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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 31


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.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Monographs·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalChemical Communications·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.

By imaging the brain, scientists can predict a person's aptitude for training

Researchers found that specific brain structures, including the parahippocampal cortex and caudate nucleus, are linked to improved fluid intelligence in individuals. These brain attributes distinguish people who benefit from targeted training from those who do not.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTrends in Neuroscience and Education·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·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.

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.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalAsia Pacific Viewpoint·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

Migratory birds shrinking as climate warms, new analysis of four-decade record shows

A new analysis of a dataset of over 70,000 North American migratory birds found that body size decreased in all 52 species, with statistically significant declines in 49 species, while wing length increased in 40 species. The study suggests that warming temperatures may be causing these changes as an adaptation to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalEvolution Letters·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.

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

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.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalJournal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2019

A platform for stable quantum computing, a playground for exotic physics

Researchers discover samarium hexaboride, a material with strongly interacting electrons, which can also exhibit topological insulating properties. This breakthrough paves the way for more stable quantum computing and opens up new possibilities for exotic physics research.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Physics·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.

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.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceWiley·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceRMIT University·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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 4, 2019

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...

SourceStanford University - Immigration Policy Lab·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

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.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalBiofabrication·DateDec 4, 2019

Hundreds of environmental health professionals in US report challenges, research needs

Environmental health professionals in US report challenges in six areas: drinking water quality, wastewater management, healthy homes, food safety, public health pests, and disaster risk reduction. The study emphasizes the need for professional training, expanded partnerships, and translational research to address these issues.

SourceBaylor University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 4, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateDec 4, 2019

Bullying others increases the risk of developing mental health problems and vice versa

A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health suggests there is a two-way relationship between bullying perpetration and internalizing problems among US youth. Bullying perpetration increased the risk of developing internalizing problems, while experiencing internalizing problems increased the probability of bullyi...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·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.

New technology CF LINK for protein bioconjugation and structural proteomics

The CF LINK technology allows for selective preparation of protein conjugates through tryptophan residues and post-translational modification of aromatic amino acids. It can also be used to map protein surfaces and study protein-protein interactions.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·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.

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 3, 2019

$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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateDec 3, 2019

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateDec 3, 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.

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.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNanoscale·DateDec 3, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 3, 2019

MA physician assistant programs adopt first-in-nation partnership to prevent opioid abuse

In an effort to curb opioid misuse, Massachusetts physician assistant programs have adopted a cross-institutional partnership to ensure safe prescribing practices. The initiative aims to educate students on the prevention and management of prescription drug misuse, following a consensus-building process among nine PA programs.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Physician Assistant Education·DateDec 3, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.