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Science News for August 6, 2019


NZ big bird a whopping 'squawkzilla'

The new bird, Heracles inexpectatus, is twice the size of the critically endangered kakapo and dwarfs its modern cousins. Fossil records show that it weighed around 7 kg and had a massive beak capable of cracking most food sources.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 6, 2019

NASA sees Flossie now a remnant low pressure area

Flossie has weakened into a remnant low-pressure area, with scattered areas of cold clouds in thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures reaching -50 degrees Fahrenheit. The system is moving northwestward and expected to dissipate by Wednesday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 6, 2019
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.

Tariffs lead to creative supply chains

A Michigan State University team applied metacoupling to analyze socioeconomic and environmental interactions in global soybean trade. The results show that Chinese demand for foreign soybeans affects not only Brazil but also neighboring countries like Paraguay and Argentina.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSustainability·DateAug 6, 2019

Streamlining fee waiver requests helped low-income immigrants become citizens

A streamlined fee waiver process enabled about 73,000 low-income immigrants to become citizens each year, according to a new study from Stanford University's Immigration Policy Lab. The reform replaced a convoluted process with clear guidelines and a simple form, making it easier for those eligible to apply.

SourceStanford University - Immigration Policy Lab·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2019

NASA satellite finds strong storms circling Lekima's center

NASA's Aqua satellite images show a ring of strong thunderstorms around Lekima's center, with maximum sustained winds near 50 knots. The storm is expected to strengthen into a typhoon and pass over Taiwan before dissipating off China's east coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 6, 2019
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.

Sleep interrupted: What's keeping us up at night?

A large longitudinal sleep study found that evening use of nicotine and alcohol within four hours of bedtime was associated with disrupted sleep. In contrast, caffeine consumption did not have a significant impact on sleep parameters. The study's findings suggest that promoting the restriction of evening nicotine and alcohol use may im...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSLEEP·DateAug 6, 2019

NASA finds heavy rain in new tropical storm Krosa

NASA's GPM satellite detected heavy rainfall east of Tropical Storm Krosa's center, falling at a rate of 50 mm/hour over open ocean. The storm was moving northwest and had maximum sustained winds near 40 knots (46 mph) before strengthening into a typhoon.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 6, 2019

New award will honor Winslow Briggs' legacy of mentorship

The American Society of Plant Biologists will establish a mentorship award in honor of legendary plant scientist Winslow Briggs. The award recognizes outstanding commitment to mentoring and supporting next-generation scientists, with the inaugural recipient to chair a symposium at the ASPB annual conference.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateAug 6, 2019

Manipulating brain cells by smartphone

A team of researchers has developed a soft neural implant that can be wirelessly controlled using a smartphone, enabling chronic chemical and optical neuromodulation. The device uses replaceable drug cartridges and powerful low-energy Bluetooth for prolonged periods.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 6, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Raising the standard for psychology research

A new standard, BIDS, allows researchers to compare and combine studies in an apples-to-apples way. This enables the sharing and analysis of large brain imaging datasets, improving the field's ability to understand brain function.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2019

Kappa opioid receptor influences naltrexone's effects on drinking alcohol

Researchers identified a link between the kappa opioid receptor and naltrexone's effectiveness in reducing craving and consumption in heavy drinkers. The study suggests that individuals with more kappa opioid receptors may not respond to naltrexone treatment, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 6, 2019

Dead planets can 'broadcast' for up to a billion years

Scientists have identified the best candidate white dwarfs to hunt for exoplanet cores, which can survive for over 100 million to a billion years. The researchers plan to use radio telescopes to detect radio waves emitted by the cores, potentially leading to breakthrough discoveries.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 6, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Most seniors with dementia live at home, despite pain, anxiety, poor health

Researchers found that older adults with moderately severe dementia living at home have more chronic conditions, pain, and anxiety than those in nursing homes. However, they also reported higher rates of falls, depression, and poor health. The study emphasizes the importance of improving home-based medical care for these patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 6, 2019

The limits of rainforest growth

A new study by TUM researchers suggests that rainforest growth limits are being tested due to insufficient phosphorus. Trees can only absorb additional carbon dioxide if phosphorous is available, leading to a potential 50% decrease in CO2 absorption under increased atmospheric pressure.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 6, 2019

Striped glow sticks

Scientists have developed a new strategy for constructing photonic heterostructure crystals with tunable properties, which can absorb and transmit photons. These crystals, in the form of striped rods, exhibit unique fluorescence behavior and serve as a prototype for a logic gate.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 6, 2019
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.

APOE variants' effect on mortality studied in 38,000

A new study of 38,537 persons suggests that the rare APOE-ε2 variant is associated with prolonged survival, contrasting with the more widely studied APOE-ε4 variant. The findings could lead to novel preventive and treatment options for healthy aging and longevity.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 6, 2019

Blood pressure monitoring may one day be easy as taking a video selfie

Researchers developed a transdermal optical imaging system that uses facial videos to predict blood pressure with high accuracy. The technology has the potential to become an accessible and convenient method for monitoring blood pressure, particularly for individuals who may not follow traditional cuff-based devices.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateAug 6, 2019

Industrial fishing behind plummeting shark numbers

Researchers found that sharks are much rarer in habitats closer to people and fish markets, with a significant drop in average body size. The study suggests that industrial fishing is the main driver of this decline, which has major implications for ocean ecosystems.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 6, 2019

NASA finds tropical storm Francisco in the Korea strait

NASA's Aqua satellite detected Tropical Storm Francisco in the Korea Strait, with cloud top temperatures indicating strong storms capable of heavy rain. The storm is located about 33 nautical miles north-northeast of Busan, South Korea, and is expected to move north and then northeast through the Sea of Japan.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 6, 2019
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.

Dietary choline associates with reduced risk of dementia

A new study found that dietary phosphatidylcholine intake was associated with a 28% lower risk of dementia in men. The study also showed enhanced cognitive performance in those with the highest intake of choline.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 6, 2019

Ionic thermal up-diffusion boosts energy harvesting

Scientists have discovered that ionic thermal up-diffusion can significantly improve the efficiency of nanofluidic salinity gradient energy harvesting by promoting selectivity and suppressing ion concentration polarization. This innovative approach enables the creation of tunable ionic voltage sources, leading to enhanced power output.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 6, 2019

Thyme essential oil in corn starch particles combats Aedes aegypti larvae

Researchers developed a novel, biodegradable larvicide system using thymol from thyme essential oil, which is effective against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The system uses microcapsules made of corn starch particles to control the release of larvicide, making it suitable for small water containers and reducing environmental harm.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalIndustrial Crops and Products·DateAug 6, 2019

How brain cells pick which connections to keep

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute identified the gene and protein CPG15 that enables brain cells to select permanent synapses based on experience-driven neural activity. Without CPG15, mice exhibit slower learning and reliance on circuit architectures that haven't been refined by experience.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 6, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Thyroid screening may not be needed in all youth with psychiatric disorders

A University of Cincinnati study found that abnormal thyroid function is present in just over 6% of psychiatrically hospitalized youth. The research suggests that targeted screening should focus on patients with a family history of thyroid disease, recent weight gain, or treatment with specific medications.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 6, 2019

How can robots land like birds?

The study, published in eLife, reveals that birds adapt their grip by wrapping their toes and curling their claws to stick the landing. Researchers aim to apply this knowledge to develop more nimble flying robots with bimodal capabilities.

SourceStanford University·DateAug 6, 2019

Natural gas storage research could combat global warming

A team led by Dr. Mert Atilhan and Dr. Cafer Yavuz developed a new porous polymer that can store natural gas more effectively than current methods. This breakthrough material has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by storing cleaner-burning fuels, such as natural gas, instead of coal or oil.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 6, 2019

Blood clotting proteins in urine discovered as biomarkers of lupus nephritis

Scientists have identified two types of blood clotting proteins found in the urine of patients with lupus nephritis, which can serve as non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. The discovery may lead to improved clinical management and treatment responses.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateAug 6, 2019
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.

Asbestosis toxicity study identifies potential of novel mineral treatment

A University of Technology Sydney study found that a micronized mineral compound reduced asbestos-induced cellular damage in cell lines and significantly slowed MM development in mouse models. The discovery offers new hope for treating MM and asbestosis, two incurable diseases.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalFASEB BioAdvances·DateAug 6, 2019

Guacamole lovers, rejoice! The avocado genome has been sequenced

The avocado genome has been sequenced, shedding light on its ancient origins and providing a foundation for future improvements to farming. The study reveals that the popular Hass avocado inherited about 61% of its DNA from Mexican varieties and about 39% from Guatemalan ones.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2019

Robotic cane shown to improve stability in walking

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering developed a robotic cane that provides light-touch assistance in walking, improving stability and balance. The device, called CANINE, acts as a mobile assistant to track a person's gait and provide support, resulting in narrower strides and increased gait stability.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateAug 6, 2019

New hormone injection aids weight loss in obese patients

A new hormone injection has shown promising results in aiding weight loss and improving blood glucose levels in obese patients. The treatment, which involves infusing three specific hormones, led to an average weight loss of 4.4kg and near-normal blood glucose levels in patients.

SourceImperial College London·JournalDiabetes Care·DateAug 6, 2019
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.

OU microbiologists provide framework for assessing ecological diversity

A University of Oklahoma team has developed a mathematical framework for quantitatively assessing ecological diversity in dynamic communities. The framework, which considers both deterministic and stochastic forces, provides a robust tool for ecologists to evaluate the relative contribution of these forces.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2019

Questions during shared book reading with preschoolers need to be more challenging

A study found that only 1 in 6 teacher questions were considered challenging, with researchers aiming for a ratio of 2 in 5. Teachers can enhance learning by asking open-ended 'why' and 'how' questions. This encourages children to use longer sentences and more complex language.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateAug 6, 2019

1 in 300 thrives on very-early-to-bed, very-early-to-rise routine

A study led by UCSF found that advanced sleep phase, where people wake up at 4 a.m., may be more common than previously thought, affecting around 1 in 300 adults. This condition is distinct from early rising with normal aging and can improve daytime functioning.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalSLEEP·DateAug 6, 2019
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.

'Weaponized interdependence' wields economic networks as political weapons

Research in International Security reveals how powerful states exert leverage over key products and services to coerce other nations, challenging traditional globalization narratives. This phenomenon of 'weaponized interdependence' has significant implications for international relations and global economic networks.

SourceThe MIT Press·JournalInternational Security·DateAug 6, 2019
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.

Seeing how computers 'think' helps humans stump machines and reveals AI weaknesses

Researchers from the University of Maryland developed a novel approach to generate questions that challenge AI language models. By collaborating with humans and computers, they created a dataset of over 1,200 computer-stumping questions that revealed six different language phenomena consistently stumping computers. This work provides i...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalTransactions of the Association for Computational Linguistics·DateAug 6, 2019

A hog in wolf's clothing

A new study examines the effects of feral hogs and elephants on livestock, finding significant impacts on farming livelihoods. The research highlights the importance of considering non-carnivore species in mitigating wildlife impacts, with potential consequences for conservation efforts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 6, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Heart-on-a-chip mimics drug response seen in humans

Researchers replicated human-like drug responses in TARA's engineered heart-on-a-chip system, predicting cardiac safety and efficacy. The study validated the platform's ability to model different heart diseases and measure contractile force of Cardiotype tissues.

SourceCG Life·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateAug 6, 2019

Newly developed approach shows promise in silencing HIV infection

Researchers at University of Texas Medical Branch developed a new medication that works with the human body to further suppress HIV, potentially leading to HIV remission. The treatment targets dormant HIV genes by programming a protein called BRD4 to silence the virus.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 6, 2019

Knowing berry pests' varied diets may help control them

A Cornell University study reveals that spotted-wing drosophila adults and larvae eat mushroom and apple mixtures, as well as bird manure, to survive before and after the growing season. The results may help curb pest populations by encouraging growers to limit access to certain non-fruit food sources.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcological Entomology·DateAug 6, 2019
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.

What do you mean the hamburger isn't all that American?

Research institutions are encouraged to integrate graphic design into communications teams to reach socially relevant audiences. Collaborations between scientists and graphic artists result in clear, focused, and accessible infographics, pushing science forward.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 6, 2019
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.

Staring at seagulls could save your chips

Researchers found that herring gulls take 21 seconds longer to approach food when a human is watching, suggesting that just observing the birds can reduce food-snatching. The study highlights the importance of modifying individual behavior to manage gull-nuisance issues in urban areas.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 6, 2019

Scientists create the world's thinnest gold

Researchers at the University of Leeds have created a new form of gold that is just two atoms thick, making it the thinnest unsupported gold ever created. The ultra-thin gold material has been shown to be 10 times more efficient as a catalytic substrate than traditional gold nanoparticles.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 6, 2019

Development of flexible sensors mimicking human finger skin by DGIST

Researchers at DGIST developed flexible sensors that can detect pressure and vibration similar to human skin, with more sensitive detections. The sensors mimic 'Slow Adaptive' and 'Fast Adaptive' receptors, enabling accurate classification of fabric roughness and potential applications in artificial skin grafting and VR experiences.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 6, 2019

Reconstructing histological slices into 3D images

Japanese scientists have developed a new method to construct 3D models from 2D images, overcoming several limitations in current methods. The approach uses non-rigid registration and blending of rigid transforms to create accurate 3D reconstructions of human embryos with high success.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalPattern Recognition·DateAug 6, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Antineutrino detection could help remotely monitor nuclear reactors

Researchers develop technology to measure antineutrino flow from nuclear reactors, allowing for remote monitoring of fuel changes. The technique has the potential to detect even small changes in fuel assemblies, enabling real-time verification of reactor operations.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2019
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.

New study could reset how scientists view sex determination in painted turtle populations

A new study from Iowa State University analyzed decades of data on painted turtle populations and found a wide variation in temperature sensitivity within local populations, defying theoretical expectations. The findings suggest that temperature-dependent sex determination may be more resilient to changes in temperature than previously...

SourceIowa State University·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateAug 6, 2019

Non-invasive imaging method spots cancer at the molecular level

Researchers developed a technique combining multiphoton microscopy with automated image analysis to distinguish between healthy and metastatic tissue without invasive biopsies or contrast dyes. The approach identified unique textural features in tissue that reflect cancer metastasis, allowing for early detection and improved treatment.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateAug 6, 2019

UCLA study links progenitor cells to age-related prostate growth

As people age, the prostate grows, leading to an increased risk for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. A new UCLA study found that older mice have more luminal progenitor cells, which can generate new prostate tissue, helping explain why the prostate tends to grow with age.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 6, 2019

How the Pacific Ocean influences long-term drought in the Southwestern US

A new study from the University of Washington explores how Pacific Ocean conditions contribute to prolonged droughts in the Southwestern US. Researchers found that El Niño events can lead to multi-year droughts if followed by a La Niña event, and that a complex interplay between ocean and atmospheric conditions is at play.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 6, 2019

Bullet shape, velocity determine blood spatter patterns

Researchers developed a new technique to analyze blood spatter patterns, which can help investigators determine the origins of blood spatters and potentially identify the weapon used. The study's findings reveal that bullet shape and velocity play a crucial role in determining blood spatter patterns.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 6, 2019
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.

Many post on social media under the influence of drugs -- and regret it

A study by NYU's Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research found that one-third of young adults who use drugs post on social media while high, with nearly half later regretting the behavior. The study highlights the potential social harms associated with substance use, which are often overlooked.

SourceNew York University·JournalSubstance Abuse·DateAug 6, 2019

Critical deployment of NASA Webb's secondary mirror a success

NASA successfully deployed its secondary mirror in a crucial testing step, paving the way for the James Webb Space Telescope's groundbreaking science. The successful test demonstrates the telescope's electronic connection and prepares it for integration into its final form.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 6, 2019

Climate change could shrink oyster habitat in California

A new study by the University of California, Davis, reveals that climate change could lead to a significant decline in oyster habitats in California bays. The research found that changes in dissolved oxygen levels, water temperature, and salinity would have a greater impact on oyster growth than ocean acidification.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateAug 6, 2019

Calcium levels in freshwater lakes declining in Europe and North America

A global study reveals calcium concentrations are critically low in many freshwater lakes, posing a threat to reproduction and survival of aquatic organisms. The decline is attributed to reduced sulphate deposition associated with acid rain, which has led to less calcium leaching from surrounding terrestrial areas.

SourceIISD Experimental Lakes Area·JournalNature·DateAug 6, 2019
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.