as a treatment for disc degeneration and back pain. This discovery highlight...

Creativity and team structure

A study involving over 600 people found that large teams with a single platform and influential individuals boost LEGO construction growth. Ideal team compositions including weak ties can maximize creativity and productivity.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Sleep apnea linked to blinding eye disease in people with diabetes

A new study finds that severe sleep apnea is a risk factor for treatment-resistant diabetic macular edema, a complication of diabetes causing vision loss or blindness. Patients with severe sleep apnea were more likely to experience worsening eye disease and require multiple treatments.

Citation networks across disciplines

A study analyzing research article data from 1950 to 2018 found that the average distance between articles on citation networks decreased over time, while ties between articles from different fields increased. Citation networks depend on high-impact articles, suggesting increased interconnectivity among scientific disciplines.

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.

Stressing metallic material controls superconductivity

Cornell researchers have discovered a way to control superconductivity in heavy fermion metal CeIrIn5 by stressing and deforming it. This method allows for spatial control of superconductivity without relying on chemical augmentation, enabling potential applications in Josephson junction devices and quantum computing.

Estuarine waters hold promise in global pain-relief hunt

A team of researchers from the University of Sydney has made a breakthrough in the search for an opioid alternative, discovering a fungus that produces tetrapeptides mimicking endomophins. The findings, published in PNAS, suggest a new drug could be developed with fewer side-effects and effective pain relief.

Human and clam co-history

A study examines the relationship between humans and butter clams in the Salish Sea over 11,500 years. Traditional management practices led to thriving clam populations despite heavy harvesting pressure.

UCI scientists reveal mechanism of electron charge exchange in molecules

Researchers at UCI have developed a new scanning transmission electron microscopy method that enables visualization of the electric charge density of materials at sub-angstrom resolution. The technique revealed the mechanism of charge transfer between two materials and uncovered clues to the origins of ferroelectricity.

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.

Protecting smart machines from smart attacks

Researchers at Princeton University explore adversarial tactics applied to artificial intelligence, which can trick systems into causing gridlock or revealing sensitive information. Machine learning systems are vulnerable to data poisoning and evasion attacks, which can compromise their performance and safety.

How to control friction in topological insulators

Physicists at the University of Basel have experimentally verified that the heat generated through friction in topological insulators can be significantly reduced. By regulating voltage, they observed a novel quantum-mechanical dissipation mechanism, enabling targeted control over electronic friction.

Study reveals how mucus tames microbes

A new study from MIT reveals that glycans in mucus can disarm opportunistic pathogens and prevent infections. The researchers found that these sugar molecules can regulate the behavior of microbes, preventing them from communicating with each other and forming infectious biofilms.

Amazon deforestation and malaria transmission

Deforestation in the Amazon region has been shown to increase malaria transmission by 3.27% for every 10% increase in forest loss. This effect is more pronounced in areas with limited remaining forest, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental and human health.

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.

Prenatal stress, neurodevelopment, and birth outcomes

Research reveals that maternal psychosocial, physical, and lifestyle stress are associated with distinct offspring health outcomes. Babies born to stressed mothers exhibit reduced fetal heart rate-movement coupling, indicating neurodevelopmental issues.