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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 32


Page 32 of 38

Fighting a mighty weed

Scientists are racing to find solutions as Palmer amaranth develops resistance to multiple herbicides, outcompeting crops for resources. The weed's ability to thrive and produce new generations of resistant plants poses significant threats to crop yields.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 7, 2019

Observation-driven research to inform better groundwater management policies

A new study reveals that higher rainfall does not necessarily equate to higher groundwater recharge, and that aridity and episodicity play a crucial role in determining groundwater replenishment. The research also finds that some sub-Saharan African countries are experiencing declining groundwater levels due to drying climate trends.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 2019

BU researchers: 'Set' of gun laws needed to reduce gun violence

A Boston University study finds that laws restricting who can have a gun are most effective in reducing firearm homicides, with different laws more effective in urban and suburban/rural areas. Universal background checks and stringent concealed carry laws show promise in reducing urban and suburban/rural rates.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateAug 7, 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.

Spinning towards robust microwave generation on the nano scale

Spin-torque oscillators, used to generate microwaves, are unstable when connected in series due to random fluctuations that can suppress or destroy the oscillations. The new study suggests alternative methods for robust microwave generation on the macro scale.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateAug 7, 2019

Cancer in the oldest old: The fastest growing age group in the US

Adults aged 85 years and older account for the fastest-growing age group in the US, with higher cancer incidence rates but lower screening and treatment rates. The most common cancers among this population are lung, breast, prostate, and colorectum, but late-stage diagnosis and poorer survival outcomes are also reported.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateAug 7, 2019

Sorting out who needs a pill sorter

A new study has found that pharmacies are giving out twice as many pill organisers as ten years ago, which can cause harm to some patients. The research team developed guidelines for healthcare teams to identify patients who may benefit from using a pill organiser or alternative solutions.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalResearch in Social and Administrative Pharmacy·DateAug 7, 2019

Physicians call for an end to conversion therapy

Conversion therapy practices cause significant harm, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and economic burdens. Physicians advocate for education reform to better identify patients who underwent or may be undergoing conversion therapy.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 7, 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.

Marijuana legalization reduces opioid deaths

A new study published in Economic Inquiry reveals that marijuana access leads to significant reductions in opioid-related deaths. The research found a decrease of 20-35% in annual opioid mortality rates following recreational marijuana legalization in the US.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateAug 7, 2019

Air pollution cuts are saving lives in New York state

A new study found that lower air pollution levels in New York State led to a 67% decrease in premature deaths between 2002 and 2012. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 7, 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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

'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