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Science News Archive December 2019


Page 22 of 36

Oxygen shaped the evolution of the eye

Researchers discovered a pattern of mechanisms improving retinal oxygen supply that evolved with enhanced vision in all bony vertebrates. The findings add to our understanding of the evolution of the eye, highlighting its dynamic morphology and relationship with retinal oxygen supply.

Tiny magnetic particles enable new material to bend, twist, and grab

Researchers have developed a soft polymer material that can transform into various shapes using magnetic fields, enabling applications such as gripper arms for delicate objects and antennas with changing frequencies. The material is made from three different ingredients: two types of magnetic particles and shape-memory polymers.

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.

Chiton mollusk provides model for new armor design

Researchers developed a parametric 3D modeling methodology to mimic the geometry of individual scales from the chiton mollusk. The scale armor model provides dual protection-flexibility performance through converging inward upon one another when under force, offering varying amounts of flexibility.

New insights into the effect of aging on cardiovascular disease

Aging adults are more likely to develop and die from cardiovascular disease due to narrowed, hardened arteries. The study reveals a novel pathway where mitochondrial dysfunction and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 co-exist with aging to promote atherosclerosis.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Federal disability payments encourage more family caregiving, study finds

A new RAND Corporation study finds that federal disability benefits encourage more family caregiving, with recipients increasing in-kind assistance from adult children and enabling them to reallocate time to care for their parents. The study also shows a significant increase in the likelihood of children receiving payment for their help.

Loneliness may be due to increasing aging population

Despite growing older population, studies show that loneliness levels among similar-aged adults have not increased over time, but rather above age 75, loneliness increases. Researchers suggest older adults maintain good health, social relationships to reduce loneliness.

Middle-income countries are hardest hit by cardiovascular disease in Europe

The European Society of Cardiology reports that middle-income countries in Europe are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease, with higher mortality rates and more years lost due to CVD. The statistics highlight the need for targeted prevention policies and improved access to modern healthcare facilities.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Quantum expander for gravitational-wave observatories

Researchers have developed a novel 'quantum expander' to improve signal-to-noise ratio at kilohertz frequencies in gravitational-wave observatories. This innovative approach squeezes quantum uncertainty of laser light inside optical resonators, expanding detection bandwidth.

Stardust from red giants

Researchers have discovered a new model explaining why our planet has a higher concentration of stardust from red giant stars compared to other bodies in the solar system. The study, published in Nature Astronomy, suggests that the Earth's unique mix of elements was formed during its formation around the Sun.

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.

Natural ecosystems protect against climate change

Researchers at University of Göttingen found mangroves absorb carbon efficiently, prioritizing conservation and restoration. The study analyzed a five-meter-deep core of sediment in Segara Anakan Lagoon, revealing the interaction between climate fluctuations and human activity affected carbon accumulation.

Invest in pollinator monitoring for long-term gain

A new study suggests that investing in pollinator monitoring schemes can yield significant economic benefits, with potential savings of at least £1.50 for every £1 invested. The research, presented at the British Ecological Society's annual meeting, explores cost-effective methods for improving pollinator monitoring in the UK.

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.

Twelve honored by society for risk analysis

The Society for Risk Analysis has awarded six prestigious awards and named six new Fellows, recognizing 12 individuals for their significant contributions to the field of risk analysis. The awardees include experts in decision analysis, education, service, practice, achievement, and statistical methods.

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.

She uses mushroom enzyme and light to create green chemicals

Associate Professor Selin Kara aims to develop a fully green and sustainable production process for chemicals using natural enzymatic reactions. She plans to use bio-catalysis and photobiocatalysis in miniaturized bioreactors to create high-value products with minimal environmental impact.

Can eating ice cream make you scream?

A study found that half of adults experienced headaches after consuming a cold stimulus, with moderate pain lasting less than 30 seconds. The pleasure of eating ice cream or drinking cold drinks may be reduced due to painful headaches.

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.

Communications device offers huge bandwidth potential

Researchers have created a new device that can rapidly switch functionality to support high-speed wireless communications, enabling multiple conversations over the same network. The device uses microcapillaries filled with plasma, metal or dielectric gas to generate multiple channels operating simultaneously at different frequencies.

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.

Gut feeling: A network approach towards understanding IBD

Researchers have developed a combined experimental and computational pipeline to understand the role of genes in IBD. The study uses organoids to analyze gene expression and identifies 'master regulators' that overlap with IBD-related processes. This breakthrough enables design of new experiments to explore IBD-related processes further.

Greenland ice losses rising faster than expected

The Greenland ice sheet has lost 3.8 trillion tonnes of ice since 1992, with the rate of ice loss increasing seven-fold over three decades. The study's findings show that the ice sheet is tracking the IPCC's high-end climate warming scenario, predicting 40 million people will be exposed to coastal flooding by 2100.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New aluminium hydroxide stable at extremely high pressure

Researchers discovered a new aluminium hydroxide phase that remains stable at pressures exceeding the Earth's mantle. This finding suggests water can be stored in these hydroxides within deep Earth environments, terrestrial super-Earths, and icy planet cores.

Genetic brain disorder fixed in mice using precision epigenome editing

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used targeted gene epigenome editing to reverse a genetic mutation causing WAGR syndrome, a condition leading to intellectual disability and obesity. The study suggests the potential for developing epigenome editing therapies to prevent brain developmental disorders.

Deep learning helps tease out gene interactions

A new method, called CNNC, uses convolutional neural networks to infer gene interactions from massive amounts of gene expression data. The approach outperforms existing methods at identifying disease-related genes and developmental pathways that might be targets for drugs.

Have you found meaning in life? Answer determines health and well-being

A recent study by University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that the presence of meaning in life is associated with better physical and mental well-being, while the search for meaning in life may be associated with worse mental well-being and cognitive functioning. The researchers also discovered an inverted U-shaped ...

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.

Could we cool the Earth with an ice-free Arctic?

An ice-free Arctic region could lead to increased global warming, but also offer benefits like reduced shipping distances and heating demands. IIASA researchers propose strategies to increase the North Atlantic current, which could lower ocean temperatures and mitigate climate change.

Immunotherapy drug improves outcomes for some children with relapsed leukemia

Blinatumomab treatment demonstrates longer survival, fewer severe side effects, and higher undetectable residual disease rates compared to standard chemotherapy for children with high- or intermediate-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study shows promising results as a bridge to curative bone marrow transplant.

Grapevine red blotch disease threatens US grape industry

The virus causes red veins and blotches on grape leaves, reducing fruit size, ripening time, and sugar colors. Researchers aim to understand the disease's spread, potential vectors, and economic impact on grape production and wine quality.

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.

Inane things with a taste of freedom

The Soviet Union profited from screening foreign films during the Cold War, with Hollywood movies serving as a weapon in the fight against the USA. The films were often shown on closed networks or renamed to avoid copyright issues.

George Mason receives NIJ grant to develop bruise identification protocol

Dr. Katherine Scafide and collaborators will develop a protocol for bruise identification using alternate light sources, advancing the science behind this technology and its adoption in forensic nursing practice. The grant aims to identify potential barriers to successful implementation across forensic units.

Could dark carbon be hiding the true scale of ocean 'dead zones'?

A new study suggests that dark carbon fixation could be contributing to the growth of ocean 'dead zones', where oxygen is scarce. This means that existing models may underestimate the impact of climate change on these regions, leading to severe ecological and economic consequences.

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.

Can salmon eat their way out of climate change?

Researchers found that juvenile Coho salmon grew fastest and survived longest when exposed to natural temperature gradients and plenty of food. However, there is a catch: while food can help offset the effects of rising temperatures, it cannot completely compensate for the impacts of climate change.

RNA modification -- Methylation and mopping up

Scientists identify a new type of RNA modification in bacteria that is attached under stress and removed quickly. The sulfur-containing base modification helps regulate protein synthesis and could serve as an efficient detoxification mechanism to remove reactive chemical groups.

Grandmother effect in killer whales

A study on killer whales found that grandmothers play a crucial role in improving the survival of their grandoffspring. The research suggests that postreproductive females can better provide care due to not having reproductive pressures, potentially contributing to the long lifespan of killer whales.

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.

Killer whale grandmothers boost survival of calves

Post-menopausal killer whale grandmothers improve the chances of survival for their grand-calves, allowing them to focus time and resources on the latest generation. The study found that these grandmothers played a particularly important role in times of food scarcity, where salmon was scarce.

Cities and their rising impacts on biodiversity -- a global overview

The study highlights the severe impacts of urban growth on natural habitats, particularly in tropical coastal regions. Researchers suggest that scientists are not studying the issue adequately and propose future research focusing on lower-income countries, indirect impacts, and quantifying urban effects on biodiversity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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