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Science News Archive December 2017


Page 23 of 33

Paper heralds new science collaboration with Middle East

A new international collaboration between neuroscientists from the Middle East and West is being launched to advance basic and translational life science research. The Science Bridge project, led by Mazahir Hasan, aims to foster a partnership between Western and Middle Eastern neuroscience communities.

CU Boulder solar instruments, experiments headed for space

CU Boulder's Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor (TSIS-1) instrument suite is set for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, aiming to monitor the planet's climate by measuring solar radiation. The mission will help distinguish between natural and human influences on climate, with implications for understanding Earth's processes.

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.

25 species revealed for 25 Genomes Project

The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute has sequenced 25 new genomes of UK species, including Grey Squirrels and European Robins. The project aims to understand the biodiversity of the UK and aid conservation efforts.

Hot bodies are attractive

Researchers at UC Berkeley found that blackbody radiation from a warm object can attract cesium atoms, with an effect 20 times stronger than gravity. This discovery has implications for precise measurements of fundamental constants and tests of general relativity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

USC researchers develop method to ensure human rights in public health services

USC researchers have developed a new methodology to measure the success of public health work while considering human rights concerns. The approach identifies approximately 40 key indicators that can monitor human rights dimensions in public health services, helping ensure that services serve the people they intend to reach.

Innovative system images photosynthesis to provide picture of plant health

Researchers have developed a new crop imaging system that detects chlorophyll fluorescence to monitor plant health and growth. The system can image larger areas than existing technology, providing more accurate assessments of crop health and potential applications for precision agriculture and high-throughput phenotyping.

New guidelines to tackle China's severe air pollution problem

A new study outlines five ways to better manage China's severe air pollution problem, including conducting research on the cause of pollution and creating more effective prevention and control methods. The strategies can be applied to other heavily polluted countries as well.

Projected winter Arctic sea-ice decline coupled to Eurasian circulation

A new study explores how Arctic sea-ice decline affects Eurasian circulation, revealing a link between the two. The research uses SVD analysis to quantify model uncertainties and find that a larger pan-Arctic sea-ice decline weakens the polar cell, leading to anomalous sinking motion in Eurasia.

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.

The DFG funds 15 new collaborative research centers

The DFG is establishing 15 new Collaborative Research Centres to study ultra-fast spin dynamics, re-figuration of spaces, niche choice and construction, atmospheric pressure plasmas, and social-ecological transformation in rural Africa. The centres will receive €133 million in funding over four years.

Springer to co-publish the Journal of Flow Chemistry

The Journal of Flow Chemistry will be published by Springer and Akadémiai Kiadó, increasing its visibility and accessibility. The journal aims to promote international and Hungarian science, and provide a platform for organic chemistry laboratories.

New Stanford study analyzes recent research on causes of gun violence

A new Stanford study analyzes recent research on the causes of gun violence in the United States, finding a link between right-to-carry laws and higher violent crime rates. The study suggests that lifting restrictions on concealed carry guns increases violent crime, while laws restricting gun ownership for people convicted of domestic ...

Researchers establish long-sought source of ocean methane

Researchers have discovered a long-sought source of ocean methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. The enzyme methylphosphonate synthase (MPnS) is found in abundant marine microbes and may produce the compound that is converted to methane.

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.

Space program should focus on Mars, says editor of New Space

The US space exploration program should focus on robotic sample recovery and human missions to Mars, according to Scott Hubbard, Editor-in-Chief of New Space. He highlights the benefits of this strategy, including offsetting costs through international partnerships.

Number of genetic markers linked to lifespan triples

A large-scale international study has expanded the number of genetic markers associated with human longevity to 25, including genes involved in senescence and inflammation. The findings suggest that combining multiple genetic variants can influence human lifespan, highlighting potential targets for interventions.

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.

Time matters: Does our biological clock keep cancer at bay?

Researchers found that the circadian clock regulates cell division and can act as a tumour suppressor. Disrupted clocks may contribute to cancer development. New findings suggest using chronotherapy to reset the biological clock for optimal therapeutic effects.

New mapping technique can help fight extreme poverty

Researchers developed a computational tool that combines cellphone records with satellite and geographic information systems to create timely and incredibly detailed poverty maps. The study focused on Senegal, creating maps detailing the poverty levels of 552 communities.

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.

Scientist's accidental exhale leads to improved DNA detector

A novel DNA detector was developed using ultrathin layers, including a nanoporous silicon nitride membrane that serves as a prefilter and a biosensor membrane with a single nanopore. The device creates a nanocavity filled with less than a femtoliter of fluid, improving the precision and reproducibility of DNA detection.

Duration of sleep increases and sleeping difficulties decrease after retirement

After retiring from work life, people sleep approximately 20 minutes longer than before retirement and experience improved sleep quality. This is particularly true for individuals who had previously experienced sleep difficulties or were heavy alcohol users, with a notable decrease in early morning awakenings and nonrestorative sleep.

Venezuelan rock art mapped in unprecedented detail

Rock engravings in Western Venezuela, dating up to 2,000 years old, have been mapped in unprecedented detail. The largest panel contains 93 individual engravings, including depictions of animals, humans, and cultural rituals.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Black holes' magnetism surprisingly wimpy

Scientists have discovered black holes have significantly weaker magnetic fields than previously thought, with measurements about 400 times lower than estimated. This finding deepens our knowledge of how matter behaves under extreme conditions and could impact nuclear fusion power and GPS systems.

Inhibiting TOR boosts regenerative potential of adult tissues

Researchers discovered that TOR signaling becomes activated in stem cells during regenerative responses, leading to the loss of stem cell status. Inhibiting TOR with rapamycin prevented this loss and reversed age-related decline in mouse trachea and muscle tissues.

Rules for superconductivity mirrored in 'excitonic insulator'

Rice University physicists have successfully created a previously unseen state of matter, the excitonic insulator, which could be used to form component of topological quantum computer. The device uses braided qubits and has inherent topological signatures that could enable fault-tolerant qubits.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Bacteria activate their own killer

Researchers have developed a novel photothermal treatment that leverages the self-activation of certain bacteria to target and kill antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The innovative approach uses a supramolecular radical anion complex that absorbs near-infrared light, generating heat and denaturing proteins in targeted bacteria.

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.

The molecular structure of a forest aroma deconstructed

Researchers have accurately determined the molecular structure of alpha-pinene in its gas phase. This breakthrough analysis can help scientists better detect and understand how alpha-pinene reacts with other gases in the atmosphere, producing pollutants and particles that affect health and climate.

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.

Suite of Monash papers shed light on decade-long stem cell mystery

A series of studies by Monash University researcher Jose Polo have unveiled new evidence in the decade-long mystery of cell reprogramming. The researchers found that the route to pluripotency depended on the original cell type, with different cell types requiring different approaches. This breakthrough has important implications for re...

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.

Arctic influences Eurasian weather and climate

The Arctic's rapid warming and sea ice loss have significant impacts on Eurasian weather and climate, particularly in winter. The study finds that sea areas and western coasts of continents are relatively less affected, while continental regions, especially over Eurasia, experience the strongest influence.

McMaster researchers find genes may 'snowball' obesity

Researchers at McMaster University have identified nine genes that contribute to weight gain in individuals with a high body mass index. These genes can amplify weight gain by up to four times, making them a significant factor in the development of extreme forms of obesity.

A glimpse of the magnetic field around a black hole

Astronomers measured the magnetic field of a black hole in a binary system using data from a sudden flare. The field was found to be substantially weaker than expected, providing new insights into how black holes consume material.

Could death rates have swung the 2016 election?

A new study by Drexel University researcher Usama Bilal found a significant association between rising white, middle-class death rates and Republican voting in the 2016 US presidential election. The research suggests that counties with higher mortality rates among middle-aged whites were more likely to vote for Republican candidates.

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.

How malaria tricks the immune system

Researchers discovered Plasmodium falciparum uses nanovesicles to deliver misleading messages to the immune system, allowing it to multiply unhindered. The team identified a key molecular sensor called STING that plays a crucial role in this subversive strategy.

Breath test could be possible for drugs and disease

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg have identified a new method for detecting drug use and disease through analyzing compounds in exhaled breath. The study found that methadone was present in all samples using both methods, but with varying concentrations, highlighting the importance of device design and sampling technique.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

CRISPR-Cas9 technique targeting epigenetics reverses disease in mice

Scientists develop modified CRISPR-Cas9 technique that alters gene activity without cutting DNA, reversing diseases in mice models. The technique uses adeno-associated viruses to introduce genetic manipulation machinery to cells, promoting expression of target genes without introducing mutations.