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Science News Archive December 2019


Page 28 of 36

Between arousal and inhibition

Scientists have found that granule cells and interneurons in the brain process incoming signals differently due to their distinct structures and functional characteristics. This discovery sheds light on how malfunctions can arise in information processing, leading to memory impairments and neurological disorders.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Conferring leaf rust resistance in cereal crops

Scientists have identified specific genes that confer nonhost resistance to wheat leaf rust in barley, a breakthrough that could transform the breeding of durable disease-resistant cereal crops. This discovery has the potential to improve global food security by providing a solution to one of the biggest problems in wheat production.

Carbon emissions from volcanic rocks can create global warming -- study

Scientists discovered that greenhouse gas emissions from volcanic rocks can create massive global warming effects, with calculations suggesting the largest temporary global warming of the past 65 million years. Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) are linked to spikes in climate change and the carbon cycle.

What is a scream? The acoustics of a primal human call

Human screams share specific acoustic characteristics, including higher pitch and roughness, variability in frequency, and a wider range of sound waves. Listeners can readily distinguish screams from other human calls, highlighting the unique properties of this primal human call.

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.

DOE funds UT Austin engineers for geothermal energy ecosystem

The University of Texas at Austin is launching a unique initiative to make itself a national hub for geothermal energy expertise and startups. The new Geothermal Entrepreneurship Organization will leverage existing expertise in geosystems and drilling engineering to develop technologies and launch companies.

Bats may benefit from wildfire

A study found that bats in the Sierra Nevada appear to be well-adapted to wildfire, with overall species richness increasing in burned forests. This suggests that prescribed burns and managed wildfire may benefit these species by creating diverse habitat conditions, including openings for roosting and insect-foraging.

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.

'Junk DNA' affects inherited cancer risk

A new study found that genetic variations in non-coding regions of DNA can drive cancer development. Researchers analyzed over 6 million genetic variants and discovered correlations between specific SNPs and the expression of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes.

Stanford scientists reliably predict people's age by measuring proteins in blood

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a blood test that can reliably predict a person's age with 97% accuracy. By measuring the levels of 373 proteins in the blood, the test can identify three distinct inflection points in the human life cycle where physiological aging accelerates. This breakthrough could...

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.

Immune system can be coaxed into selecting key antibodies to fight HIV

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed an immunogen that selectively bound to antibodies with necessary mutations, which led to the production of potent neutralizing antibodies. The study demonstrates the ability to engineer the immune system to create an environment where effective antibodies can be made.

Root of childhood kidney cancer discovered

Researchers identified patches of normal-looking kidney tissue carrying DNA changes that cause Wilms' tumour, promising improved treatment and prevention strategies. The study found epigenetic changes associated with cancer in normal kidney tissue, enabling cells to grow rapidly into pre-cancerous patches.

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.

Can Arctic 'ice management' combat climate change?

Researchers tested a radical geo-engineering approach using climate models and found that it could potentially delay Arctic sea ice decline by decades. However, the approach would not produce meaningful cooling effects globally or in lower latitudes. The study suggests that while 'ice management' is an interesting concept, it cannot me...

Siberian blue lakes and their inhabitants

The study of two Siberian blue lakes reveals a similarity in zooplankton species composition to other Western Siberian lakes, with species such as cladocerans and copepods dominating. The concentration of heavy metals exceeds sanitary standards, but is characteristic of the region's aquatic ecosystems.

NASA finds tropical cyclone 02S consolidating

Tropical Cyclone 02S is strengthening and consolidating as it moves west-southwest towards Madagascar. The storm's shape and organization indicate a shift from weakening to strengthening, with NASA monitoring its progress using satellite data.

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.

Lights on fishing nets save turtles and dolphins

A new study found that LED lights along the top of floating gillnets in Peruvian waters can cut accidental bycatch of sea turtles by more than 70%, and small cetaceans (including dolphins) by over 66%. The research suggests that this simple, low-cost technique could help save wildlife while allowing fishers to fish more sustainably.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Developing a digital twin

University of Texas and MIT researchers develop predictive digital twins for UAVs, using physics-based models to capture the details of their behavior. The system can make real-time predictions of a UAV's health, enabling autonomous decision-making and reducing the risk of crashes.

OSIRIS-REx cameras capture particle ejection from asteroid Bennu

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft captured images of material being ejected from asteroid Bennu's surface, revealing three discrete events of particle ejection. The authors suggest micro-meteorite impacts and dehydration as possible causes, with implications for the asteroid's evolution.

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.

How flowers adapt to their pollinators

Researchers found that flower shapes have evolved in adaptation to distinct pollinators, but not uniformly across the entire flower. The showy sterile organs of flowers adapted more quickly to different pollinators than the reproductive organs.

Domestic abuse survivors twice at risk of long-term illnesses

Female survivors of domestic abuse are nearly twice as likely to develop fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome compared to non-abused women. The study examined GP records of 18,547 abused women and found a significant association between abuse and these long-term illnesses.

Scientists see defects in potential new semiconductor

Researchers have discovered point defects in beta gallium oxide, which could impact its efficiency as a semiconductor. The defects can provide opportunities for unprecedented control of the material's properties if properly manipulated.

Artificial cells act more like the real thing

A team of researchers at Penn State developed protocells with enzymatic activity, actively moving independently like living cells. High ATP concentrations surprisingly suppress protocell movement by binding to the ATPase enzyme.

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.

Can a single-celled organism 'change its mind'? New study says yes

Researchers confirm what Herbert Spencer Jennings described over 100 years ago: single-celled organisms like S. roeseli can make decisions that allow them to 'change their mind.' The findings suggest a hierarchy of avoidance behaviors determined by previous experience, with protists exhibiting complex problem-solving behaviors in respo...

NASA analyzes Kammuri's heavy rainfall

Typhoon Kammuri brought heavy rains to the Philippines, with surface rainfall accumulations exceeding 500 mm (~20 inches) over the central Philippine Sea. The storm also caused significant flooding and landslides, resulting in up to 17 fatalities.

Study finds BPA levels in humans dramatically underestimated

A recent study has found that BPA levels in humans are significantly higher than previously estimated, with a 44-fold increase in exposure. The research challenges the safety assumptions of regulatory agencies and highlights the need for more accurate measurement methods.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Detailed insight into stressed cells

Researchers at Goethe University develop a new method to measure acute cellular stress responses, enabling precise time-resolved measurements of thousands of proteins. This breakthrough opens the door for new therapeutic strategies in diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

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.

Gene network sparks future autism treatment

A mutated gene, USP9X, regulates a network of genes underlying Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Focusing on this network may lead to therapy developments for neurological disorders.

Older adults who 'train' for a major operation spend less time in the hospital

A new study found that older adults who participate in preoperative rehabilitation programs have shorter hospital stays and lower total insurance payments. The program, which includes physical exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction techniques, was associated with improved outcomes for patients, providers, and payers.

Fusion by strong lasers

Researchers investigate possibility of facilitating controlled fusion reactions with assisted tunneling processes using X-ray free electron lasers. Theoretical results show promise for increasing tunneling rate, paving way for successful controlled fusion reaction.

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.

NASA tracking Tropical Storm 06A through Arabian Sea

Tropical Storm Pawan, located near latitude 9.5 degrees north and longitude 55.9 degrees east, is moving to the west with maximum sustained winds of 40 knots (45 mph/74 kph). The storm is expected to weaken over the next day as it approaches Somalia.

Project examines religion's impact on family size and health

A new study will investigate the relationship between religion, family size, and child health across multiple cultures. The research aims to understand why children born to religious parents tend to thrive despite initial predictions suggesting they would perform poorly.

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 tool to detect blackleg disease in potato has widespread application

A new online tool called Uniqprimer has been developed to detect blackleg disease in potatoes with high accuracy and ease of use. It quickly designs species-specific DNA tags for detecting pathogens using DNA testing, allowing for accurate pathogen detection and informing farmers' on-farm decision making.

Brewing beer that tastes fresh longer

Researchers have engineered lager yeast to produce more molecules that protect beer against staling, resulting in improved flavor stability. The modified strains produced 26.3-47.3% less acetaldehyde and increased levels of sulfur dioxide, a natural antioxidant.

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.