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Science News Archive October 2019


Page 37 of 47

Low intelligence linked to suicide risk later in life

People with low intelligence scores are at a higher risk of suicide and attempted suicide later in life. The study found that the association between suicidal behavior and emotional control develops over time, with men with low IQ remaining vulnerable throughout their lives.

Rice bran may help curb malnutrition, diarrhea for infants

A new clinical trial found that adding rice bran to infant diets enhanced growth and reduced diarrhea, while also showing potential for improving gut health. The study's results suggest that rice bran could be a practical dietary intervention strategy in regions with high rates of impaired growth and development.

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.

Thin to win

University of Utah engineers create a new type of optical lens that is thinner and lighter than conventional lenses, working with night imaging and enabling longer-flying drones and military applications. The lens is made of plastic instead of glass, reducing manufacturing costs.

Pesticide companies leverage regulations for financial gains

A Princeton researcher found that pesticide companies lobby for stricter regulations on less profitable products, allowing them to clear the way for more expensive alternatives. This practice has significant economic and public health implications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists observe a single quantum vibration under ordinary conditions

Researchers create and observe a single phonon in diamond at room temperature, bringing quantum behavior closer to everyday life. This breakthrough technique can now be used to probe other materials for quantum vibrations, potentially leading to advancements in solar cells and quantum computing.

Sweet corn growers, processors could dramatically increase yield, profit

A new study in PLOS ONE shows that certain hybrids are naturally density tolerant, improving yield when planted at higher populations. Increasing populations of density-tolerant hybrids can lead to an average extra $40 per acre in profit for growers and up to $120 to $280 per acre for processors.

Skin cancer prevention program may have reduced melanoma in Australians

A recent study found that the SunSmart skin cancer prevention program contributed to a decline in melanoma among younger Australians. The use of sun protection behaviors increased rapidly after the program commenced, with maximal sun protection including shade also seeing significant improvements.

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.

Relatively unhappy

Researchers found that strict labor laws lead to higher levels of temporary and informal employment, resulting in reduced happiness and life satisfaction among these workers. Women tend to feel the impact at a deeper level.

New approach for modern power grids that increases efficiency, reduces cost

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design proposed a novel probabilistic dispatch strategy to minimize generation costs while ensuring constraint satisfaction in modern power grids. The approach significantly decreases the probability of constraint violation without impacting nominal power generation cost.

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.

A close up on the real world -- atomic migration under ambient conditions

Osaka University researchers use in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy to visualize atomic dynamics on metal surfaces under atmospheric conditions. They track progressive changes at the surface of gold electrodes during oxidation reactions, providing new insights into materials science.

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.

Study: Innovative pancreatic cancer treatment may rev up immune system

A new treatment combination using stereotactic body radiotherapy and interleukin-12 has been shown to cure pancreatic cancer in mice by activating T-cells to attack cancer cells. The treatment also destroys pancreatic cells that have spread to the liver, a common site for metastatic disease.

New study challenges our understanding of premature ageing

A new Finnish study published in Nature Metabolism challenges the long-held mitochondrial theory of aging by proposing that compromised nuclear DNA maintenance is responsible for accelerated aging. The study found that Mitutor mice, which harbor a defective polymerase-gamma enzyme, present with pronounced mtDNA mutagenesis and accelera...

Study reveals limitations of method for determining protein structure

A new study shows that X-ray crystallography can provide inaccurate information about critical cell membrane proteins, leading to poor drug design. Researchers used supercomputing to simulate molecular dynamics of a membrane protein and found that unresolved loops can stabilize the protein despite apparent lack of structure.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Unlocking the secrets of gallstones

A team of researchers at FAU has discovered the mechanism behind gallstone formation, finding that neutrophil granulocytes cover crystals with their genetic material to form stones. The discovery opens up new treatment options, including the use of beta blockers and PAD inhibitors.

Accidental discovery of strong and unbreakable molecular switch

Physicists have accidentally discovered a material that can change shape without breaking, a property that could lead to new applications in fields like artificial muscles and pumps. The material, called 4-DBpFO, changes shape at temperatures around 180 degrees Celsius due to molecular movement.

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.

A look at Japan's evolving intelligence efforts

A new history of Japan's intelligence efforts, right up to the present, highlights the country's recent revival of its intelligence operations. The book attributes this shift to a combination of strategic environment changes, technological innovations, and intelligence failures.

A cool alternative to air conditioning

Researchers developed a low-cost, non-electric cooling technology using a polymer film that can cool buildings in metropolitan areas during the day. The tech achieves this by exploiting spectral overlap between atmospheric window and thermal radiation emitted by buildings.

Buying less is better than buying 'green' -- for the planet and your happiness

A new study from the University of Arizona suggests that reducing consumption is more effective in improving personal well-being and lower psychological distress compared to green buying. Participants with fewer materialistic values were more likely to engage in reduced consumption and reported higher personal well-being.

Study recommends special protection of emperor penguins

A new study recommends that emperor penguin populations be listed as 'vulnerable' due to projected sea ice loss and rising temperatures. The researchers advocate for improved climate change forecasting and enhanced protection measures to safeguard the species.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

NCI-sponsored trial explores better treatment for brain tumors in children

The study aims to examine the efficacy of a drug that inhibits an enzyme used by brain tumors to protect themselves from the immune response. Adding the inhibitor to chemotherapy and radiation therapy may enable lower doses, better quality of life, and improved survival for children with recurrent or newly diagnosed brain tumors.

How can ultrasonic brain stimulation cure brain diseases?

Researchers have identified the mechanism underlying ultrasonic brain stimulation's neuromodulation effect, revealing that TRPA1 channels in astrocytes play a crucial role. This non-invasive approach has shown promise for treating movement disorders and may also be useful for conditions like dementia, concussions, and depression.

Flagging false Facebook posts as satire helps reduce belief

A new study from Ohio State University found that labeling false Facebook posts as satire, humor, parody, or hoax reduces users' belief in the falsehoods and their willingness to share them. In contrast, flagging inaccurate posts as disputed by fact-checkers or fellow users did not have a significant impact.

Prenatal stress could affect baby's brain, say researchers

Researchers found evidence of impaired white matter tract development in premature babies whose mothers experienced more prenatal stress. The study highlights the importance of supporting expectant mothers and providing interventions to mitigate adverse outcomes.

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.

Smaller than a coin

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a compact spectrometer that can analyze infrared light in the same way as conventional spectrometers. The device uses special waveguides with an adjustable optical refractive index to disperse the spectrum of incident light, allowing for broad spectral analysis.

Cooling nanotube resonators with electrons

Researchers at ICFO have successfully cooled nanomechanical resonators using electron transport, enabling the observation of quantum effects on demand. By applying a constant current of electrons through the resonator, they reduced thermal vibration fluctuations, achieving a population number of 4.6 quanta of vibration.

Pharmacists provide patient value in team-based care

The Pharmacist-Led Chronic Care Management Services model has been shown to improve patient outcomes and streamline medication regimens. By integrating pharmacists into the healthcare team, patients receive comprehensive medication management and lifestyle education.

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.

New evidence on the mistreatment of women during childbirth

A recent WHO-led study in four countries found that over one-third of women experience physical and verbal abuse during childbirth, with younger, less educated women at highest risk. The study highlights the need for respectful maternity care and informed policies to address these inequalities.

McLean Hospital received federal funding to help tackle national opioid crisis

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded McLean Hospital nearly $1 billion to address the national opioid crisis through scientific solutions and evidence-based treatments. The hospital will explore ways to improve outcomes for patients using medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone to treat opioid use disorder.

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.

Cheap as chips: identifying plant genes to ensure food security

Researchers developed a new approach to identify plant genes that control traits, enabling more efficient breeding of affordable and sustainable crop varieties. The method is valuable for global food security and human nutrition, particularly for crops such as maize, vegetables, fruits, and grains.

Future intent: Would you let an automated car do the driving?

Researchers found French drivers were more keen on automated cars, while Australian drivers were concerned about safety and legal liability. QUT's studies highlight the need to understand driver perceptions and intentions for future development of automated vehicles.

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.

How the colon prioritizes gas detox over energy use

Colon cells use an enzyme called SQR to convert hydrogen sulfide into CoA persulfide, allowing prioritization of poisonous gas clearance over energy production. A diet lacking in fiber may exacerbate the effects of hydrogen sulfide or ability to detoxify it.

Machine learning helps plant science turn over a new leaf

Researchers develop machine-learning tools to analyze 3D plant shapes, improving high-throughput phenotyping. The software achieves 97.8% accuracy in identifying stems and leaves, helping scientists better understand plant growth and responses to climate change.

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.

Mangroves and climate-driven regime shifts

Historical regime shifts in coastal wetlands of northeastern Florida indicate mangrove expansion is linked to reduced extreme cold events. Climate model projections suggest increasing temperatures and suitability for mangroves through the end of the 21st century.

Archaea hold clues to ancient ocean temperatures

Scientists have identified proteins that allow archaea to adapt to extreme water temperatures, providing a new method for estimating historic ocean temperatures. The discovery resolves uncertainties in the use of archaeal lipids as paleotemperature proxies.