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Science News Archive March 2019


Page 5 of 43

Mount Kilimanjaro: Ecosystems in global change

A recent study on Mount Kilimanjaro reveals that land use and climate interactions significantly impact tropical mountain ecosystems, resulting in reduced biodiversity and altered ecological functions. The research found that different elevation zones exhibit varying levels of change, with the savanna zone being particularly vulnerable.

3D printer threads electronic fibers onto fabrics

Scientists have developed a method to print electronic fibers onto fabrics using a 3D printer. The technique allows for the creation of flexible, wearable hybrid materials with unprecedented properties, enabling the integration of functions such as sensing and actuating into smart wearable systems.

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.

Lying, sitting or standing: Resting postures determined by animals' size

Researchers studied 250 mammals in zoos to investigate the connection between digestive systems and resting postures. They found that body size plays a significant role in determining the animals' resting posture, with larger animals more likely to lie on their sides and smaller ones on their chests.

GRAVITY instrument breaks new ground in exoplanet imaging

The GRAVITY instrument has made the first direct observation of an exoplanet, revealing a complex atmosphere with clouds of iron and silicates swirling in a planet-wide storm. This achievement showcases the unique possibilities for characterising many known exoplanets.

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.

Human protein produced in CHO-cells can save donor blood

Researchers have successfully produced mammalian cell lines that can produce human glycosylation profiles for Alpha-1-antitrypsin proteins. This breakthrough enables the production of recombinant Alpha-1-antitrypsin without dependency on human donors, reducing treatment costs and improving patient outcomes.

Stanford autonomous car learns to handle unknown conditions

A new neural network system developed by Stanford researchers enables autonomous cars to learn from past driving experiences and adapt to unknown conditions. The system performed similarly well as an experienced racecar driver in high-friction and low-friction scenarios, showing promise for improved safety.

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.

Engineers craft the basic building block for electrospun nanofibers

A team from Michigan Technological University has developed a new way to produce customizable nanofibers for growing cell cultures, cutting out the need for toxic solvents and chemicals. By varying electric field strengths, they can create different pocket sizes in the fibers, ideal for various cell types.

Birds bug out over coffee

A University of Delaware study found that certain native tree species provide better food resources for insects and attract migratory birds to coffee farms. Shade-grown coffee farms can serve as habitat refuges for wildlife, improving farm productivity and biodiversity.

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.

Pressure makes best cooling

Researchers have discovered a class of disordered materials that can exhibit massive cooling effects when subjected to low pressure. The materials, called plastic crystals, display extremely high entropy changes, making them ideal for emerging solid-state refrigeration technologies.

Study of female weightlifters crushes stereotype

A study of elite female weightlifters found they have the same amount and in some cases more fast twitch fibers than their male counterparts. This challenges a persistent stereotype about women athletes and highlights the influence of training on muscle fiber development.

Study confirms and ranks nursery value of coastal habitats

A comprehensive analysis of over 11,000 coastal-habitat measurements confirms the nursery function of mangroves and seagrasses, providing key guidance for marine resource managers. The study also finds that other structured habitats, such as coral reefs and oyster reefs, support greater juvenile abundance, growth, and survival.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stop the exploitation of migrant agricultural workers across Italy

Thousands of migrant agricultural workers have died in Italy due to exploitation, with many facing poor working conditions, low pay, and lack of access to basic services. The doctors' call for action aims to address these issues and promote fair treatment for these vulnerable workers.

Vapor drives a liquid-solid transition in a molecular system

Researchers from Kanazawa University have discovered a novel system where a liquid-solid transition is driven by guest vapor, exhibiting selectivity for alkane vapors. This unique property enables the development of new vapor detection systems and adhesion materials.

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.

On the keto diet? Ditch the cheat day, says UBC study

A new UBC study found that consuming just one dose of carbohydrates while on a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet can damage blood vessels. The researchers recruited nine healthy young males and had them consume a glucose drink before and after a seven-day keto diet, revealing biomarkers in the blood suggesting vessel wall damage.

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.

Thirst controlled by signal from the gut

Scientists discovered the gut has a built-in salt sensor that reports to the brain, regulating thirst. The gastrointestinal tract measures salt concentration and relays this info directly to the brain, enabling precise measurement of fluid osmolarity.

Codifying the universal language of honey bees

Virginia Tech researchers Margaret Couvillon and Roger Schürch have decoded the universal language of honey bees, allowing scientists to interpret the insects' sophisticated communications. By deciphering waggle dances, they hope to better understand pollinators' preferred forages and food sources.

Laser physics: Downsizing the particle accelerator

Researchers have developed a technique to miniaturize plasma wakefield acceleration, allowing for the creation of compact, high-energy particle accelerators. This technology has the potential to revolutionize particle accelerator design and enable smaller, more accessible facilities.

Physicists constrain dark matter

Researchers have constrained a theoretical model of dark matter particles using data from Earth-based radio telescopes. The study found that ultralight particles interact weakly with photons, making them hard to study, but also revealed a constraint on the available models describing dark matter composition.

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.

New potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer discovered

A study published in Nature identified a new approach to starve pancreatic cancer cells of molecular resources. The researchers found that the protein syndecan-1 plays a critical role in regulating macropinocytosis, a mechanism used by cancer cells to scavenge resources and divide.

Solving a hairy forensic problem

Researchers developed a new method to distinguish between drug ingestion and external contamination of hair by analyzing single hairs from volunteers. The team found that splitting the hair lengthwise increased sensitivity for zolpidem detection, allowing them to separate ingestion from contamination.

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.

Rivers raged on Mars late into its history

A new study by UChicago scientists found significant river runoff persisted on Mars later into its history than previously thought. The intense runoff, which was wider than those on Earth today, occurred at hundreds of locations and suggests a complex climate with strong greenhouse effects.

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.

Old for new, using ancient genetic variation to supercharge wheat

Researchers identify genomic regions affecting radiation use efficiency and biomass accumulation in spring wheat, providing a crucial resource for scientists and breeders. The study aims to increase wheat yield potential without sacrificing grain yield, addressing the challenge of sustainingably feeding a growing population.

Had enough water? Brain's thirst centers make a gut check

A new study suggests that the brain uses sensory signals from the mouth and throat to temporarily quench thirst, but also relies on gut sensors to review this decision based on a drink's hydration potential. This helps regulate fluid balance within the body and may provide insights into diseases like high blood pressure.

Helping infants survive brain cancer

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have created a mouse model of choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC), a challenging type of brain cancer that affects young children. The study identified three promising drug compounds with biological activity, including dinaciclib and flavopiridol.

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.

The salt-craving neurons

Researchers at Caltech have identified specific neurons responsible for salt cravings in the mouse brain, which are triggered by oral sodium signals. These findings could potentially lead to new avenues for regulating sodium intake and mitigating health issues related to excessive salt consumption.

High-speed videos capture how kangaroo rat escapes rattlesnake attack

Researchers have captured high-speed videos of kangaroo rats defending themselves against rattlesnake attacks, showcasing their record-breaking reaction times and evasive maneuvers. The data suggest that the kangaroo rats' powerful legs and mid-air kicks allow them to avoid being envenomated.

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.

Harvesting water energy using slippery surfaces

Scientists have developed a new triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) called SLIPS-TENG, which can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy in harsh environments. The device uses a slippery lubricant-impregnated porous surface to address durability and biofilm coverage issues.

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.

Two new Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Groups at Charité

Two new Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Groups at Charité will explore the use of deep brain stimulation to treat neurological disorders and the regulation of immune responses in the nervous system. The groups, led by Dr. Andreas Horn and Dr. Christoph Klose, will receive over €1.7 million in funding for three years.