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Science News for August 21, 2016


Is divorce seasonal? Study shows biannual spike in divorce filings

Research from University of Washington sociologists reveals a seasonal pattern in divorce filings, peaking in March and August, following winter and summer holidays. The study suggests that the biannual spike may be driven by a 'domestic ritual' calendar governing family behavior.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 21, 2016

Edible food packaging made from milk proteins (video)

Researchers have developed a biodegradable and edible film made from milk protein casein, which can block oxygen and prevent food spoilage. The packaging has the potential to replace traditional plastics and reduce food waste during distribution.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2016

Stopping scars before they form

Researchers have identified a potential treatment for severe scarring by inhibiting an enzyme called lysyl oxidase, which enables collagen to crosslink and form scar tissue. The compounds, tested in a 'scar-in-a-jar' model, show promise in restoring normal tissue architecture.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2016

Who are you? Squatters can actually help a neighborhood

A new study suggests that squatters can have a positive impact on neighborhoods. Residents often welcome responsible squatters to occupy abandoned homes, as it helps maintain the property and reduces crime. In urban areas with population decline, squatters can help bring about improved neighborhood conditions.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 21, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The American Ornithologists' Union welcomes the 2016 class of Elective Members

The American Ornithologists' Union has recognized 33 individuals with Elective Membership for their outstanding contributions to ornithology. The newly elected members represent the global ornithology community and have been selected by their peers for their significant achievements in advancing bird conservation.

SourceAmerican Ornithological Society Publications Office·DateAug 21, 2016
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.

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.

Tall Poppy winner 'weeds out' bacterial superbugs

Dr. Makrina Totsika is developing a new class of drugs to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, a major threat to public health worldwide. Her research focuses on disarming superbugs rather than killing them, with promising results in preclinical animal models.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateAug 21, 2016

Paper-based device spots falsified or degraded medications (video)

Researchers developed a simple and inexpensive paper-based device to screen suspicious medications, detecting signs of adulteration or degradation. The device uses a $1 paper card with 12 lanes of reagents to identify potential quality issues, offering a cheap alternative to expensive analytical instrumentation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2016

Astronomers identify a young heavyweight star in the Milky Way

Researchers have identified a young star over 30 times the mass of our Sun, which could help us understand how massive stars are formed. The discovery suggests that massive stars form in a similar way to smaller stars like our Sun.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 21, 2016
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.

Fungi recycle rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

Researchers are using naturally occurring fungi to extract valuable materials from waste batteries, including cobalt and lithium. The process uses oxalic acid and citric acid generated by the fungi to leach out the metals, with results showing up to 85% lithium and 48% cobalt extraction.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2016