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Science News Archive September 2019


Page 8 of 43

Use of mental health services after weight-loss surgery

A study of nearly 25,000 patients found that weight-loss surgery in Western Australia was associated with higher rates of outpatient and emergency department mental health services. The research suggests that patients who undergo bariatric surgery may experience increased mental health needs after the procedure.

Tripolye 'mega-structures' were ancient community centers

A recent study by Robert Hofmann and colleagues discovered that Tripolye mega-structures served as public spaces for ritual, economic, and decision-making purposes. The researchers found a hierarchy of mega-structures based on their architecture and location, indicating sequential decision-making at various levels of society.

Turning up the heat for weed control

Studies examine the effects of temperature on itchgrass and divine nightshade seeds in sugarcane fields. Higher temperatures can kill weeds, but varying conditions are needed for optimal control, considering seed coat structure and soil insulation.

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.

Discovery could improve MDS cancer treatment

Researchers have discovered a new drug target for Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) by targeting an earlier stage of progenitor cells. Blocking the CHRM4 protein receptor significantly improves blood cell production in MDS patients. Preclinical tests in mice show sustained therapeutic efficacy.

NASA-NOAA satellite sees Hurricane Lorenzo strengthening

Hurricane Lorenzo's cloud top temperatures dropped to minus 121 Fahrenheit, indicating increased strength, with maximum sustained winds reaching 85 mph. The storm is forecast to become a major hurricane by Thursday and will continue moving west-northwest.

Nanocatalyst makes heavy work of formic acid

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a palladium-based alloy nanocatalyst that promotes the selective production of deuterium isotope compounds from formic acid. The catalyst enables a cost-effective and scalable process for producing these gases, which are useful in fine chemical production and research applications.

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.

Micronutrients 'slipping through the hands' of malnourished people

Researchers found that a fraction of the fish caught nearby could significantly improve health in tropical coastal areas. The study suggests that existing marine fisheries can substantially reduce malnutrition, but access to these nutrients is often restricted to those who need them most.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Plastic teabags release microscopic particles into tea

Researchers found that plastic teabags release a significant amount of micro- and nanoplastics into tea during brewing. The levels were thousands of times higher than previously reported in other foods, and treated water fleas showed anatomical and behavioral abnormalities.

Developed countries may become more religious in 20 years

Researchers found that age has a greater impact on religiosity than cohort effects in high-income countries. This could lead to a shift in societal structures. As older people make up more of the population, there may be a resurgence of religiosity in countries like Japan.

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.

Pesticide exposure may increase heart disease and stroke risk

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that on-the-job pesticide exposure raised the risk of heart disease and stroke in Japanese American men. After 34 years of follow-up, no significant link was found between pesticide exposure and cardiovascular disease.

Laser-based system detects fires even in dusty, harsh environments

Researchers developed a new laser-based system that uses speckle pattern analysis to detect fires in harsh environments. The system achieved an accuracy of 91 percent in tests at a waste plant in Denmark, offering a promising solution for fire detection in industrial settings.

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.

How cities can leverage citizen data while protecting privacy

MIT researchers analyzed 380,000 government service requests to find a way for cities to preserve citizen privacy while improving efficiency. They identified model cities that maximized both privacy and efficiency, suggesting similar methodologies for worldwide evaluation of government services.

New insights into the healing capacity of the heart

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that inactivating the Hippo pathway in cardiac fibroblasts promotes cardiac fibrosis and adversely affects cardiac function. This finding highlights the need for specific targeting of the Hippo pathway in cardiac muscle cells for safe and effective heart failure therapy.

Researchers uncover privacy flaw in e-passports

A team of researchers found a security flaw in biometric passports that enables unauthorized equipment to scan and track passport holders' locations. The ICAO 9303 standard used worldwide since 2004 is vulnerable to attacks, posing a risk to individual privacy.

Portable electronics: a stretchable and flexible biofuel cell that runs on sweat

A stretchable and flexible biofuel cell has been developed to power wearable electronics using human sweat. The device continuously lights an LED and opens avenues for the development of reliable and efficient energy sources. Researchers are now seeking to amplify the voltage provided by the biofuel cell to power larger portable devices.

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.

Cancer: The origin of genetic mutations

Researchers at UNIGE unveil a mutation mechanism essential for cancer development by linking DNA replication failures in cancer cells to their genetic instability. They successfully corrected the effects of replication stress in diseased cells, showing that this phenomenon is controllable and potentially exploitable for therapy.

Resistance to immune checkpoint blocker drug linked to metabolic imbalance

Cancer cells adapt to treatment with checkpoint blocker drugs by altering a metabolic process, leading to shorter survival for patients. The study suggests that identifying biomarkers of metabolic changes related to treatment with checkpoint blockers could help identify patients who might benefit from combination therapy.

NASA visualization shows a black hole's warped world

A new NASA visualization reveals how a black hole distorts space, creating a warped view of its surroundings like a carnival mirror. The extreme gravity bends light from the accretion disk, producing a misshapen appearance.

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.

Sexual trauma common in postmenopausal women veterans

A new study found that 13% of postmenopausal women veterans screened positive for military sexual trauma, strongly associated with mental health diagnoses like PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation. The study highlights the need for additional research and trauma screening in this understudied population.

Ditch the delicate wash cycle to save our seas

Researchers at Newcastle University found that higher water volumes in delicate wash cycles release more plastic microfibres than standard cycles. The team discovered that the volume of water used during the wash cycle is the key factor, not spinning action, and that this can lead to a significant increase in released fibres.

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.

For hospitalized patients with fungal infections, specialists save lives

New research from Washington University School of Medicine shows that infectious disease specialists can significantly improve outcomes for hospitalized patients with fungal bloodstream infections. With a 20% lower risk of death and increased use of life-saving treatments, specialist consultation is crucial in reducing mortality rates.

Less flowering, better farming the goal of Otago research

A research project from the University of Otago is developing a ryegrass variety that can be induced to flower for seed production under artificial conditions. This could lead to more productive and efficient farming, increasing productivity and reducing land use while minimizing environmental impact.

Bacteria make pearl chains

Researchers observed flavobacteria forming tubes and then strings of pearls, which capture and break down laminarin sugar for nutrition. This ecological strategy appears successful, as the bacteria are found in large numbers after algal blooms.

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.

Researchers home in on extremely rare nuclear process

The EXO-200 collaboration has established some of the strongest limits yet for neutrinoless double beta decay and two-neutrino double beta decay of xenon-136. This research sets the stage for future experiments that will search for the hypothetical process, which would confirm that neutrinos are their own antiparticles.

Test for life-threatening nutrient deficit is made from bacteria entrails

A new experimental test made from bacterial innards has high potential as a basis for an inexpensive, easy malnutrition test for use in the field. The test can detect zinc levels and quantify clinically relevant levels, allowing aid agencies to get immediate information and influence policy decisions on nutritional interventions.

Machine learning finds new metamaterial designs for energy harvesting

Duke University engineers used machine learning to design dielectric metamaterials that absorb and emit specific frequencies of terahertz radiation, reducing calculation time from over 2,000 years to just 23 hours. The new designs enable thermophotovoltaic devices that convert waste heat to electricity with higher efficiency.

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.

First fully rechargeable carbon dioxide battery with carbon neutrality

UIC researchers have successfully developed a fully rechargeable prototype of a lithium-carbon dioxide battery, demonstrating its potential for advanced energy storage systems. The battery's efficiency and long-lasting cycle life are significantly improved due to the use of new materials and a hybrid electrolyte.

NASA finds Tropical Storm Karen bringing heavy rain to Puerto Rico

Tropical Storm Karen has brought heavy rain to Puerto Rico, with the GPM core satellite detecting rainfall rates exceeding 1.6 inches per hour in the Atlantic Ocean and central Puerto Rico. Forecasters predict additional rainfall accumulations of 1-2 inches across the territory.

Secure printing with water-based invisible ink

Researchers have created a rewriteable paper coating that can encrypt secret information using relatively low-tech invisible ink--water. The method allows reversible secure printing for at least 30 cycles, significantly reducing the cost and being environmentally friendly.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Fish Micronutrients 'slipping through the hands' of malnourished people

New research finds that millions of people worldwide are suffering from micronutrient deficiencies, which can be reduced by increasing access to fish caught near their homes. The study suggests that current fishing practices and trade in seafood are standing between malnourished populations and the nutrients they need.

Light work for superconductors

Using laser pulses, researchers successfully induced superconductivity in an iron-based compound at a temperature of minus 258 degrees Celsius. This breakthrough could lead to more power-efficient devices and infrastructure if it can be scaled up to room-temperature applications.

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.

A protein essential for chikungunya virus replication identified

A recent study has identified FHL1 protein as a crucial cellular factor for the replication and pathogenesis of chikungunya virus. The researchers found that FHL1 interacts with viral protein nsP3 to facilitate viral infection, making it a promising target for antiviral development.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

NASA-NOAA satellite finds Cyclone Hikaa at Oman's coast

Cyclone Hikaa is located near latitude 19.9 degrees north and longitude 58.4 degrees east, just 38 nautical miles southwest of Masirah Island. The storm is approaching landfall in Oman near Duqm with gusty winds and heavy rainfall.