Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive January 2018


Page 23 of 37

Atmospheric rivers and storm prediction

Atmospheric rivers originating in three main clusters exhibit diverse track shapes, landfall regions, and precipitation anomalies. Improved understanding of these features can enhance storm prediction and preparation for their impacts on water supply maintenance.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New record at ultracold neutron source in Mainz

Scientists at Mainz University have increased the yield of their ultracold neutron source by a factor of 3.5, achieving 8.5 UCN per cubic centimeter. This improvement enables more sensitive measurements to determine the lifetime of free neutrons and is crucial for experiments in fundamental research.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Policy proposals and response to immigration

Researchers found that state-level immigration policies positively impact Latino sense of belonging, especially with welcoming policies like bilingual documents and social services for noncitizens. White Americans also report increased belonging when considering welcoming immigrant policies, except for conservatives.

Robots aid better understanding of phytoplankton blooms

Researchers have developed biogeochemical profiling floats to collect data on phytoplankton blooms, identifying the starting point for explosive spring blooms. These robots provide unparalleled data on ocean conditions, including light intensity, suspended particles, and chlorophyll concentration.

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.

Possible cause of early colonial-era Mexican epidemic identified

Researchers from Max Planck Institute and Harvard University use ancient DNA analysis to uncover the possible cause of a devastating epidemic in Oaxaca, Mexico. The study found evidence of Salmonella enterica Paratyphi C, a pathogen that causes enteric fever, in skeletons of victims of the cocoliztli epidemic.

Research will help protect military from hackers

A team of researchers led by Heng Yin at the University of California, Riverside, is working on a $4.68 million grant to develop methods for securing legacy systems used in government agencies, including the Department of Defense.

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.

Naturalization barriers for low-income immigrants

A study found that US naturalization rates are lower compared to countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK. Low-income immigrant applicants often face challenges due to the high cost of naturalization fees, hindering their ability to become citizens.

Potential brain-machine interface for hand paralysis

A brain-machine interface combining brain stimulation and robotic control increases neural signal strength, potentially benefiting stroke patients with hand paralysis. This technique harnesses additional neurons to enhance motor function.

New application for acoustics helps estimate marine life populations

Researchers used hydroacoustics to compare fish abundance within and outside Mexico's Cabo Pulmo National Park, finding a four-fold increase in protected areas. The study demonstrates a cost-effective method for assessing fish populations and highlights the importance of marine protected areas for maintaining sustainable fisheries.

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.

Teens likely to crave junk food after watching TV ads

A study by Cancer Research UK found that teens who watch TV with adverts are more likely to eat unhealthy foods like crisps, biscuits, and fizzy drinks, consuming up to 500 extra snacks a year. The report suggests that reducing junk food TV marketing could help halt the obesity crisis.

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.

Brain connectivity and creativity

A study using functional MRI data from 163 participants found a functional brain network associated with creativity involving the default mode, executive, and salience networks. The strength of this network's connectivity was linked to an individual's creative ability score.

HKBU scholars develop new technology to decode gene transcription

A research team from HKBU has developed a new technology to accurately establish a gene regulatory route for analyzing genetic function and understanding complex biological events. The 'LogicTRN' algorithm can help locate key regulatory routes for complicated diseases, facilitating targeted therapy drug development.

War in Ukraine has escalated HIV spread in the country

A study published in PNAS found that conflict in Ukraine has increased the risk of HIV outbreaks due to displaced people moving from war-affected regions to areas with higher risk of transmission. The research suggests that harm reduction services should be scaled up and international support provided to prevent further transmission.

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.

Preterm babies may suffer setbacks in auditory brain development, speech

A new study found that preterm babies experience delays in auditory brain development, which are associated with speech and language impairments at age 2. The researchers used diffusion neuroimaging to track the development of the primary and nonprimary auditory cortex in the brains of preterm infants.

Scientists home in on a potential Anthropocene 'Golden Spike'

A global reference section for the Anthropocene might be searched for in areas between 1952 to 1955 based on nuclear testing and fossil fuel burning signals. Continuous annually layered strata, such as those found in oxygen-starved seas, lakes, glacial ice, corals, and trees with seasonal growth rings, provide the best geological archive.

Zoology: Luminescent lizards

Chameleons' bony tubercles on their heads emit blue fluorescent light when exposed to UV, creating distinct patterns that aid in species recognition. This phenomenon was previously unknown and is believed to play a role in mate attraction.

Lifting barriers to citizenship for low-income immigrants

The study found that low-income immigrants are deterred from applying for US citizenship due to the high cost of the application process, with costs rising by 800% since 1985. A new public-private program, NaturalizeNY, offers vouchers covering the fee, doubling the application rate among recipients.

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.

Algorithm for predicting speech development

Researchers developed a machine learning algorithm using MRI data to predict speech development in children with cochlear implants. The study found that neural preservation underlies improved speech in young CI recipients.

Confined movements: How cells form tubes in confined spaces

A team of scientists developed a novel platform to study lumen formation in epithelial tubes, which can lead to diseases like atherosclerosis and kidney failure. The 3D microtube setup allows cells to form tubes under different physical constraints, revealing the importance of mechanical forces in tissue development.

Unexpected environmental source of methane discovered

Researchers uncover an enzymatic pathway in certain microorganisms that produces both ammonia and methane simultaneously. This previously unknown route for natural methane production has significant implications for understanding microbial interactions and the environment.

New Carnegie Mellon dynamic statistical model follows gene expressions over time

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new dynamic statistical model to visualize changing patterns in networks, including gene expression during developmental periods of the brain. The model, Persistent Communities by Eigenvector Smoothing (PisCES), combines information across multiple networks over time to identif...

Rising obesity and mortality rates in the United States

Rising US obesity has been linked to exceptionally slow mortality rate improvements and increased life expectancy gaps with other wealthy countries. The study found that a 0.54% reduction in annual death rate gains was associated with the rise in maximum lifetime body mass index.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Study: Pulsating dissolution found in crystals

German researchers observed pulses of dissolution in dissolving crystals, marked by waves spreading from etch pits and screw dislocations. These findings challenge the long-held assumption that dissolution is a continuous process.

An emergency response to Canada's opioid overdose crisis

A commentary argues that Canada should develop a regulated program to distribute pharmaceutical-grade opioids to people at highest risk of overdose. This approach aims to provide safer alternatives to illegal sources of pain relief, reducing the protracted epidemic of overdose deaths.

Armed conflict and HIV spread in Ukraine

Conflict-induced displacement of people in eastern Ukraine has been shown to drive the spread of HIV within the country. The largest exporters of viral lineages were regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, which then spread to central and southern regions, as well as cities like Kyiv and Odessa.

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.

Danish researchers reveal how the MRSA bacterium handles stress

Researchers at Aarhus University have determined a fundamental mechanism by which staphylococci bacteria handle stress when exposed to antibiotics. The discovery reveals that bacteria produce an enzyme capable of modifying DNA building blocks into signal molecules, allowing them to survive antibiotic treatment.

An efficient approach of conjugated tetraenes from butadiene and alkynes

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a one-pot approach to synthesizing conjugated tetraenes from inexpensive reagents, eliminating waste production and simplifying the process. The new method has potential applications in electronic materials, natural products, and pharmaceutical molecules.

Mysteries of a promising spintronic material revealed

Researchers at UC Riverside used ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy to investigate the strength of electron spin interactions with phonons in antiferromagnetic nickel oxide crystals. The study sheds light on long-standing puzzles surrounding this material and has important implications for developing spintronic devices.

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.

Mapping the social landscape

Scientists discovered a sub-population of neurons in bats' brains that encode the specific location of other bats nearby. These 'social place cells' support the idea that our brains create a cognitive map not just of our location, but also one that includes social mapping.

Surfers three times more likely to have antibiotic-resistant bacteria in guts

A new study by the University of Exeter found that regular surfers and bodyboarders are three times more likely to have antibiotic-resistant E. coli in their guts than non-surfers. The researchers discovered that surfers swallow ten times more seawater, increasing their risk of ingesting bacteria that can survive antibiotic treatment.

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.

Species identification in the water bottle

Researchers at TUM investigated environmental factors affecting eDNA analysis, revealing that specific conditions can hinder detection success. Organic substances and algae were found to interfere with molecular analysis.

Map of ionospheric disturbances to help improve radio network systems

Researchers have created a new map of medium-scale travelling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) to better understand their impact on radio signal distribution. MSTIDs are huge wave perturbations that can interfere with radio signals, and this study provides valuable insights into their structure and behavior.

New warning system discovered in the immune defense

Researchers at Linköping University have discovered a previously unknown warning system in the immune defense that triggers an alarm, sending signals to surrounding cells. This process involves the release of mitochondrial DNA strands by white blood cells in response to infections like bacteria and viruses.

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.

Surprising discovery could lead to better batteries

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory observed an unexpected phenomenon in lithium-ion batteries, where the concentration of lithium inside individual nanoparticles reverses. This discovery could help develop batteries that charge faster and last longer.

Stingray soft robot could lead to bio-inspired robotics

Researchers developed a soft robot that mimics the stingray's flattened body shape and side fins, enabling the creation of bio-electromechanical systems. The robot features living heart cells, biomaterials, and flexible electrodes, allowing it to 'flap' its fins.

Print a 200-million-year-old dinosaur fossil in your own home

Researchers have made it possible to 3-D print and study a 200-million-year-old South African dinosaur skull, the Massospondylus. The digital reconstruction was created using CT scans, allowing for detailed analysis of its inner ear and brain structure.

Jet stream changes since 1960s linked to more extreme weather

Researchers found that increased fluctuations in the jet stream's path since the 1960s coincide with more extreme weather events, including heat waves, droughts, wildfires, and flooding. The study used tree ring data to reconstruct historical changes in the North Atlantic jet stream prior to the 20th century.

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.

Expert unlocks mechanics of how snakes move in a straight line

Researchers discovered snakes use unique skin movement to propel themselves forward in a straight line. This rectilinear locomotion gives them an advantage in confined spaces and could inform robotics for search-and-rescue operations and underwater inspections.

Newborn immune activation may have long-term negative impact on brain function

A study by McLean Hospital neuroscientists reveals that brief immune system activation within days of birth can cause persistent changes in sleep patterns and epilepsy-like brain activity, common symptoms in autism spectrum disorder. The findings suggest that early postnatal immune activation can have long-term negative impacts on brai...