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Science News Archive 2019


Page 117 of 486

Golden ratio observed in human skulls

A recent study published in The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery found that human skull dimensions follow the Golden Ratio. However, less related species such as dogs and monkeys diverged from this ratio, suggesting unique evolutionary patterns.

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.

NASA finds a transitioning cyclone Mitag filling the sea of Japan

Tropical Storm Mitag is undergoing extratropical transition, losing its tropical characteristics and becoming a larger system with increasing wind field size. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 40 knots (46 mph/74 kph) as it moved east-northeast towards landfall over northern Honshu, Japan.

Heart failure and the obesity paradox

Researchers found that overweight individuals had the lowest mortality risk among those with established heart failure, contrary to previous expectations. The 'obesity paradox' suggests that obese patients may tolerate disease-modifying and prognostic medications better than non-obese patients.

Plants alert neighbors to threats using common 'language'

New research from Cornell University reveals that plants communicate with each other using airborne chemicals when under attack from pests. This phenomenon, known as open-channel communication, allows neighboring plants to pick up on warning signals and prepare for the perceived threat.

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.

Study presents first genome sequence of Florida panther

The study presents the first genome sequence of the Florida panther, revealing increased genetic variation in the population. Genetic rescue efforts led to a tripling of genetic diversity in two offspring, alleviating genetic defect threats and promoting population growth from 20-30 to 120-230 individuals.

Sentinels in the mouth

Researchers found special sensory cells in the gums that detect irritants and bacteria, triggering an immune response to control oral microbiome. The discovery could lead to personalized dental treatments against gum disease.

Key to learning and forgetting identified in sleeping brain

A new study by UC San Francisco researchers reveals that two distinct types of slow brain waves, slow oscillations and delta waves, compete to determine whether new information is consolidated or forgotten. Disrupting one type of wave enhances memory retention, while disrupting the other leads to forgetting.

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.

Exposure to air pollution increases violent crime rates, study finds

A new study by Colorado State University researchers found a strong link between short-term exposure to air pollution and aggressive behavior, including aggravated assaults and other violent crimes across the continental United States. The results showed a 1.4% increase in violent crimes for every 10 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase ...

Study finds large potential range for invasive spotted lanternfly

A new habitat-modeling study reveals large swaths of US and Europe are likely to be vulnerable to the invasive spotted lanternfly if it continues to spread. Suitable habitat for the tree and fruit pest was found in most New England and mid-Atlantic states, as well as parts of central US and Pacific Northwest globally.

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.

Paleontology: New Australian pterosaur may have survived the longest

A previously unknown species of pterosaur was discovered in Australia, with characteristics suggesting it may be a late-surviving member of the Anhanguera genus. The fossil, which includes parts of the skull and five vertebrae, is considered the most complete pterosaur specimen ever found in Australia.

Placenta pathology may clarify racial disparities in preemie health outcomes

A recent study found that African-American preterm births are associated with chronic inflammation of the placenta and underdeveloped vessels, leading to poor growth and increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairments. These abnormalities suggest that the fetus was not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients from the placenta.

New parents? Tired of nighttime feedings? Bees can relate

A recent study by Hebrew University researchers found that bumble bee workers sleep less while caring for young, even when not their own offspring. This suggests a mechanism allowing them to reduce sleep without a cost to health or cognitive performance.

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.

The phenological index

Researchers have developed a new quantitative measure of phenological status called the 'phenological index' to improve scoring of developmental stage in herbarium specimens. This approach allows for more accurate predictions of ecosystem responses to climate change.

Glowing gas reveals faint filaments of the cosmic web

Researchers detected individual filaments of intergalactic gas in a newly forming cluster, providing insight into the Universe's evolution and galaxy formation. The analysis found that these filaments are arranged like long threads, extending over one million parsecs, and fueling star formation and super massive black hole growth.

Confronting colony collapse

Researchers sequenced the genomes of two Varroa mite species that parasitize honey bees, finding distinct strategies for survival and evolution. The study sheds light on how parasites and hosts co-evolve, potentially revealing new approaches to combat colony collapse.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Global wildlife trade is higher than previous estimates show

The study found that at least 5,579 animals are currently being traded globally, with impacts tend to be higher among certain groups and in threatened species. The researchers predict that up to 8,775 species could soon be at risk of extinction due to future commodification.

Bumble bee workers sleep less while caring for young

A new study reveals that bumble bee workers tending to pupae sleep significantly less than other bees, even when the offspring are not their own. This finding suggests that substances produced by the pupae may drive the reduction in sleep.

Grant will test 'home delivery' for CRISPR cancer treatment

Researchers at UC Davis aim to deliver CRISPR genome editing machinery to gut cells to fix genes responsible for a rare form of familial cancer. They will use an engineered, non-infectious hepatitis E virus to orally deliver CRISPR into cells in the gastrointestinal tract of mice.

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.

Kidney function may affect risks associated with prescription opioids

A study found that prescription opioids are associated with a higher risk of death and hospitalization compared to other pain medications, especially at high doses. The risk is highest among individuals with lower kidney function, who may experience reduced clearance of the active compounds from their bodies.

How the influenza virus achieves efficient viral RNA replication

New insights into the influenza virus polymerase have revealed that its subunits co-evolve to guarantee proper levels of dimerization and optimal inter-subunit cooperation. This finding has significant implications for the development of novel antiviral drugs targeting viral RNA replication.

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.

Keeping cool with quantum wells

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have introduced a new method for evaporation cooling using semiconductor quantum wells, reducing waste heat in portable electronics. Devices with this technology may be integrated into smart devices to prevent overheating issues.

How much are you polluting your office air just by existing?

A team of engineers at Purdue University conducted a study using thousands of sensors in an office building to identify indoor air contaminants. They found that people and ventilation systems greatly impact the chemistry of indoor air, with volatile organic compounds lingering even after occupants leave.

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.

Stem cell studies offer hope for childhood neurological condition

Researchers develop novel therapies to reverse or prevent myelin loss in PMD patients, identifying iron toxicity as a key factor and discovering a potential treatment using an FDA-approved agent. Clinical trials are planned to test the effectiveness of this treatment in slowing or halting disease progression.

New method to purify cell types to high purity

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute have created a new method called GateID that allows for the purification of cell types to high purity without using antibodies or genetic reporters. This enables the detailed study of individual cell types, such as stem cells and tumor cells, which are crucial for understanding their properties and...

Tooth loss associated with higher risk of heart disease

Adults with tooth loss due to nontraumatic events are more prone to heart attacks and strokes. Researchers analyzed 316,588 US participants aged 40-79, finding a significant association between oral health and cardiovascular disease.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

UNH researchers find northern forests have lost crucial cold, snowy conditions

Researchers at UNH found a significant decline in frost days and ice days in northern forests across the US and Canada. This change could have serious implications for ecosystems, water supplies, economies, tourism, and human health. Cold temperatures help prevent disease spread and manage insects detrimental to trees.

NASA sees Post-tropical Cyclone Lorenzo affecting Ireland

NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible image of Post-tropical Cyclone Lorenzo as it neared Ireland on Oct. 3, showing frontal features and cloud-filled center of circulation west of Ireland. Met Eireann has issued rainfall and wind warnings for Ireland due to the storm's heavy rains and high winds.

Evaluating value of senses

A UK-based web survey found that balance and temperature were also highly valued by the general public. The study aimed to determine the relative importance of different senses in everyday life.

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.

Fathers-to-be should avoid alcohol six months before conception

Research published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that fathers-to-be should not consume alcohol for at least six months before fertilization, while mothers should stop drinking one year prior to pregnancy. This can lower the risk of congenital heart disease in offspring.

Shape-shifting structures take the form of a face, antenna

Scientists have developed a method to encode complex curves in shape-shifting structures, enabling the creation of doubly-curved shapes like those found on a human face. The research uses a bilayer, multimaterial lattice design that can grow or shrink in response to temperature changes.

Uncovering drug-like small molecules in the human microbiome

Researchers developed a computational algorithm to identify biologically active small molecules encoded in human microbiome-derived sequencing data. They uncovered novel TII-PKS BGCs with antimicrobial activity against neighboring microbes, as well as anti-cancer effects, in samples from diverse countries.

WVU researchers study link between low birth weight and cardiovascular risk

Researchers found a significant correlation between low birth weight and cardiovascular risk factors in fifth-grade children, including high levels of 'bad' cholesterol and triglycerides. The study suggests that early intervention during pregnancy and childhood can help reduce the risk of chronic health conditions later in life.

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.

A new, unified pathway for prebiotic RNA synthesis

Researchers have identified a unified chemical pathway that generates both purine and pyrimidine nucleosides, key building blocks of RNA. The 'wet-dry' cycling approach provides a plausible solution to the formation of Watson-Crick bases, but synthesis specifics of carbohydrates remain unclear.

Engineered viruses could fight drug resistance

MIT researchers developed engineered bacteriophages that can kill different strains of E. coli by making targeted mutations in a viral protein. The new approach creates a large number of phage variants and tests them against resistant strains, showing promise for overcoming multidrug resistance.

New fluorescence method reveals signatures of individual microbes

Researchers at University of Tsukuba developed a new CRIF method to detect unique fluorescent signatures of individual microbial cells in mixtures. The non-destructive technique allows for realistic three-dimensional environments and can distinguish between different types of microbes.

Stanford psychologists show leading with flavor encourages healthy eating

Researchers found that evocative labels like 'twisted citrus glazed carrots' can increase vegetable consumption by 29% and calorie intake by 39%. Careful word choice matters, as references to ingredients, preparation methods, and words that convey a positive experience can make healthy foods more crave-worthy.

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.

Just add water: U-M chemists suggest a fix for insoluble drugs

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that unstable metal organic frameworks can be used to deliver insoluble drugs in an amorphous state, increasing bioavailability. The MOF delivery system allows for rapid release of drugs, with controlled dosage and minimal toxicity.