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Science News Archive October 2019


Page 31 of 47

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.

Cold temperatures linked to high status

Researchers found that cold temperatures are associated with luxury and status in products, but not in all categories. The study suggests that marketers can use small adjustments in temperature to influence perceived value and level of luxury for their products.

Drug reverses signs of liver disease in people living with HIV

Researchers found that tesamorelin reduced liver fat and prevented liver fibrosis in people living with HIV. The study showed a 37% relative reduction in liver fat fraction and a significant decrease in blood markers associated with inflammation and liver damage.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Blood test raises hopes of tackling 'silent killer'

Researchers at the University of Dundee develop a blood test to detect desmosine, an amino acid released by diseased aortas into the blood and urine. This test improves diagnosis and monitoring of aortic aneurysms, potentially saving lives by identifying patients at risk.

Studying the ethics of ancient DNA

An international team is working to develop an ethical framework for ancient DNA research, incorporating diverse voices and expertise from Indigenous communities. The project aims to foster better collaboration and address concerns around the use of human genetic material.

New in the Hastings Center Report, September-October 2019

The article discusses human-animal chimeras with brains composed of human cells, raising questions about their moral status. The author argues that a standard view, which considers human cognitive capacities morally significant, is mistaken and proposes a better framework for thinking about the moral status of part-human beings.

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.

These new soft actuators could make soft robots less bulky

Researchers at UC San Diego developed soft actuators that can be controlled electrically, making them compatible with small electronic devices and batteries. These actuators enabled the creation of compact, portable and multifunctional soft robots with various applications.

Shaping nanoparticles for improved quantum information technology

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a key property of donut-like nanoparticles called semiconductor quantum rings, which may find application in quantum information storage, communication, and computing. The team achieved coherent directional control over light emission by breaking the symmetry of the ring shape.

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.

Expert second opinion improves reliability of melanoma diagnoses

A new study finds that obtaining a second opinion from board-certified dermatopathologists improves the accuracy of diagnosing melanoma, reducing misclassification rates. The study's findings suggest that expert second opinions provide value in improving diagnostic reliability, especially for complex cases.

'Electroadhesive' stamp picks up and puts down microscopic structures

A team of researchers at MIT has developed an 'electroadhesive' stamp that can pick up and place down objects as small as 20 nanometers wide. The stamp uses a sparse forest of ceramic-coated carbon nanotubes to create temporary electrical attraction, allowing it to grasp microscopic structures with precise control.

Suomi NPP satellite finds a weaker typhoon Hagibis nearing Japan

Typhoon Hagibis has weakened to a typhoon status after being a super typhoon, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite providing visible imagery of the storm. The image showed a cloud-filled eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms and a large tail of clouds stretching along Japan's east coast.

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.

Rare sleep disorder common among veterans with PTSD

A new study found that military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to experience a rare sleep disorder called REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), which is also linked to an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease. Researchers hope that identifying patients with ...

New genetic link found for some forms of SIDS

A genetic link has been discovered between Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and a mutation in the HADHA gene, causing infants to die suddenly from cardiac arrest. Researchers hope that this discovery will lead to new treatments and interventions for the disease.

Six degrees of nuclear separation

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have developed an additive manufacturing method that enables the recycling of more nuclear waste, reducing storage time by almost one thousandfold. The breakthrough uses 3D-printed parts to separate highly radioactive actinide isotopes from rare earth metals.

Using mindfulness as a tool to help fight the opioid crisis

A new study at Boston Medical Center aims to determine the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in treating chronic lower back pain. The 8-week group mindfulness program may improve patients' physical and psychological function, as well as their likelihood of reducing opioid prescriptions.

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.

Sox9 reshapes the biliary tree in Alagille syndrome

Researchers found that altering Sox9 gene expression modifies Alagille syndrome liver disease severity, from mild to severe cases. Increasing Sox9 levels improved biliary duct development without tumor formation.

NASA sees Atlantic subtropical storm Melissa form off New England coast

Subtropical Storm Melissa forms off the New England coast, bringing strong winds and coastal flooding to the mid-Atlantic region. The National Hurricane Center predicts gradual weakening over the next few days, with Melissa expected to lose its subtropical characteristics by Saturday night.

Black holes stunt growth of dwarf galaxies

Researchers at UC Riverside discover large-scale winds associated with active black holes in small galaxies suppress star formation, impacting galaxy evolution. The team used the Sloan Digital Sky Survey data to identify 50 dwarf galaxies and found six of them showing signs of winds emanating from their active black holes.

Nanoscale manipulation of light leads to exciting new advancement

Researchers at UNM's Department of Physics and Astronomy have discovered that decreasing the density of nanoparticles in ordered arrays produces exceptional electric field enhancements. By making particles smaller and farther apart, interactions between nanoparticles are strengthened, resulting in stronger collective responses.

Overweight before age 40 increases the cancer risk

A Norwegian study found that being overweight before age 40 significantly increases the risk of several types of cancer, including endometrial cancer by 70%. Obesity is also linked to an increased risk of postmenopausal breast, renal-cell and colon cancers.

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.

New material captures carbon dioxide

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a porous material that selectively captures CO2 molecules with high efficiency, converting them into valuable organic materials. The material can also be recycled without losing its efficiency.

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.

Koala epidemic provides lesson in how DNA protects itself from viruses

Researchers discover that koala germ cells recognize and suppress retroviral invasion through a unique 'piRNA response' mechanism. This innate genome immune system can identify viral RNA and block its replication, providing a new understanding of how organisms defend against pathogen invasions.

Water + air + electricity = hydrogen peroxide

The Rice reactor produces valuable chemical in desired concentration and high purity, eliminating the need for hazardous transportation and purification. The low-cost carbon black catalyst enables point-of-use production of pure hydrogen peroxide solutions.

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.

Noah-MP captures major hydrological patterns in China

The Noah land surface model with multi-parameterization options (Noah-MP) simulates key hydrological variables across China. The model generally reproduces spatiotemporal patterns of runoff and evapotranspiration, capturing major flood and drought events.

The secret to sneaky float serves

A team from the University of Tsukuba studied volleyball aerodynamics using wind tunnel experiments and found that standard panels create an asymmetric surface, affecting flight patterns. This research may help develop more efficient drones.

Fairy-wrens change breeding habits to cope with climate change

Researchers found fairy-wrens start breeding earlier in milder nights and stop breeding later in hot conditions. The study's long-term data on the birds' life history may help scientists understand climate change effects on wild animal populations globally.

Rotavirus infection may turn on type 1 diabetes

A new study suggests that rotavirus infection may trigger the development of type 1 diabetes. Researchers found a significant decrease in the incidence of type 1 diabetes in Australian children under four years old after the introduction of rotavirus vaccination.

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.

Biologically inspired skin improves robots' sensory abilities

The artificial skin developed by Prof. Gordon Cheng and his team enables robots to perceive their surroundings in greater detail and with more sensitivity, making them safer when operating near people. The system combines hexagonal cells with microprocessors and sensors to detect contact, acceleration, proximity, and temperature.

Suicide in low- and middle-income countries

A new study found that 58% of suicide deaths and 45% of non-fatal suicidal behaviors in low- and middle-income countries are linked to psychiatric disorders. The research suggests a wider approach is needed beyond just treating psychiatric illness to prevent suicidal behavior.

The Milky Way kidnapped several tiny galaxies from its neighbor

Researchers at University of California, Riverside discover that Milky Way is undergoing a massive merger with its largest satellite galaxy, the Large Magellanic Cloud. Several ultrafaint dwarfs and relatively bright satellite galaxies were likely stolen from LMC.

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.

Ebola antibodies at work

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science and Germany's University of Cologne have identified two antibodies produced by vaccinated individuals that provide long-term immunity against Ebola. These antibodies, which target specific sites on the viral glycoprotein, demonstrate effective protection against the virus.

Placenta transit of an environmental estrogen

A team of researchers from the University of Vienna has shown that the widespread food estrogen zearalenone migrates through the placenta and is partially converted to other harmful substances. The study found that even small concentrations could have a greater impact on the embryo than previously assumed.

Light my fire: How to startup fusion devices every time

Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory create simulation framework to fine-tune plasma startup recipes for NSTX-U and MAST-U experiments. The tool enables operators to quickly achieve a balance between electric and magnetic fields, significantly reducing experimentation time.

Gut immunity more developed before birth than previously thought

The study found that almost complete immune capacity in the gut had developed as early as 14 weeks, with cells from both innate and adaptive immune systems present. This discovery could lead to the development of new maternal vaccines and a better understanding of the risk of autoimmune diseases.

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.

Eczema in young children leads to 3 in 4 depressed parents, research shows

Family members and caregivers of young children with atopic dermatitis experience mild to moderate severity anxiety and depression, affecting up to 74%. The study found no association between disease severity and anxiety/depression scores, highlighting the need for holistic management of the condition.

Political parties with less interest in an issue more likely to take radical stance

A study from Lancaster University and the University of Hagen found that parties with less stake in an issue tend to adopt extreme policy positions when creating election pledges. This is because they are more likely to pander to voters by offering attractive but potentially radical solutions. In contrast, parties with strong interests...

Maternal obesity speeds up aging in offspring

Research found that offspring of obese rat mothers showed impaired mitochondrial function, leading to early signs of diabetes and increased susceptibility to heart disease. Exercise improved these outcomes, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit.

Sharing data for improved forest protection and monitoring

A new global database, Forest Observation System (FOS), has been established to share on-site forest aboveground biomass data. This initiative aims to link ecological and remote sensing communities and overcome existing data sharing barriers, providing critical input for climate change mitigation policies.

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.

Sunlight degrades polystyrene much faster than expected

Scientists found that sunlight can break down polystyrene over a much shorter time scale than previously estimated, degrading it in decades to centuries. The researchers' study suggests that the additive content of polystyrene samples affects its degradation rate.