Science News for September 13, 2015

Climate research: Where is the world's permafrost thawing?

The first global permafrost database has been launched, offering a comprehensive dataset on permafrost temperature and active layer thickness. The GTN-P database, compiled by an international team of researchers from 25 countries, will help scientists better understand the extent to which climate change is causing permafrost thawing.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateSep 13, 2015

Was Darwinius a little longer in the tooth than previously thought?

A new model proposes that Darwinius, the famous primate fossil, shares more in common with modern lemurs than previously thought. The study re-examined the interpretation of Darwinius based on its dental eruption sequence, finding it had a similar pattern to that of lemurs.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateSep 13, 2015

Astronomers peer into the 'amniotic sac' of a planet-hosting star

Researchers use the Very Large Telescope Interferometer to study a young star with a large proto-planetary disk. They find a significant gap in the inner regions, suggesting a gravitational influence from forming planets.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 13, 2015

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study links marijuana use to poor blood sugar control in middle age

Researchers found that current and former marijuana users are more likely to have prediabetes, but not type 2 diabetes, compared to never users. Marijuana use was associated with a higher risk of developing prediabetes in middle adulthood, particularly among those who used the drug excessively.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateSep 13, 2015