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Science News Archive December 2019


Page 29 of 36

Studying water quality with satellites and public data

A team from Colorado State University has created a novel dataset, AquaSat, by merging large public datasets of water quality observations with satellite imagery. This 'symphony of data' provides over 6 million water quality observations, unlocking powerful new applications in remote sensing of water quality. The study aims to improve ...

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.

How do world's smallest sea turtles become stranded in Cape Cod?

Researchers used computer simulations to investigate wind and water conditions that cause Kemp's ridley sea turtles to become stranded on beaches in Cape Cod. The study found that turtles are more likely to strand when water temperatures drop below 10.5°C and winds blow with high wind stress.

Pitt engineer Sangyeop Lee receives $500K NSF CAREER Award

Sangyeop Lee, a Pitt engineer, has received a $500K NSF CAREER Award to develop machine learning models that predict material conductive properties. The project aims to create more efficient heat management in electronic devices and energy storage systems.

Subsiding air parcels are among the causes of hot spells

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) discover that subsiding air parcels from the Atlantic Ocean, rather than hot air from the Sahara, are responsible for extreme hot spells in central Europe. This finding has significant implications for developing early warning systems and improving forecasts.

Scientists detail how chromosomes reorganize after cell division

Researchers have discovered key mechanisms and structural details of how chromosomes reorganize themselves after cell division. The study reveals a dynamic hierarchical framework of sequence by which chromosomes rebuild themselves after mitosis, shedding light on the interplay between chromatin architecture and gene transcription.

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.

How to boost sales of fair trade and sustainable goods

A new study examines how made-to-order production affects consumer behavior, finding that it prompts them to weigh ethical production attributes more heavily. This can lead to stronger feelings of guilt or gratification, which then mediates purchase intentions.

Lung images of twins with asthma add to understanding of the disease

Researchers used specialized MRI techniques to follow patients with mild to moderate asthma over six years, finding consistent ventilation defects that persist over time. The studies refute the long-held belief that these defects are random and widespread, opening up opportunities for patient-specific treatments.

Scientists create 'epigenetic couch potato' mouse

Researchers found that epigenetic mechanisms, specifically DNA methylation, play a key role in determining an individual's innate drive to exercise. The study revealed that mice with disrupted DNA methylation in hypothalamic neurons exhibited decreased voluntary physical exercise behavior.

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.

Medical marijuana cards often sought by existing heavy users

Young adults who use heavily are more likely to receive medical marijuana cards, a study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found. The study analyzed data from California participants aged 18-20 and showed that frequent marijuana use was the primary driver of card acquisition.

Untangling the branches in the mammal tree of life

Researchers at Yale University unveil a new approach to reconstructing the evolutionary tree of life for mammals, revealing why some branches are weighed down with thousands of species while others hold just a few. The study provides comprehensive information about species diversity and relationships, past and present.

Brachytherapy proves effective in treating skin cancer

High-dose-rate brachytherapy offers excellent cure rates and cosmetic outcomes for elderly patients with common skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. The treatment delivers a precise dose of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing healthy tissue nearby.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Incumbent CEOs working with new CFOs earn 10% more money

A recent study from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business found that incumbent CEOs working with newly hired CFOs (co-opted CFOs) take home an average of 10% more compensation. This is attributed to the CEO's power over the CFO, who may be pressured to manage earnings to meet or exceed financial analyst targets, ultimately driving...

Seismologists see future in fiber optic cables as earthquake sensors

Scientists are exploring the use of fiber optic cables as earthquake sensors due to their potential for accurate seismic data collection. Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology uses internal flaws in fibers to detect changes in temperature, strain, or vibrations caused by seismic waves.

Birds are shrinking as the climate warms

Over 40 years of data show that migratory birds have been getting smaller as the climate warms. The birds' body masses, leg bone lengths, and overall body sizes all decreased, while their wingspans increased, likely linked to rising temperatures.

Suomi NPP satellite finds Kammuri weakening in South China Sea

Tropical Storm Kammuri's center of circulation is nearly centered in the South China Sea, with a tail of clouds streaming over Luzon and northern Philippines. The storm appears to be elongating, indicating weakening, as forecasters predict it will dissipate by December 6.

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.

Outlook for the polar regions in a 2-degrees-warmer world

A new study reveals the Arctic has warmed by 0.75 degrees C in the last decade alone, with potential consequences including up to 7 degrees C warming for the Arctic and increased risk of extreme weather. The authors emphasize the need for near-term measures to reduce carbon emissions to slow high latitude warming.

Impact of lifestyle behaviors in early childhood on obesity

A study of 1,480 children found that limited TV time and low ultra-processed food consumption are associated with lower obesity risks. High physical activity, sleep duration, and plant-based food consumption also contribute to a reduced likelihood of developing overweight or obesity.

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.

Drugs that quell brain inflammation reverse dementia

Researchers have discovered that drugs targeting brain inflammation can reverse cognitive decline in aged mice by reducing the 'fog' of inflammatory load. This breakthrough offers a potential new treatment for dementia and age-related diseases, with two biomarkers identified to flag people with blood-brain barrier problems.

First giant planet around white dwarf found

Researchers using ESO's Very Large Telescope have discovered a giant planet orbiting a hot white dwarf star, stripping away its atmosphere to form a disc. The system's unique properties provide clues to the composition of exoplanet atmospheres and challenge our understanding of planetary systems' final fate.

Stricter alcohol policies related to lower risk of cancer

A new study found that stricter alcohol policies are associated with a reduced risk of cancer mortality. The research, published in Chemico-Biological Interactions, suggests that stronger regulations may be a promising means of preventing cancer deaths at the population level.

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.

Non-adiabatic dynamics of strongly driven diffusive Josephson junctions

A team of researchers from the University of Jyvaskyla and others have studied the out-of-equilibrium dynamical state induced by microwave photon absorption in diffusive Superconductor-Normal metal-Superconductor junctions. Strong anharmonicity of the current-phase relation arises under illumination, driven by non-adiabatic transitions.

Single dose of ketamine plus talk therapy may reduce alcohol use

Researchers found that a single infusion of ketamine combined with outpatient behavioral therapy helped individuals with alcohol use disorder abstain from drinking for several weeks. The study suggests that ketamine may improve motivation and reduce demoralization after a lapse, leading to better abstinence rates.

Teens must 'get smart' about social media

A recent study found that platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are linked to disordered eating behaviors in young girls and boys. The research suggests that social media use is associated with a higher likelihood of disordered eating thoughts and behaviors, particularly among those who spend more time on these platforms.

Machine learning helps scientists measure important inflammation process

Researchers created an artificial intelligence tool to identify neutrophils primed for NETosis, a process where white blood cells expel inflammatory DNA into circulation. The new technology allows scientists to measure NETosis in different diseases and test drugs that may inhibit or promote the process.

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.

Host cell proteases can process viral capsid proteins

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have discovered that host cell calpain proteases can process enterovirus polyprotein in vitro. This finding sheds light on the mechanism behind the inhibitory effect of calpain protease inhibition on enterovirus infection.

Rural women at higher risk of life-threatening pregnancy complications

A new study has found that rural women in the US experience higher rates of life-threatening childbirth complications than their urban counterparts. The research, published in Health Affairs, analyzed 6.8 million births between 2007 and 2015 and found a 9% greater chance of dangerous childbirth situations in rural areas.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

NASA's Parker Solar Probe sheds new light on the sun

The Parker Solar Probe has completed three passes through the Sun's atmosphere, revealing new information about the material and particles that speed away from the star. The data shows a complicated, active system with quick reversals in the magnetic field and sudden, faster-moving jets of material.

Being active reduces risk of prostate cancer

A large study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found that being more active reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Men with a specific DNA variation associated with increased physical activity had a 51% reduced risk, suggesting overall physical activity may play a larger role than previously thought.

Water management grows farm profits

Researchers are exploring various water management techniques to optimize crop yields and reduce water usage in water-scarce areas. Advanced irrigation technologies, such as mobile drip and precision application, show promise in reducing applied water by up to 20%.

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.

How plants harness 'bad' molecules for good ends

Researchers have identified a complex molecular interaction between reactive oxygen species and protein RITF1 that regulates root growth in the small flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This discovery could lead to more efficient crop development for different soil types, optimizing productivity.

Once-a-month oral contraceptive could improve patient adherence

Researchers developed a drug delivery system that expands in the stomach and releases levonorgestrel over one month, providing an alternative to daily pill schedules. The platform has the potential to improve adherence rates, especially in low-income countries where cultural and economic barriers hinder long-acting contraceptive use.

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.

Does weight loss surgery affect colorectal cancer risk?

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer suggests that weight loss surgery may increase the risk of colon cancer. Patients who underwent such surgery had a higher risk of colon cancer compared to the general population, especially over time.

Rural decline not driven by water recovery

New research from the University of Adelaide reveals that climate and economic factors are driving farmers out of their properties in the Murray-Darling Basin. The study found no significant association between reduced water extraction and farmer numbers.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Hidden giant planet revealed around tiny white dwarf star

Astronomers have found evidence of a giant planet surrounding a small, dead white dwarf star, providing insight into the evolution of our own solar system. The discovery suggests that many other planets may be hiding in similar extreme environments.

Study shows lake methane emissions should prompt rethink on climate change

A new study from Swansea University has found that well-oxygenated lake waters are a significant source of methane emissions to the atmosphere, challenging previous assessments. The research suggests that these emissions could account for over half of surface methane emissions in lakes larger than one square kilometer.

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.

Bess Frost recognized for changing approach to Alzheimer's research

Dr. Frost's team identified targets that can mitigate the spread of toxic proteins in the brain, aiming to intervene at the earliest stages of the disease. By preventing tau protein activation, her research holds promise for preventing memory loss and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.