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Science News Archive August 2019


Page 11 of 38

Research details impact of energy development on deer habitat use

A study by University of Wyoming scientists found that energy development leads to a significant loss of deer forage due to human disturbance, with indirect losses exceeding direct habitat loss. Deer favor areas with high sagebrush growth but avoid areas near oil and gas infrastructure, resulting in a 10.5% decrease in forage use.

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.

Experiments illuminate key component of plants' immune systems

A team of biologists has shed new light on a crucial aspect of the plant immune response, revealing how plant resistance proteins trigger localized cell death. By understanding this mechanism, scientists may develop strategies for engineering disease-resistant crops.

Discovery of 'hidden' outbreak hints that Zika virus can spread silently

A genomics study reveals an undetected Zika outbreak in Cuba in 2017, which peaked around the same time international health agencies thought the epidemic was nearing its end. The study uses genomic sequencing and travel patterns to reconstruct virus ancestry and outbreak dynamics, providing insights into how viruses can spread silently.

Preventing tumor metastasis

Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute deciphered the structure of CCR7 receptor, which plays a crucial role in cancer cell migration. They identified an artificial molecule that blocks this receptor, preventing signaling protein from triggering a chain reaction leading to cell migration.

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.

E-cigs can trigger same lung changes seen in smokers, emphysema

A new UNC School of Medicine study found elevated levels of protease enzymes in e-cigarette users' lungs, similar to those seen in smokers with emphysema. Nicotine is believed to be the cause of this reaction, which could lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and shortness of breath.

The Paleozoic diet: Why animals eat what they eat

A study published in Evolution Letters reveals that many carnivorous species share a common ancestor dating back 800 million years, while herbivory is more recent. The research suggests that animals tend to adopt the same dietary category as their closely related species, implying that switching diets may not be easy.

NASA sees a lopsided Atlantic Tropical Storm Chantal form

Tropical Storm Chantal formed despite strong winds, with eastward storms exhibiting vertical wind shear and cold cloud top temperatures. The storm is forecast to slow and turn southward, potentially weakening into a tropical depression.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA finds Tropical Depression Bailu forms east of Philippines

Tropical Depression Bailu forms in Northwestern Pacific Ocean, located about 674 nautical miles south-southwest of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. The storm is moving northwest with maximum sustained winds near 30 knots (34.5 mph/55.5 kph) and expected to make landfall in Taiwan and then southeastern China.

Training teams for timely NICU evacuation

Children's National Hospital's NICU staff underwent evacuation simulation training to improve their skills and knowledge. The training, which included hands-on practice with mannequins and equipment, resulted in significant improvements in evacuation times and staff confidence.

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.

Images from the surface of asteroid Ryugu yield clues to its composition

Images taken by Hayabusa2's lander on Ryugu's surface show rocks bearing similarities to primitive meteorites called carbonaceous chondrites, supporting theories that the asteroid formed during a cataclysmic event. The findings also reveal an unusual lack of fine particles or dust on the surface.

Researchers discover cause of asthmatic lung spasms

By creating a microdevice that mimics the behavior of human airways, researchers have discovered how muscle contraction in the airway causes breathing difficulties in people with asthma. This breakthrough could lead to new treatment strategies for respiratory diseases.

Detecting hydrothermal vents in volcanic lakes

Researchers use integrated exploration tools to detect multiple hydrothermal feed zones in Lake Ngozi, Tanzania, by combining bathymetry, thermal mapping and gas emission measurements. The approach provides spatial information on the location of hydrothermal vents, their abundance and current state of activity.

Here's how early humans evaded immunodeficiency viruses

A study using cryoEM revealed the structural effect of a human mutation that made us immune to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The mutation disrupted the ability of an SIV protein to bind human proteins, giving humans a grace period of tens to hundreds of thousands of years without the disease. This finding could provide clues for...

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.

Tracing the evolution of vision

Researchers find that opsin proteins and retinal enzymes have independent biological functions beyond vision, including hearing. This discovery challenges current understanding of eye evolution and highlights the importance of molecular components in multiple sensory pathways.

Moffitt researchers develop model to personalize radiation treatment

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed a model called GARD that uses genomic data to predict the risk of local tumor recurrence and optimize radiation doses for breast cancer patients. The study found that a personalized approach to radiation therapy can reduce overdosing certain patients and improve treatment outcomes.

Anxiety among patient factors linked to more opioid use after surgery

Research from Michigan Medicine identified anxiety as a key factor linked to more opioid use after surgery. The study also found younger age, non-white race, and sleep disturbance to be associated with increased opioid consumption. Clinicians may target these factors to personalize pain management and reduce opioid misuse.

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.

September's SLAS Discovery issue now available

Quantifying physicochemical properties is crucial for understanding drug interactions and mechanisms. The article highlights the importance of using contemporary methods to improve subpar testing outcomes, enabling better structure-property relationships and accelerated predictive models.

New method classifies brain cells based on electrical signals

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute have developed a new way to classify brain cells based on electrical signals. By analyzing data from nearly 2,500 neurons, they identified four distinct classes of cells with different properties and functions in various regions of the brain.

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.

New tool mines scientific texts for fusion protein facts

A new tool called ProtFus screens scientific literature to validate predictions about fusion protein activity, which can help improve personalized cancer treatment. The tool identified 2,908 interactions across 18 cancer types, aiding in the study of alterations of protein networks for individual patients.

Slow electrons to combat cancer

Ion beams use ions to create complex atomic effects, releasing slow electrons that destroy DNA of cancer cells. Researchers at TU Wien discovered interatomic Coulombic decay, a previously little-observed effect, plays a pivotal role in this context.

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.

Media Alert: New Articles in The CRISPR Journal

The CRISPR Journal has published new articles on iCas9, a tool that enables precise gene editing without DNA breakage. Researchers also developed BEAT, a computational program to quantify base editing outcomes. Additionally, the journal reported on identifying genetic vulnerabilities in cancer cells via CRISPR-Cas9.

Researchers discover how the sun damages our skin

Researchers found that UV radiation damages skin by weakening cell bonds, leading to structural degradation and increased tissue fragility. The study suggests using sunscreen to protect not only against skin cancer but also to maintain skin health and prevent infections.

Cracking a decades-old test, researchers bolster case for quantum mechanics

Researchers have demonstrated a loophole-free Bell test with the measurement settings determined by remote cosmic photons, verifying the completeness of quantum mechanics with high-confidence probability. The experiment closed loopholes that had long confounded tests of quantum mechanics, providing new evidence of quantum interactions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Switching electron properties on and off individually

Researchers at TU Wien have successfully disentangled the interplay of several electron properties in complex materials. By influencing different characteristics separately, they have uncovered a system where order can be switched on and off individually in relation to two closely interwoven degrees of freedom.

Computer model could help test new sickle cell drugs

A team of Brown University researchers developed a new computer model to simulate the way red blood cells become misshapen in sickle cell disease. The model can be used to quickly and inexpensively pre-screen new drug candidates, potentially identifying promising treatments for the genetic disorder that affects millions worldwide.

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.

Scratching the surface of how your brain senses an itch

Researchers have identified a specialized pathway in the spinal cord that transmits mechanical itch signals to the brain. The study, published in Cell Reports, reveals that a specific population of neurons, known as Y1 spinal neurons, play a key role in transmitting these signals.

Nano-thermometer takes temperature inside cells

Researchers developed a fluorescent nano-thermometer that can detect temperature changes inside single cells by monitoring the light-emitting properties of molecular motors. The technique could be useful for identifying cancer cells and measuring the effects of tumor ablation therapy.

What's killing sea otters? Scientists pinpoint parasite strain

A study from the University of California, Davis, identifies the specific strains of Toxoplasma gondii killing southern sea otters as connected to a bobcat and domestic cats from nearby watersheds. The researchers found that infectious agents can spread from cat feces on land to the sea, harming marine wildlife.

'Malaria cell atlas' reveals gene clusters, possible drug targets

Researchers have created the first high-resolution atlas of malaria parasite gene expression, revealing new insights into gene function and regulation. The Malaria Cell Atlas provides potential targets for future treatments and a better understanding of the spread of drug resistance.

Study: Climate change could pose danger for Muslim pilgrimage

A new study finds that climate change could make the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia unsafe for participants due to extreme heat and humidity. The study warns that even with mitigation measures, conditions will become harsher and more dangerous, potentially leading to health problems and fatalities.

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.

Conflicting consequences of climate change for Arctic nesting geese

Researchers found that climate change has a net zero effect on Svalbard barnacle goose populations, with benefits from warmer springs offset by increased predation. Warmer winters also led to increased egg production and gosling survival, benefiting both geese and predators like Arctic foxes.

Where are new stars born? NASA's Webb Telescope will investigate

The TEMPLATES team will study four galaxies using gravitational lensing to magnify light and gain insights into star formation. They aim to measure star-formation rates, map galaxy distributions, compare young and old stellar populations, and reveal how galaxies grow over time.

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.

Cell suicide could hold key for brain health and food security

Researchers have discovered common ways human and plant cells bring about cell suicide, which may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that a particular protein plays a crucial role in the breakdown of brain cells across different diseases, paving the way for potential drugs.

Storms on Jupiter are disturbing the planet's colorful belts

Research reveals that storm clouds on Jupiter affect the planet's white zones and colorful belts, changing their flow and even altering their colors. The study tracked the effects of these storms using coordinated observations from six telescopes and NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.

Climate change will alter waves along half the world's coast

Research finds that a warming planet will alter ocean waves along more than 50% of the world's coastlines, leading to significant implications for coastal flooding and erosion. The study projects changes in wave patterns under different climate scenarios, with some areas experiencing increases in mean wave heights and others decreases.

What do criminal justice risk assessments actually assess?

Research from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds that exposure to the criminal justice system increases certain risk factors, including antisocial attitudes and behaviors. This challenges the use of risk assessments for predicting recidivism in individuals without prior system exposure.

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.

Map of malaria behavior set to revolutionize research

Researchers have created a detailed map of individual malaria parasite behavior, giving the highest resolution view of malaria parasite gene expression to date. The Malaria Cell Atlas presents possible targets for developing antimalarial drugs, vaccines, and transmission blocking strategies.

Structure of protein nano turbine revealed

Researchers have determined the first atomic structure of the V/A-ATPase family, a key energy machine in cells. The enzyme's structure reveals a turbine-like structure with two or three peripheral stalks and additional connecting protein subunits, enabling greater plasticity and flexibility in its rotation mechanism.