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Science News for August 13, 2017


Vapor harvesting gets the edge

Scientists at KAUST have found that the edge of a surface structure plays a crucial role in water-droplet formation during vapor harvesting. This discovery reveals that rough-edged structures mimicking nature can be highly effective in collecting atmospheric water vapor, potentially improving efficiency in regions with limited rainfall...

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGlobal Challenges·DateAug 13, 2017

Meadow of dancing brittle stars shows evolution at work

Researchers discovered a new species of brittle star, Teleosaster creasyi, preserved in a 275-million-year-old fossilized meadow in Western Australia. The species shows evidence of evolution before the Permian-Triassic extinction event, which wiped out over 90% of marine life.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateAug 13, 2017
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.

Fewer defects from a 2-D approach

Scientists at KAUST have discovered that two-dimensional layers of perovskite material can achieve higher purity levels than their three-dimensional counterparts. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar cells.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 13, 2017

Experiments cast doubt on how the Earth was formed

Experiments suggest a significant amount of zinc in the Earth's core, contradicting previous theories. This implies a revised formation process and potential changes to the estimated Earth composition, including its core.

SourceGoldschmidt Conference·DateAug 13, 2017

Racial profiling of Latino immigrants influences families differently

A study by University of Kansas researcher Andrea Gómez Cervantes explores the consequences of racial profiling on Latino immigrants and their family members. Indigenous-Latino immigrants face heightened risks of detention, institutional violence, and social exclusion due to their race and ethnicity.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·DateAug 13, 2017
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.