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Science News Archive March 2019


Page 17 of 43

Fish-inspired material changes color using nanocolumns

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a material that can change its color by manipulating the orientation of nanostructured columns in response to a magnetic field, mimicking the flashing colors of neon tetras.

Coral reefs near equator less affected by ocean warming

A new study published in Nature Communications found that coral reefs near the equator are less affected by ocean warming than those at higher latitudes. Corals in these regions were found to be more tolerant of high temperatures, with some even able to withstand temperatures that would bleach corals elsewhere.

Volcano cliffs can affect monitoring data, study finds

A new study by University of East Anglia researchers reveals that steep cliffs on volcanoes can cause a reversal in the pattern of deformation, leading to inaccurate tilt measurements. This affects data collected by monitoring equipment, such as tiltmeters, which are often placed on caldera rims.

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.

Sniffing out Parkinson's disease

A team of researchers discovered the chemicals responsible for the distinctive smell of Parkinson's disease using a 'super smeller'. The finding could lead to an early diagnosis and monitoring of the condition. Hippuric acid, eicosane, and octadecanal were identified as biomarkers in sebum samples from patients with Parkinson's.

Sustainable fisheries and conservation policy

A five-point plan proposes integrating recreational fishing into global fisheries management to address conflicts and loss of social welfare. The proposal aims to consider the unique needs of anglers, who support a significant number of jobs worldwide.

New study reshapes understanding of how the brain recovers from injury

Researchers found that retinal ganglion cells depend on the primary visual area of the brain to remain healthy, leading to permanent visual impairment. However, some eye cells remain connected to unscathed neurons in the visual cortex, suggesting a potential for vision recovery through neuroplasticity-based therapies.

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.

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.

Seeing through food and drug fakes and frauds

Researchers have developed a simple method called chronoprinting that can detect counterfeit medicines and food products. By analyzing how samples change over time, chronoprinting uses image analysis algorithms to distinguish pure from adulterated substances.

Complex societies gave birth to big gods, not the other way around

A team of researchers used the Seshat database to analyze 300,000 records on social complexity and religion across 500 past societies. They found that beliefs in big gods followed, not preceded, increases in social complexity, suggesting that collective identities are more important for cooperation.

Skin diseases are more common than we think

A recent study found that at least one skin abnormality affects 64.5% of the adult population, with men being more frequently affected than women. The prevalence of skin diseases increases with age and is associated with significant economic burdens.

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.

Evidence rogue waves are getting more extreme

Researchers have found that rogue waves are becoming more prevalent and severe, especially during winter months. The study used long-term data to investigate the behavior of these rare ocean phenomena, which can be hazardous for ships and coastal areas.

Cities rethink parking as ride-hailing grows and parking revenue declines

A study found that people who use ride-hailing are willing to pay more to avoid driving, including parking stress, which could lead cities to reconsider parking infrastructure. Researchers suggest cities should allocate curb space for walking, biking, and transit, and monetize car trips to meet sustainable goals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Computer scientists create programmable self-assembling DNA

Researchers at University of California, Davis and Maynooth University created programmable DNA molecules that can self-assemble into patterns by running their own program. They designed and ran 21 algorithms, demonstrating the potential of the system for sophisticated molecular engineering.

Pushing MYC inhibition closer to the clinic

Researchers have developed a mini-protein MYC inhibitor that effectively treats non-small cell lung cancer, exhibiting minimal side effects. The therapy works by targeting the MYC oncogene, leading to reduced tumor growth and improved patient outcomes.

'Particle robot' works as a cluster of simple units

Researchers developed particle robotics systems comprising disc-shaped units that can push and pull each other in coordinated movement. The cluster can gravitate toward light sources and transport objects, with particles able to add or subtract without impacting the group.

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.

Solving the 'Catch 22' of rectal cancer

Researchers developed a non-invasive MRI methodology to determine if tumours have invaded lymph nodes prior to surgery. This innovation helps clinicians choose optimal treatment strategies and reduces overtreatment risks. By improving accuracy, SPI may also aid in selecting patients for pre-operative radiation and chemotherapy.

Research paves way for new source for leukemia drug

Researchers at Oregon State University have patented a method for synthesizing cephalotaxine and homoharringtonine (HHT), previously only available from an Asian tree. This development paves the way for more readily available and affordable leukemia treatments.

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.

Micro and nano materials, including clothing for Olympic athletes

Researchers at Swansea University are working on developing new products using micro and nano materials, including high-performance clothing for elite British athletes. The project aims to bridge the gap between concept and production, with a focus on market requirements.

Transformation of VA to 'whole health' model featured in JACM special issue

The VA's 'whole health' model is a leading-edge effort to address social determinants of health and move from volume to value. The model features multimodal approaches in integrative health, including evidence-informed complementary and integrative approaches as part of a commitment to diminishing reliance on opioids.

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.

Better water testing, safer produce

Researchers compared two water testing methods to ensure safe irrigation water for leafy greens, finding excellent results when samples were clean. However, discrepancies arose when environmental factors like sediments and salts were introduced, highlighting the need for a user-friendly guide to ensure consistent accuracy.

Chromatin changes rapidly in response to low oxygen, study finds

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have found that chromatin changes quickly in response to low oxygen, preceding gene expression activation. This discovery sheds light on how cells respond to oxygen deprivation and may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches.

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.

Generic advice doesn't help patients drop pounds

A new study from Duke University found that patients shed more weight when doctors give specific instructions, such as tailored behavioral goals and educational material, compared to generic advice. Patients who received empathetic care also lost more weight on average.

Baby step towards breath-testing for gut disorders

A new breath test could diagnose gastrointestinal damage in children without invasive procedures, reducing trauma and costs associated with oesophageal testing. The trial uses a Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) enzyme found in the small intestine to measure gut health.

Study examines how high altitude affects memory

A new study investigated the impact of high altitude exposure on short-term memory, identifying effects on spatial and verbal memory. The study found that high altitude exposure can lead to deficits in these aspects of cognition, affecting daily functioning.

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.

Tropical storms likely to become more deadly as climate changes

Research from Oregon State University suggests that climate change could lead to a 52% increase in tropical storm-related deaths, mainly affecting vulnerable populations in developing countries. The study's findings are based on analyzing mortality data and simulating the impact of climate change on storm frequency and severity.

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.

'Terminator'-like liquid metal moves and stretches in 3D space (video)

Researchers created a magnetic liquid metal that can move and stretch both horizontally and vertically without being fully immersed in liquid. The material exhibits high conductivity, low melting point, and deformability, making it suitable for use in soft robotics and flexible electronics.

New Cretaceous fossil sheds light on avian reproduction

A team of scientists discovered a new Cretaceous fossil with an egg preserved inside its body, revealing unusual reproductive system abnormalities. The fossil, representing a new species Avimaia schweitzerae, shows an eggshell consisting of two layers instead of one, indicating the egg was retained too long inside the abdomen.

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.

Butterfly numbers down by two-thirds

Research team discovers significant decline in butterfly species near intensively cultivated fields, with fewer than half the number of species found in nature preserves. The study emphasizes the urgent need for ecologically sustainable cultivation methods to mitigate this impact.

US indoor climate most similar to northeast African outdoors

A North Carolina State University study found that US indoor climate preferences are most similar to those of west central Kenya and northeast Africa, with warm conditions and low humidity prevailing. The survey of 37 states showed that Americans aim for a climate closest to the outdoor conditions in these regions.

BMI, but not age at puberty, tied to risk of multiple sclerosis

A new study attributes the link between earlier puberty and multiple sclerosis (MS) to body mass index (BMI), finding that increased BMI is also linked to a greater risk of MS. Researchers analyzed genetic data from over 329,000 women and found that people with an earlier age of puberty were more likely to develop MS.

Taking up the charge to modernize energy grid software

A Lehigh University team led by Frank E. Curtis is developing new algorithms to improve resilience in the Department of Energy's Grid Optimization Competition. The goal is to address complex optimization problems, such as the SCOPF problem, and develop more flexible and resilient grid software.

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.

Supercomputer simulations shed light on how liquid drops combine

Researchers used supercomputer simulations to analyze interactions between tiny ripples on droplet surfaces, finding that these waves enable the initial contact and merger of droplets. The study's findings have implications for improving 3D printing technologies and understanding thunderstorm formation.

North Africans were among the first to colonize the Canary Islands

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that people from North Africa were among the first to colonize the Canary Islands, arriving by 1000 CE. The researchers analyzed ancient mitochondrial genomes and identified lineages consistent with radiocarbon dating evidence, suggesting a complex and heterogeneous process of colonization.

Protein BRCA1 as a stress coach

Researchers discovered BRCA1 protein helps neuroblastoma cells cope with stress by opening a side track for repair. This mechanism enables tumours to grow rapidly despite DNA damage.

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.