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Science News Archive September 2018


Page 24 of 37

NASA-NOAA satellite analyzes rainmaker Hurricane Florence

Hurricane Florence is approximately 400 miles in diameter, with cloud top temperatures of -80F indicating heavy rainfall capability. The storm has the potential to produce extremely dangerous conditions, including life-threatening storm surges and rainfall exceeding 20 inches in coastal North Carolina.

The spark that created life

Researchers at Monash University have discovered structural capacitance elements in mutated proteins associated with human diseases, particularly cancers. These elements enable mutations to trigger a gain-of-function, shedding light on protein evolution and the engineering of highly evolvable proteins.

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.

Mathematicians propose first continuous self-organized criticality model

Researchers present a new continuous model describing self-organized criticality, integrating areas such as economics and developmental biology. The model uses tropical geometry to describe the dynamics of critical systems, providing a universal solution for phenomena like earthquakes and sandpiles.

Thousands of breast cancer gene variants engineered and analyzed

Researchers have analyzed nearly 4,000 mutations in the BRCA1 gene, shedding light on its role in breast and ovarian cancer. The findings provide immediate benefits to patients with previously inconclusive genetic test results, enabling clinicians to better interpret variant of uncertain significance.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Where have all the turtles gone, and why does it matter?

The study highlights the critical ecological roles turtles play in maintaining healthy food webs, dispersing seeds, and creating habitats for other species. The decline of turtles could have far-reaching consequences on ecosystems and human populations.

Corruption is hard to hide if you're a politician whose face is wide

A Caltech study shows that people can accurately judge a politician's honesty based on their face width. Researchers found that politicians with wider faces were perceived as more corruptible, but it's unclear if they're actually more corrupt. The study suggests that facial appearance may play a role in corruption perceptions.

Turtle species decline may impact environments worldwide

A study published in BioScience reveals that 61 percent of the world's 356 turtle species are threatened or extinct, which could have ecological consequences. Turtles play a crucial role in maintaining healthy food webs and dispersing seeds, making their decline a concern for ecosystems around the globe.

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.

MPFI scientist receives more than $2 million in funding

The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) awards Dr. Jason Christie $2,082,074 to investigate neural circuits in the cerebellum and their role in motor learning. The goal is to understand how neurons interact with each other to facilitate learning outcomes.

Multimedia graphic design -- 73,000 years ago

A 73,000-year-old drawing made on a silcrete flake in Blombos Cave, South Africa, is the oldest known example of human-made art. The team used various techniques, including microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, to confirm that the lines were applied to the stone.

Contrary to popular belief, ALS does affect the mind

A new study published in Neurology shows that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects the mind, especially later in the disease, leading to cognitive and behavioral problems such as apathy, changes in eating behaviors, and loss of sympathy or empathy. People with ALS are recommended to be routinely screened for these issues.

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.

Chicago sudden infant death cases never make the news

A study by Rush University Medical Center found that Chicago news media reported 59% of child traffic crash deaths and 38% of fire-related deaths, but not a single case of sudden unexpected infant death. This lack of reporting contributes to parents' unawareness of the risks involved, leading to unsafe sleep environments.

We may hear others' footsteps, but how do we ignore our own?

Scientists have uncovered how mice ignore their own footsteps, offering insights into human speech and music learning. The study shows that mice develop an adjustable sensory filter to suppress movement-related sounds, improving sound detection in their environment.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Veterans overtreated for blood pressure on leaving hospital

A new study by UCSF researchers reveals that nearly one in seven older veterans with hypertension are discharged with increased blood pressure medications despite having well-controlled blood pressure prior to their hospital stay. The study suggests a potential risk of medication harm due to overtreatment, particularly among older adults.

Experts reveal 'football vision' as important as ball skills

Young footballers would benefit from more time learning to read the field and less on ball skills. Research suggests scanning should be taught alongside technical and tactical skills to improve awareness, decision-making, and technical actions. Coaches with higher qualifications and experience tend to prioritize scanning.

Sensors that are literally 'music to one's ears' (video)

Researchers have developed a new sensor that uses the mbira instrument to detect toxic substances and counterfeit medications. The sensor can distinguish between different liquids by their density, making it a potential tool for detecting counterfeit medication.

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.

Among body shapes, pears are healthier than apples

A study by UC Riverside researchers found that male mice on high-fat diets experienced neuroinflammation and reduced testosterone levels, while female mice remained protected. The findings suggest ovarian estrogen plays a crucial role in protecting females against weight gain and associated health issues.

Keep them guessing, keep them gaming

A recent study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that uncertain rewards motivate consumers to make repeat purchases. This phenomenon is attributed to the psychological boost consumers receive in moving from uncertainty to certainty resolution.

New ultrasonic wave phenomenon leads to improved safety for society

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have discovered a new ultrasonic wave phenomenon that enables precise and nondestructive detection of fatigue and early damage in thin plate materials. This technology surpasses conventional methods, allowing for accurate evaluation of material damage even before it occurs.

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.

An old drug finds new purpose against retinal neovascularization

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have found that amodiaquine suppresses blood vessel formation through both the apelin and VEGF pathways, reversing vascular eye damage in animal models. The compound blocks the receptor's function by binding to a unique area, inhibiting apelin's ability to drive blood ve...

High dose folic acid does not prevent pre-eclampsia in high risk women

A randomised controlled trial found that high dose folic acid supplementation beyond the first trimester has no benefit for preventing pre-eclampsia. However, low dose folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy are still strongly recommended to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.

What's your data privacy style?

Researchers aim to understand how individuals protect their personal data in the digital age. The new study will develop survey instruments and conduct qualitative fieldwork to identify different strategies for navigating algorithmic privacy. It also plans to create experimental prototype tools to explore the design space around algori...

New combination treatment targets pre-leukemia stem cells

Researchers have discovered a new combination treatment targeting pre-leukemia stem cells by inhibiting protein synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. The treatment, involving FDA-approved drugs omacetaxine and venetoclax, has shown promising results in killing cancerous cells while leaving healthy stem cells unharmed.

Probing individual edge states with unprecedented precision

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a new technique to probe individual edge states in novel materials, such as topological insulators and 2D materials. This allows for precise measurement of current-carrying edge states with nanometer resolution.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Big data is synergized by team and open science

A synergistic approach to big data in science emphasizes the importance of collaborative research efforts and open science. Ecologists must work together to answer complex, globally relevant questions that cross disciplines and require extrapolating findings from one location to another.

Future impacts of El Niño, La Niña likely to intensify

Future El Niño and La Niña events are expected to cause more intense temperature and precipitation changes, including increased wildfire risk in the Southwest US. Climate model simulations suggest that these events will become even cooler and wetter in California, exacerbating flood risks.

NASA looks at Hurricane Helene's water vapor concentration

Scientists monitored hurricane water vapor to gauge potential for intense rainfall; analysis shows coldest cloud top temperatures reaching -70 degrees Fahrenheit. Forecasts predict storm weakening and shifting trajectory over the next few days.

Toward an 'ultra-personalized' therapy for melanoma

A new study identified 'signposts' on cancer cells that can help the immune system recognize and kill them, potentially leading to higher recovery rates. The findings suggest a highly personalized approach to immunotherapy could improve treatment outcomes.

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.

Spring is advancing unevenly across North America

A study found that spring is arriving early in 76% of US National Wildlife Refuges, but not uniformly across migratory bird routes. The team's analysis suggests that higher latitudes are advancing more rapidly than lower latitudes, threatening the synchronization of species with their habitats.

Researchers show bacteriophages can affect melioidosis disease acquisition

A mathematical model developed by international researchers predicts that temperature-dependent phages can affect the spread of melioidosis in Southeast Asia. The study reveals opportunities for disease control, including rescheduling work on rice fields and using protective gear during high-risk periods.

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.

Biophysics: Pile-ups in protein transport

Theoretical analyses show that different motor proteins moving on the same filament can block each other's motion, leading to patterned distributions and emergent topological hindrance. This phenomenon was not previously modeled, but is now understood through a new theoretical model developed by LMU physicists.

Bacteriophages can affect melioidosis disease acquisition

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the spread of melioidosis in Southeast Asia, highlighting the impact of bacteriophages on bacterial populations. The study found that phage-free bacteria numbers are highest during cooler periods, and using fertilizers can kill off phages, posing a risk of more frequent infections.

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.

Recalled blood pressure drugs not linked to increased short term cancer risk

Researchers and regulators have conducted an expedited analysis of recalled blood pressure drugs, finding no association between use of potentially contaminated products and increased short-term cancer risk. However, a slightly increased risk of colorectal and uterine cancers was found in patients exposed to the impurity NDMA.

Climate and health educators launch knowledge bank

The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE) has launched an online knowledge bank with resources for educators on the health impacts of climate change. The platform features links to publicly available online courses, curricular guidance, and information on upcoming events.

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.

Navigating the path to a Ph.D.

The article tackles key questions about graduate school, including choosing a research program and advisor, and overcoming obstacles like burnout and unexpected setbacks. It provides a roadmap for navigating the chemistry graduate school experience, drawing on stories from students and expert advice.

Enabling 'internet of photonic things' with miniature sensors

A team of researchers successfully recorded environmental data using a wireless photonic sensor resonator with a whispering-gallery-mode architecture, mapping temperature distribution on a drone and recording real-time air temperature data. The findings demonstrate the potential applications of miniature sensors in IoT.

Europe's renewable energy directive poised to harm global forests

The European Renewable Energy Directive may lead to vast new cutting of the world's forests as a result of additional wood needed just to supply 5 percent of Europe's energy. This is expected to increase greenhouse gas emissions by 10 to 15 percent in Europe's energy use by 2050.

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.

Physicists awarded $2 million to investigate neutrons

Researchers at Indiana University are leading an experiment that could shed light on the existence of matter in the universe. The project aims to detect a small separation of electrical charges in neutrons, which would validate theories about the imbalance between matter and antimatter.

NASA sees Paul become a remnant low pressure area

Former Tropical Storm Paul has weakened to a remnant low-pressure area about 1,115 miles west of Mexico's Baja California, as observed by NASA's Aqua satellite. The system is expected to gradually weaken over the next several days.

Musical sensor shows bad medicine plays false note

A new sensor based on a 3,000-year-old African musical instrument can detect adulterated or counterfeit drugs. The device measures the density of any liquid, revealing whether it has the same ingredients as a known product.

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.