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Science News Archive May 2019


Page 5 of 42

Humans used northern migration routes to reach eastern Asia

Researchers argue that wetter climates may have allowed Homo sapiens to expand across deserts of Central Asia by 50-30,000 years ago. This new perspective challenges traditional views on human migration, suggesting that northern and central Asia were not impassable barriers.

Secure metropolitan quantum networks move a step closer

A joint team of Chinese scientists has demonstrated CV-QKD transmission over commercial deployed fiber links with distances of up to 50 kilometers. The system achieved higher secret key rates compared to previous laboratory tests, overcoming challenges such as environmental perturbations and equipment losses.

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.

Coral reefs can't return from acid trip

Researchers found that corals and coralline algae, crucial for reef structure, are vulnerable to ocean acidification. The study suggests a significant shift in the composition and function of future reefs if they can survive climate change.

Graphene to enable future space exploration

Researchers use graphene to improve loop heat pipes, essential for satellites and equipment in space. The Graphene Flagship project aims to integrate these devices into satellites and the international space station in the next few years.

'Ecstasy' shows promise for post-traumatic stress treatment

A recent study published in Psychopharmacology found that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy significantly improved PTSD symptoms, with 54% of participants no longer meeting criteria after two sessions. The therapy was compared to small doses or non-drug psychotherapy and showed promising results.

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.

Early onset colorectal cancer rising fastest in the west

Early-onset colorectal cancer incidence has been increasing rapidly in Western US states, despite low rates of smoking and physical inactivity. The study found that rates rose faster for rectal tumors than colon tumors, with average increases exceeding 2.5% per year in ten states.

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.

WVU biostatistician studies link between microbiome and preterm birth

A recent study by WVU biostatistician Snehalata Huzurbazar found a correlation between the vaginal microbiome and preterm birth rates, particularly in African American women. The researchers identified specific bacteria species that proliferated in women who gave birth prematurely, which may help predict and prevent preterm births.

Scientists offer designer 'big atoms' on demand

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have successfully created colloidal particles that mimic atomic behavior, allowing for controlled interactions and assembly. By exposing these particles to different light sources, they can switch between attractive and repulsive forces.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mass die-off of puffins recorded in the Bering Sea

A mass die-off of puffins and Crested auklets was recorded in the Bering Sea due to climate-driven food shifts, with reduced prey resources potentially leading to starvation. The study suggests that future research should investigate seabird resilience in a changing environment.

Let's clear the air

A long-term partnership between researchers and local community members has led to significant improvements in air quality and environmental awareness in Pittsburgh's East End. The program, EJCAM, trained community leaders and advocated for green initiatives, resulting in a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Chimpanzees catch and eat crabs

Researchers observed chimpanzees in Guinea catching and eating fresh-water crabs year-round, regardless of fruit availability. Crab consumption was more common among female chimps and their offspring, suggesting it provides essential nutrients like fatty acids.

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.

A rose inspires smart way to collect and purify water

A new device for collecting and purifying water, developed at the University of Texas at Austin, uses a rose-inspired design to improve upon current methods. The device can produce more than half a gallon of water per hour per square meter and removes contamination from heavy metals and bacteria.

New study evaluates transcatheter dialysis conduit procedures over 15 years

A new study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found significant growth in hemodialysis conduit angiography utilization, increasing by 1700% nationally from 2001 to 2015. This trend was particularly pronounced among nephrologists, with a 24.0% increase in procedures performed annually in office settings.

New research suggests sugar taxes and labeling are effective

A new study suggests that implementing sugar taxes and labeling on packaged products can lead to a reduction in sugar consumption. The study found that consumers were more likely to choose products with less sugar when prices increased due to taxes or when nutrition labels were displayed on the front of packages.

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.

Thinning forests, prescribed fire before drought reduced tree loss

A study from the University of California, Davis found that thinning forests and prescribed burns reduced tree mortality during a severe drought and bark beetle epidemic. The treatment also helped to increase forest resilience by reducing water stress and making trees more resistant to climate change.

Compostable food containers could release PFAS into environment

Researchers found that compostable food packaging can leach per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into compost, raising concerns about potential health effects on crops. The study's results contributed to the passage of a bill banning PFAS in paper food packaging in Washington state.

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.

Self-healing DNA nanostructures

DNA nanotubes designed by Yi Li and Rebecca Schulman can heal themselves in serum, extending lifetimes from 24 hours to over 96 hours. The researchers developed a self-repair process using smaller DNA tiles that repair damaged structures by replacing or joining to the nanotube ends.

Quantum information gets a boost from thin-film breakthrough

Researchers have developed a new method to create thin films that emit single photons at precise locations, enabling the scalability of quantum materials. This breakthrough paves the way for beyond-lab-scale quantum information technologies, including all-optical quantum computing and quantum key distribution.

Immune system discovery inspires a new barometer for inflammatory diseases

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered two distinct neutrophil states in blood, which vary depending on patient health and infection status. These findings may lead to new models for disease detection and monitoring, such as tracking primed neutrophils to predict inflammatory diseases.

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.

Climate driving new right whale movement

Scientists discover that rapid warming in the Gulf of Maine's depths is changing food availability and increasing risk to North Atlantic right whales. The study reveals that climate-driven changes are rippling throughout the ecosystem, making conservation efforts challenging.

More safe havens for native plants and animals needed in New South Wales' west

A new study by Macquarie University reveals that more protected areas are needed in New South Wales' west to safeguard native species from climate change. The researchers identified suitable habitats for vulnerable species like the spotted-tailed quoll and squirrel glider but found inadequate protection in central-western NSW.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

New evidence: It's not necessary to fast before complete cholesterol test

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that nonfasting lipid levels were similar to fasting lipid levels in the same individuals, predicting cardiovascular risk just as well. The results suggest it may be unnecessary for most patients to fast before having bloodwork done to measure lipid levels.

Steroids can reduce lung cancer risk in COPD patients

A new study from the University of British Columbia found that steroid inhalers can lower lung cancer risk in COPD patients. The research, published in European Respiratory Journal, analyzed data from 39,676 adults with COPD and found a 25-30% reduction in lung cancer risk among those using steroids.

High LDL linked to early-onset Alzheimer's

Researchers found a link between high LDL cholesterol levels and early-onset Alzheimer's, suggesting LDL may play a causal role in the development of the disease. APOE E4 and other gene variants also explain some cases, but the study suggests cholesterol could be an independent risk factor.

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.

New compounds could be used to treat autoimmune disorders

Researchers at Rockefeller University developed small molecules that inhibit cGAS, an enzyme implicated in misguided immune responses. These compounds could lead to new treatments for people with certain autoimmune disorders and shed light on autoimmunity.

New organic flow battery brings decomposing molecules back to life

Researchers have discovered how to rejuvenate organic anthraquinone molecules that decompose over time, extending the lifetime of an organic flow battery by at least a factor of 40. By exposing the molecule to oxygen and avoiding overcharging, the researchers were able to recover up to 70% of lost capacity.

Pollen allergies occur more frequently in anxiety sufferers

Research finds that anxiety disorders are linked to an increased incidence of seasonal and perennial allergies. The study also reveals a positive correlation between perennial allergies and depressive episodes. Furthermore, the team found no significant influence of psychological factors on food and drug allergies.

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.

Paula S. Bontempi selected as Fellow of The Oceanography Society

Dr. Paula S. Bontempi has been selected as a Fellow of The Oceanography Society for her groundbreaking work in satellite-based ocean ecology. Her dedication to advancing the field through innovative projects and mentorship has made significant contributions to ocean research and education.

Inconsistent choice-making a normal part of how the brain evaluates options

Researchers observed brain activity while participants made choices between lotteries, finding neural activity responsible for both rational and irrational decision-making. The study suggests that occasional inconsistent choices are fundamental to how a typical brain works, contradicting previous theories.

Finding a cell's true identity

Researchers developed two AI methods that decipher complex gene activity controlling cell fate decisions in retina development, relating this gene activity to other tissues and across different species. The findings provide key insights into human disease and highlight the potential for AI to shed light on cancer treatment.

A warming Arctic produces weather extremes in our latitudes

A climate model has been developed that accurately depicts the winding course of the jet stream, a major air current over the Northern Hemisphere. The new model shows that climate change is causing the jet stream to falter, leading to extreme weather conditions in Central Europe and North America.

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.