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Science News Archive November 2018


Page 9 of 42

Using microcredit to increase rice yield in Bangladesh

A study by Kyoto University found that microcredit programs in Bangladesh increased rice yield and overall crop farm income. Households also showed a higher adoption of hybrid and high-yield rice varieties. Additionally, there was a positive effect on cultivating owned land and livestock ownership.

Big study of fishing communities finds good neighbors are hard to come by

A recent study of 89 fishing communities in East Africa reveals that neighborly agreements are uncommon, highlighting the challenges of sustainable use and the tragedy of the commons dilemma. The researchers found that predictable factors like activities proposed and historical context influence perceptions of costs and benefits.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Complex systems help explain how democracy is destabilised

Economic inequality and political divergence can lead to instability in democracies. Social media algorithms also play a role in distorting public opinion and creating false consensus effects. The researchers argue that a better understanding of complex systems is needed to preserve democratic institutions.

Smarter AI: Machine learning without negative data

Researchers developed a new machine learning method that allows AI to make classifications without negative data, a crucial component in traditional classification technology. This breakthrough enables AI systems to function effectively even when limited by data regulation or business constraints.

Alcohol dependence, psychiatric disorders share genetic links

A recent study identified a gene that regulates alcohol metabolism and found associations between this gene and risk for depression and other psychiatric disorders. The study also discovered different variants in the same gene affect risk levels in European and African populations.

Study identifies a genetic driver of deadly prostate cancer

A new study has identified a novel molecular driver of lethal prostate cancer and a molecule that could be used to attack it. The findings, if confirmed in humans, could lead to more effective ways to control certain aggressive types of prostate cancer.

How ancient viruses got cannabis high

Researchers created a cannabis chromosome map, detailing gene arrangement on chromosomes, published in Genome Research. The study reveals ancient colonization by viruses, which influenced the production of THC and CBD, lesser-known cannabinoids.

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.

Environment turns molecule into a switch

Physicists from the University of Würzburg have successfully manipulated a molecule into two stable states by controlling its environment using an electrical field. This breakthrough could enable the creation of molecular switches for spintronics applications, a promising technology for future data processing.

Disordered materials could be hardest, most heat-tolerant carbides

Researchers at Duke University and UC San Diego have discovered a new class of carbides that are harder and lighter than current materials, with high melting points. The five-metal carbides, which rely on disorder for stability, may find use in industries such as machinery, hardware, and aerospace.

Playing youth football could affect brain development

A new study suggests that playing a season of contact sports like youth football can affect normal gray matter pruning in the brain. Researchers found significant increases in power and gray matter volume in the frontal default mode network in high-impact players.

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.

Something to chew on

A team of scientists found that herbivory has a complex relationship with plant diversity, but is crucial for maintaining biodiversity when dominant species are present. In some grasslands, herbivores help regulate the growth of fast-growing plants and promote smaller, slower-growing species.

NIH researchers discover neural code that predicts behavior

Scientists at the National Eye Institute have found that neurons in the superior colliculus are key players in allowing us to detect visual objects and events. The findings show that a specific population of neurons directly cause a behavior, and a mathematical model can predict behavior based on these neurons.

Hacking the aging code: Big data for saving human lives

Researchers used big data from human medical studies and physics approaches to develop novel anti-aging therapeutics and biomarkers of aging. The strategy involves analyzing data from large biobanks and applying concepts from complex dynamic systems to predict biological age, aging rate, and potential targets for therapies.

New biocontainment strategy controls spread of escaped GMOs

Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a biocontainment strategy to safely control the spread of genetically modified cyanobacteria. By engineering microalgae to depend on a specific nutrient, they prevent its survival outside of a controlled environment.

Creating rings in natural antibiotic synthesis

Researchers discovered an enzymatic reaction cascade generating the essential 6-membered ring in mupirocin production. The finding builds on earlier research and could lead to the development of new antibiotics with improved properties.

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.

Coordinated development could help wind farms be better neighbors

A new study highlights the previously underexplored consequence of wake effects from upwind wind farms on downwind neighbors' energy production. The research demonstrates that these effects are measurable and predictable yet remain largely unaccounted for in current U.S. property law.

Scripps Research scientists unveil promising new HIV vaccine strategy

A new candidate HIV vaccine from Scripps Research stimulates a powerful anti-HIV antibody response in animal tests, overcoming technical hurdles that stymied previous vaccine efforts. The vaccine strategy is based on the HIV envelope protein, Env, and uses a simple method to stabilize Env proteins in the desired shape.

Artificial intelligence may help reduce gadolinium dose in MRI

Researchers used AI to analyze imaging data from patients who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI exams and found that low-dose images yielded significant information, suggesting a potential method to reduce gadolinium dose. The study's findings demonstrate the algorithm's ability to approximate full-dose images without contrast agent use.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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The tragedy of the commons -- minus the tragedy

Researchers found that complex adaptive systems with self-organizing processes and low population densities can lead to sustainable resource use. Freedom of movement and an ethos of sharing are key conditions necessary for successful sharing.

How common are eating disorders in young children?

A study of 4,500 US children aged 9-10 found an overall frequency of eating disorder diagnoses at 1.4%, with no significant differences between girls and boys. The prevalence of specific disorders varied, including anorexia nervosa (0.1%), binge-eating disorder (0.6%), and other specified feeding and eating disorders (0.7%).

'Old-fashioned fieldwork' puts new frog species on the map

A team of scientists conducted over 2,000 surveys of chirping frog calls to define the Atlantic Coast leopard frog's range and characteristics. The study resulted in the first field-verified range map for the species, living primarily in coastal plains from Connecticut to northern North Carolina.

Unraveling evolution of hemipteroid insects

Researchers analyzed evolutionary relationships among hemipteroid insects, revealing diversification around the Carboniferous period. The placement of Psocodea in the tree remains unresolved.

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.

Parents: Take a timeout before you force your child to apologize

A new study from the University of Michigan found that children can distinguish between willing and coerced apologies. Parents are advised to help their child learn empathy for the victim before forcing an apology. This approach ensures a sincere apology and maintains a positive relationship.

Sunset crater, San Francisco volcanic field

The Sunset Crater volcano in Arizona, USA experienced a highly explosive sub-Plinian eruption with pyroclastic fall deposits, lava flows, and associated effects on pre-historic inhabitants. The eruption is considered one of the most explosive monogenetic eruptions studied to date.

Science of science communication

Researchers investigate methods to improve science communication, including conveying uncertainty in policy analysis and large-scale social challenges. The study highlights the importance of addressing misinformation and faulty communication in fostering public trust in the scientific enterprise.

Weight loss procedure shrinks both fat and muscle

A new study found that left gastric artery embolization, a weight loss procedure, not only reduces body fat but also leads to significant muscle mass loss. The researchers emphasized the need for proper nutritional counseling after the procedure to mitigate this risk.

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.

How to pay for national pharmacare

Implementing a national pharmacare program in 2020 would require $9.7 billion in public funding, resulting in $13.5 billion in savings to the private sector. The authors suggest using a mix of federal revenue sources, including small increases in personal and corporate taxes.

Mutations boost immunity: Toward a cancer vaccine

Researchers develop method to identify tumor-specific factors in blood that can elicit a protective immune response, potentially leading to an effective vaccine against cancer. The technique relies on peptide arrays and frameshift mutations, which have been shown to be more effective stimulators of immune response than point mutations.

Childhood physical inactivity reaches crisis levels around the globe

A global report by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance shows that childhood physical inactivity is a pervasive public health problem affecting children worldwide. The report grades 49 countries on their physical activity levels, revealing that excessive screen time and urbanization are major contributors to this issue.

Virtual models provide real knowledge in the grass family

Researchers created high-quality 3D digital representations of plant structures to answer questions about taxonomic classification, wind pollination, and seed production. The technique has the potential to revolutionize botany education and inform macroevolutionary studies, highlighting the beauty of grass flowers.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Living electrodes with bacteria and organic electronics

Scientists at Linköping University create a new type of living electrode by embedding Shewanella oneidensis bacteria into conducting polymers, resulting in a significant increase in electron flow and current output. The technology has potential applications in environmental sensors and bioelectronics.

Do you have a healthy personality? Researchers think they can tell you

A recent study from UC Davis identifies a healthy personality prototype, characterized by low neuroticism and high openness to feelings, warmth, positive emotions, and agreeable straightforwardness. Individuals with healthy personalities tend to be better adjusted, with higher self-esteem and lower aggression.

VitalTag to give vital information in mass casualty incidents

Researchers developed a stick-on sensor that measures vital signs to help first responders quickly triage, treat, and transport injured patients. The VitalTag system provides real-time monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, and other metrics, enabling improved situational awareness and resource management.

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.

Microbes 'MacGyver' membrane transport

E. coli's KdpFABC transport system uses a unique combination of pore and transporter to import potassium ions into the cell, blurring the boundaries between passive transport and active transport complexes. This discovery challenges the long-held dogma that these two systems are mutually exclusive.

Weight likely cause for one-fourth of asthma cases in kids with obesity

A study analyzing health data for over 500,000 children in the US suggests that obesity is a likely cause of approximately one-fourth of asthma cases in children who are obese. The research found that nearly 1 million cases of childhood asthma may be preventable by maintaining a healthy weight.

Parents: To prepare kids financially, give them practice with money

Research highlights the importance of experiential learning in financial socialization, suggesting that parents give children real-world experience with money to help prepare them for adulthood. Parents can provide this experience through various means, such as regular allowances or rewarding good grades with cash, and should start ear...

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.

Targeting MC1R in metastatic melanoma

Researchers have identified a genetic change common to 80% of human melanomas and developed a molecule that targets this change. The molecule binds to melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on the surface of melanoma cells, allowing for imaging and potential therapy delivery.

Jurassic integrative stratigraphy and timescale of China

The study explores the Yanshan Movement's impact on eastern China's Jurassic stratigraphy, indicating a southward subduction of the Siberian Plate. The region experienced significant uplift during the Late Triassic period and underwent changes in biological assemblages.

Drying Canadian wetland drives muskrat decline

Researchers found that the Peace-Athabasca Delta has been drying since the 1970s, significantly reducing muskrat habitat and leading to a decline in the species. The study used satellite imagery to track changes in water levels and revealed a 32% loss of suitable muskrat habitat over 46 years.

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.

Citrate-based biomaterial fuels bone healing with less rejection

Researchers at Penn State have discovered that citrate, a natural product found in bones and citrus fruit, can fuel bone healing by providing extra energy for stem cells. This understanding will help develop slow-release biomaterials to speed up bone repair and reduce inflammation.

The age of puberty for Danish children appears to continue to fall

A new Danish study from Aarhus University found that girls' pubertal milestones, such as breast development and acne, are occurring 3 months earlier than those of their mothers. Boys also reached several puberty benchmarks 6 months to a year earlier than in previous studies

New way to analyze metagenome

Researchers created Knomics-Biota to analyze metagenomic data, identifying bacteria types, proportions, and beneficial substances. The platform allows users to visualize results and compare data with thousands of other samples, facilitating international collaborations in microbiome analysis.

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.

Steroid synthesis discovery could rewrite the textbooks

Researchers have discovered a new central enzyme in the steroid biosynthesis pathway, challenging long-held evolutionary views. The finding has potential applications for controlling toxic algae and parasitic infections in aquaculture.

Drinking water sucked from the dusty desert air

Researchers at KAUST developed a device that can capture its own weight in water from fresh air and release it when warmed by sunlight. The device uses deliquescent salt and a polymer hydrogel to absorb moisture from the air, which is then released continuously with the help of carbon nanotubes.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone 33W dissipating

Tropical Cyclone 33W, known as Usagi, weakened to a depression after landfall near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The satellite captured its disorganized remnants dissipating over the Ca Mau Peninsula on November 26, 2018.

UC3M creates a new computer vision professorship

The UC3M and Álava Engineers have created a professorship to encourage research in computer vision, focusing on image capture and analysis. The joint project will develop applications for offline and online image processing using various technologies.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.