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Science News Archive July 2018 - Page 12


Page 12 of 38

'Ribbon' wraps up mystery of Jupiter's magnetic equator

Researchers have discovered a complex and previously unknown phenomenon in Jupiter's upper atmosphere. The discovery reveals that the planet's magnetic equator is surprisingly simple, but its ionosphere between the equator and pole is very complex.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 23, 2018

Paying parents to read to their children boosts literacy skills

A new study found that paying parents to read to their children leads to significant gains in reading test scores for kids with language impairment. The innovative approach, which offered just 50 cents per reading session, was more effective than other techniques, including positive feedback and encouragement.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJul 23, 2018
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.

Mother's touch supports pup's brain development

A mother's presence can modulate serotonin levels in her pup's developing brain, according to a rat study published in eNeuro. The research found that maternal care increases activity in the prefrontal cortex, a region rich in serotonin receptors.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJul 23, 2018

Cold wave reveals potential benefits of urban heat islands

Researchers found that urban areas stayed warmer than surrounding suburbs and country during a 2014 cold wave, with temperature differences greatest at night. The study suggests that heat released from buildings can help cities reduce heating demand and make being outdoors more tolerable during extreme cold.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateJul 23, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Increases in westerly winds weaken the Southern Ocean carbon sink

A new study of lake sediments reveals that increased westerly winds are likely to reduce the Southern Ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This could accelerate climate change as the Southern Ocean currently absorbs over 40% of human-produced carbon dioxide.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 23, 2018

Exhaled e-vapor particles evaporate in seconds -- new study

A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that exhaled e-vapor particles are liquid droplets that evaporate within seconds, returning to background levels rapidly. This reinforces the evidence that vaping has a minimal impact on indoor air quality compared to smoking conventional cigarettes.

SourceFontem Ventures·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJul 23, 2018

An overview of healthcare monitoring by flexible electronics

Recent advances in flexible and stretchable electronics are used for electronic skins and biological devices in human healthcare. The materials, structures, and functionalities of various biological sensors are introduced to provide potential ideas for commercial applications.

SourceScience China Press·DateJul 23, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Model fuses social media, remote sensing data with goal of identifying nuclear threats

The model uses mathematical equations to translate incompatible data streams into a neutral format, enabling comparison and analysis of satellite imagery and social media posts. Researchers tested the model using data from a 2013 flood in Colorado, resolving incompatibility issues and accurately estimating flooding locations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing·DateJul 23, 2018

Native bison hunters amplified climate impacts on North American prairie fires

A new study led by Southern Methodist University archaeologist Christopher I. Roos reveals that Native American communities actively managed North American prairies for centuries, using fire to manipulate bison herds and amplify the effects of climate on prairie fire patterns.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2018

New scholarly focus needed to help solve global food crisis, U-M experts say

A group of 12 University of Michigan faculty members propose a new analytical framework for studying the global food system, focusing on ecology, equity, culture, and human health. This shift in focus is needed to address the unsustainable nature of current approaches to solving the global food crisis.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·DateJul 23, 2018
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.

Warming alters predator-prey interactions in the Arctic

New research from Washington University in St. Louis found that warming conditions can alter the way wolf spiders interact with their prey, including springtails and fungi, leading to changes in ecosystem processes like decomposition. This shift could potentially alleviate some impacts of global warming on carbon losses from the tundra.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2018

Study provides insight into how dying neurons control eating behaviors of the brain microglia

Researchers discovered that brain microglia clearance activity in different regions goes hand in hand with natural neuronal degeneration. Microglia can mistakenly attack healthy neurons if their 'eating' behavior is turned on inappropriately, leading to cellular changes associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 23, 2018
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.

Noise on kids' hospital wards at night exceeds recommended maximum

A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that noise on children's medical wards at night exceeds the World Health Organization's recommended maximum limit. Children and their parents experienced significantly less sleep than when sleeping at home, with an average loss of over an hour.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 23, 2018

The Milky Way's long-lost sibling finally found

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found a massive galaxy, M32p, in Andromeda's outer stellar halo, shedding light on the evolution and survival of disk galaxies. This discovery helps explain the formation of Andromeda's enigmatic M32 satellite galaxy.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 23, 2018

Sulfur analysis supports timing of oxygen's appearance

Researchers found that ancient rock sulfur isotope anomalies align in rivers eroding the rocks, supporting the timing of oxygen's appearance around 2.7 billion years ago. The balance suggests a robust oxygenation event, allowing for better understanding of complex life's emergence.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 23, 2018
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.

Vessel tracking exposes the dark side of trading at sea

A large-scale analysis of vessel interactions exposes potential for illegal activities like drug smuggling and human trafficking. Transshipment, a common practice in fisheries, lacks regulation and transparency, hindering sustainable management.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJul 23, 2018

Breakthrough in battle against type 2 diabetes

Experts from the University of Stirling have made a breakthrough in understanding how people respond to lifestyle treatment for preventing Type 2 diabetes. A new genomic signature has been discovered that indicates improved insulin sensitivity in individuals whose Type 2 diabetes status improves following a treatment intervention.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 23, 2018
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.

In Southern Mozambique, only half of people diagnosed with HIV enroll in medical care

In Southern Mozambique, half of those diagnosed with HIV do not enroll in medical care. The study highlights the need to develop interventions to facilitate access to care and treatment among this population. Only 44% attend a medical visit three months after diagnosis, while 25% initiate antiretroviral treatment.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJul 23, 2018

Artificial intelligence saves water for water users associations

A researcher at the University of Córdoba has developed a model that uses artificial intelligence to predict water needs for farmers, helping to reduce waste and conserve resources. The model uses fuzzy logic and neural networks to analyze data from remote control systems and establish optimal irrigation depths.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalAgricultural Water Management·DateJul 23, 2018

Pregnancy and reproductive history may impact dementia risk

Research suggests that reproductive factors, including number of children, miscarriages, age at first menstrual period, and reproductive period, may contribute to dementia risk in women. Women who had three or more children were found to have a lower risk of dementia, while those with earlier onset of menstruation or shorter reproducti...

SourceAlzheimer's Association·DateJul 23, 2018

Pilot program improves staff confidence in dealing with airway emergencies

A pilot program at Hackensack Meridian Health improved staff confidence in managing airway emergencies through simulation-based training, revised data collection tools, and standardized crash carts. The program resulted in significant gains in readiness, with 41.67% of staff feeling "very confident" in managing respiratory distress.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·DateJul 23, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Should you share data of threatened species?

A new framework helps researchers and conservationists share sensitive data while minimizing harm to threatened species. The framework considers the pros and cons of making data public and provides ways to publish data without putting species at risk.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 23, 2018

Slowdown of North Atlantic circulation rocked the climate of ancient northern Europe

A study from University of Helsinki reveals that sudden cold spells occurred during the Eemian interglacial period, lasting hundreds of years and impacting northern European climate. The research suggests that disturbances in North Atlantic circulation contributed to these shifts, highlighting the sensitivity of this oceanic system.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

NIST builds statistical foundation for next-generation forensic DNA profiling

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a statistical foundation for calculating match statistics when using Next Generation Sequencing in forensic DNA profiling. This new data enables labs to generate reliable match statistics, even with partial DNA profiles or mixtures from multiple individuals.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJul 23, 2018

Giant neurons in the brain may play similarly giant role in awareness and cognition

Research from Rockefeller University reveals that giant neurons in the brainstem, called nucleus gigantocellularis, express genes linked to nitric oxide production and blood vessel relaxation. This discovery supports their role in initiating behavior and potentially understanding psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder and ADHD.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2018

Mouse model of Rett Syndrome

A mouse model was created to study Rett Syndrome, showing that low-level MECP2 expression extends lifespan and improves neuromotor function. Therapeutic potential for RTT patients was identified with 5-10% MECP2 restoration associated with improved outcomes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2018
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.

New health calculator can help predict heart disease risk, estimate heart age

The Cardiovascular Disease Population Risk Tool (CVDPoRT) uses a 'big data' approach to accurately predict an individual's risk of hospitalization or death from cardiovascular disease within the next five years. The calculator also provides heart age, an easy-to-understand measure of heart health.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 23, 2018

How experience changes basics of memory formation

Researchers found that experienced animals form memories using different plasticity mechanisms than naive subjects, suggesting the way our neurons form new connections depends on their prior history. Previously activated neurons were more excitable, making them capable of different kinds of plasticity.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJul 23, 2018

Imaging in living cells reveals how 'junk DNA' switches on a gene

In a breakthrough study, researchers have captured video showing how pieces of non-coding DNA, known as enhancers, find and activate target genes in living cells. The study provides insight into the mechanism of gene regulation and has implications for understanding normal development and disease processes.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 23, 2018
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Immune response of Ebola survivors

Researchers identified cytotoxic T cell responses to Ebola-specific proteins in 26 Sierra Leonean survivors, suggesting a vaccine targeting both viral nucleoprotein and glycoprotein could elicit cell-mediated immunity. The study provides insights into the immune response of Ebola survivors and potential strategies for vaccine development.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2018

Bigger eyes but reduced brain power in nocturnal fishes

A recent study published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that nocturnal fishes have larger eyes than day-active species, but smaller optic tecta, indicating a trade-off in brain power. This adaptation allows them to detect movement and navigate in low-light conditions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 23, 2018
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.

The 'secret sauce' for high-performing NICUs

High-performing neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) share eight critical factors in common, including strong performance-improvement leadership and effective communication strategies. These factors contribute to a culture of quality and safety, leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 23, 2018

Slimy chemical clues: Changing algae could alter ecosystems

Researchers found that coralline algae, often considered a canary in the coal mine for ecosystem changes, are responding to ocean acidification by altering their chemical cues. This shift could impact the overall ecosystem as species interact differently with each other.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 23, 2018

Cell-sized robots can sense their environment

Researchers at MIT have developed tiny robots made of electronic circuits coupled to minuscule particles called colloids, which can flow through intestines or pipelines to detect problems. The devices are self-powered, requiring no external power source or internal batteries.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 23, 2018
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Organic Mega Flow Battery transcends lifetime, voltage thresholds

Researchers have developed a new organic molecule that can store and release energy tens of thousands of times over multi-year periods. The 'Methuselah' quinone molecule avoids degradation problems of previous molecules, providing long-term stability and high energy storage.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalJoule·DateJul 23, 2018

Ytterbium: The quantum memory of tomorrow

Researchers at UNIGE have discovered ytterbium, a rare earth element that can store and protect quantum information even at high frequencies. The material's properties make it an ideal candidate for future quantum networks, where the aim is to propagate signals over long distances by acting as repeaters.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 23, 2018

Enzyme lays the foundations for allergic immune response

Researchers found that guanylate cyclase enzyme plays a crucial role in the allergic immune response, and its inhibition can lead to reduced symptoms. The study used knock-out mice lacking this enzyme to show that Th1 responses can suppress Th2 responses, resulting in weaker allergy symptoms.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 23, 2018
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.

Detecting damage in non-magnetic steel with the help of magnetism

Scientists from JGU and the University of Kaiserslautern have developed a process to apply a thin magnetic layer to steel, allowing for the detection of microstructural changes by changes in magnetic effects. This method has the advantage of detecting signs of fatigue much earlier than conventional testing procedures.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials·DateJul 23, 2018

Americans' view of marijuana use is more favorable than existing evidence supports

A nationally representative survey suggests that Americans' view of marijuana use is more favorable than existing evidence supports, with many ascribing health benefits to marijuana despite insufficient evidence. The survey found extensive gaps in understanding the health effects and safety of marijuana use.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 23, 2018