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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 12


Page 12 of 38

How red-eared invaders are hurting California's native turtles

Scientists removed nearly 200 invasive red-eared sliders from a UC Davis Arboretum waterway to observe the impact on native western pond turtles. The study found that without competition, native turtles gain significant weight and improve health.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 22, 2019

Materials scientists build a synthetic system with compartments like real cells

Researchers develop synthetic compartmentalization system that mimics biological functions, allowing for controlled chemical reactions and separation of materials. The system uses electrical charge to regulate the flow of materials and can be used in various applications such as drug delivery, wound treatment, and water purification.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalChem·DateAug 22, 2019

NASA's Aqua satellite finds a weaker Chantal, now a depression

NASA's Aqua satellite detected a weakened Tropical Storm Chantal, now classified as a depression, with strongest storms shifted to the northeast of the center. The storm is moving eastward at 17 mph and is forecast to slow down and make a clockwise loop through the weekend.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 22, 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.

Living cells engineered to be computing and recording devices

Researchers have developed a new technology that uses DNA for information processing and storage in living cells. The DOMINO system enables the deep interrogation of biology and can execute cascades of DNA writing events in response to biological signals.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 22, 2019

Yale researchers detect unreported Zika outbreak

Researchers detected a large unreported Zika outbreak in Cuba during 2017, using virus genomics and travel patterns to identify the outbreak. The study suggests that effective mosquito control campaigns can delay outbreaks, emphasizing the need for alternative detection methods when local case reporting is limited.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateAug 22, 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.

The case for strategic and managed retreat in the face of climate change

Researchers propose a new approach to climate change adaptation, focusing on strategic and managed retreat in vulnerable areas. This approach aims to maximize social, economic, and environmental benefits by integrating retreat into broader development goals.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 22, 2019

Yet another way dogs help the military; aeromedical patient evacuations

A study by Florida Atlantic University demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of animal-assisted interventions in reducing stress among military patients undergoing aeromedical evacuation. The results show significant decreases in cortisol levels and improvements in immunoglobulin A levels.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalStress and Health·DateAug 22, 2019

Maximum mass of lightest neutrino revealed using astronomical big data

A team of researchers used innovative approaches to calculate the mass of neutrinos, setting an upper limit for the lightest species for the first time. They combined data from various sources, including galaxy observations and particle accelerator experiments, to arrive at a maximum possible mass of 0.086 eV.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 22, 2019

Quantum gravity's tangled time

Researchers have successfully described what happens when a massive object is placed in a quantum superposition state near clocks, defying classical descriptions. This discovery reveals that quantum time order can arise, leading to new physical effects and potential applications for quantum technologies.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2019

Temperatures of 800 billion degrees in the cosmic kitchen

The HADES experiment simulates electromagnetic radiation from colliding neutron stars, revealing temperatures of 800 billion degrees Celsius. The research provides insight into the cosmic kitchen for heavy nuclei fusion.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 22, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biomaterials smarten up with CRISPR

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute develop CRISPR-responsive smart materials that can release bound cargo, change structures, or regulate electric circuits. These materials have potential for novel theranostic strategies, point-of-care diagnostics, and regional monitoring of epidemic outbreaks.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateAug 22, 2019

High-precision technique stores cellular 'memory' in DNA

Using a new technique called DOMINO, MIT researchers can store and record complex 'memories' in the DNA of living cells. The system allows for precise editing of DNA bases to encode information, enabling scalable and defined memory systems similar to silicon-based computers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 22, 2019

Satellite sees Eastern Pacific Depression 10E form

Tropical Depression 10E has formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's GOES-West satellite capturing its formation near latitude 15.4 degrees north and longitude 107.3 degrees west. The depression is expected to strengthen over the next couple of days, potentially becoming a tropical storm by tonight and a hurricane by Friday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 22, 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.

'100-year' floods will happen every 1 to 30 years, according to new flood maps

Researchers at Princeton University have created new maps that predict coastal flooding for every county on the Eastern and Gulf Coasts. The study finds that 100-year floods could become annual occurrences in Northern coastal towns, primarily due to sea level rise. In more southern latitudes, storms are expected to increase in strength...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2019

Dyslexia could affect pass rates in UK GP clinical skills exam

A new study found that trainee doctors with dyslexia are less likely to pass the UK GP clinical skills exam, especially if they declare it after failing at least once. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the challenges faced by candidates with dyslexia and potential solutions to support them.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalMedical Education·DateAug 22, 2019

Genetic diversity couldn't save Darwin's finches

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that six out of eight extinct Galapagos finch populations had higher genetic diversity than their surviving counterparts. This finding suggests that genetic diversity may not be a reliable predictor of extinction risk for mobile species like finches.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalConservation Genetics·DateAug 22, 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.

Microbiology: Atacama Desert microbes may hold clues to life on Mars

A study in the Atacama Desert found that microbial life can be transported across the hyperarid environment using wind-driven dust particles. This suggests that potential microbial life on Mars may spread similarly, with implications for future research and exploration.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 22, 2019

Scurrying roaches help researchers steady staggering robots

Biomechanics researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology used cockroaches' sprints to develop a method for assessing and improving robot locomotion. The new approach focuses on phase-coupling oscillations, allowing it to work with both insect and robotic systems.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2019

Water availability determines carbon uptake under climate warming: study

A recent study found that water availability in soil determines the direction of carbon-climate feedback, with land carbon uptake increasing below optimal moisture levels and decreasing above them. This discovery provides new insights into the complex relationships between climate change, ecosystem dynamics, and water availability.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 22, 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.

Rising summer heat could soon endanger travelers on annual Muslim pilgrimage

A new study projects that future summers in Saudi Arabia will reach extreme danger heat-stress threshold, posing a significant threat to pilgrims. Climate change mitigation initiatives can help reduce the frequency of such events, but adaptations are still necessary to ensure safe Hajj.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 22, 2019

Brain finds order amidst chaos

Researchers found that individual cortical neurons cannot find order amidst chaotic signals, but the brain averages many neurons' activity for certainty. External inputs can briefly switch networks to a regime of highly reliable spiking, allowing the brain to overcome noise and chaos.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2019

Clean air for a sustainable future

A new research project, Clean Air for a Sustainable Future, aims to develop a concept to achieve significant reduction in soot concentration. The project brings together environmental, social, and health scientists with NGOs, politicians, and affected citizens to find solutions.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·DateAug 22, 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.

Heavy drinking and HIV don't mix

Researchers found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with altered immune function among people living with HIV, leading to higher levels of biomarkers linked to mortality. The study highlights the potential harms of heavy drinking on people with HIV and emphasizes the need for further research.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 22, 2019

Visualizing strong magnetic fields with neutrons

Researchers at PSI have developed a new method to precisely measure strong magnetic fields using polarized neutrons. This allows them to visualize and quantify inhomogeneous and anisotropic magnetic fields, with applications in alternators, MRI systems, and other devices.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2019
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.

New report finds 100% juice helps improve children's diet quality

A new report by pediatrician Dr. Robert D. Murray supports the inclusion of 100% juice in a healthy diet, citing positive attributes such as retaining key nutrients and bioactives. The study also found that consuming both whole fruit and juice is essential for meeting daily-recommended fruit servings and improving overall diet quality.

SourceKellen Communications - NY·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateAug 22, 2019

How our genes and environment influence BMI and height

Researchers discovered that genetic variations influencing body mass index (BMI) are sensitive to environmental conditions, while those affecting human height are stable across environments. This finding could help determine whether specific traits are influenced by genetics or environment.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 22, 2019

The case for retreat in the battle against climate change

Experts propose carefully planned retreat as a tool to achieve societal goals like community revitalization, equity, and sustainability. The approach acknowledges challenges but aims to prepare for long-term adaptation by limiting development in at-risk areas.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience·DateAug 22, 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.

Early life on Earth limited by enzyme

A study proposes that the nitrogenase enzyme, essential for photosynthesis, blocked its own activity at 2% atmospheric oxygen levels, stabilizing oxygen levels for nearly two billion years. This negative feedback loop prevented further oxygen production and explains why oxygen levels rose to today's levels.

SourceUniversity College London·DateAug 22, 2019

Systemic failures in public health system led to deaths in elderly patients

A leading public health expert warns of systemic failures in the public health system that led to the deaths of 17 elderly patients. The expert draws parallels with two major incidents in the mid-1980s, highlighting the need for strengthened public health and better links between the NHS and local government.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateAug 22, 2019

Bacterial sex drives evolution of microbes to conquer and colonize the gut

A pioneer study published in PNAS reveals that bacterial sex plays a pivotal role in the evolution of the mammalian microbiome. Horizontal gene transfer, facilitated by temperate bacteriophages, is the primary mechanism driving bacterial evolution in a healthy gut.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 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.

CRISPR-responsive hydrogel system offers programmable approach to smart biomaterials

Researchers developed a CRISPR-responsive hydrogel system that can be programmed to release compounds, nanoparticles, or live cells in response to specific DNA targets. The system's sensitivity and versatility make it suitable for various biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, bio-electronics, and biosensing.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 22, 2019

The case for managed retreat

Managed retreat can achieve societal goals like community revitalization, equity, and sustainability. However, barriers include financial constraints and psychological issues, which must be addressed through strategic planning and social programs. Implementing equitable relocation policies is crucial to ensure the most vulnerable house...

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateAug 22, 2019

Super-powered immune cells

Researchers are conducting a phase 1 clinical trial using CAR-T cells, which have been shown to attack and kill cancers. The goal is to learn more about how these super-powered immune cells interact with solid tumors to develop effective treatments for various types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateAug 22, 2019

WPI mathematician is helping NASA spacecraft travel faster and farther

A WPI mathematician is working on a project to develop methods to detect flaws in carbon nanotube materials used in composite rocket fuel tanks. He has developed an algorithm that increases the resolution of density scanning systems nine times, enabling more accurate images of the material's uniformity.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateAug 22, 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.

Shocking rate of plant extinctions in South Africa

According to a study published in Current Biology, 79 plants have been confirmed extinct from South Africa's three biodiversity hotspots since 1700, representing 45.4% of all known plant extinctions from 10 world hotspots. The main drivers for these extinctions are agriculture, urbanisation, and invasive species.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 22, 2019

Lower levels of dietary vitamins and antioxidants are linked to frailty in older adults

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin found that lower levels of specific vitamins and antioxidants are consistently associated with frailty in older adults. The study also suggests that micronutrient insufficiencies may act as an easily modified marker for frailty, offering new potential treatments.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateAug 22, 2019

In a quantum future, which starship destroys the other?

Researchers have discovered that particles and even time itself can exist in a state of superposition, blurring the lines between cause and effect. This phenomenon has significant implications for quantum computing, potentially leading to breakthroughs in operations performance.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 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.

Ludwig study identifies an Achilles heel of many types of cancer

A Ludwig Cancer Research study reveals that MYC-driven cancers rely heavily on fatty acid synthesis and can be targeted for treatment. The research provides concrete information for the development of new therapies for a broad spectrum of malignancies.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 22, 2019

Optimizing fertilizer source and rate to avoid root death

Researchers have made a breakthrough in finding the ideal fertilizer rate and source to prevent root damage in canola crops. Using new imaging techniques, they developed dose-response curves for different nitrogen fertilizer sources, revealing that banding urea ammonium nitrate with low rates is the best option.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateAug 21, 2019

'Kissing loops' in RNA molecule essential for its role in tumor suppression

A team of scientists has discovered that the three-dimensional shape of an RNA molecule, called MEG3, is essential for its role in tumor suppression. The researchers found two critical elements within the molecule that form 'kissing loops', which interact with each other to maintain its function.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 21, 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.