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Science News for December 22, 2019


Here's how public dissemination of biology is going wrong

The book Rethinking Biology highlights how biology is often oversimplified, leading to a false public understanding of biological processes. The authors study children and adults' perceptions, journalists' writing, legal contexts, and religious world views to shed light on this issue.

SourceWorld Scientific·DateDec 22, 2019

Evolutionary changes in brain potentially make us more prone to anxiety

A study by Tohoku University researchers reveals that ancestral VMAT1 proteins exhibited increased neurotransmitter uptake, potentially linked to higher levels of anxiety or depression. The findings suggest that our ancestors may have been able to withstand higher levels of anxiety.

SourceTohoku University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 22, 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.

Time-to-death of Roman emperors followed distinct pattern

A statistical analysis of Roman emperors' deaths reveals a distinct pattern, with high risk in the first year and a bathtub-like curve indicating stabilization by the eighth year. The study suggests underlying processes governing the length of each rule until death, similar to reliability engineering.

SourceSpringer·JournalPalgrave Communications·DateDec 22, 2019

Apps help with breastfeeding -- at a cost

A study by Flinders University found that mobile apps support breastfeeding decisions but can also overwhelm mothers with information. The apps provide a modern way of tracking baby care aspects, but some may not be tailored to individual needs.

SourceFlinders University·JournalHealth Informatics Journal·DateDec 22, 2019

Flexible thinking on silicon solar cells

KAUST researchers have devised a way to turn rigid silicon into solar cells that can be stretched by up to 95 percent while retaining a high solar energy capture efficiency of 19 percent. This breakthrough overcomes the rigidity limitation of silicon, allowing for flexible wearable electronics and robots.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 22, 2019

NUS researchers uncover how fish get their shape

Researchers found that physical forces, including friction and stress, play a crucial role in shaping the chevron patterns in fish muscle. The team identified specific mechanisms, such as cell elongation and orientated cell rearrangements, that contribute to the formation of these patterns.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Compliance with ID rules in recreational cannabis stores

A study found that recreational cannabis stores in Colorado and Washington showed high compliance with ID rules, refusing buyers in 73.6% of visits at the entrance. The results suggest room for improvement in some states, particularly in how store personnel check IDs at entry.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateDec 22, 2019

Fewer fats over the festive season may be the perfect formula for men's fertility

A diet low in fat and high in egg whites has been shown to positively affect serum testosterone levels, contrary to previous assumptions about the impact of healthy fats. The study's findings suggest that consuming albumen - the protein in egg whites - can increase testosterone levels by four-fold relative to fasting.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalNutrients·DateDec 22, 2019

Super-resolution at all scales with active thermal detection

The study introduces a universal detection method utilizing thermal radiation's intrinsic super-linearity for high-resolution imaging of objects at all scales. This technique enables arbitrarily cranked-up super-resolution factor and applications in various fields such as thermal imaging, self-driving cars, and stealth object detection.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2019