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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 2


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.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 30, 2019

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.

SourceThe Physiological Society·DateAug 30, 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.

Emotion recognition deficits impede community integration after traumatic brain injury

Researchers found a correlation between facial emotion recognition deficits and poor community integration in individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Those with impaired emotional recognition displayed reduced community integration, suggesting a potential barrier to social isolation.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateAug 30, 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.

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.

SourceHarvard University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourceArizona State University·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateAug 29, 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.

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalOecologia·DateAug 29, 2019

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

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 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.

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.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalMatter·DateAug 29, 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.

Blue Brain finds how neurons in the mouse neocortex form billions of synaptic connections

The Blue Brain researchers have generated statistical instances of the micro-connectome of 10 million neurons, a model spanning five orders of magnitude and containing 88 billion synaptic connections. This model reveals a surprisingly complex structure at cellular resolution, tying together neurons in different regions and at opposite ...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateAug 29, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourcePurdue University·DateAug 29, 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.

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.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourceKorea Brain Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateAug 29, 2019

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...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalLab on a Chip·DateAug 29, 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.

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.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalEuropean Journal of Organic Chemistry·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 29, 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.

No genome signature predicts same-sex sexual behavior, GWAS study finds

A recent genome-wide association study involving over 470,000 participants found no meaningful link between genetic variants and same-sex sexual behavior. Instead, thousands of genetic variants with small effects contribute to individual differences in predisposition to the trait.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 29, 2019

Psychosensory electronic skin technology for future AI and humanoid development

A team of researchers from DGIST developed a psychosensory electronic skin technology that can detect pain and temperature sensations like humans. The technology uses zinc oxide nano-wire technology to measure pressure and temperature simultaneously, and can be applied to various tactile systems.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalSoft Robotics·DateAug 29, 2019

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...

SourceUniversity of North Texas Health Science Center·DateAug 29, 2019

Convection-permitting models better depict the heavy rainfall events in 2016 eastern China flooding

A recent study using convection-permitting models showed improved accuracy in simulating heavy rainfall events in the Yangtze River Basin. The models were found to better reproduce the spatial distribution of precipitation and smaller-scale disturbances, reducing biases compared to global models.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateAug 29, 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.

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%.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 29, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCell·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 29, 2019

Theory reveals the nature of crystals defects (of silicon carbide)

Researchers developed a new model to study complex defects in silicon carbide crystals, explaining their characteristics on an atomic scale. The work provides a qualitative understanding of the impact of edge dislocations on material properties.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 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.

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.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 29, 2019
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateAug 29, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalWater Resources Research·DateAug 29, 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.