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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 29


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 ...

SourceColorado State University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateDec 4, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019

First experimental genetic evidence of the human self-domestication hypothesis

Researchers discovered that a genetic mutation affecting neural crest cell behavior is linked to docility and facial features in modern humans. This study provides the first empirical validation of the self-domestication hypothesis, suggesting that human evolution led to changes in neural crest cells.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

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...

SourceDuke University·JournalManagement Science·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceField Museum·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 4, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

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.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

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.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalChemico-Biological Interactions·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 4, 2019

Parker Solar Probe traces solar wind to its source on sun's surface: coronal holes

The Parker Solar Probe has mapped the source of the slow solar wind to coronal holes on the sun's surface, which are cooler and less dense than surrounding corona. The probe also detected switchbacks in the magnetic field that may accelerate particles toward Earth, posing potential damage to electrical grids and orbiting satellites.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 4, 2019

Police killings of unarmed black Americans may have health impacts for nearby unborn black infants

A new study suggests that police killings of unarmed Black Americans during pregnancy can lead to smaller birth weights and shorter gestational ages in nearby unborn Black infants. This unique effect is thought to be driven by perceived injustice, discrimination, and fear related to the killings.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalViruses·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

Reprogramming inner ear to regrow hair cells promising target for hearing loss treatments

Researchers discovered a way to reprogram mature inner ear cells to proliferate and regenerate hair-cell-like cells in adult mice. This breakthrough could lead to the development of treatments to restore hearing in people with hearing loss. The study provides hope for regrowing sensory hair cells and other important inner ear cell types.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019

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%.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

Researchers uncover early adherence step in intestinal transit of Shigella

A recent study at Massachusetts General Hospital has uncovered evidence of fimbriae that aid adherence to epithelial cells, an important step in the start of a shigellosis infection. The research team used in vivo-like culture methods and human intestinal organoids to confirm their findings.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalmSphere·DateDec 4, 2019

Springy bamboo poles help villagers carry more than their own body weight

Researchers studied experienced villagers carrying heavy loads on flexible bamboo poles and found that they could save almost 20% of their energy compared to using rigid poles. The villagers' subtle adjustments in stride also helped reduce forces exerted on their shoulders.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

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.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalClimatic Change·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019

Study prompts call for disaster-specific pharmacy legislation

Outdated laws hinder pharmacists from providing timely treatment to displaced people in disaster-affected regions. The current model focuses on high-acuity patients, but vulnerable groups require longer-term assistance.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAustralian Health Review·DateDec 4, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

SourceTexas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science & Technology·DateDec 4, 2019