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Science News Archive September 2019


Page 15 of 43

UBC engineers create ways to keep stone waste out of landfills

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new type of composite material made from discarded stone waste and polymers, which increases the strength and conductivity of the final product. The materials can be used in various applications, including decorations, sanitation products, and even aerospace.

Plasma flow near sun's surface explains sunspots, other solar phenomena

A University of Washington study proposes a model of plasma motion that explains the 11-year sunspot cycle and other solar phenomena. The model suggests that a thin layer beneath the sun's surface is key to understanding solar magnetic phenomena, including sunspots, magnetic reversals, and solar flow.

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.

AI helps reduce Amazon hydropower dams' carbon footprint

A computational model using AI identifies optimal hydropower dam sites in the Amazon basin to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis found that dams built at high elevations tend to have lower emissions per unit of power output.

Early palliative care for advanced lung cancer increases survival

A study by VA Portland Health Care System and Oregon Health and Science University researchers found that early palliative care can increase survival in patients with advanced lung cancer. The study analyzed data on over 23,000 veterans and showed that palliative care provided shortly after diagnosis can lead to improved survival rates.

Temple researchers identify new target regulating mitochondria during stress

Researchers at Temple University Health System have identified a new target regulating mitochondria during stress, which could lead to a new approach to treating conditions such as heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and neurodegeneration. The discovery highlights the role of MCUB in mitigating calcium overload in injured heart tissue.

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.

Long lost human relative unveiled

Researchers have reconstructed the skeletal anatomy of Denisovans using DNA methylation patterns, identifying 56 unique features. The study reveals that Denisovans had a wider skull, longer dental arch, and unique traits that separate them from modern humans and Neanderthals.

Probiotic supplements may enhance weight loss in obese children

A randomized controlled study suggests that probiotic supplements can help obese children lose body weight and reduce their risk of future metabolic conditions. The findings support the potential benefits of microbiome-based treatments for tackling childhood obesity.

DGIST achieves the highest efficiency of flexible CZTSSe thin-film solar cell

The DGIST research team has developed a flexible CZTSSe thin-film solar cell with an unprecedented efficiency of 11.4%, breaking the previous record. This achievement enables mass production using eco-friendly materials, making it easier to commercialize and apply in various fields like wearables, buildings, and automobiles.

Nano bulb lights novel path

Researchers at Rice University have created a tunable, nanoscale incandescent light source by combining near-nanoscale materials that absorb heat and emit light. The system's unique configuration allows for the emission of light in specific states and wavelengths, including infrared.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Wayne State leading efforts to alleviate fatbergs

A team of Wayne State University researchers is working to better understand the physical, chemical, and biological character of fatbergs through advanced analysis. Their study aims to identify contaminants in fatbergs and inform targeted prevention and mitigation efforts.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A bathroom scale could monitor millions with heart failure

Researchers have successfully recorded and processed data from 43 patients with heart failure using a machine learning-based ballistocardiogram (BCG) scale. The device measures circulation pulsing to detect worsening heart failure symptoms, potentially sparing patients hospital stays.

Study: Even short-lived solar panels can be economically viable

A new study by MIT researchers suggests that solar panels with lifetimes as short as 10 years can make economic sense for grid-scale installations. The team analyzed three types of solar installations and found that the levelized cost of electricity, not just the panel's lifetime, determines economic viability.

Researchers develop unified sensor to better control effects of shock waves

A new unified shock sensor developed by researchers at Yokohama National University can quickly and accurately detect and dissipate shock waves. The sensor combines imaging processing with compressible flow theory to predict the behavior of shock waves, offering improved efficiency and precision in computational fluid dynamics.

Preventing climate change cheaper than dealing with its damage

A new study by University of Queensland scientists warns that acting on climate change is more cost-effective than repairing its damage. The research, published in Science, suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can save trillions of dollars in long-term costs.

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.

UC San Diego receives $4.6M from NIMH for brain imaging data 'gateway'

UC San Diego will collaborate with Stanford University to create the Neuroelectromagnetic Data Archive and Tools Resource (NEMAR), a brain imaging data archive and tools resource. The project aims to add human neuroelectromagnetic brain imaging, including EEG and MEG, to the OpenNeuro archive.

LGBT+ women face barriers to healthcare

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University reveals significant barriers faced by LGBT+ women in the UK healthcare system, including negative responses to coming out and assumptions of heterosexuality. The research highlights the need for explicit education on issues affecting sexual minority women.

SMART announces a revolutionary tech to study cell nanomechanics

Researchers at SMART developed a new confocal reflectance interferometric microscope to study nuclear membrane mechanics in intact cells. This label-free technology has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of metastatic cancers and genetic illnesses, enabling the identification of stem cells for therapeutic applications.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

ALS gene may be a hitchhiker's guide to the neuron

Researchers found that neurons use annexin A11 to ship internal housekeeping instructions via a 'hitchhiking' system, which may lead to new treatments for ALS. Disease-causing mutations tie up deliveries at the cell's loading docks, preventing RNA delivery to neurons.

Hurricane Nicole sheds light on how storms impact deep ocean

A new study by MBL and BIOS scientists found that hurricanes like Nicole significantly affect the ocean's biological pump, accelerating the transfer of carbon from surface to deeper ocean layers. This boost provides a crucial source of food for marine life in the deep ocean.

Global trends in antimicrobial resistance of farm animals

A new study reveals a significant increase in antibiotic-resistant pathogens in chickens and pigs worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The researchers identified hotspots of resistance, including China and India, where more than half of the world's pigs and chickens are raised.

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.

Investments to address climate change are good for business

A study published in Science found that acting on climate change can have a significant return on investment, avoiding damages to people, infrastructure, and ecosystems. The research suggests that rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

New mechanism for dysfunctional insulin release identified

Researchers at Uppsala University have identified a previously unknown protein, Sac2, that regulates insulin secretion from β-cells. Lowering Sac2 levels leads to reduced insulin secretion, highlighting the importance of fat composition on secretory granule function.

Perception of musical pitch varies across cultures

A study by researchers from MIT and Max Planck Institute found that people living in a remote Bolivian rainforest tend not to perceive similarities between notes played at different registers, unlike Westerners. The brain's ability to detect pitch similarity appears to be acquired through exposure to music in octave-based systems.

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.

LSU Health research targets metformin as breast cancer prescription

Researchers at LSU Health found that metformin can delay mammary gland development, enhance tumor growth and metastasis, and decrease AMPK activation. The study suggests metformin's therapeutic value in treating breast cancer in patients with low Nischarin expression levels.

NASA analyzes rainfall rates in new Tropical Storm Tapah

GPM core satellite measured rainfall rates throughout Tropical Storm Tapah, revealing rates as high as 1.6 inches per hour at the storm's center. Forecasters incorporate this data into their forecasts to predict the storm's trajectory and strength.

Investments to address climate change are good business

A recent study published in Science finds that investing in climate change mitigation can save more money than the costs of climate change itself. The research highlights the benefits of limiting global warming to 1.5°C and suggests that rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to avoid catastrophic consequences.

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.

Antimicrobial resistance is drastically rising

The proportion of bacteria resistant to antimicrobials has increased significantly worldwide, with critical consequences for animal health and human consumers. A new map reveals high resistance rates in regions such as northeast China, northeast India, and southern Brazil, where key antibiotics have lost efficacy.

How to construct a protein factory

Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the construction of mitochondrial ribosomes, also known as mitoribosomes, which are crucial for protein synthesis. The study reveals that these structures undergo multiple assembly steps involving various proteins and machinery.

USC researchers hone in on the elusive receptor for sour taste

USC scientists have identified the otopetrin 1 gene as the receptor responsible for sensing sour tastes in animals. The study found that mice with a nonfunctional Otop1 gene still produce a small response to sour taste stimuli, suggesting another signaling mechanism may also contribute to sour taste perception.

New UW study questions value of fluoride varnish

A new study by University of Washington researchers found that fluoride varnish has modest anti-cavity effects in preschoolers, with a 12% decline in new cavities. The study calls for cost-effectiveness analyses to determine its value in dental services.

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.

Neurons promote growth of brain tumor cells

Researchers found that neurons in the brain form direct cell-to-cell contacts with aggressive glioblastoma cells, transmitting activation signals that drive tumor growth and invasion. Blocking this signal transmission can slow down tumor spread, offering new avenues for treatment.

For gut microbes, not all types of fiber are created equal

Researchers identified fibers that selectively increase the abundance of beneficial microbes and tracked down the bioactive components responsible for their effects. The study provides insights into how gut communities compete or cooperate with each other for dietary fiber ingredients.

Study examines how people with psychopathic traits control their 'dark impulses'

A study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that individuals with psychopathic traits have greater levels of gray matter density in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, a region involved in self-regulatory processes. This increased density is associated with improved impulse control and reduced antisocial behavior....

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Minorities more likely to have diabetes at lower weights

A new study published in Diabetes Care found that racial and ethnic minority groups were more likely to have diabetes or prediabetes at normal or below-normal body mass index (BMI), even among those of normal weight. The research highlights the importance of screening minority patients for diabetes, regardless of their BMI.

For the first time walking patterns identify specific types of dementia

Researchers at Newcastle University found that people with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia have unique walking patterns that signal subtle differences between the two conditions. Analyzing step length variability and step time asymmetry can accurately identify 60% of all dementia subtypes.

Cellular hitchhikers may hold a key to understanding ALS

Researchers found that RNA granules use Annexin A11 to hitch a ride on lysosomes, which are highly mobile organelles. This transportation method is crucial for RNA to reach its destination and translate into proteins, but mutations in annexin A11 have been linked to ALS.