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Science News Archive December 2019


Page 31 of 36

Silverswords may be gone with the wind

A new study found that lower elevation Silversword plants are less drought-resistant than higher elevation plants, leading to increased mortality rates. The researchers suggest using suitable habitats for the plants in a changing climate rather than breeding them with drought-resistant genes.

Researchers develop method to improve skeleton of common chemicals

A research team at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a new method for constructing seven- and eight-membered carbocycles, overcoming previous difficulties due to instability. The process uses an internal redox reaction, allowing for the creation of medium-sized carbocycles with favorable formation rates.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Research in sheep suggests possible early test for fetal heart health

Changes in heart rate due to low oxygen conditions during pregnancy may predict future heart health, according to research published in the Journal of Physiology. The study used sheep models to examine the impact of chronic hypoxia on fetal heart development and identified potential markers for long-term heart disease risk.

Researchers discover a new, young volcano in the Pacific

Researchers have discovered a new petit-spot volcano in the Pacific Ocean near Minamitorishima Island, Japan. The young volcano is thought to have erupted less than 3 million years ago and provides valuable insights into the asthenosphere.

Call for cooperation as 'blue boats' rob Pacific reefs

The 'blue boat' fleet, consisting of small fishing vessels painted blue, is stripping Pacific coral reefs of seafood, endangering food security for Pacific Island nations. The boats are allegedly operated by Vietnamese fishermen with no contract or insurance, and are traveling thousands of kilometers to fish illegally in Pacific waters.

Deployable human-scale immersive virtual environments?

Acoustical Society of America researchers present a new approach to deploying human-scale immersive virtual environments, combining wave field synthesis with modular design for scalable configurations. The system enables rapid assembly, calibration, and deployment in various settings, such as schools, offices, or research institutes.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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 sees Tropical Storm 06A maintaining strength

Tropical Storm 06A is maintaining its strength in the Arabian Sea, with powerful storms indicating heavy rainfall potential. The storm is expected to make landfall in east central Somalia late on Dec. 6.

Researchers decipher small Dead Sea mammal's vocal communication

A study on rock hyraxes reveals sexual differences in call duration and amplitude, challenging the Law of Brevity. Female hyraxes produce more affiliative calls, while males prioritize loud self-advertisement songs. The research provides clues for human language evolution.

Living at the edges

Transboundary protected landscapes near the US-Canada border provide vital habitat for lynx and connections with larger Canadian populations. Climate change and increased border security pose significant threats to species conservation.

3D model of human liver for better diagnosis

Scientists have developed a 3D model of the human liver to improve diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The model reveals new critical tissue alterations, providing insights into pathophysiology and contributing to high-definition medical diagnosis.

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.

Monthly birth control pill could replace daily doses

Researchers at MIT have developed a monthly oral contraceptive that can remain in the stomach for three weeks, releasing contraceptive drugs over several weeks. The pill has shown promise in tests in pigs, achieving similar drug concentrations as daily doses.

Properties of graphene change due to water and oxygen

The study reveals that electrochemical reactions between water and oxygen can control the physical properties of graphene and other two-dimensional materials. This discovery has significant implications for developing flexible displays, high-speed transistors, and next-generation batteries.

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.

Controlling attention with brain waves

Researchers found that suppressing alpha waves in one hemisphere of the parietal cortex improves attention to objects on the opposite side of the visual field. Neurofeedback training increased contrast perception, suggesting a causal relationship between alpha wave control and attention enhancement.

Solving the mystery of carbon on ocean floor

Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered a direct link between ancient carbon, graphite particles from hydrothermal vents, and seafloor sediments. This finding sheds new light on the dynamics of the marine carbon cycle, revealing that organic carbon can be converted to graphite at vents.

New methodology developed at UPV to monitor patients with glioblastoma

A new methodology to monitor patients with glioblastoma has been developed at the Universitat Politècnica de València, using Magnetic Resonance Images and biomarkers to track tumor growth and edema. The tool has been validated in a multicenter study involving seven European hospitals.

Parker Solar Probe: 'We're missing something fundamental about the sun'

The Parker Solar Probe mission has unveiled a surprisingly chaotic world within the sun's corona, characterized by rogue plasma waves, flipping magnetic fields, and distant solar winds. The findings have significant implications for space weather forecasting and our understanding of the sun's behavior.

Air pollution in Taiwan boosts risk of ischemic stroke

A study published in PLOS ONE found that long-term exposure to hydrocarbons in the air may be a risk factor for ischemic stroke development. The research analyzed data from Taiwan's National Health Institute Research Database and found significant associations between air pollution levels and increased risk of ischemic stroke.

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.

Genetic screen in worms reveals critical step in insulin synthesis

A genetic screen in worms reveals TRAP-alpha as a crucial component of the insulin synthesis pathway, affecting both early and late steps. The findings support the idea that defects in insulin synthesis contribute to Type 2 diabetes, and may lead to new approaches for prevention and treatment.

Bone and muscle health can 'make or break' care as we age

Experts at the American Geriatrics Society conference emphasize the importance of addressing bone and muscle health to prevent falls, fractures, and muscle loss in older adults. The conference aims to bridge knowledge gaps by exploring age-related aspects of osteoporosis and soft-tissue disorders.

Probiotic may help treat colic in infants

A new trial found that probiotic drops containing Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12 reduced daily crying by 50% in 80% of infants, improving sleep duration and stool frequency.

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.

Adding copper strengthens 3D-printed titanium

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new titanium-copper alloy that can be 3D printed with exceptional properties. The alloy's fully equiaxed grain structure reduces the risk of cracking or distortion, making it suitable for high-performance applications in medical devices and aerospace.

Warmer temperatures will increase arsenic levels in rice, study shows

Researchers at the University of Washington found that warmer temperatures can lead to higher concentrations of arsenic in rice grains. The study, presented at the American Geophysical Union's Fall Meeting, suggests that climate change could exacerbate the problem of arsenic-contaminated rice, posing a health risk to consumers.

New cell models for ocular drug discovery

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have developed two new cell models that can mimic the blood-retinal barrier, a key regulator of drug delivery to the eye. The models, continuously growing retinal pigment epithelial cells, can be re-pigmented with melanin and studied for drug accumulation in greater detail.

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.

Immigrants who naturalize outearn their peers

A new study from the Immigration Policy Lab at ETH Zurich and Stanford University found that immigrants who naturalized earned more money each year than those who didn't, with the boost in income being largest for people facing the greatest disadvantages in the labor market. Citizenship was shown to counteract discrimination in the job...

WFIRM scientists push bioprinting capability forward

Researchers at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have successfully bioprinted trachea constructs comprising of smooth muscle and cartilage regions, showcasing similar mechanical properties to human tracheal tissue. The novel approach could provide regenerative medicine treatments for damaged or diseased tracheal regions.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Grant funding to study cattle genomics could breed profits

The project will evaluate producer preferences for bull genomics and physical traits, as well as feedlot preferences for feeder cattle genetic testing. Researchers hope to provide valuable information to producers to enhance marketing opportunities and improve market efficiency.

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.

What's driving erosion worldwide?

Researchers employed satellite imagery and statistical models to identify the socio-economic causes of soil erosion globally. They found that national borders reveal areas with unnaturally high erosion rates, highlighting the 'country effect' as a major driver of soil loss.

$2.9 million funds new UIC study on sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease

Researchers will evaluate how sleep-disordered breathing impacts chronic kidney disease progression, recruiting 2,200 adults from the CRIC study. They hypothesize that sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease progression due to its effects on blood pressure, insulin resistance, and organ damage.

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.

BU finds potentially harmful air contamination near new Bedford Harbor

A new Boston University School of Public Health study estimates the non-cancer health effects of breathing airborne PCBs around New Bedford Harbor, affecting thyroid hormones in people living close to the harbor. The levels of PCBs in the air are high enough to raise risks of diabetes, low birth weight, and impaired neurodevelopment.

Smog-eating graphene composite reduces atmospheric pollution

Researchers developed a graphene-titania composite that degrades up to 70% more atmospheric nitrogen oxides than standard titania in real pollutant tests. The composite can be coated on materials like concrete to passively remove pollutants from the air, promoting a healthier environment.

UMD astronomers catch a natural comet outburst in unprecedented detail

University of Maryland astronomers observe natural comet outburst, capturing start-to-finish sequence with NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) data. The team gained detailed observations of the explosive emission of dust, ice, and gases during the close approach to Earth.

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.