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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 37


Page 37 of 38

How little we know: Experts document the lack of research on youth firearm injury

A review of 33 years' worth of medical studies reveals key areas for new research to explore. The study found that only a few hundred studies have been published on the topic, many with methodological flaws. Experts recommend more research on larger samples, school- and family-level risk factors, and protective factors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine·DateAug 1, 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.

Human genetic diversity of South America reveals complex history of Amazonia

A new study explores genetic roots of 26 populations from diverse regions and cultures of western South America and Mexico, revealing long-distance connections between speakers of the same language. Genetic analysis also found a distinct ancestry component in Amazonia present at high frequency in populations from Ecuador and Colombia.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateAug 1, 2019

Sustained police effort explains higher arrests for gun murders

A new study by Duke and Northeastern universities reveals that sustained police efforts lead to higher arrest rates for gun murders compared to nonfatal shootings. The researchers found that persistence in investigating fatal cases results in more arrests due to increased resources and cooperation from witnesses.

SourceDuke University·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateAug 1, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cheater, cheater: Human Behavior Lab studies cheating as innate trait

The study found that individuals are more likely to cheat due to their personal propensity rather than external factors. In the experiment, participants showed no significant change in cheating behavior during periods of scarcity or abundance.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateAug 1, 2019

Low level exposure to air pollution is harmful, mouse model shows

Researchers found that even low levels of traffic-related air pollution can cause inflammation and mitochondrial damage in the lungs of mice. The study's results suggest that people living alongside major traffic corridors should be aware of potential respiratory health risks.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·DateAug 1, 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.

Ancient plankton help researchers predict near-future climate

A new study uses ancient plankton fossils to infer temperature data from the Pliocene era, a geological epoch with CO2 levels similar to today's. The findings resolve discrepancies between climate models and other proxy temperature measurements, showing that the Pliocene is a good analog for future climate predictions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 1, 2019

Bats use leaves as mirrors to find prey in the dark

Researchers found that bats can distinguish insect from leaf by approaching at optimal angles, exploiting echo reflection on leaves. The study has implications for predator-prey interactions and echolocation.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 1, 2019

Police officers' exposure to peers accused of misconduct shapes their subsequent behavior

A Northwestern University study found that police officers who had colleagues previously named in use-of-force complaints were more likely to be named in subsequent complaints. The researchers recommend police departments consider the impact of assigning officers with histories of using excessive force on other officers' behavior.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateAug 1, 2019

Experimental treatment slows prion disease, extends life of mice

Scientists have developed an experimental treatment using antisense oligonucleotides that slows the progression of scrapie, a degenerative central nervous disease caused by prions, in laboratory mice. Mice treated with the treatment lived 81% longer than untreated mice, with median survival times of up to 250 days.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 1, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Scientists crack the code to improve stress tolerance in plants

Researchers have discovered a novel epigenetic regulation mechanism that improves DNA damage response in plants, enabling them to withstand environmental stresses. The study reveals the role of histone demethylase LDL1 in suppressing RAD54's interaction with chromatin at damaged sites.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateAug 1, 2019

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, August 2019

The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed dynamic vision sensors that can interpret live information in real-time, revolutionizing robotics and autonomous vehicle sensing. Additionally, researchers are using additive manufacturing techniques to unlock new potential in tungsten for fusion energy, while also ...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 1, 2019

Study assesses outcomes for meth users with burn injures

Researchers found that meth-positive patients suffered worse injuries and longer hospital stays, but were more likely to leave against medical advice. The study suggests a need for additional resources and support for these patients to ensure successful recovery.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Research·DateAug 1, 2019

Pre-life building blocks spontaneously align in evolutionary experiment

Researchers found that amino acids linked up spontaneously into neat segments under conditions mimicking pre-life Earth. The preference for biological amino acids over non-biological counterparts suggests that early life may have selected a subset of building blocks based on their chemical properties.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 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.

Slip layer dynamics reveal why some fluids flow faster than expected

Researchers used a novel super-resolution microscopy technique to directly observe depletion layers in polymer solutions flowing through microchannels. The study found that changes to the depletion layer dimension occurred at unexpectedly low flow rates, and hydrodynamic lift forces played a key role in this phenomenon.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2019

Is your supercomputer stumped? There may be a quantum solution

A Berkeley Lab-led team used quantum annealing to solve a tough math problem that stumps even the world's most powerful supercomputers. The algorithm can evaluate multiple variables simultaneously and return the correct solution, potentially revolutionizing fields like systems engineering and operations research.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 1, 2019

Anaemic star carries the mark of its ancient ancestor

A newly discovered ancient star contains a record-low amount of iron, hinting at the nature of the first stars in the Universe. The ultra-metal-poor red giant star has iron levels 1.5 million times lower than that of the Sun.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·DateAug 1, 2019

Knockout mice are guide to new genes for eye and skin disorders

A team of researchers has identified dozens of genetic mutations linked to rare eye and skin disorders in knockout mice. These discoveries may help clinicians identify equivalent genes in human patients with no known genetic cause.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 1, 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.

US infrastructure unprepared for increasing frequency of extreme storms

A new study finds that US water management systems use outdated design guidelines, leading to more frequent and severe flooding. The researchers analyzed data from over 900 weather stations and found that extreme rainstorms are happening 85% more often in the eastern US than in 1950.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 1, 2019

New approach could make HVAC heat exchangers five times better

Researchers discovered that adding an organic solvent to common water-based turbulent heat exchange systems can boost their capacity to move heat by 500%. This approach achieves 10 times more improvement than other methods, revolutionizing heat exchange in HVAC and large-scale applications. The additive is non-corrosive, non-flammable,...

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 1, 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.

Largest ever study finds links in epilepsy genes

A massive study involving 17,606 participants has identified rare genetic variations associated with a higher risk of epilepsy. The research found that both severe and less severe forms of the disease share similar genetic features, paving the way for more targeted treatments.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 1, 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.

Mapping the Milky Way in three dimensions

Researchers have charted the Milky Way in three dimensions using thousands of pulsating stars, revealing a warped and twisted stellar disc. The new map provides a broad view of our place among the stars and constrains the previously observed shape of the Galaxy's disk.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 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.

A scientific approach to recreate metabolic evolution in plants

Researchers at Chiba University successfully recreated the metabolic evolution of plants producing alkaloids by inserting a gene into a model plant. This method identifies newly generated substances, including cadaverine, 5-aminopentanal, and δ-valerolactam, which can be used to produce new compounds for drug industries.

SourceChiba University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateAug 1, 2019

Toxic chemicals hindering the recovery of Britain's rivers

A recent study by Cardiff University and others found that Welsh rivers in urban locations have damaged food chains and fewer species of invertebrates compared to rural rivers. Persistent industrial pollutants like PCBs and PBDEs may be responsible for these effects, persisting despite being phased out.

SourceCardiff University·JournalWater Research·DateAug 1, 2019

Fear of more dangerous second Zika, dengue infections unfounded in monkeys

A study of 21 macaque monkeys found that primary and secondary infections with Zika virus did not amplify symptoms, contradicting previous tissue culture and mouse findings. The study suggests that combining a Zika vaccine with a dengue vaccine may be necessary to prevent enhancement of either virus.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 1, 2019

Research cruise explores carbon cycle in deep ocean in Atlantic

A University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science-led research cruise is exploring the marine carbon cycle in the deep Atlantic Ocean. Scientists are analyzing bacterial diversity and function to better understand how cyanobacteria contribute to the process.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·DateAug 1, 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.

Peering into the soul of the immune system to better fight disease

Researchers discovered T follicular helper cells in blood can reveal immune system events in distant parts of the body. The 'periscope' approach enables a snapshot of whole-body immunity from blood samples, paving the way for personalized treatment plans.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2019

From Japanese basket weaving art to nanotechnology with ion beams

Scientists at the University of Vienna have developed a method to produce ultradense arrays of magnetic quanta in high-temperature superconductors, inspired by traditional Japanese basket weaving art. The research uses a helium-ion microscope to create complex periodic arrangements with dense defect structures, which can be used to stu...

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateAug 1, 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.

Satellite shows Tropical Storm Flossie holding up

Satellite imagery shows Tropical Storm Flossie maintaining its structure with little change from July 31 to August 1. The storm is expected to cross into the central Pacific basin late Friday or early Saturday and begin slowly weakening on Saturday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 1, 2019

Supercomputing improves biomass fuel conversion

Researchers used supercomputing and nano-imaging to reveal how a 'lignin-first' approach can facilitate the efficient breakdown of plant biomass. The study found that pretreating plant biomass with specific co-solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran and water, can help break down lignin and increase enzyme access to cellulose.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 1, 2019

Veterans with traumatic brain injuries have higher suicide risk

A study of over 1.4 million military veterans found that those with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are more likely to die by suicide, with a significant increase in firearm use as a means of suicide. The researchers emphasize the importance of screening for lifetime history of TBI to prevent future deaths by suicide.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateAug 1, 2019

From greenhouse gas to fuel

A novel catalysis system reduces carbon dioxide to methane in a single step, eliminating intermediate steps. The system uses copper and nanostructured silver surfaces, yielding higher methane concentrations than copper-only systems.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 1, 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.

3D printing the human heart

A team of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University has developed a new technique to 3D bioprint tissue scaffolds out of collagen, allowing them to overcome challenges associated with existing methods and achieve unprecedented resolution and fidelity. The technique, known as Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH...

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 2019

Strong evidence for causal link between obesity and multiple diseases

A new study has established the strongest evidence yet of a causal relationship between obesity and various serious conditions. The research analyzed data from the UK Biobank to assess associations between body mass index (BMI) and disease outcomes in 337,536 people.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateAug 1, 2019

Storytelling bots learn to punch up their last lines

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a model for generating story endings that are both relevant and diverse. The algorithm incorporates key words from the early part of the story and rewards rare word usage to create interesting endings.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateAug 1, 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.

System to image the human eye corrects for chromatic aberrations

A new imaging system cancels chromatic optical aberrations in individual eyes, allowing for precise assessment of vision and eye health. The technology provides the first objective measurement of longitudinal chromatic aberrations (LCA), which could lead to insights into visual halos, glare, and color perception.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateAug 1, 2019

Promising new solar-powered path to hydrogen fuel production

A team of engineers at Lehigh University has successfully created a catalyst that uses sunlight to split water molecules, producing hydrogen. This process is performed at room temperature and under ambient pressure, making it a promising route towards a renewable energy-based economy.

SourceLehigh University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateAug 1, 2019

The curious tale of the cancer 'parasite' that sailed the seas

A contagious canine cancer has been found to have originated around 6,000 years ago in Asia and spread globally through maritime activities. The cancer's evolution has revealed unique signatures left by carcinogens, including exposure to UV light, which is also linked to human cancers.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 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.