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Science News Archive August 2019


Page 2 of 38

Air pollution under clear skies reduces sunlight reaching the Earth's surface

A study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences found that air pollution under clear skies significantly reduces the amount of sunlight reaching Earth's surface. The study highlights the negative impact of air pollution on renewable energy harvesting and associated economic burdens, as well as its effects on air purity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Skin cancer risk in athletes: The dangers of ultraviolet radiation

Athletes who engage in outdoor sports and exercise are at increased risk of skin cancer, with up to eight-fold exposure limit exceeded during summer and autumn months. Sun protection is crucial for these groups, as research shows a higher incidence of malignant skin cancer among active individuals.

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.

Pancreas on a chip

Researchers have developed an 'Islet-on-a-Chip' device that integrates organ-on-a-chip and stem-cell technologies to screen insulin-producing cells, test insulin-stimulating compounds, and study the fundamental biology of diabetes. The device makes it easier to monitor islet function and study cell therapies for diabetes.

ASU/MCC form collaborative USDA urban-agriculture nexus project

The ASU/MCC project aims to develop an experiential learning course, fund master's-level students, and engage the community in addressing challenges at the urban-agriculture nexus. Students will conduct research on topics such as urban agriculture production systems and food safety.

Marathoners, take your marks...and fluid and salt!

A new study suggests that marathon runners are at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) due to fluid and salt losses, rather than core body temperature. Researchers found that managing fluid volume and salt losses with a personalized regimen during training may help reduce the incidence of AKI.

Warnings on individual cigarettes could reduce smoking

A new study suggests that individual cigarette warnings could be an effective way to discourage smoking among young people and non-smokers. The innovative approach would make health messages more visible and prolonged throughout the consumption experience.

Crouching lion, hidden giraffe

Research reveals that giraffes with calves prioritize predator avoidance over food in areas with high lion populations. Human presence also plays a role, with giraffes seeking safety near traditional pastoralist compounds.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Delivering immunotherapy directly to brain tumors

Scientists developed a novel nanotechnology-based approach that successfully delivered checkpoint inhibitors directly to brain tumors, triggering a local immune response and inducing tumor cell death. The treatment has shown promising results in laboratory mice, providing hope for longer survival rates for patients with glioblastoma

UCI scientists awarded $2.7 million for soil nutrient microbiome research

Researchers aim to understand how microorganisms respond to drought, potentially shedding light on adapting to climate change. Studying the microbiome of dead plant matter in Southern California fields, they found that certain bacteria and fungi shift composition in response to moisture deprivation.

People's initial immune response to dengue fever analyzed

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that natural killer cells are robustly activated and primed for skin-homing during acute dengue virus infection. This activation had completely disappeared after about two months, providing new insights into the immune system's response to viral infections.

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.

Providing a solution to the worst-ever prediction in physics

Physicist Lucas Lombriser proposes a new mathematical manipulation of general relativity equations to harmonize theory and observation on the cosmological constant. Theoretical value is 0.704%, close to the best experimental estimate, resolving a 10121-year discrepancy.

Overcome the bottleneck of solid electrolytes for Li batteries

Researchers propose atom-to-atom strategy to address electrode-electrolyte contact issue in solid-state Li batteries. By creating epitaxial interfaces, they achieve intimate contact between solid electrolytes and electrodes, resulting in improved rate performances and energy density.

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.

Right-wing WhatsApp users in Brazil are louder, more active, more effective

A large-scale analysis of partisan WhatsApp groups found that right-wing users shared substantially more multimedia content and YouTube videos than left-wing groups. This study suggests that media literacy has not kept up with rapid technological changes, making it challenging to evaluate information received.

Better chemistry through tiny antennae

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a method to actively break chemical bonds using tiny antennae created by infrared lasers. This technique enables selective control over chemical reactions, increasing yields while minimizing unwanted side products.

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.

Entanglement sent over 50 km of optical fiber

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have successfully transferred quantum entanglement between matter and light over 50 kilometers using fiber optic cables. This achievement paves the way for building inter-city quantum networks, which could enable secure communication and distributed sensor networks.

Extreme mangrove corals found on the Great Barrier Reef

Scientists have found 34 species of coral thriving in mangrove lagoons on the Great Barrier Reef, providing novel information on mechanisms supporting coral resilience to climate change and pollution. The corals have adapted to extreme low pH, low oxygen, and variable temperatures, but at a cost: reduced calcification rates.

Science to reveal how long highway construction should actually take

A Purdue University team is developing sensors to track concrete strength development in real time, allowing for more precise data on when traffic can use new concrete pavement. This technology has the potential to save millions of dollars each year and reduce traffic by providing engineers with accurate information on concrete maturity.

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.

Researchers describe a key protein for Epstein-Barr virus infection

Scientists have discovered a key protein structure that could lead to the development of treatments for Epstein-Barr virus infections. The portal protein plays a crucial role in the virus's DNA entry and exit mechanisms, and understanding its structure may enable the design of virus-specific inhibitors.

Mechanism of epilepsy causing membrane protein is discovered

A team led by Dr. Lim Hyun-Ho identified a new structure and mechanism of a membrane protein that causes epilepsy and muscle problems. The study reveals four different structures in the ion exchange process for a single CLC protein, expanding our understanding of this protein's functions.

New $27 million grant to focus on the future of biomanufacturing

The project, 'Accelerated Innovation in Manufacturing Biologics (AIM-Bio)', aims to develop new manufacturing processes and train a generation of scientists and engineers. NC State will collaborate with DTU to establish nine research projects focusing on technologies critical to biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Immortalized blood cell lines enable new studies of malaria invasion

Researchers at the University of Bristol have established a new model system using red blood cells grown in the laboratory to study malaria parasite invasion. They used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the genome of immature cells, removing a protein critical for invasion and showing that reticulocytes generated from this edited line were completel...

Lab-on-a-chip may help identify new treatments for liver disease

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a lab-on-a-chip platform to study non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression. The platform allows for detailed studies of NAFLD's effects on liver cells and evaluates the potential of investigational drugs.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Synthesis of UV absorbers from cashew nut shell liquid

A team of researchers successfully synthesized organic UV filters from cashew nut shell liquid, reducing reliance on petroleum-based chemicals. The process showcases the potential of xylochemistry for sustainable chemical synthesis.

Arthritis-causing virus hides in body for months after infection

Researchers have developed a way to detect cells infected with chikungunya virus that survive the infection, shedding light on the cause of chronic viral arthritis. The study found that the virus can persist in muscle and connective tissue cells for up to 114 days after infection.

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.

UNT Health Science Center receives grant to improve care for older adults

The UNT Health Science Center has been awarded a $3.75 million federal grant to expand its WE HAIL geriatric training program, which aims to prepare healthcare professionals to treat older adults with unique and complex needs. The program, already recognized for its success in serving older Texans, will now be expanded to include addit...

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.

Engineers demonstrate key step in robotic disassembly

Engineers have designed a robotic system to automate the disassembly of component parts, a key task in remanufacturing. The new process can reduce energy and raw materials usage by up to 90% and CO2 emissions by over 80%.

This protein is how creatures sense cold, researchers discover

Researchers have identified a receptor protein that can detect extreme cold temperatures in creatures. The study found that the glr-3 gene, responsible for making the GLR-3 receptor protein, is required for worms to sense cold temperatures and is evolutionarily conserved across species.

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.

New UN high-seas treaty must close gaps in biodiversity governance

A new UN high-seas treaty could effectively manage all fish species in international waters if it includes measures to address non-targeted species. The proposed treaty must close gaps in biodiversity governance to protect over 95% of deep ocean fish species that currently have no assessments.

Cell-free DNA detects pathogens and quantifies damage

A new assay uses cell-free DNA to identify viruses and bacteria in the human body while also quantifying injuries to organs. This test is simple, fast, low-cost, and generalizable enough to identify thousands of pathogens, making it a major step towards personalizing therapy and making organ transplantation safer.

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.

Changes in ice volume control seabed methane emissions

Researchers link changing ice volumes to deep-sea methane release, revealing three episodes of methane emission over the past 160,000 years. The findings suggest that ice sheet movements activated faults, releasing methane from the seabed.

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.

NSF awards 'Dream Team' $1.1 million for blind Mexican cavefish research

A 'Dream Team' of scientists has received a grant to develop powerful tools for manipulating genes in the blind Mexican cavefish, a model system for studying human diseases. The project aims to create precise gene expression and function through genomic tools commonly used in other fish models.

UTIA student wins national scholarship from The Wilderness Society

Cristina Watkins, a UTIA doctoral student, has won a national scholarship to study the connection between wilderness areas and diverse societies. Her research focuses on socio-demographic groups' values of wilderness areas and creating accessible opportunities for minority groups in outdoor recreation.

A new way to measure how water moves

Researchers developed a new method to measure pore structure and water flow in soil, providing more accurate estimates of contaminant movement. This approach has implications for efficient resource use and understanding environmental toxins.