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Science News Archive February 2019


Page 34 of 40

How landscape plants have an impact on the carbon footprint

A study examines how landscape plants contribute to greenhouse gas emissions during production and use, with life cycle assessment revealing the dominant contributor is equipment use. Modifying activities in landscape plant production can reduce carbon footprint and promote environmentally friendly behavior.

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.

Providers' concerns about behavior change don't justify withholding HIV PrEP

Providers' reluctance to prescribe PrEP stems from concerns about increased risk-taking behavior among users. However, research suggests that PrEP can facilitate healthy sexual behaviors and enhance overall well-being. The authors propose strategies to mitigate biases and promote patient-centered care for PrEP dissemination.

Diffusing the methane bomb: We can still make a difference

A new IIASA study suggests that it is possible to neutralize the natural gas threat from thawing permafrost in the Arctic by controlling human emissions. The researchers found that reducing man-made methane emissions can outweigh a large Arctic natural emission increase, making it manageable.

New study examines the way estrogen affects methamphetamine addiction

A new study suggests that estrogen plays a crucial role in the brain's response to methamphetamine, with female rats showing a stronger response due to higher levels of estrogen. This finding has important implications for developing more effective male- and female-specific treatments for addiction.

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.

Gypsum as an agricultural product

Gypsum, recovered from coal-fired power plants, is a rich source of calcium and sulfur, promoting better root development and reducing aluminum toxicity. Its application also improves soil structure, reducing erosion and phosphorus movement, benefiting various crops like corn and alfalfa.

More than enough on our plates

A smaller portion of fish and chips has been developed by Newcastle University researchers, with the introduction of the Lite-BITE box. This smaller meal option, weighing around 600 calories, has been well-received by both customers and takeaway owners in the North of England and Scotland.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tree loss from bark-beetle infestation impacts elk habitat

A recent study found that elk avoid areas with extensive tree mortality due to bark-beetle epidemics. This avoidance leads to a decline in preferred habitat for elk, impacting wildlife and land managers managing populations in affected areas.

Interactive websites may cause antismoking messages to backfire

Researchers found that interactive features on websites can discourage some users from adopting healthy behaviors, particularly among smokers with limited tech familiarity. In contrast, engaging features helped power users (nonsmokers) absorb and believe anti-smoking messages more accurately.

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.

Sharp bends make rivers wander

Researchers found a direct connection between river bend curvature and migration rate, with sharper bends causing higher erosion rates and faster migrations. The study used satellite data to track river migration in the Amazon Basin over 30 years.

'Virtual pharmacology' advance tackles universe of unknown drugs

Scientists at UCSF have developed the world's largest virtual pharmacology platform, enabling them to screen hundreds of millions of never-before-synthesized compounds for potential drugs. The platform has identified remarkably potent antibacterial and psychiatric drug candidates.

How fibrosis develops in butterfly syndrome patients

Fibrosis, a major complication of butterfly syndrome, is driven by the protein TSP1 and its activation of TGF-beta signaling. Researchers have identified a potential treatment by inhibiting TSP1, reducing fibrosis in tissue-engineered models.

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.

'Twilight Zone' could help preserve shallow water reefs

Researchers at University of Queensland found that corals from the 'twilight zone' can grow faster in shallow light environments, offering a potential solution to preserving coral habitats. The study suggests that mesophotic corals can thrive with limited light, challenging current views of these deep-water ecosystems.

Effects of teenage motherhood may last multiple generations

A study found that grandchildren of adolescent mothers have lower school readiness scores and lag behind in physical and social development. The multigenerational effect suggests that interventions targeting children born to adolescent mothers should also consider their own grandchildren.

Study 'strongly supports' extending cervical screening intervals

A large pilot study confirms HPV screening is practical on a large scale and more sensitive than smear testing, detecting substantially more cervical lesions and cancer. The study's findings support extending screening intervals to at least five years without increasing the risk of potentially life-threatening disease.

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.

Controllable electron flow in quantum wires

Princeton researchers have demonstrated a new way of making controllable 'quantum wires' in the presence of a magnetic field. They found channels of conducting electrons that form between two quantum states on the surface of a bismuth crystal subjected to a high magnetic field. The current flow in these channels can be turned on and of...

New VaxArray publication on influenza neuraminidase quantification

InDevR's new VaxArray kit offers a standardized method to measure neuraminidase in influenza vaccines, improving accuracy and precision. This assay is expected to aid in the development of more broadly protective flu vaccines by enabling manufacturers to meet current regulatory requirements.

'Doing science,' rather than 'being scientists,' more encouraging to girls

A new psychology study by New York University and Princeton University found that describing science as actions, rather than identities, encourages girls to show greater persistence in science activities. The study suggests that efforts encouraging girls to enter science might benefit from focusing on the activity of doing science.

The silence of sickle cell disease

A study led by John Wood, MD, PhD, finds that patients with sickle cell disease experience reduced oxygen delivery to the white matter of the brain, despite normal total oxygen delivery. This disparity leads to debilitating silent strokes with significant effects on executive function.

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.

Being kind to yourself has mental and physical benefits, research shows

Researchers found that self-compassion exercises calmed the heart rate and reduced stress responses in healthy individuals. This approach has been linked to improved mental health outcomes and may be beneficial for people with depression. Future studies aim to investigate this method further.

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.

How one gene in a tiny fish may alter an aquatic ecosystem

Researchers found that variations in a single gene led to changes in phosphorus release and calcium uptake in fish, potentially triggering ecosystem-wide effects. The study suggests a link between genetic variation and ecological implications, highlighting the importance of understanding how species adapt to their environments.

Are most patients with fibromyalgia misdiagnosed?

A recent study found that only fair agreement exists between clinicians' diagnosis of fibromyalgia and the published criteria used by the American College of Rheumatology. Clinicians failed to identify nearly half of patients who met the criteria, highlighting a need for improved diagnostic methods.

Artificial intelligence can identify microscopic marine organisms

Researchers have developed an AI program that can automatically identify six species of foraminifera, microscopic marine organisms prevalent in Earth's oceans for over 100 million years. The AI uses convolutional neural networks to analyze images of the organisms' shells, providing insights into ocean characteristics and climate change.

NASA looks at Tropical Storm Funani's rainfall

Tropical Storm Funani is experiencing heavy rainfall southwest of its center, with rain falling at a rate of 1.2 inches per hour. The storm is rapidly strengthening and will intensify to 105 knots within two days before weakening.

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.

See-through fish aid scientists in autism-related breakthrough

Researchers have found a link between autism, serotonin levels and digestive issues in zebrafish. By replicating a mutation in the SHANK3 gene, they discovered a drastic reduction in serotonin-producing cells, which may lead to treatments for gastrointestinal symptoms.

Review finds antibiotic development increased, but insufficient

The review finds that while antibiotic development has improved, the most recently approved drugs represent modifications to existing classes rather than innovative approaches. Unmet needs persist due to a lack of treatment options for multidrug-resistant infections.

'Unclonable' tag combats counterfeiters

Scientists have created an 'unclonable' tag that can never be replicated, using physical unclonable functions (PUFs) with microparticles forming random patterns. The system correctly identified 76% of the tags, with estimated 2.5 x 10^120 unique codes.

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.

Developed self-controlling 'smart' fuel cell electrode material

A team of researchers led by Professor Kang Taek Lee developed a new electrode material that uses nickel to improve the oxidation reaction efficiency of hydrogen. The material exhibits high-performance and high-durability due to the controlled exsolution of nano metal catalysts, which helps stabilize the fuel cell's performance.

Diabetes drug impacts gut microbiome

Acarbose, a type II diabetes drug, changes the gut microbiome in a reversible and diet-dependent way, according to new research. The findings suggest that more attention should be paid to how medications affect the gut microbiome, particularly for diabetes treatments.

Touch biographies reveal transgenerational nature of touch

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland explores how norms related to touch are reproduced through embodied emotions, influenced by Finland's historical trauma and childcare ideals. The researchers analysed a unique set of data, namely touch biographies, which narrate individuals' lives through their touching experiences.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New music styles: How the challenger calls the tune

A study of over 8 million albums from 1956 to 2015 reveals that new musical styles emerge as a result of counter-signaling from outsider groups. This challenges traditional theories on the evolution of fashion and trends in music, highlighting the role of elite competition in driving innovation.

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.

A hidden route for fatty acids can make cancers resistant to therapy

Researchers discovered a novel metabolic pathway in cancer cells that produces an unusual fatty acid, sapienate, allowing them to bypass fatty acid metabolism inhibition. This finding can explain the resistance of certain cancer types to therapy and opens new avenues for targeted treatment.

Nullifying protein YTHDF1 enhances anti-tumor response

Researchers found that eliminating protein YTHDF1 boosts dendritic cell activity, leading to better immune response against cancer. This discovery opens new avenues for cancer treatment and may lead to effective combination therapies with checkpoint inhibitors or dendritic cell vaccines.

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.

Citizen science projects have a surprising new partner -- the computer

Researchers have developed a new technique using machine learning to classify large datasets of camera trap images, reducing the time needed for analysis. The computer can identify species with high accuracy and also learn to distinguish between empty images, greatly increasing efficiency.

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.

The BMJ launches campaign for adequate rest breaks for doctors

The BMJ launches a 'give us a break' campaign calling for adequate rest breaks for doctors, addressing wellbeing and patient safety concerns. Nearly 36,000 junior doctors have reported working hour issues since 2016, highlighting the need for improved breaks.