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Science News Archive August 2019


Page 7 of 38

Water harvester makes it easy to quench your thirst in the desert

A team of researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, has developed a microwave-sized water harvester that can pull water directly from the air 24/7. The harvester uses a highly porous metal-organic framework to capture and condense water molecules from ambient air, even in low-humidity conditions.

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.

Pregnant women of color experience disempowerment by health care providers

A new study reveals that women of color perceive their interactions with healthcare providers as misleading, with information being 'packaged' to limit maternity care choices. The research highlights the impact of implicit bias and racism on birth outcomes, providing a potential mechanism for how these associations occur.

How to practice safer sunscreening

Researchers used microchips to test titanium dioxide, a common sunscreen ingredient, which is found nontoxic but offers protection against UV damage to skin cells. Microfluidic devices simplify nanoparticle analysis, reducing cost and time.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Would a carbon tax help to innovate more-efficient energy use?

A new study published in Joule finds that taxing carbon emissions would lead to improved energy efficiency, with potential reductions of up to 30% in energy usage by 2100. This innovation could motivate people to develop more efficient ways to use energy, making it easier to solve the climate problem.

NIH announces six inaugural genomic innovator awards

The NIH Genomic Innovator Awards provide funding to six institutions to support early career researchers studying genome biology and its applications. The awards aim to accelerate genomics research and promote flexible and ambitious research projects.

A new signaling pathway for mTor-dependent cell growth

A team of researchers has discovered a new mechanism for inactivating the mTor protein, which is involved in cell growth and metabolism. The study reveals that a specific lipid kinase can be activated by protein kinase N, leading to the inhibition of mTOR-dependent cell growth.

Better seizure control with ketogenic diet in infants with genetic epilepsy

A review of 10-year experience at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that ketogenic diet was safe and effective in treating drug-resistant epilepsy in infants under 3 years old. Nearly half of children with genetic causes of epilepsy experienced significant seizure reduction after three months on the diet.

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.

Mediating the trade-off -- How plants decide between growth or defense

Researchers found that plants use the same transcription factor to regulate growth and defense, but require different levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for each process. This incompatibility leads to a trade-off between growth and defense, with implications for plant biomass production and disease resistance.

New biosensor provides insight into the stress behaviour of plants

Researchers developed a method to track the activity of phosphatidic acid spatially and temporally using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based biosensor. The study found that phosphatidic acid plays a key role in plant stress tolerance, particularly under salt stress conditions.

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.

Peptide hydrogels could help heal traumatic brain injuries

Researchers have developed a self-assembling peptide hydrogel that increases blood vessel regrowth and neuronal survival in rats with traumatic brain injuries. The treatment also improves the survival of brain cells and shows signs of new blood vessel formation.

Gene linked to autism undergoes changes in men's sperm after pot use

Researchers found a specific gene associated with autism undergoes changes in the sperm of men who use marijuana, sparking further investigation into potential intergenerational effects. The study suggests a possible connection between cannabis use and autism, warranting urgent research given the increasing prevalence of marijuana use.

Greater left ventricular mass increases risk of heart failure

A new study found that left-ventricular hypertrophy is a stronger predictor of heart failure than coronary artery calcium score. The study analyzed data from 6,814 men and women with no known heart disease and found that LV hypertrophy increased the risk of CHD events by 4.3 times.

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.

Novel therapy studied for inherited breast cancer

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have identified a novel way to kill cancers caused by inherited BRCA1 mutations. Adding back microRNA 223-3p forces BRCA1-mutant cancer cells to die, offering a potential treatment for inherited breast and ovarian cancer.

Turbocharging the body's natural killer cells to defeat cancer

Australian researchers discovered a protein that prevents NK cells from fighting cancer and found that blocking it with the naturally occurring hormone Follistatin turbocharges the immune system. This discovery may lead to a new and highly potent immune-therapeutic drug for the eradication of cancers like melanoma.

New in the Hastings Center Report, July-August 2019

A study on learning health organizations highlights the paradox of bystander ethics, where researchers must navigate ethical principles with quality improvement research. The authors propose a workaround to address this challenge, but critics argue it is inadequate.

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.

Grant to build bridges to STEM degrees for transfer students

A $4.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation will provide scholarships and support services for Pima Community College students transferring to the University of Arizona to pursue STEM degrees. The grant aims to diversify talent pathways in Arizona and create a culture of belonging for underrepresented students.

Newly discovered giant planet slingshots around its star

Astronomers have discovered a massive planet three times the size of Jupiter that orbits its star on an egg-shaped path. The planet's unique orbit takes it from within our asteroid belt to beyond Neptune, providing a rare opportunity for scientists to study extreme planetary configurations.

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.

National Institutes of Health director hails SUNY Downstate for vision research

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is developing a neurotechnology pathway to restore vision in people with age-related macular degeneration. The OBServ system, currently in development, aims to provide patients with limited vision, allowing them to regain independence through wireless streaming and surgically implanted devices.

Using nature to protect cities from extreme weather

A $2 million NSF grant will support the study of nature-based strategies to prevent urban flooding and manage stormwater in cities like Pittsburgh and Chicago. The project aims to develop engineering tools that integrate green infrastructure with existing built systems to improve water quality and ecological health.

How texture deceives the moving finger

A recent study published in PLOS Biology explores how texture affects the way we perceive speed when touching objects. The researchers found that finer textures produce more vibrations in the skin, leading to a greater perceived speed. This is because specific nerve fibers in the skin are highly sensitive to these vibrations.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Crows consciously control their calls

A study published in PLOS Biology found that crows can deliberately control their calls, suggesting a high level of cognitive sophistication. The research used trained carrion crows to learn and respond to specific cues, revealing the birds' ability to exert control over their vocalizations.

Enhancing materials for hi-res patterning to advance microelectronics

Researchers develop 'hybrid' resists combining poly(methyl methacrylate) and aluminum oxide to improve lithography contrast and enable high-resolution silicon nanostructures. The approach uses an existing resist, metal oxide, and common equipment, offering a cost-effective solution for next-generation electronics.

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.

Stable home lives improve prospects for preemies

Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that stable home lives and nurturing mothers can significantly improve the psychiatric health of preterm children. The study revealed four distinct groups of preterm children, with those from healthier homes showing normal psychiatric outcomes.

Honeybee brain development may enhance waggle dance communication

Research in forager honeybees suggests that changes in a vibration-sensitive neuron enhance waggle dance communication. The older bees demonstrate more precise connections to other brain regions and better signaling, allowing them to effectively convey information through the waggle dance.

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.

Personal protective equipment most critical to safety of seafarers

A new study highlights the importance of personal protective equipment in reducing workplace injuries and deaths among seafarers. The research found that PPE availability is the most significant factor in decreasing injury probability, with proper training also playing a crucial role.

Blue light for RNA control

Scientists at the Universities of Bayreuth and Bonn have found a way to regulate RNA molecule activity using blue light, enabling on/off control of gene expression. This breakthrough discovery is the basis for optoribogenetics, a new field of research.

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.

NASA-NOAA satellite finds heavy rainmaking ability in tropical storm Dorian

Tropical Storm Dorian has shown heavy rainmaking ability thanks to cold cloud top temperatures, generating strong thunderstorms and potentially causing life-threatening surf conditions. The storm is expected to produce 3-8 inches of rainfall in the Windward Islands, with isolated totals reaching up to 10 inches.

How plants measure their carbon dioxide uptake

In a balancing act between drying out and starving in dry conditions, plants use an elaborate network of sensors to regulate their carbon dioxide uptake. The study reveals that guard cells have sensors for CO2 and ABA, allowing them to measure photosynthesis and water supply, and adjust the stomata accordingly.

Production of hydrogen peroxide from water

Researchers found that microdroplets of pure water spontaneously produce hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of around 1 ppm. This novel process has the potential to provide an inexpensive and environmentally friendly method for hydrogen peroxide production.

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.

An innovative new diagnostic for Lyme disease

Researchers at Arizona State University describe an innovative diagnostic technique that pinpoints molecular signatures of Lyme disease with high accuracy. The method, using a multi-platform approach, uncovers six potential biomarkers for early identification of the disease.

Concussions linked to erectile dysfunction in former NFL players

A survey of over 3,400 former NFL players reveals a strong link between concussion history and low testosterone and erectile dysfunction. Researchers found that even relatively few concussion symptoms can increase the risk of ED, and the condition may persist for decades after injury.

Rates of colonoscopies boosted by text reminders, instructions

A recent study by Penn Medicine researchers found that automated text message conversations increased the rate of colonoscopies from 62 to 90 percent. The study used text reminders, instructions, and two-way messaging to engage patients before their appointments.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A lack of background knowledge can hinder reading comprehension

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that students' ability to comprehend texts depends on their background knowledge of the subject. A specific threshold score indicates when students need additional support. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,500 high-school students and discovered a correlation between back...

Crack in Pacific seafloor caused volcanic chain to go dormant

A 900-mile stretch of volcanoes in the Pacific Ring of Fire became dormant for 10 million years due to a prominent bend in the Hawaiian Islands chain and a crack in the Pacific Ocean Plate. The crack, formed by opposing plates moving in opposite directions, disrupted the water-laden conveyor belt that drives volcanic activity.