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Science News Archive September 2018


Page 7 of 37

Adoption of green stormwater infrastructure rises after floods

Researchers found that residents and property owners are more likely to adopt green stormwater infrastructure practices if they have experienced flooding or erosion. The study suggests a flexible approach to encourage effective stewardship of these practices across diverse populations and landscapes.

What do ducks hear?

Researchers are testing pinger systems to deter diving ducks from gill nets, a major threat to sea bird populations. The study aims to determine the optimal frequency for these devices, which could save hundreds of thousands of birds annually.

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.

NIH-funded genome centers to accelerate precision medicine discoveries

The All of Us Research Program has awarded $28.6M to establish three genome centers, generating genomic data from 1 million biosamples contributed by program participants. These centers will provide critical data for precision medicine research and support studies on various health questions.

To be or not to be a white blood cell, that is the question

Researchers discovered a mechanism that determines whether immature blood cells differentiate into red or subtypes of white blood cells. The study found that repression of Bach factors contributes to the development of anemia of infection/inflammation, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for treating bone marrow and blood disord...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Seasonal reservoir filling in India deforms rock, may trigger earthquakes

Researchers in India used GPS and satellite data to track crustal deformation around reservoirs, finding that seasonal filling can reduce the strength of nearby faults and trigger earthquakes. Even small reservoirs can cause significant deformation capable of triggering an earthquake if there are critically stressed faults in the region.

Genome duplication drives evolution of species

Researchers have confirmed that genome duplication drives the evolution of polyploid plant species, such as Arabidopsis kamchatica. The study found that the double genome allows for advantageous genetic mutations and increased adaptability to environmental conditions.

Super Typhoon Trami's rainfall examined by NASA/JAXA's GPM satellite

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission provided an analysis of super typhoon Trami's heavy rainfall, including rates of over 120 mm per hour within intense storms. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center used GPM data to evaluate the storm's eyewall replacement cycle and predict its future movement.

Why industry influence on research agendas must be addressed

A University of Sydney review of corporate influence on research agendas reveals industry prioritization of profitable product-focused research, compromising public health policies. The study also exposes Coca-Cola's attempts to shift attention from sugar-sweetened beverages to sedentary behavior.

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.

Cocoa: a tasty source of vitamin D?

Researchers have identified cocoa as a new source of vitamin D2, found in higher amounts in dark chocolate. Vitamin D2 is crucial for the human body and can be obtained through food sources, reducing the risk of deficiencies.

UN prioritizes tuberculosis prevention in high-risk occupations

The UN is calling for the establishment of prevention programs to reduce tuberculosis among miners and others exposed to silica dust. Implementing primary prevention in high-risk occupations can prevent 300,000 new cases annually with improved ventilation, water spray misting, and personal protective equipment.

Better water purification methods are aim of new research center

The Center for Materials for Water and Energy Systems (M-WET) will develop next-generation polymer membrane-based water purification technologies to tackle complex waters in energy production, reuse, and industrial applications. Researchers aim to address fundamental science knowledge gaps and overcome fouling challenges.

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.

UCI researchers identify new cause of brain bleeds

A UCI research team found that brain endothelial cells can engulf and deposit red blood cells outside of blood vessels without a blood vessel tear. This discovery could lead to new efforts to eliminate brain bleeding and its consequences.

20 journalists from across US awarded aging-focused fellowships

The Gerontological Society of America has selected 20 reporters to produce in-depth aging-focused stories, covering topics such as retirement security and immigration policies. The fellows will have access to expert attendees and researchers at the GSA's annual scientific meeting.

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.

Study shows value of breast cancer patients seeking second opinions

A study by Medical University of South Carolina found that breast cancer patients who received a second opinion at an NCI-designated center experienced a significant change in diagnosis, with 43% of cases altered. The review by a multidisciplinary tumor board led to the identification of additional cancers in 16 patients and changes in...

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.

Climate change not main driver of amphibian decline

Research analyzed data from 500,000 observations at 5,000 sites in North America to find the main cause of amphibian decline. The study found that 3.4% of species are disappearing annually, with declines occurring since the 19th century.

Identical driver gene mutations found in metastatic cancers

Researchers discovered that driver gene mutations are remarkably similar across different metastases from the same patient, offering hope for successful targeted therapies. This finding suggests that single biopsies can capture essential information for therapeutic decision-making.

Threatened researchers find refuge in Germany

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has selected 31 institutions to host threatened researchers from abroad, providing funds for 35 researchers fleeing war or persecution. The Philipp Schwartz Initiative is now being financed permanently by the German Federal Foreign Office.

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.

UK must be more proactive in tackling climate change

The UK is unprepared for climate change, according to a study by the University of Surrey. The country needs effective strategies for prevention and management, including learning from past events and stakeholder collaboration.

Infectious bacteria hibernate to evade antibiotics

Researchers discovered that a small portion of pathogenic bacteria can go dormant, avoiding antibiotic effects. This 'hibernation' mechanism allows them to survive and resume regular functions when safe. Understanding this process is crucial for developing new antibiotics targeting the dormant state.

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.

NASA gets a final look at Leslie as a subtropical storm

NASA analyzed Subtropical Storm Leslie transitioning to a post-tropical storm with infrared satellite data, revealing strong storms with cold cloud top temperatures that can generate heavy rainfall. The western quadrant was suppressed by dry air, while the eastern and southeastern regions experienced stronger thunderstorms.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

Impact of WWII bombing raids felt at edge of space

Researchers found WWII bombing raids produced shockwaves strong enough to weaken the ionosphere above the UK, 1000km away. The blasts released energy equivalent to 300 lightning strikes, affecting modern technologies like radio communications and GPS systems.

Energy Secretary awards researchers for global threat reduction

The Energy Secretary has recognized researchers from Argonne National Laboratory for converting a Ghana Research Reactor-1 Miniature Neutron Source Reactor to low-enriched fuel, eliminating a nuclear threat. The team's collaborative efforts reduced the risk of nuclear proliferation while maintaining scientific capability.

Retracing Antarctica's glacial past

Researchers found a centuries-long delay in West Antarctic Ice Sheet contraction after the Ross Ice Shelf collapse, adding complexity to sea level rise computer simulations. This discovery was made by analyzing sediment cores and fossilized life forms from the seafloor.

The soothing effects of strangers

A study found that pain treatment is more efficient when provided by a stranger, revealing the analgesic effect of surprise. Participants experienced reduced neural pain responses and subjective pain judgments after being treated by someone from a different social group.

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.

Study shows link between breastfeeding and infant health is not straight-forward

A new study found that mothers who intended to exclusively breastfeed but used formula had similar health outcomes to those who breastfed exclusively. The findings suggest that a mother's characteristics and access to healthcare information may be more important than breastfeeding itself in determining infant health outcomes.

Genetic testing: Not a one-and-done deal

A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that nearly 25% of genetic test results were reclassified due to evolving scientific knowledge. This reclassification can significantly impact patients' understanding of their cancer risk and treatment options.

Extracellular RNA in urine may provide useful biomarkers for muscular dystrophy

Massachusetts General Hospital researchers discovered that extracellular RNA in urine can serve as a source of biomarkers for muscular dystrophy. This non-invasive assay allows for the monitoring of systemic diseases and may reduce or eliminate the need for muscle biopsies, enabling early identification of therapeutic response.

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.

Health data breaches on the rise

Between 2010 and 2017, there were 2,149 reported health data breaches compromising 176.4 million records, with healthcare providers accounting for 70% of breaches.

Robots may need lizard-like tails for 'off-road' travel

Researchers analyzed the motion of lizards to develop new insights into bipedal locomotion. The study found that some species run bipedally sooner than expected, thanks to tail movement, which could improve obstacle negotiation for robots.

Common heart condition linked to sudden death

Researchers found a link between mitral valve prolapse and sudden cardiac death, with 14 cases per 1000 per year associated with the condition. The study identified features such as scarring of the heart muscle and heavy mitral valve leakage that put patients at high risk for serious cardiac arrhythmias.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Sun exposure gets personal with wearable UV sensors

RMIT researchers develop color-changing sensors to measure individual UV exposure, providing a simple solution to prevent Vitamin D deficiency and sunburn. The technology has potential applications beyond health, improving safety and reliability in various industries.

Bacteria's password for sporulation hasn't changed in 2.7 billion years

A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers reveals that bacteria have retained the same 'password' for sporulation since its evolution 2.7 billion years ago. The discovery challenges traditional theories on evolution and highlights the persistence of ancient signaling networks in these organisms.