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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 31


Page 31 of 43

Sydney united to build a quantum harbor city

Two universities have collaborated to overcome a fundamental hurdle in building quantum computers in silicon. This collaboration opens the way for further development of machines at scale, enabling billions of qubits to be built in complex arrays.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 11, 2019

Wildfires, climate change, and tree regeneration

A study found that climate change and wildfires can lead to abrupt loss of low-elevation forests due to reduced tree regeneration after disturbances. Annual climate conditions now cross critical thresholds at most study sites, making it challenging for trees to regenerate.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019
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.

New wallaby-sized dinosaur from the ancient Australian-Antarctic rift valley

A new, wallaby-sized herbivorous dinosaur named Galleonosaurus dorisae has been identified from five fossilized upper jaws found in 125 million-year-old rocks in southeastern Australia. The discovery confirms that the diversity of small-bodied dinosaurs was unusually high in the ancient rift valley.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalJournal of Paleontology·DateMar 11, 2019

Fusion science and astronomy collaboration enables investigation of the origin of heavy elements

A research team has successfully computed millions of highly accurate atomic data for neodymium ions, enabling studies of the origin of precious metals like gold and platinum. The findings show that the light of a kilonova, emitted by neutron star mergers, contains abundant heavy elements.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateMar 11, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

When green 'fixes' actually increase the carbon footprint

A study by University of Pennsylvania sociologists found that high-income residents moving into tech-enabled neighborhoods increase carbon emissions, displacing low-income populations. The research highlights the need for affordable housing and sustainable planning to counteract gentrification's negative effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalInternational Journal of Urban and Regional Research·DateMar 11, 2019

AJTMH tipsheet for March 2019

Researchers analyzed sentinel chickens to detect Eastern equine encephalitis virus, finding its presence year-round in the Florida Panhandle. A new hand-washing product, SuperTowel, shows potential to limit disease spread in humanitarian crises. The global 'pandemic' of fake medicines kills over 250,000 children annually.

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMar 11, 2019
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.

New diagnostic clues found for life limiting lung condition

Researchers at the University of Bradford have identified a new biomarker that could help diagnose PAH earlier, potentially leading to better treatment options. The study reveals how a faulty gene affects cell death regulation in the blood vessels.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMar 11, 2019

An international study co-led by CNIO identifies a 'sensor' that activates cell migration

A recent study has found that Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) acts as a sensor to mechanical forces generated by the cytoskeleton, activating biochemical signals regulating cell migration. This discovery provides new insights into how cancer cells invade and metastasize, potentially leading to therapies targeting this mechanism.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019
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.

Physicists use supercomputers to solve 50-year-old beta decay puzzle

Physicists have solved a 50-year-old mystery in beta decay, a process that drives stellar explosions and synthesizes elements. Using advanced computing power, researchers found that the beta decay rate for an atomic nucleus is more complicated than initially thought.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 11, 2019

Note-taking jurors influence verdicts, study finds

Researchers found that note-taking during trials enhances jurors' recall of critical evidence and influences verdicts. Jurors with faster handwriting speed, higher short-term memory capacity, and better sustained attention remembered more incriminating evidence, leading to a greater likelihood of finding the defendant guilty.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 2019

Hot or cold, rural residents more vulnerable to extreme temperatures

A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that people in rural communities are more vulnerable to both hot and cold temperature extremes than those living in urban areas. The disparity was greater for women, older adults, and those with poor public health system coverage.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMar 11, 2019

Researchers uncover additional evidence for massive solar storms

A new study using ice cores and tree rings reveals a third massive solar storm in history, occurring in 660 BCE, with others in 775 CE and 994 CE. These rare events pose a risk to electrical grids, communication systems, and air traffic.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019
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.

Physicists lower threshold for detecting extremely weak magnetic signals

Researchers at Saarland University have developed magnetic field sensors that can detect biomagnetic fields produced by the human body under normal ambient conditions. The sensors can detect signal strengths far below a billionth of a tesla, enabling non-contact medical diagnostics and geophysical applications.

SourceSaarland University·DateMar 11, 2019

Honey bees can help monitor pollution in cities

Researchers analyzed honey from urban beehives to detect pollutants like lead and zinc. The study found higher element concentrations near downtown areas with heavy traffic and industrial activity, suggesting potential manmade sources of pollution.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 11, 2019

Experts present a new framework for global species monitoring

A new framework for global species monitoring has been developed to improve tracking of biodiversity trends worldwide. The framework, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, aims to address the 'woefully inadequate' current information on species populations and ecosystems.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 11, 2019

Mobile devices don't reduce shared family time, study finds

UK researchers found that mobile devices are increasingly used during alone-together time with parents, increasing by nearly 30 minutes a day between 2000 and 2015. Despite this, shared activities like eating and watching TV remained unchanged at around 90 minutes per day.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMar 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Winning the arms race: Analysis reveals key gene for bacterial infection

A research team at Osaka University has identified a genetic factor essential for the virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major threat to public health globally. The study reveals that the cbpJ gene is under strict negative selective pressure, making it an attractive target for drugs to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 11, 2019

Cash programs that help the poor can harm natural resources

Researchers found that cash transfer programs can exacerbate environmental degradation, particularly in rural areas where livelihoods depend on natural resources. The study suggests that these programs need to be implemented with environmental policies to maximize their effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019
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.

Finding the right 'dose' for solar geoengineering

New research finds that smaller doses of solar geoengineering could work in tandem with emission cuts to lower the risks of a changing climate. The study suggests that no IPCC-defined region would be made worse off, with big uncertainties remaining but potentially uniform benefits across the globe.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 11, 2019

Pollinators need people

Research reveals that supporting local communities with cultural, spiritual, and economic connections to pollinators is key to effective conservation. The study suggests that policies like biocultural conservation can foster pollinator protection and sustainable management of resources.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 11, 2019

Ancient records prompt rethink of animal evolution timeline

Researchers suggest that bursts of evolutionary activity occurred earlier and were more frequent than previously thought, giving rise to a longer timeline for complex life on Earth. This challenges the traditional view of the Cambrian Explosion as a single, rapid surge of evolution.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 11, 2019
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.

Gender-based salary gap persists among academic emergency medicine physicians

A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that the gender-based salary gap persists among academic emergency medicine physicians, with a $12,000 disparity remaining unchanged. The study suggests that deliberate strategies be developed to train employers on preventing gender bias and prioritize pay parity.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateMar 11, 2019

How online neighborhood reviews could aid urban planning

A recent study by University at Buffalo researcher Yingjie Hu analyzed neighborhood reviews from over 7,600 users on Niche.com to identify features of neighborhoods that people talked about online. The analysis revealed discrepancies between reviewers' perceptions and other data, such as crime statistics and employment rates.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateMar 11, 2019

Novel technology aims to improve lithium metal battery life, safety

Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) to improve the stability of lithium metal batteries, allowing for increased energy density and safety. The SEI is made from a reactive polymer composite that creates a stable bond between the lithium electrode and electrolyte.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 11, 2019

Liquid biopsy for liver cancer

Researchers report an assay that uses cell-free DNA mutations and protein biomarkers to detect hepatocellular carcinoma in asymptomatic individuals. In a sample of 331 hepatitis B virus-infected individuals, the assay correctly identified 17% who had liver cancer without symptoms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019
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.

Persons with Alzheimer's disease have a higher risk of head injuries

A recent study from University of Eastern Finland reveals that persons with Alzheimer's disease have approximately 30% higher risk of head injuries. Falls are the most common cause of these injuries, which can lead to shortened life expectancy and loss of daily activities.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 11, 2019

How to take a census of Earth's biodiversity? One team of researchers has a plan

Researchers propose a new method to measure and track plant and animal populations, known as the 'hypercube,' which can generate health stats for the planet. The goal is to provide policymakers with accurate information to make sound conservation decisions, including assessing progress toward national and international policy goals.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 11, 2019

For infants, distinguishing between friends and strangers is a laughing matter

A new study by New York University researchers found that five-month-old infants can differentiate between laughter from friends and strangers. The ability to detect the nature of social relationships is thought to be an early emerging tool in human infancy, possibly due to a detection system using vocal cues.

SourceNew York University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 11, 2019

Incentives for hospital infection control

A study using models of infection and hospital behavior found that matching dollar-for-dollar subsidies for low-transmission rates yielded the greatest reduction in infected patients. This approach effectively encourages hospitals to prioritize infection control efforts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019
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.

Quantum physicists succeed in controlling energy losses and shifts

Researchers at Aalto University have successfully controlled energy losses and shifts in a high-quality superconducting resonator, allowing for increased dissipation rate on demand. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of larger-scale quantum computers and innovative quantum technological devices.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 11, 2019

Remembering to forget

A human neuroimaging study suggests that intentionally redirecting attention away from an unwanted experience during memory formation and suppressing its retrieval once formed can facilitate forgetting. The research provides evidence for a new link between voluntary control of visual attention and long-term memory fate.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMar 11, 2019
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.

Fossil teeth from Kenya solve ancient monkey mystery

The discovery of fossilized monkey teeth in West Turkana, Kenya, fills a 6-million-year gap in Old World monkey evolution. The newly found teeth, belonging to the species Alophia metios, have primitive dentition, lacking 'lophs,' and are believed to be adapted to a diet of hard fruits, seeds, and nuts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

Research connects dots among ocean dynamics, drought and forests

A recent study by University of Wyoming researcher Bryan Shuman found connections between Atlantic Ocean changes, centuries-long droughts, and forest transformations over the past 8,000 years. The study's predictability framework helps anticipate future climate-driven weather and ecosystem shifts.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019
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.

OHIO study: Information literacy can combat 'fake news'

A new study by Ohio University professor Dr. M. Laeeq Khan found that media and information literacy are key factors in recognizing misinformation on social media. The study suggests that individuals with strong information verification skills are less likely to share misinformation online.

SourceOhio University·JournalBehaviour and Information Technology·DateMar 11, 2019

Researchers report new light-activated micro pump

Researchers developed a laser-driven photoacoustic microfluidic pump that moves fluids in any direction without mechanical parts or electrical contacts. The device uses a plasmonic quartz plate implanted with gold atoms to generate an ultrasonic wave, driving the fluid via acoustic streaming.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019