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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 42


Page 42 of 43

Wildfire risk in California no longer coupled to winter precipitation

A new study finds that California's wildfire season is no longer influenced by winter precipitation, but rather by decades of fire suppression and rising temperatures due to climate change. The research team used tree rings and historical records to reconstruct fire and moisture patterns over the past 400 years.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

First genetic clue for elusive pediatric liver disease

Researchers identified the first genetic defect linked to biliary atresia, a mysterious liver disease causing liver transplantation in children. The study found five patients with disabling mutations in the gene PKD1L1, which was also linked to heterotaxy and congenital heart disease.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalHepatology·DateMar 4, 2019

California fires, precipitation, and jet stream

Researchers found past associations between jet stream dynamics, winter precipitation, and fire activity in California, with dry extremes linked to weaker NPJ zonal velocity. Future climate simulations suggest increasing temperatures will lead to reduced snowpack, drier summers, and increased fire risk under high CO2 conditions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 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.

Cultural tightness and innovation in China

Provinces in China with tighter cultures exhibit lower rates of radical innovation but higher incremental innovation, urbanization, economic growth, and gender equality. Tighter cultures are also associated with improved health and tolerant attitudes towards others.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Dental fillings could last twice as long

A new dental filling material made with thiourethane could significantly extend its lifespan, reducing the need for frequent fillings and related complications. The material has been shown to be two times more resistant to breakage than standard fillings.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2019

Attitudes and stereotyping beliefs

Research on social cognition reveals that implicit attitudes play a crucial role in shaping stereotypical beliefs about social groups. The study found that individuals' automatic positive-negative judgments supersede specific group traits or stereotypes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 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 quantum sensor could improve cancer treatment

The new quantum sensor developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo promises significant advancements in long-range 3D imaging and monitoring the success of cancer treatments. The sensors can detect single particles of light with high timing resolution, speed, and efficiency over an unparalleled wavelength range.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 4, 2019

North Pacific jet stream, moisture and fires change with fire suppression

Recent widespread fires in California suggest a shift in climate-fire relationships, where increased temperatures and drier summers will override the dynamical influence of the North Pacific Jet. The researchers reconstructed over 400 years of North Pacific Jet variability, finding that fire suppression may be responsible for this change.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Checking DNA base editor's mistakes and tricks to reduce them

Researchers at IBS have identified the mistake-rate of DNA editing tools using CRISPR and adenine base editors. The study reveals that ABE7.10, a widely used gene engineering tool, has an average of 60 off-target mistakes in the human genome.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 4, 2019

Thousands of tiny quakes shake Antarctic ice at night

Researchers discovered thousands of tiny 'ice quakes' on the McMurdo Ice Shelf that appear to be caused by pools of partially melted ice expanding and freezing at night. This phenomenon may help track glacier melting and explain the breakup of large ice shelves.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalAnnals of Glaciology·DateMar 4, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Texas Biomed scientists developing new vaccine strategy for tuberculosis

Researchers have developed a new vaccine strategy for tuberculosis that protects against the disease by delivering a vaccine directly into the lungs through a spray. The new formulation shows promise in mice studies, with significantly reduced lung inflammation and tissue damage compared to current vaccines.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateMar 4, 2019

Scientists develop printable water sensor

Scientists have created a 3D printable sensor that can detect tiny amounts of water, changing color from purple to blue in wet conditions. The sensor is made of a cheap, flexible, and non-toxic copper-based compound that can be printed into various shapes.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 4, 2019

Forecasting mosquitoes' global spread

A global team predicts that by 2050, 49% of the world's population will live in areas where Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are established. Climate change and human migration patterns drive the spread of these disease-carrying insects.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 4, 2019

New hurdle cleared in race toward quantum computing

Purdue researchers have successfully probed interference of quasiparticles using a new device. The device, built with molecular beam epitaxy, overcomes technical challenges to observe quantum mechanical effects. This breakthrough may be key to developing topological qubits and advancing quantum computing.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 4, 2019

How do we follow the rhythm of language? The answer depends on our brain's path

A team of neuroscientists found that the brain's pathways play a crucial role in shaping speech rhythms, with some people synchronizing their speech to match external rhythms while others do not. High synchronizers have more white matter volume in key brain pathways and better language learning abilities than low synchronizers.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 4, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Truth telling about tobacco and nicotine

A new article highlights the need for public health institutions to develop truth-telling relationships with communities affected by smoking disparities. Researchers argue that accurate and comprehensive information about the differential harms of tobacco and nicotine products is crucial for promoting trust and informed decision-making.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 3, 2019

Light pulses provide a new route to enhance superconductivity

Researchers found that light pulses can induce eta pairing in Mott insulators, turning them into superconductors. This unconventional type of conductivity arises from repulsive interactions between electrons and is believed to take place under non-equilibrium conditions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 3, 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.

Alien species are primary cause of recent global extinctions

A new study by UCL researchers finds that alien species are the primary cause of recent global extinctions, responsible for 126 extinctions. Many plant and animal species, including mammals and birds, have been affected, with some species, such as rats and cats, being major contributors.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMar 3, 2019

Drying without dying: How resurrection plants survive without water

Researchers discovered that resurrection plants control their water structure to survive dehydration by accumulating water molecular dimers and molecules with 4 hydrogen bonds. This regulation allows them to preserve tissues against dehydration-induced damages, enabling survival in dry states.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Top ten computer science education research papers recognized

The Association for Computing Machinery recognizes outstanding research in computer science education, highlighting key findings such as the importance of understanding student misconceptions and the efficacy of peer instruction. The top ten papers are chosen from among the best presented at the SIGCSE Technical Symposium over 49 years.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateMar 2, 2019

Home births are three times more dangerous than hospital deliveries

A recent study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that home births are three times more dangerous than hospital deliveries, with a significant increase in perinatal mortality. The study analyzed data from over 3,500 women who gave birth at home and compared it to hospital births, resulting in a higher risk of infant mortality.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·DateMar 2, 2019

Novel sleep index, wakefulness may predict if patients able to breathe on their own

A new sleep index developed by Magdy Younes predicts the success of weaning critically ill patients from mechanical ventilation. Longer durations of full wakefulness are highly correlated with a successful separation, while poor correlation between brain hemispheres predicts failure.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 1, 2019
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.

Detailed new primate brain atlas could lead to disease insights

A new study has created a 3D reconstruction of a marmoset brain and mapped neuronal connectivity across the entire brain with unparalleled detail. The resulting data set may offer insights into human neural connectivity and potentially lead to therapeutic advances for human diseases.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·DateMar 1, 2019

How the humble marigold outsmarts a devastating tomato pest

Scientists at Newcastle University have identified limonene as the main component responsible for keeping tomato whiteflies away from plants. The study found that marigolds release limonene, a chemical that repels whiteflies without harming them.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2019

A highly sensitive new blood test can detect rare cancer proteins

Researchers developed a new blood test that can identify individual molecules in human blood samples with minimal detection errors, including rare cancer-associated proteins like mutant p53 and PD-L1. This breakthrough enables accurate disease diagnosis and novel insights into cancer mechanisms.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 1, 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.

Traumatic brain injury and kids: New treatment guidelines issued

Severe pediatric TBI affects approximately 7,000 childhood deaths annually, while survivors may suffer from long-term health conditions. The updated guidelines include eight new treatment recommendations to promote high standards of care and improve survival rates.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 1, 2019

Spider silk could be used as robotic muscle

Researchers discovered spider silk's supercontraction property, where it twists and contracts in response to humidity changes, potentially leading to new robotic actuators. This unique property could enable precise control of motions using controlled humidity levels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 1, 2019

Tree rings tell climate stories that technology can't

A new study shows tree rings offer a unique perspective on climate change, matching high-tech data over short-term periods. The method reveals strong agreement between trees' own productivity estimates and satellite-derived data.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2019

New device mimics beating heart with tiny pieces of heart tissue

Researchers created a bioreactor to study heart tissue's mechanics in sync with the body's beats, revealing changes in force similar to those observed in living hearts. The device allows for adjustment of contraction parameters to mimic normal or disease conditions, enabling studies on high blood pressure's effects on heart cells.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 1, 2019

Frailty may be a new screening criterion for fitness for an operation

Researchers found that frailty is linked to increased complications, hospital readmission, and greater healthcare costs after surgery. A brief measure of frailty can help determine a patient's physical fitness for nonurgent operations.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 1, 2019
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.

Tracking firefighters in burning buildings

Researchers have developed a motion-powered, fireproof sensor that can track the movements of firefighters and others in high-risk environments. The sensor generates power through triboelectric charging and has been successfully tested at temperatures up to 300C.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNano Energy·DateMar 1, 2019

More humans always mean fewer African carnivores, right? Nope

A new study published in Ecological Applications found that human disturbance can have varying effects on different species of carnivores in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. While some species, such as lions, decline in population due to increased human activity, others, like hyenas and black-backed jackals, thrive in areas with hi...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 1, 2019

Sex and aggression in mice controlled by cold-sensor in brain

Research by Eleonora Zakharian and colleagues reveals that the absence of TRPM8 leads to increased aggression and hypersexuality in mice. The team found that males with TRPM8 knockout exhibit violent behavior, while females show increased sexual appetite and sniffing behaviors.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 1, 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.

Balloons the No. 1 marine debris risk of mortality for seabirds

A new study found that balloons are the most lethal marine debris for seabirds, with a single piece killing 20% of seabirds and nine pieces killing 50%, while blockages or infections caused by gastrointestinal obstructions were leading causes of death

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 1, 2019

Research shows link between rise of European populism and vaccine hesitancy

A study by Queen Mary University of London found a significant positive association between populist party votes and vaccine mistrust levels across Europe. The analysis suggests that scientific populism may be driven by distrust of elites and experts, contributing to rising vaccine hesitancy.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·DateMar 1, 2019

Breast milk microbiome contains yeast and fungi: Do these benefit the infant?

Researchers have discovered that breast milk contains a variety of yeasts and fungi, including Malassezia and Davidiella, which are present in different geographic locations. These findings suggest that breast milk plays an important role in the initial seeding of fungal species to the infant gut.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 1, 2019

An abundance of beneficial mutations

A study on fruit flies found that many genes are involved in adaptation to hot environments, revealing genetic redundancy. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the number of genes required for adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 1, 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.

Cells use sugars to communicate at the molecular level

Scientists have found that sugar molecules serve as channels for cellular communication, allowing cells to interact with proteins and other cells. This discovery was made using atomic force microscopy and provides new insights into the role of cell membranes in function.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2019

Bacteria in frog skin may help fight fungal infections in humans

A recent study found that bacteria from frog skin have produced compounds that can inhibit the growth of fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus. The most promising compound, viscosin, showed significant activity against both fungi.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 1, 2019

New research area: How protein structures change due to normal forces

Researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory developed methods to study protein structures under force, revealing a protein 'strain absorber' that stretches up to 2.5 times its original length. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding molecular elasticity in proteins and their response to small forces.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 1, 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.

NYUAD researchers achieve solid state thermochemiluminescence with crystals

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have successfully achieved solid-state thermochemiluminescence with crystals, a process that generates light through heat application. This fundamental discovery opens up unexplored directions in chemiluminescence research and has potential applications in solar energy harvesting technologies and sensing.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2019

Blood test developed to predict spontaneous preterm birth

Researchers developed a blood test to predict spontaneous preterm birth, focusing on proteins found in first-trimester blood samples. The test shows promise for identifying women at increased risk of preterm delivery, particularly among first-time mothers.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateMar 1, 2019
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.

Python hearts reveal mechanisms relevant to human heart health and disease

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder studied Burmese pythons' rapid heart growth in response to fasting and feeding, which could aid humans with diseased heart growth. The study reveals ways to isolate python heart cells, allowing for a better understanding of their mechanics and potential applications in human heart health.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 1, 2019

Tool reveals molecular causes of disease, including infant cancer

Researchers have developed a new tool called URSA(HD) that analyzes gene patterns to reveal molecular causes of diseases. The tool has already uncovered previously unknown contributions of four genes to a rare form of cancer primarily affecting babies and young children.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalCell Systems·DateMar 1, 2019