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Science News Archive June 2019


Page 26 of 41

The short life of Must Farm

Archaeologists from the Cambridge Archaeological Unit present a definitive timeframe for Must Farm's occupation and destruction in Antiquity. The site, located in Cambridgeshire, England, features remarkably preserved Late Bronze Age structures, including stilted houses and logboats, which provide insight into daily life 3,000 years ago.

Binary solvent mixture boosting high efficiency of polymer solar cells

Researchers found that using a binary solvent mixture can improve the efficiency of polymer solar cells. By varying the casting solvent, they were able to control the molecular organization and nanoscale morphology of fluorinated non-fullerene acceptors, resulting in higher power conversion efficiencies.

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.

Selective logging will not be enough to sustain timber production in Amazonia

A new study by the Tropical managed Forests Observatory suggests that selective logging alone is unlikely to meet current demand for timber in Amazonia. The research highlights the need for a more sustainable approach to manage wood resources in the region, considering the impact of climate change on forest ecosystems.

NASA reveals Tropical Cyclone Vayu's compact center

Tropical Cyclone Vayu's central dense overcast feature was approximately 90-100 nautical miles in diameter, showing a compact and intense storm system. The cyclone is forecast to strengthen slightly and move northwest towards Pakistan, with its center keeping off-shore from India.

Farmer researchers reap more benefits than just increased crop production

A recent study published in Agronomy Journal found that farmers' primary motivation for participating in on-farm research is the opportunity to collaborate with university faculty and other farmers, leading to increased confidence in results and improved economic outcomes. The study also highlights the importance of peer-learning and f...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How the cell protects itself

Human cells use a mechanism to protect genetic transcripts from spliceosomes, preventing damage that can lead to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers found that the snRNA of spliceosomes migrates into the cytoplasm in human cells, unlike in yeast, where it remains in the nucleus.

Sickle cell disease needs more attention

Recent research on sickle cell disease highlights major progress in diagnosis and treatment, but warns that more screening of newborns is needed, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The study emphasizes the importance of investing in health policies to address the growing number of cases.

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.

Opioid alternative? Taming tetrodotoxin for precise painkilling

Researchers developed a slow-release formulation of tetrodotoxin that efficiently penetrates nerves, providing a safe and highly targeted nerve block for up to three days. The toxin was paired with a chemical penetration enhancer to increase safety and effectiveness.

Could playing computer games improve your peripheral vision?

Researchers at Lancaster University created a series of games that require players to use their peripheral vision, resulting in significant improvements in object recognition. The study found that even just one gaming session led to lasting improvements in peripheral awareness, suggesting potential applications in team sports and hazar...

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.

Algorithm to transform investment banking with higher returns

A University of Bath researcher has created an algorithm that consistently outperforms conventional methods and other developed tools in financial trading, resulting in a 3% higher return than the benchmark U.S. Federal Reserve Funds rate. The tool's potential impact on employment at the highest banking levels is also significant.

How we tune out distractions

Researchers at MIT have identified a brain circuit that filters out distracting sensory stimuli, allowing us to focus on our chosen input. The circuit is controlled by the prefrontal cortex and involves the basal ganglia, which play a role in controlling attention.

Why fears over smartphone 'addiction' are based on flawed evidence

Researchers at Lancaster University found that existing measures of smartphone use are poorly related to actual usage. The study suggests that high smartphone usage is not linked to anxiety and depression as previously thought, and that scales measuring technology 'addiction' perform poorly in predicting real-world behavior.

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.

The brains of birds synchronize when they sing duets

Researchers found that the nerve cell activity in one bird's brain synchronizes with its partner when they start singing together. The brains of both birds essentially function as one, leading to perfect duet coordination.

Eliminating infamous security threats

A new method developed by researchers eliminates speculative memory side-channel attacks, exposing security vulnerabilities in microprocessors. The proposed solution reduces performance costs by 11% and energy usage by 7%, without compromising system security.

Gemini Planet Imager analyzes 300 stars

The Gemini Planet Imager survey discovered six planets and three brown dwarfs orbiting 300 stars, offering new insights into the formation of Jupiter-like planets and their distribution around high-mass stars. The findings suggest that wide-orbiting giant planets are more common around high mass stars, but rare around sun-like stars.

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.

Table salt compound spotted on Europa

Researchers spot sodium chloride on the icy moon Europa, potentially indicating a hydrothermally active ocean floor and making it a geologically interesting planetary body. The discovery was made using visible light spectral analysis, which revealed distinct absorption patterns in the visible spectrum.

Persistent poverty affects one in five UK children

Research links persistent child poverty in the UK to poor physical and mental health, including a higher risk of obesity and mental ill health. The study, based on the UK Millennium Cohort Study, suggests urgent action is needed to reduce child poverty for healthy futures.

iTHRIV awards pilot funding, supports statewide research collaborations

Four multi-institutional research projects were awarded up to $50,000 in funding through iTHRIV's Pilot Translational and Clinical Studies Program. These projects aim to address potentially life-threatening disorders such as hereditary angioedema and improve diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cancer survival rates in the young show inconsistent progress

Despite improvements in cancer treatment for HIV/AIDS-related cancers, adolescents and young adults continue to face disparities in survival rates by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The study highlights the need for continued research to improve survival rates in this vulnerable age group.

New gene editor harnesses jumping genes for precise DNA integration

Researchers have developed a new gene editing tool called INTEGRATE that harnesses bacterial jumping genes to insert any DNA sequence into the genome without cutting DNA. This technology offers a precise and reliable alternative to current gene-editing tools, which can lead to errors.

Algorithm tells robots where nearby humans are headed

Researchers at MIT have developed an algorithm that accurately aligns partial trajectories in real-time, allowing motion predictors to anticipate the timing of a person's motion. This breakthrough enables robots and humans to work together in close proximity without unnecessary pauses or conflicts.

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.

Increasing red meat intake linked with heightened risk of death

A large US study found that increasing red meat intake is associated with a 10% higher risk of death. Swapping red meat for healthier options like fish, eggs, and whole grains may lower the risk of death, particularly cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

Body composition shown to affect energy spent standing versus sitting

Researchers found that young adults burned significantly more kilocalories per minute while standing than sitting or lying, with no significant association between energy expenditure and body composition. Increasing standing time is a simple way to boost energy expenditure, lending support to efforts to counteract sedentary lifestyles.

Honeybee mite raises bumblebee virus risk

A study by the University of Exeter found that Varroa destructor mites indirectly increase infection rates among wild bumblebees by spreading deformed wing virus (DWV) through honeybee colonies. This highlights the need for beekeepers to treat their affected colonies.

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.

Scientists develop a primate model for autism by genome-editing

Researchers have created a primate model of autism using genome-editing technology, revealing insights into the genetic basis and potential treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders. The study's findings have significant implications for developing better treatment options for autism spectrum disorder.

Crop resilience is focus of new interdisciplinary research

Researchers aim to develop crops more resilient to climate change and emerging pathogens through microbial interactions. The Collaborative Crop Resilience Program will focus on three projects: Matrix, Interact, and InRoot, which examine plant-microbial interactions above ground and below ground, as well as the development of new crop v...

Physics at the edge

Researchers have successfully created a graphene-based topological insulator, which enables the creation of low-dissipation ballistic electrical circuits. This breakthrough builds upon previous work and overcomes challenges related to spin-orbit coupling, a key component necessary for topological insulators.

The atmosphere of a new ultra hot Jupiter is analyzed

Scientists from IAC and ULL analyze MASCARA-2B/KELT-20b's atmosphere, revealing details on its composition and temperature. The team detected hydrogen beta, singly ionized iron, and magnesium using CARMENES spectrograph.

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.

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.

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.

Mathematical tools to study tumors

The study analyzed images of biopsy samples from patients with neuroblastoma and used Graph Theory to describe the organization of vitronectin fibrils. The results suggest that the degree of organisation correlates with tumour aggressiveness, potentially allowing for patient classification before treatment.

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.

Nuclear pore complex outer rings: No longer 'one size fits all'

Researchers discovered asymmetrical nuclear pore complex outer ring structures in fission yeast, comprising only two types of Nups, with essential roles in normal cell growth. The findings challenge the long-held assumption that these structures are identical across eukaryotic cells.