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Science News Archive December 2019


Page 12 of 36

Brain waves in mice change based on memory age

A team at RIKEN Center for Brain Science analyzed mouse brain activity using machine-learning algorithms, identifying distinct brain waves for recent and remote memories. They found a strong link between the frontal brain region and hippocampus, suggesting a possible mechanism to track memory age.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sinuses bothering you? Use those nasal sprays regularly

A recent study found that consistent use of nasal saline and corticosteroid sprays can significantly reduce the need for antibiotics and oral steroids in individuals with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This reduction can lead to fewer side effects associated with these medications, such as gastric issues and mood disturbances. By using ...

Meerkat mobs do 'war dance' to protect territory

Researchers found that meerkat clans exhibit aggression by chasing or doing a 'war dance' in over half of interactions, often leading to physical violence. Winning groups move further away from the center of their territory, while losing groups are forced to retreat closer to the center.

Plant-eating insects disrupt ecosystems and contribute to climate change

A new study reveals that plant-eating insects significantly impact forest ecosystems, causing nutrient leaching and increased carbon dioxide emissions. The researchers found that these insects can disrupt ecosystems more than previously thought, especially in cold areas where temperatures may rise.

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 ice river detected at Arctic glacier adds to rising seas

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a new ice river forming on the Vavilov ice cap in Siberia, shedding nearly 11% of its mass since 2013. The rapid ice loss is believed to be linked to climate change, which can cause unstable ice shelves and erosion by warm water.

HIIT timing matters for increasing fitness

Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University compared two popular HIIT protocols, finding that 60-second intervals with 60-second rest periods improved aerobic capacity and body composition. In contrast, 30-second intervals with 120 seconds of rest had no significant impact on fitness parameters.

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.

Newly discovered retinal structure may enhance vision for some birds

Researchers have discovered a novel retinal structure in flycatchers that contains megamitochondria and small oil droplets, potentially enhancing their ability to detect and track insect prey. This unique structure is unevenly distributed across the retina and may provide an additional visual channel for these small predatory songbirds.

MIPT researchers close in on new nonvolatile memory

Researchers from MIPT and their international colleagues achieved a breakthrough in nonvolatile memory devices by measuring electric potential distribution across a ferroelectric capacitor. The new memory cell has been shown to endure 10 billion rewrite cycles, surpassing current flash drives.

Instagram's virtual features have real relationship benefits

A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that Instagram helps young adults develop friendships in real life, particularly for those who are more reserved and open to new experiences. The platform's visual features and ease of use encouraged self-expression, leading to deeper relationships offline.

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.

Even resilient common species are not immune to environmental crisis

A recent study found that the effective population size and genetic diversity of the Sunda fruit bat have shrunk significantly due to urbanization and human-mediated changes. The research team analyzed DNA samples from 1931 and 2011, revealing a nearly 30-fold reduction in genetic diversity.

Donkeys are natural heat lovers and prefer Bethlehem to Britain

New research from the University of Portsmouth reveals that donkeys are less likely to seek shelter from heat and light than mules. The study found that donkeys prefer arid, hot climates with higher sunlight levels, while mules are more sensitive to temperatures and sunlight.

Skin cancer mystery revealed in yin and yang protein

Scientists have determined the structure of the B-Raf protein, which is responsible for about 50% of melanomas. The study reveals an asymmetric organization of the complex, enabling asymmetric activation of the B-Raf dimer, a mechanism that explains the origin of paradoxical activation by small molecule inhibitors.

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.

Study identifies way for employers to retain casual workers

A University of Waterloo study found that positive feelings about work in general and a psychological attachment to the organization are crucial for casual workers to return the following year. Job enrichment was shown to increase work engagement and organizational commitment among seasonal student workers.

Large carnivores and zoos -- essential for biodiversity conservation marketing

The article suggests that large carnivores and zoos can catalyze public engagement with nature and pro-environmental behavior, fostering an emotional appreciation for diverse species. By exploring connections between people, large carnivores, and zoos, this approach provides a rich multifaceted framework for biodiversity conservation.

AI improves breast cancer risk prediction

A new AI model developed by researchers can predict which women are at future risk of breast cancer with higher accuracy than existing models. The deep neural network-based approach has a lower false negative rate, indicating that it can identify women who would benefit from additional screening with MRI.

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.

Scientists reveal the neural basis of confirmation bias

Researchers at Virginia Tech and University College London discovered a key brain region that drives confirmation bias, where activity modulates decision-making and memory. The study found that people tend to favor information reinforcing their existing opinions over contradictory ones.

Trump's protectionism raises unemployment

A study by Université de Genève researchers shows that Donald Trump's protectionist policies increase unemployment in the US and Mexico, reducing welfare by 0.31% in the US and 6.6% in Mexico.

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.

Research adds new twist to fight against autoimmune diseases

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered a new molecular process in mice that triggers T cell-driven inflammation and causes autoimmune diseases. The study found that interactions between myeloid cells and CD4-positive T cells produce excessive IL-1b, leading to auto-inflammatory diseases.

Dense breast notifications are having little impact

A national survey of women found that DBNs are not achieving their desired effects in reducing breast cancer awareness and screening. The study revealed greater anxiety and confusion among black women with higher incomes, while white women with higher incomes had more knowledge about breast density.

Clemson materials research may advance quantum computing

Clemson University professor Joe Kolis is developing new quantum materials using hydrothermal synthesis to make reliable qubits for quantum computing and data storage. By cooling material at lower temperatures, he aims to achieve the necessary magnetic disorder for quantum phenomenon to take over.

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.

First study on human-grade dog food says whole, fresh food is highly digestible

A recent study from the University of Illinois discovered that human-grade dog foods are not only highly palatable but also more digestible than initially estimated. The researchers tested six commercial dog foods made with minimally processed human-edible ingredients, finding high protein quality and low stool volume in dogs.

Solving a combinatorial quandary

Lehigh University professor Brian Chen is developing software that can predict protein interactions, reducing the need for human interpretation. The software has already successfully demonstrated the ability to predict something completely unknown in a collaboration with Rutgers University.

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.

Majority of children with allergies needlessly avoid common antibiotics

A new study published in Pediatrics found that eight in 10 children who reported being allergic to non-beta-lactam antibiotics were not truly allergic, highlighting the need for improved and timely access to formal allergy evaluations. This can prevent lifelong avoidance of certain antibiotic classes and help combat antibiotic resistance.

First US study shows strong results for procedure to treat knee pain from OA

A new US study demonstrates the effectiveness of genicular artery embolization (GAE) in treating osteoarthritis knee pain. The minimally invasive procedure blocks blood flow to certain parts of the knee, providing rapid relief from pain and disability. Results show significant improvement in pain scores, with nearly all patients experi...

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.

Novel genetic signature that can predict some kinds of breast cancer is identified

Researchers have identified a genetic signature associated with the degree of pathological angiogenesis in breast cancer tumors. The study combined gene expression profiles from public databases with analysis of retinopathy models to uncover key genes involved in pathological angiogenesis, providing a new tool for breast cancer treatment.

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.

Moffitt researchers develop more efficient approach to create mouse models

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed a new platform for creating genetically engineered mice to study melanoma, which is significantly faster than the traditional approach. This new method uses chimera mouse models and chimera-derived melanoma cell lines to provide a faster way to study skin cancer.

New metrics needed to evaluate and combat HIV epidemics in the US

A commentary published in the American Journal of Public Health argues that existing metrics are insufficient to track the public health response to HIV in the US. Newer metrics are needed to inform and evaluate efforts aimed at reducing new HIV infections by 75% and 90% over the next five and ten years, respectively.

Consider marine life when implementing offshore renewable power

Researchers warn of potential negative impacts of offshore renewable energy on marine life, including head trauma and hearing loss. The study suggests that consideration should be given to the impact of technologies like wind turbines and wave energy converters on marine animals before implementation.

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.

Limiting the loss of nature

A University of Queensland-led team proposes a global goal to limit the loss of nature by setting a 'no net loss' target for natural ecosystems. The researchers considered socioeconomic factors across 170 countries and recognized the need for equitable contributions to conservation and restoration.

Evolutionarily novel genes work in tumors

A team of scientists discovered evolutionarily novel genes expressed in all tumors, which could serve as excellent tumor markers. The new research confirms a theory that the number of oncogenes should correspond to the number of differential cell types, providing a new perspective on cancer prevention and therapy strategies.

New tool uses AI to flag fake news for media fact-checkers

Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed an AI tool that uses deep-learning algorithms to determine if claims are supported by other posts and stories on the same subject. The system achieved 90% accuracy in stance detection, a key area of research in detecting fake news.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers make robots from self-folding kirigami materials

Scientists at North Carolina State University have designed a new type of material, called active kirigami, which can autonomously change shape in response to heat. This innovation enables the creation of programmable robots with increased freedom of actuation.

Hard as a rock? Maybe not, say bacteria that help form soil

Researchers discovered that bacteria can degrade solid bedrock by oxidizing iron and extracting energy from it. The study found that these microorganisms use proteins on their outer surface to move electrons, allowing them to 'munch' rocks without taking minerals into their cells.

Having to defend one's sexuality increases fear of childbirth

A Linköping University study reveals that LGBTQ+ women's fear of childbirth is comparable to heterosexual women's but exacerbated by identity-related concerns. Healthcare staff must receive training to address minority stress and create trust with these patients.

Methane emissions from natural gas well blowout

Researchers used atmospheric methane measurements to detect and quantify methane emissions from a gas well blowout in Ohio. The estimated emission rate was 120 metric tons per hour, exceeding the peak emission rate from the Aliso Canyon blowout in California in 2015.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.