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Science News Archive July 2019


Page 6 of 41

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.

It pays to explore in times of uncertainty

A study examining fishing boat captains found that those who explored new territory experienced less impact from disruptions when popular grounds were closed, suggesting the benefits of exploration in uncertain environments. This strategy may provide a way to future-proof livelihoods by drawing on knowledge of alternatives.

NASA's TESS mission finds 'missing link' planets

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has discovered three new exoplanets, including one rocky planet in the habitable zone, which could potentially support liquid water and life. The newly found planets, TOI-270, are unique in that they occupy a 'missing link' between rocky Earth-like planets and gas-dominant mini-Neptunes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Support needed for foster carers of LGBTQ young people

A new study by the University of East Anglia found that foster carers of LGBTQ young people often lack knowledge, skills, and support to meet their needs. This can lead to negative attitudes and approaches going unchallenged, causing harm to the young people in care.

Island age and forest biodiversity

Research in Hawaiian forests reveals older islands harbor more native and rare species than younger islands. Biological invasions hinder the impact of island age on biodiversity patterns.

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.

OU-led study shows improved estimates of Brazilian Amazon gains and losses

A University of Oklahoma-led study has generated improved annual maps of tropical forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon from 2000-2017, revealing ~15% higher estimates than existing datasets. The study also shows a renewed increase in forest area loss after 2013, driven by land use change and strong El Nino.

Trans-Atlantic phosphorus transport

African biomass burning is a substantial source of phosphorus deposition to the Amazon Basin, Tropical Atlantic Ocean, and Southern Ocean. The study reveals that biomass burning may supply up to half of the annual phosphorus delivered to these regions.

Neuronal distinction of familiars and strangers

A study in mice identified parvalbumin interneurons as key brain cells involved in social memory retrieval. Deficits in these cells may contribute to social memory deficits in schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Impaired brain activity in rats with family history of alcohol abuse

Researchers have discovered that the prefrontal cortex directly encodes the intention to consume alcohol, but this ability is blunted in rats with a family history of excessive drinking. This finding suggests that restoring prefrontal cortex activity could be a new strategy for treating alcohol use disorders.

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.

Study: Black students receive fewer warnings from teachers about misbehavior

A study by University of Illinois social work professor Kate M. Wegmann found that black middle school students were significantly less likely to receive verbal or written warnings from their teachers about behavioral infractions. Black students were also more likely to experience exclusionary forms of discipline, such as suspensions a...

Parasitic bat flies offer window into lives of hosts

Researchers used parasitic bat flies to study buffy flower bat populations in the Bahamas, finding a single population of bats but two populations of their flies. The study suggests that ocean channels may not be universal barriers for bats, with limited gene flow over two years.

Ultra-thin layers of rust generate electricity from flowing water

Thin films of rust can convert kinetic energy into electricity when exposed to saltwater, offering a new method for sustainable power generation. The electrokinetic effect is around 30% efficient and has potential applications in tidal energy conversion and implantable devices.

High levels of estrogen in the womb linked to autism

A new study from the University of Cambridge has identified a link between high levels of estrogen in the womb and an increased risk of developing autism. The research found that prenatal estrogen levels were significantly higher in male fetuses who later developed autism compared to those who did not.

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.

Energy from seawater

The Stanford group's battery captures blue energy by releasing sodium and chloride ions, then reincorporating them through rapid wastewater and seawater exchanges. The technology has shown 97% effectiveness in capturing salinity gradient energy over 180 cycles.

A catalyst for sustainable methanol

Scientists at ETH Zurich developed a new catalyst technology converting CO2 and hydrogen directly into methanol, enabling the production of fuels and chemicals from renewable resources. The approach has significant potential to close the carbon cycle and produce sustainable methanol on an industrial scale.

NASA takes tropical storm Flossie's temperature

NASA's Aqua satellite measures cloud top temperatures of Tropical Storm Flossie, revealing strong storms with cold temperatures of minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane on Tuesday, with maximum sustained winds increasing to near 50 mph.

African smoke is fertilizing Amazon rainforest and oceans, new study finds

Research found that African biomass burning is a substantial source of phosphorus deposition to the Amazon, Tropical Atlantic Ocean, and Southern Ocean. This discovery has significant implications for understanding Earth's climate and may impact primary productivity and carbon dioxide drawdown in both ecosystems.

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.

Proteinaceous amino acids and prebiotic chemistry

Researchers discovered that proteinaceous amino acids readily form short chains resembling modern proteins, hinting at their potential role in the origin of life. The study suggests these amino acids were selected based on reactivity advantages over nonproteinaceous ones.

Identity-shifting cells protect against rupture in atherosclerosis

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered that specific cells in artery walls transform to form protective caps on plaque, reducing the risk of rupture. The new discovery sheds light on atherosclerosis progression and potential prevention strategies.

SLAP microscope smashes speed records

The SLAP microscope uses compressed measurements to scan large areas quickly, recording neurons' voltage spikes and neurotransmitter release. It has broken the speed limit of traditional two-photon microscopy, allowing scientists to capture millisecond-scale patterns in living brains.

Cannabidiol reduces aggressiveness, study concludes

A Brazilian study found that cannabidiol attenuates social isolation-induced aggression in mice by facilitating the activation of serotonin and CB1 receptors. The researchers used a resident-intruder test model to demonstrate that lower doses of cannabidiol inhibit aggressive behavior, while higher doses have little effect.

Uncovering the roots of discrimination toward immigrants

A new study in Germany found that religious differences can drive anti-immigrant bias, even when immigrants follow local social norms. The researchers used an experimental approach to measure bystanders' behavior and found that Muslim immigrant women who wore a hijab received less assistance than native German women.

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.

'Digital twins' -- An aid to tailor medication to individual patients

Researchers create computational models of individual patient diseases to identify diagnostic and therapeutic targets, and use T cells as a fingerprint to diagnose various diseases. The study demonstrates the potential of digital twins to improve healthcare outcomes in complex diseases.

Stressed at school? Art therapy reduces teenage girls' headaches

A recent pilot study led by the University of Washington found that art-based mindfulness activities significantly reduced adolescent girls' headaches, with an average decrease of 4.63 headaches per two-week period. The students reported feeling better in the moment and improved ability to handle stress.

Infants' expectations of leaders' intervention

Researchers Maayan Stavans and Renée Baillargeon found that infants as young as 17 months old expect leaders to rectify transgressions. The study suggests that abstract expectation of authority is part of the basic structure of human moral cognition.

How can you reliably spot a fake smile? Ask a computer

A new computer software can detect genuine facial expressions, especially around the eyes. Researchers at the University of Bradford used a video analysis method to identify differences between real and posed smiles, finding that the eyes show more movement in genuine expressions.

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.

Mysterious release of radioactive material uncovered

A study analyzing over 1300 measurements found the source of a 2017 radioactive cloud to be a civilian reprocessing plant, releasing large amounts of ruthenium-106. The incident caused no health risks for Europe's population.

Study examines how picture books introduce kids to politics

Research analyzed popular picture books for depictions of political issues, leaders, and processes. The study found a lack of information on voting and protesting, as well as limited representation of democratic leaders. Picture books could be an opportunity for early education about politics and democracy.

MSU receives $2.5 million for less commonly taught languages

Michigan State University has received a $2.5 million grant to develop the teaching of less commonly taught languages, particularly Indigenous languages, through a multi-university initiative. The project will create sustainable models of instruction and promote language proficiency to deepen cultural understanding.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Hackers could use connected cars to gridlock whole cities

Researchers simulate how hackers could randomly strand internet-connected cars to cause widespread traffic gridlock. Even with conservative estimates, stalling 20% of cars during rush hour could freeze traffic solid and debilitate emergency vehicles.

Single-electrode material streamlines functions into a tiny chip

KAUST researchers have developed a single microchip that integrates sensing, energy-harvesting, current-rectifying, and energy-storage functions. The chip uses ruthenium oxide as the common electrode material, enabling miniaturization of self-powered sensor devices.

Tart cherry juice may juice up the brain

Daily intake of Montmorency tart cherry juice improved memory scores among adults aged 65-73, with notable reductions in movement time and errors during visual and spatial working memory tasks. Compliance was high, but larger studies are warranted to confirm findings.

Do babies like yawning? Evidence from brain activity

A new study found that 5- to 8-month-old babies exhibit face-specific brain activity in response to yawning, suggesting a neural basis for their preference. The research used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure brain activity while babies viewed yawning and mouth movement.

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.

Are US adults meeting physical activity guidelines?

Between 2007 and 2016, the proportion of US adults meeting aerobic activity guidelines remained relatively stable at around 65%, while sedentary behavior increased from 5.7 to 6.4 hours per day. This trend suggests a stagnation in physical activity levels despite updated guidelines recommending less sitting.

Burnout symptoms associated with racial bias in medical residents

A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found an association between increased symptoms of burnout and heightened racial bias in medical residents. Physicians experiencing high symptoms of burnout tended to exhibit more racial bias, both explicit and implicit, but recoveries from burnout were linked to reductions in bias.

Yellow is not the new black: Discovery paves way for new generation of solar cells

A study by KU Leuven researchers has successfully stabilized perovskites, a promising type of semiconductor material for harnessing solar energy. By binding the crystals to a glass substrate and heating them to high temperatures, the black perovskite state is achieved, enabling efficient sunlight absorption and electricity generation.

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.

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.

Tracking the source of radioactive ruthenium

A study found that a significant release of radioactive ruthenium occurred in October 2017, with highest levels detected over Romania. The release is believed to have originated from the Mayak nuclear complex in Russia, consistent with air mass movements and deposition patterns.

Opioid use after vaginal or cesarean delivery among US women

A study using national insurance claims data found an association between opioid prescriptions after vaginal or cesarean delivery and increased rates of new persistent opioid use among US women. The study included over 988,000 women and explored the long-term effects of post-delivery opioid use.

For salmonella detection, genomic tool emerges as a key

A new whole-genome sequencing technique is being adopted to detect salmonella in the food industry. This method provides a more reliable and precise identification of salmonella strains, enabling the origin and path of outbreaks to be determined.