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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 9


Page 9 of 43

Antarctic snowfall dominated by a few extreme snowstorms

A new study reveals that a small number of intense storms around Antarctica control up to 60% of annual snowfall in some places. These extreme events are responsible for the marked differences in snowfall from year to year, with one event accounting for 44% of annual snowfall.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 25, 2019

Overland migration of Arctic Terns revealed

A landmark study reveals the Arctic Tern's remarkable migration route, including an 8,000km non-stop flight over the Indian Ocean. The birds' stop-off points are also revealed, highlighting key locations in the UK and beyond.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalIbis·DateMar 25, 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.

NASA finds heavy rainfall around Tropical Cyclone Joaninha's center

Tropical Cyclone Joaninha generated heavy rainfall in the Southern Indian Ocean, with rates exceeding 0.75 inches per hour around its center. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission data used by NASA's IMERG provided a comprehensive analysis of the cyclone's precipitation patterns.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 25, 2019

Fossil barnacles, the original GPS, help track ancient whale migrations

A new study reveals that fossilized barnacles can serve as a proxy for the migrations of whales in the distant past. Oxygen isotope ratios in barnacle shells change with ocean conditions, allowing scientists to chart the migration routes of whales.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019

How tree diversity regulates invading forest pests

A national-scale study found that high tree diversity in the US is associated with a greater number of nonnative pests, but this relationship depends on the pest's specialization. The study used two large datasets and found a hump-shaped curve between tree diversity and pest diversity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 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.

More children could mean higher risk of heart disease

A recent study published in the Journal of Aging and Health found a significant association between having five or more children and an increased risk of heart disease in adults. The research, led by Sara Hipp at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, analyzed data from nearly 25,000 participants aged 50 and older.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalJournal of Aging and Health·DateMar 25, 2019
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.

Study explores why 'progressive teetotalers' may emerge from college engineering programs

A recent study by the University of Kansas researcher Margaret Kelley found that first-year engineering students who hold progressive attitudes, including those about gender equity, are more likely to drink less. The researchers argue that this behavior becomes in conjunction with their more progressive attitudes on women in the profes...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalSociological Quarterly·DateMar 25, 2019

Model learns how individual amino acids determine protein function

Researchers develop a method for predicting protein functions using amino acid sequences, eliminating the need for structural data. This breakthrough enables better protein engineering and design, with potential applications in drug development and biological research.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 25, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Engineering cellular function without living cells

Researchers at EPFL's LBNC have developed a quantitative, replicable method for studying gene expression using a cell-free system in combination with high-throughput microfluidic devices. This approach allows them to build synthetic biological logic gates that can be used to modify cellular functions and introduce new therapeutic purpo...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019

Inclusion of a crop model in a climate model to promote climate modeling

A new crop-climate coupled model simulates crop development and production, offering improved accuracy in climate predictions. The model successfully captures crop phenology and corrects biases in the original climate model, making it a valuable tool for global change studies.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019

Race at the edge of the Sun: Ions are faster than atoms

In a breakthrough study, scientists have observed ions moving faster than atoms in the gas streams of solar prominences, challenging our understanding of plasma behavior. This phenomenon occurs when ions and neutral atoms flow independently in partially ionized plasmas without impact equilibrium.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMar 25, 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.

Traffic control of cells

Scientists have created a hydrogel matrix whose stiffness can be reversibly tuned using light, enabling the investigation of how cells respond to dynamic changes in their environment. The matrix has potential applications in cancer immunotherapy and understanding cell migration patterns.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 25, 2019

Hearing loss before 50 may mean higher risk of drug and alcohol issues

A national study reveals that young and middle-aged adults with hearing loss are twice as likely to misused prescription opioids and other substances compared to their hearing peers. Health care providers may need to take special care when treating pain and mental health conditions in deaf and hard-of-hearing patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 25, 2019

Outcomes for smallest infants born weighing less than 400 grams

This observational study reports on outcomes for smallest infants born under 400 grams, highlighting the importance of timely intervention in improving survival rates. Overall, the study found that these tiny infants can survive and even thrive when receiving necessary medical support.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 25, 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.

Canopies, impervious surfaces, and urban heat

A study in Madison, Wisconsin found that urban air temperatures decrease with increasing canopy cover during the day but exhibit limited cooling at night. The results suggest that effective heat mitigation strategies involve both increasing canopy cover and decreasing impervious surface cover.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019

Can you 'catch' cancer?

Research suggests that parasitic worms cause majority of cancers in poor countries due to chronic inflammation and toxic egg excretions. However, some species of helminths, like the 'hyper tapeworm', inhibit cancer growth and may even enhance host's immune response to tumors.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateMar 25, 2019

How tree diversity affects invasive forest pests

A broad-scale study found a significant relationship between tree diversity and nonnative pest invasions. High tree diversity reduces pest invasions by creating ecological niches that make it harder for pests to find resources, while low diversity increases the risk of invasion. The study's results have important implications for fores...

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 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.

How watching TV and movies helps people with attachment issues

Research suggests that people with attachment issues engage more with stories, such as movies and TV shows, to deal with relationship insecurities. They find a 'safe space' to understand their problems or imagine a functional relationship without real-life complications. This vicarious living can help them expand their social experiences.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateMar 25, 2019

Innovative model improves access to life-saving stroke care

A study presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting found that training interventional radiologists to perform endovascular thrombectomies improves access to life-saving stroke care. The model expands access to quality, evidence-based care and reduces lifelong disability associated with stroke.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateMar 25, 2019

Aspirin to fight an expensive global killer infection

Researchers at the Centenary Institute discovered that the tuberculosis bacterium hijacks platelets from the body's blood clotting system to weaken immune systems. Using anti-platelet drugs like aspirin, they were able to prevent hijacking and allow the body to control infection better.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 25, 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.

Advanced imaging technology predicts cardiovascular risk from inflammation detected in arteries

Researchers used advanced PET/MRI technology to analyze inflammatory processes in arteries of individuals with atherosclerotic plaques. The study found that inflammation is present at early stages of atherosclerosis, particularly in regions without developed plaques.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2019

House hunting for hellbenders

A new study on young hellbenders' habitats found that selecting a 'just right' rock is essential to avoid cannibalism. The research suggests that larvae tend to live under small rocks, while adults prefer larger boulders with specific gravel flooring characteristics.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalCopeia·DateMar 25, 2019

Scientists home in on microRNA processing for novel cancer therapies

Researchers found that mda-7/IL-24 reduces the expression of an enzyme called DICER, which processes microRNAs for specific cellular functions. This effect occurs only in cancer cells and provides potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019
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.

Drug diversity in bacteria

Bacteria can create a wide range of derivatives from simple basic structures through mechanisms similar to pharmaceutical research. This diversification allows them to counteract unknown competitors and exhibit a wide range of biological activity.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 25, 2019

ELSI scientist constructs artificial photosynthetic cells

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology constructed simple artificial cells that can produce chemical energy to synthesize cell components. This breakthrough may shed light on how primordial cells used sunlight as an energy source early in life's history.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 25, 2019

A key player in the maturation of sexual organs

Researchers have identified the lin-41 mRNA as a crucial target of the let-7 microRNA, driving the transition to adulthood and sexual organ formation in C. elegans. This finding may provide insights into human puberty disorders linked to genetic variations affecting let-7 activity.

SourceFriedrich Miescher Institute·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateMar 25, 2019

Measurement of thoughts during knowledge acquisition

Researchers measured brain activity patterns that suggest new information is organized in a map-like format in the hippocampus. This organizational structure likely enables flexibility in applying knowledge, which could help explain human intelligence and inform teaching methods for efficient learning.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 25, 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.

Elementary mathematics brings Star Trek’s Holodeck closer to reality

Researchers from Bilkent University develop a technique to eliminate cross-talk in 3D holographic projection, enabling the creation of realistic and dynamic holograms. The method uses wavefront engineering and orthogonality properties to achieve high-quality projections with increasing hologram resolution.

SourceBilkent University Faculty of Science·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 25, 2019

Gunnerus Award goes to expert on biodiversity

Professor Sandra Myrna Díaz, a renowned expert in biodiversity and ecosystem ecology, has been awarded the 2019 Gunnerus Award in Sustainability Science. Her groundbreaking research emphasizes the importance of understanding biodiversity's role in shaping ecosystems and human development.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateMar 25, 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.

University of Arizona researchers making drinking water safer

Researchers at the University of Arizona are working on a new treatment method to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from groundwater, which poses serious health risks. The project aims to develop more effective and customizable sorbents to attract PFAS, improving water safety for communities worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateMar 25, 2019

Widely used malaria treatment to prevent malaria in pregnant women

The study found that the widely used antimalarial sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is no longer effective in preventing malaria in areas with high levels of resistance. In areas where more than 37% of parasites carry six mutations, the effectiveness of SP appears to be fully compromised. The researchers are calling for further investiga...

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 25, 2019

Effective fear of heights treatment without a therapist using virtual reality

A virtual reality (VR) treatment called ZeroPhobia has been shown to significantly reduce fear of heights symptoms in individuals. By using cognitive behavioral therapy principles in a fully self-guided format, the study found that two to five percent of the population can benefit from this effective and affordable treatment.

SourceVrije Universiteit Amsterdam·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 25, 2019
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 in Ethics & Human Research, March-April 2019

Researchers propose anticipatory waivers of consent for pediatric biobanking, allowing for efficient use of samples from minors. The authors also examine the inadequate response to the US Public Health Service's unethical experiments in Guatemala.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·DateMar 25, 2019

Study questions value of genetic risk scores

A recent publication touted genetic risk scores as a tool for identifying patients at high risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. However, a new study questions the value of these scores, finding they have lower accuracy when considering individual patient factors.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Human Genetics·DateMar 25, 2019

A petrifying virus key to evolution

A newly discovered Medusavirus giant virus provides new insights into host-virus co-evolution, with features including DNA coding for five histones and unique capsid surface proteins. The discovery suggests a lateral gene transfer model between host and virus.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMar 25, 2019

Phasing out air pollution emissions

A recent study suggests that rapidly phasing out air pollution emissions can prevent approximately 3.6 million avoidable deaths each year, while also increasing rainfall in drought-prone regions and limiting global warming. The researchers found that removing fossil fuel-related and all anthropogenic emissions could achieve the 2°C tar...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019

Ascribe Bioscience receives SBIR award from NSF

Ascribe Bioscience has developed a seed treatment technology using ascarosides, signaling molecules produced by microscopic worms in the soil microbiome. The technology enhances plant resistance to pathogens at extremely low concentrations.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·DateMar 25, 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.

Earth's deep mantle flows dynamically

A new study reveals that the Earth's lower mantle is more dynamic than previously thought, with increased flow in regions where ancient ocean floors plunge into the planet's core. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how quickly Earth is cooling and the dynamic evolution of our planet.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 25, 2019

Surge in cannabis use among youth preceded legalization in Canada

A recent study found that cannabis use among Canadian youth increased steadily after discussions on legalization and medical marijuana, with female and Indigenous students leading the rise. Rates of lifetime and past-year use were highest among male and Indigenous students, while Asian students had lower rates.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBMJ Open·DateMar 25, 2019

SUTD researchers develop a hydrogel for enhanced cell encapsulation and delivery

A new thixogel called CNF hydrogel has been developed by SUTD researchers, offering improved cell encapsulation and delivery. The hydrogel combines the benefits of both solid and liquid forms, providing a protective environment for cells while conforming to host tissue geometry.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·DateMar 25, 2019