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Science News Archive October 2019


Page 3 of 47

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Blockchain offers promise for securing global supply chain

Researchers explore the potential of blockchain to secure international trade by improving speed, security, and traceability. The technology has the potential to reduce fraud and enhance cargo tracking, but widespread adoption faces challenges such as data sharing and regulatory frameworks.

News about drug delivery

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered how increasing amounts of active ingredients in polymeric micelles reduce their dissolution and solubility. The study aims to improve drug delivery systems by understanding molecular interactions and potential structural changes to enhance absorption and dissolving capabilities.

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.

Artificial intelligence learns muscle anatomy in CT images

A new AI tool uses deep learning to automate the segmentation of individual muscles from CT images, enabling the creation of personalized musculoskeletal models. This advancement has significant implications for patients with musculoskeletal diseases, such as ALS, and high-performance athletes seeking to improve their performance.

Mass General team publishes on highest resolution brain MRI scan

A multidisciplinary team of MGH researchers has created the highest resolution MRI scan of the human brain, with a resolution of 1,000 times more detailed than standard clinical scans. This dataset has broad applications in understanding brain anatomy and diseases.

Lost Lou Reed recording for Andy Warhol discovered by Cornell musicologist

A cache of 12 previously unreleased songs by Hall of Fame artist Lou Reed has been unearthed on a cassette tape from 1975, according to a study published in the Journal of Musicology. Cornell musicologist Judith Peraino discovered the rare recordings while conducting archival research at the Andy Warhol Museum.

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.

Building a better way to figure out how cells work

Researchers developed a nondestructive TFM platform allowing for high-throughput cell measurements. The new platform uses a regular array of fluorescent markers to enable zero-stress state measurements, reducing the need for cell removal or relaxation.

How did weight-loss surgery affect long-term health care expenses?

The study found that weight-loss surgery significantly reduced healthcare expenditures for veterans with severe obesity over a period of up to 10 years. The observed decrease in medical costs was attributed to improved health outcomes and reduced need for ongoing medical interventions.

Microrobots clean up radioactive waste (video)

Researchers have created tiny, self-propelled robots that can remove radioactive uranium from wastewater. The microrobots use a rod-shaped material called ZIF-8 and propel themselves using hydrogen peroxide fuel, successfully removing 96% of the uranium in an hour.

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.

Researchers use 3D printing to make glass optical fiber preform

The researchers developed a method to print silica optical fibers using additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for precise core centering. This allows for the creation of complex fiber designs and applications, such as fiber optic sensors, with reduced costs and improved longevity.

Small decrease in calorie purchases

A new study found that calorie labeling in a fast-food restaurant franchise resulted in an initial small decrease of 60 calories per transaction, equivalent to a 4% reduction. This effect was short-lived, with calorie purchases increasing over time.

Racial discrimination linked to suicidal thoughts in African-American men

A new U-M study found that various forms of discrimination are associated with increased rates of depression and suicidal thoughts among African American men. The researchers suggest that expanding current mental health interventions to include culturally relevant suicide prevention resources may be a viable option.

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.

How do you know it's perfect graphene?

Scientists at DOE/Ames National Laboratory have found a broad diffraction pattern in high-quality graphene samples, indicating defect-free and uniform layers of atoms. This discovery enables the reliable identification of structurally perfect graphene, a crucial step towards optimizing its properties for various applications.

Two million-year-old ice provides snapshot of Earth's greenhouse gas history

Scientists have discovered a clear link between carbon dioxide levels and temperature in the past 2.8 million years, providing a new baseline for understanding climate science. The study reveals that highest CO2 levels matched recent warm periods, while lowest levels did not reach those found in ice ages of the last 800,000 years.

House developers could be the secret weapon to improving air quality

A University of Surrey study suggests that clear guidelines for green infrastructure can maximize benefits and reverse air pollution effects. The researchers argue that housing developers, urban planners, and politicians need easy-to-follow guidelines to create healthier built communities.

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.

Intact forest loss 'six times worse' for climate

Research shows that losing intact tropical forests results in a 626% increase in climate impact, equivalent to two years of global land-use change emissions. The study highlights the devastating effects of deforestation on the climate and emphasizes the need for better funding and conservation efforts.

To survive in the human gut, bacteria need genetic 'passcode'

Scientists have discovered that human gut bacteria require a unique genetic code to thrive, which is different from person to person. The study found that immunity genes from one bacterium are often shared by others, suggesting a complex and adaptive immune system in the gut.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Traffic exhaust at residential address increases the risk of stroke

A Swedish study found that long-term exposure to traffic exhaust at home increases the risk of stroke in low-pollution environments. The researchers discovered that black carbon from traffic exhaust was the primary culprit, with a 4% increased risk for every 0.3 micrograms per cubic meter.

Mayo scientists reverse fibrosis in preclinical studies

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a way to slow and reverse fibrosis by targeting a dopamine receptor, which blocks the growth of scar-forming cells. The approach reversed fibrotic processes in lung and liver models, offering a new treatment concept for fibrotic diseases.

Human reflexes keep two-legged robot upright

A two-legged robot named Little Hermes has been developed to walk, run, jump and interact with the environment synchronously with a human operator. The robot is guided by a person from a remote location who feels the same physical forces as the robot.

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.

Detection dogs and DNA on the trail of endangered lizards

A new method uses detection dogs and genetic species identification to survey lizard populations without direct contact. The technique was successfully used to identify 78% of 327 samples collected over four years, with most being from blunt-nosed leopard lizards.

Climate models and geology reveal new insights into the East Asian monsoon

The study found that the monsoon system's development was more sensitive to changes in geography than carbon dioxide levels. The monsoon peaked around five million years ago, with 'super-monsoons' stronger than today. Understanding its behavior is crucial for agriculture and industrial development of over 1.5 billion people.

Blood test can predict prognosis in deadly brain cancer

Researchers developed a blood test that measures cell-free DNA (cfDNA) to predict prognosis in glioblastoma patients. The test correlates with progression-free survival and detects genetic mutations not found in solid tissue biopsies, offering a complementary view of the tumor's molecular profile.

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.

Bacterial arms race may shape gut microbiome

A new study found that certain gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides species, have acquired large immunity gene clusters to neutralize toxins from other bacteria. These clusters are actively acquiring new genes to protect against emerging threats.

Research on antibiotic use desperately needed as resistance crisis looms

Research gaps exist in antibiotic stewardship programs aimed at reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, with a need for standardized processes and outcome metrics. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America calls for additional clinical evidence to inform optimal antibiotic prescribing practices.

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.

Gut bacteria is key factor in childhood obesity

A recent study published by Wake Forest Baptist Health suggests that the microbes living in our gut play a key role in childhood obesity. The review of existing studies reveals how a mother's health, diet, exercise level, and birth method can affect the risk of obesity in her children.

A new high-resolution map of how the brain is wired

Researchers at the Allen Institute have mapped the mouse brain's neural connections, revealing an underlying hierarchy of brain circuitry. The study provides a detailed view of how neurons communicate with each other and offers insights into diseases such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.

Will lithium-air batteries ever take flight?

Lithium-air batteries offer a maximum specific energy of 3,460 W h/kg, but scientists need to overcome obstacles such as unstable electrolytes and interference from air pollutants. The technology uses oxygen to oxidize a lithium-metal anode and could be powered by a plane's onboard air storage and filtration systems.

Preserved pollen tells the history of floodplains

Researchers have found that fossil pollen can be preserved in floodplain soils, allowing scientists to reconstruct past climate dynamics and land use patterns. The study used soil properties such as organic matter concentration and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to predict pollen abundance, providing a new tool for climate reconstruction.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Parasite manipulates algal metabolism for its own benefit

Researchers found that a pathogenic fungus alters the metabolism of its host algae, producing carbolines that benefit the fungus while harming the algae. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between microorganisms and their hosts in oceanic ecosystems.

Predicting frailty, disability and death

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that irregular fluctuations in daily motor activity can predict increased risk of frailty, disability, and mortality in older adults. The researchers analyzed data from 1,275 participants and found that random activity fluctuations were associated with a 31% increase in frailty risk, 15-25%...

Quality and use of green spaces may determine their health benefits

Two studies by ISGlobal found that the quality of green spaces influences physical activity, social contacts and emotional well-being. The presence of green space was associated with a higher frequency of physical activity, more time spent performing health-related activities, and increased social contacts with neighbours.

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.

New technique may reveal the health of human hair follicles

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a new method to examine the activity of human hair follicles using magnetic fields. The technique measures electrical activity in individual study subjects and has shown promise as a biomarker for treating hair loss conditions like alopecia.

How will your thinking and memory change with age?

A study found that childhood thinking skills are associated with improved performance on cognitive tests at age 70, even after accounting for education level and socioeconomic status. Participants with amyloid-beta plaques in the brain scored lower on cognitive tests, but this was not linked to sex or other factors.

When a major injury occurs again in children, it's too often no accident

A study of pediatric major trauma cases found that nearly 3% of U.S. children who survive major trauma experience another sudden injury in the same year, with violence being a significant risk factor. Repeated injuries are more common among children from lower-income families and those with mental health issues.

Cannabis use disorder is declining among young adolescents and young adults

Research suggests that the prevalence of cannabis use disorder has decreased among frequent users between 2002-2016, with significant declines observed across all age groups. This decline may be attributed to changes in social attitudes and perceptions of risk associated with cannabis use, as well as increased legalization.

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.

Research debunks myth of Super Bowl sex trafficking, improves media narrative

Researchers at University of Texas at Austin and University of Minnesota debunked the myth of a correlation between Super Bowls and sex trafficking, citing empirical evidence that shows no causal link. A study found that online ads for sex may temporarily increase during large public events, but this is not the same as trafficking.