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Science News Archive April 2019


Page 10 of 44

Reggaeton can also contribute to feminist claims

A study by Mònica Figueras and colleagues found that reggaeton can contribute to feminist claims with lyrics containing strong messages about equal rights and opposition to gender-based violence. The musical projects analyzed gave a new meaning to the body movement perreo, linking it to women's free choice of dance

Microbes may act as gatekeepers of Earth's deep carbon

A groundbreaking study reveals that microbes in subduction zones consume and trap carbon, reducing its availability on Earth's surface. This process has significant implications for understanding Earth's fundamental processes and the potential to mitigate climate change.

Elemental old-timer makes the universe look like a toddler

Physicists at Rice University have reported the first direct observation of two-neutrino double electron capture for xenon 124, a process that decays into tellurium 124 with an estimated half-life of 160 trillion years. This discovery puts the half-life closer to 18 sextillion years, challenging our understanding of this isotope.

Geography study finds hot days lead to wildfires

A recent geography study by the University of Cincinnati found that hot temperatures are a better predictor of western wildfires than other factors. The researchers identified other risk factors, including vegetation cover and proximity to roads and population centers, which can increase the likelihood of wildfires.

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.

Who really hit the basketball out of bounds?

A team of Arizona State University psychologists tested how people interpret the timing and sequence of physical touches, finding that people tend to prioritize their own action when sequencing events. The study used three experiments to test this effect, with consistent results showing a 50 millisecond delay in perceived time.

Scholars: Estimates of food insecurity among college students problematic

A new study reveals discrepancies in food insecurity estimates among college students, emphasizing the importance of accurate measurement to address hunger. Researchers found varying prevalence rates depending on survey protocols, suggesting that traditional methods may not capture the full scope of food insecurity on campus.

Spinal muscular atrophy drug may help kids with later-onset disease

A study found that a spinal muscular atrophy drug can improve motor function and stabilize disease activity in older children with the disease, even those with SMA type II and III. The treatment, nusinersen, increased protein production essential for motor neurons to survive.

Synthetic speech generated from brain recordings

Researchers have developed a brain-machine interface that can generate synthetic speech by controlling a virtual vocal tract based on brain activity. The technology has the potential to restore fluent communication in individuals with severe speech disabilities, including those with paralysis and neurological diseases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A breakthrough in the study of laser/plasma interactions

Researchers developed a new 3D simulation tool, Warp+PXR, to understand laser-plasma coupling mechanisms, enabling more detailed understanding of ultra-compact particle accelerators and light sources. The code improves accuracy and scalability, allowing for faster simulations and better understanding of complex physics experiments.

Antarctica: the final frontier for marine biological invasions?

A new study reveals that ship traffic in Antarctic waters has increased up to 10-fold since the 1960s, posing a risk of invasive species altering the balance between species. The research informs future conservation management and policy for protecting Antarctica's unique biodiversity.

A first in medical robotics: Autonomous navigation inside the body

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital demonstrate a robot that can autonomously navigate inside the body to reach a leaky heart valve. The robotic catheter uses AI and image processing to build a mental map of the cardiac anatomy, allowing it to find its way without surgeon guidance.

Polymers to give early warning signs

Researchers developed polymers that change color or fluorescence when subjected to mechanical load, addressing limitations of previous force-transducing molecules. The new concept allows for reversible detection of stress and is versatile, enabling applications in built-in monitors and stress mapping.

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.

With flower preferences, bees have a big gap between the sexes

A Rutgers-led study found that female and male bees of the same species visit different flowers for food, with females collecting pollen at greater rates than males. The research suggests targeting flower preferences to maintain genetically diverse bee populations.

Few at-risk adults getting the diabetes prevention help they need

A Johns Hopkins study found that few American adults eligible for diabetes prevention programs are being referred to or participating in these programs. Despite the high health and economic burden of type 2 diabetes, only 4.2 percent of those at risk were referred to a program, with even lower participation rates overall.

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.

Targeting how fungi 'taste' wheat could be key to developing control

Researchers at the University of Bath have discovered that targeting fungal G-protein coupled receptors could be key to controlling Fusarium head blight, a devastating disease that affects wheat crops worldwide. By studying these receptors, scientists hope to develop new approaches to control the disease and reduce crop losses.

Eclogitic diamonds formed from oceanic crust, study shows

Research suggests that eclogitic diamonds originate from oceanic crust, not marine sediments, providing new insights into diamond formation and the deep carbon cycle. The study found that the oceanic crust contains a large reservoir of carbon, which is then recycled into diamonds in Earth's mantle.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Meet Callichimaera perplexa, the platypus of crabs

Callichimaera perplexa is the earliest known swimming arthropod with paddle-like legs since the extinction of sea scorpions. Its unique appearance, including large compound eyes and bent claws, suggests that it may have evolved through heterochrony, a process where larval traits are retained in miniaturized adults.

Fossil crab reveals a new branch in the tree of life

A new fossil crab species, Callichimaera perplexa, has been discovered, challenging our understanding of evolution and revealing a unique body form. The species has characteristics similar to crab larvae, with adults exhibiting disproportionately large eyes and oar-like legs that are the oldest record of adaptations for swimming.

Tomato, tomat-oh! -- understanding evolution to reduce pesticide use

Michigan State University researchers have discovered an evolutionary function in wild tomato plants that could be used by modern plant breeders to create pest-resistant tomatoes. The team identified a specific gene that produces a sticky compound, which acts as natural insect repellent and helps protect the plant from insects.

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.

A video game aids in research on Alzheimer's disease

Researchers developed a video game to study spatial orientation and navigational abilities, finding that virtual navigation performance is comparable to the real world. The game was played by 4 million people and showed changes in navigational habits before clinical Alzheimer's symptoms appear.

Schadenfreude: Your pain is my gain

A new study by the University of Zurich finds that schadenfreude is more likely to occur in highly competitive working environments, where one person's misfortune can facilitate another's success. The study suggests that this emotion can be contagious and lead to vicious cycles of mistreatment.

A good night's sleep may be in sight

Researchers have developed 3D models of the two melatonin receptors, MT1 and MT2, which will help design drugs that interact only with these receptors, reducing side effects. The findings could lead to new treatments for sleep disorders, diabetes, cancers, and other health issues affected by melatonin.

Freshwater fish species richness has increased in Ohio River Basin since '60s

The Ohio River Basin's freshwater fish species richness has increased significantly over the past 57 years, with a positive trend observed from 1957-2014. This change is attributed to environmental modifications related to land use and hydrology alterations, resulting in more fish species feeding on plant matter and detritus.

Minerals in mountain rivers tell the story of landslide activity upstream

Researchers developed a new method to analyze sediment in mountain rivers to determine landslide frequency and residence time, revealing that most sediment remains in the river system for only ten years. This study has significant implications for understanding and mitigating landslide risk in mountainous regions.

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.

Photoacoustic endoscopy could improve Crohn's disease treatment

Researchers developed a capsule-shaped photoacoustic imaging endoscope to examine intestinal changes in Crohn's disease. The device can differentiate between inflammatory and fibrotic strictures, allowing for more targeted treatment and potentially reducing adverse effects. This technology could also provide real-time diagnostic inform...

New robust device may scale up quantum tech, researchers say

Researchers have developed a new device that exhibits topological superconductivity in planar structures, a key step towards scaling up quantum computing. This breakthrough combines semiconductor and superconductor materials to create a robust technology that could aid the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers.

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.

Reducing care needs of teens with substance-abuse disorders

A new study from Kaiser Permanente suggests that adolescents with access to SBIRT services have sustained reductions in mental health conditions and lower healthcare utilization over a period of three years. The study found that those with access to SBIRT were less likely to have mental health or chronic medical conditions after one year.

New nanomedicine slips through the cracks

Researchers have created a new nanomachine that can deliver specific drugs to parts of the body with tight access barriers, such as pancreatic cancer and brain tumors. The Y-shaped block catiomer is less than one-fifth the size of previous nanoparticles, allowing it to pass through smaller gaps.

Astronomers find quasars are not nailed to the sky

Researchers from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology found that quasars' positions fluctuate due to complex radiation effects, contradicting their long-held assumption of stability. The study's findings could improve astrometry techniques for accurate navigation systems.

Trigger region found for absence epileptic seizures

Scientists at RIKEN Center for Brain Science found that impaired communication between the cortex and striatum can trigger absence epilepsy. Absence seizures, characterized by brief periods of lost consciousness, are associated with spike-wave discharges recorded on electrocorticograms.

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.

Proteins stand up to nerve cell regression

Researchers found that Integrator complex proteins regulate Earmuff, a transcription factor that prevents dedifferentiation. This process is critical for healthy brain development. Mutations in human Integrator genes are associated with neurodevelopmental syndrome.

Growing up in poverty increases diagnoses of psychosis-spectrum mental illnesses

A UC Davis and Concordia University study of nearly 4,000 families found that growing up in impoverished urban neighborhoods increases psychosis-spectrum disorder diagnoses by middle adulthood. The study suggests that early intervention through social policies and neighborhood improvements could prevent future mental health issues.

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.

Parents reassured febrile seizures following vaccination not dangerous

A study of 1,022 children found febrile seizures following vaccinations have the same severity as those from other causes. Most seizures are short-lived and self-resolving, with only 6% requiring hospital treatment. The research also identified a link between infections and longer hospital stays in vaccinated children.

Dark matter detector observes rarest event ever recorded

Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute observe the longest, slowest process directly: radioactive decay of xenon-124. The XENON Collaboration's detector picked up signals from ultra-rare double-electron capture events, marking a significant advancement in knowledge about matter's fundamental characteristics.

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.

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.

Researchers learn how 'bad cholesterol' enters artery walls

Researchers at UT Southwestern have found that SR-B1 and DOCK4 proteins ferry LDL particles into and across endothelial cells, driving the development of atherosclerosis. Deleting these proteins from endothelial cells reduces LDL entry and atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Human settlements in Amazonia much older than previously thought

A team of researchers discovered human skeletons on forest islands in southwestern Amazonia that date back up to 10,000 years, indicating the presence of hunter gatherers with early signs of agriculture. The findings provide strong evidence for the antiquity and origin of these sites.

Microbial contaminants found in popular e-cigarettes

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that 27% of popular e-cigarette products contained endotoxin, a microbial agent found on Gram-negative bacteria, while 81% contained glucan, a fungus cell wall component. Exposure to these toxins has been linked to respiratory problems and inflammation in humans.

Coal could yield treatment for traumatic injuries

Scientists at Rice University and their collaborators have discovered coal-derived 'dots' that are effective antioxidants for people who suffer traumatic brain injuries, strokes or heart attacks. The biocompatible dots can quench oxidative stress and protect cells from damage, offering a potential treatment option.

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.

Global warming hits sea creatures hardest

A Rutgers-led study found that global warming causes twice as many ocean-dwelling species to disappear from their habitats compared to land-dwelling species. The research highlights the vulnerability of sea creatures to warming temperatures and the need for new conservation efforts.