Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive November 2019


Page 1 of 41

World-first studies reveal occurrence of 'chew and spit' eating behaviour

A large-scale study has found a significant prevalence of 'chew and spit' eating behaviour among adolescent teenagers, with 12.2% of respondents reporting the behaviour. The study also links chew-and-spit to increased psychological distress, lower health-related quality of life, and associated disordered eating habits.

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 study reveals high levels of pollution on London Underground

Researchers from King's College London have found that fine particles (PM2.5) on the London Underground are significantly higher than in other modes of transport, posing a health risk to commuters. The study suggests that certain stations, such as Oxford Circus and London Bridge, require interventions to reduce exposure.

Sounds of the past give new hope for coral reef restoration

Researchers found that playing healthy reef sounds through loudspeakers in dead coral patches doubled fish arrival and increased species diversity by 50%. This 'acoustic enrichment' method could help kick-start natural recovery processes on damaged coral reefs.

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.

Study pinpoints barriers to preventive care for people at high risk for HIV

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that many high-risk individuals eligible for HIV preventive medication face knowledge gaps, attitudinal roadblocks, and placement of responsibility on patients, leading to low access rates. The researchers recommend increased primary care access and educational initiat...

NASA-NOAA satellite analyzes a strengthening Typhoon Kammuri

Typhoon Kammuri continues to strengthen with a noticeable increase in its central dense overcast (CDO), indicating some strengthening of the storm. The storm's maximum sustained winds have increased to 85 mph, and it is forecast to make landfall in the central and northern Philippines on Dec. 3.

Paleontologists identify new group of pterosaurs

Researchers describe an extremely well-preserved pterosaur specimen from the Afro-Arabian continent, shedding light on the evolutionary history of these creatures. The study suggests that this type of pterosaur likely fed on crustaceans and lived in shallow marine waters during the Late Cretaceous period.

New evolutionary insights into the early development of songbirds

Researchers at Uppsala University sequenced a chromosome in zebra finches called the germline-restricted chromosome (GRC), finding it tens of millions of years old and crucial for songbird biology. The GRC plays a key role in early embryonic development and protects somatic cells from negative effects.

SUTD-led research sets the groundwork for patient-specific 3D printed meniscus

The study developed a comprehensive computational model of an intact knee joint to analyze the biomechanical response of soft-tissues under different meniscus conditions. The results suggested that a composite meniscal implant with a shell-core structure performed better than other options, restoring natural joint mechanics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study sheds new light on role iron biology plays in disease

New research from the University of Alberta sheds light on iron biology's role in three human diseases: porphyria, Andersen disease, and Wolfram syndrome. The study finds that a protein called aconitase regulates genes in the nucleus to control iron levels.

To see the invisible

Researchers found that the retina can receive energy from infrared light at a lower threshold, allowing for improved sensitivity in microperimetry devices. This discovery has the potential to detect functional retinal changes, such as age-related macular degeneration, earlier and better.

Dietary supplements may delay aging in animal models

Researchers have found that dietary supplements can improve the clean-up process in cells called mitophagy, which breaks down defective mitochondria, thereby delaying aging processes in animal models with Werner Syndrome. This study provides promising results for potential treatments and understanding of the mechanisms of aging.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Ancient microbes helped to keep Earth's early climate warm

New research suggests ancient microorganisms played a critical role in setting the stage for life on a dimly lit early Earth. These microbes transformed iron into rusty minerals without oxygen and served as a food source for other microbes, producing methane that warmed the planet's atmosphere.

Smoking may cause white scars on the brain

A new study reveals that scarring in the brain's white matter can affect not only the surrounding areas but also distant parts of the brain. Research by Asta Håberg found that smoking and high blood pressure increase the risk of developing these scars, which can lead to a higher risk of dementia and stroke.

Providing safe, clean water

Researchers introduce a new water purification method using magnetic nanoparticles coated with an ionic liquid, effectively removing organic, inorganic, and microbial contaminants. The nanoparticles can be easily removed with magnets, making them a promising starting point for decentralized water purification systems.

Democratic education in populist times

LabSchoolsEurope aims to develop and evaluate methods for dealing with heterogeneity in primary schools, promoting democratic behavior and preventing racism. The project will create multi-lingual practice guidelines, teaching materials, and successfully tested sequences that can be made available online.

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.

Spirituality affects the behavior of mortgagers

Research by Olga Miroshnichenko found that household income and spirituality are linked, with mortgagers who prioritize morality tend to repay loans before maturity. The study analyzed data from the Russian bank sector between 2008-2018, concluding that economic growth and moral values influence mortgage behavior.

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.

Fine-tuning gene expression during stress recovery

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that nuclear stress bodies help cells recover from stress by regulating intron retention, a process essential for gene expression. The discovery sheds light on the mysterious organelles' role in stress response and has implications for understanding various biological functions.

Elizabeth I identified as author of Tacitus translation

Researchers at Oxford University Press USA argue that Queen Elizabeth I wrote a manuscript translation of Tacitus's Annales, based on unique handwriting styles and paper features. The study provides the first substantial work by Elizabeth I in over a century and sheds light on the politics and culture of the Elizabethan court.

Immunology: Activation by breakdown

LMU researchers found that a central component of the innate immune response is activated by two short RNAs generated by site-specific cleavage of a precursor RNA molecule, mediated by the same enzyme RNase T2. The activation of one receptor, TLR8, is triggered by binding of these degradation products.

New device enables battery-free computer input at the tip of your finger

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a battery-free device called Tip-Tap that allows users to navigate computers using only their fingertips. The device uses radio frequency identification tags and can be integrated into gloves or attached directly to the skin as a temporary tattoo.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Predicting molecular bond energy by artificial intelligence

Researchers employ neural networks to predict molecular bond energies, reducing computational cost and improving accuracy. The combination of AI and quantum chemistry calculations provides an efficient tool for quickly predicting molecular bond energies in complex systems.

Concussion recovery not clear cut for children

Persistent concussion symptoms in children may be a sign of reduced brain function and decreased grey matter, according to researchers at the University of Queensland. The study found that poor sleep was linked to decreases in brain grey matter and reduced brain function, allowing for predictions of recovery outcomes with 86% accuracy.

Australia's got mussels (but it could be a problem)

A new study has found that mussels, introduced to Australia's coastlines, have established themselves and may pose a threat to native species due to genetic pollution. However, the research also suggests that the invasive mussels may bring benefits, such as enhanced tolerance to warm conditions, which could safeguard Australian mussel ...

The coldest reaction

Researchers at Harvard University have achieved the coldest chemical reaction in history, slowing down molecules to capture the critical act of bond formation. By utilizing ultracold temperatures, they observed the intermediate stage of the reaction for microseconds, enabling direct measurement and validation of theories.

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.

Toward more efficient computing, with magnetic waves

MIT researchers have devised a novel circuit design that enables precise control of computing with magnetic waves, without any extra components or electrical current. This approach leverages the spin wave property in magnetic materials to produce measurable output that can be correlated to computation.

Virtual reality becomes more real

Scientists from Skoltech ADASE lab have developed a method to enhance depth map resolution, enabling more realistic virtual reality and computer graphics. The new approach leverages human perception to assess reconstruction quality, outperforming existing methods in visual quality.

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.

Illuminating seafloor seismology with existing 'dark' fiber-optic cables

Researchers used existing underwater fiber optic cables to create an array of seismic sensors, mapping a previously unknown fault system off California's coast. The technique, known as Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), allows for unprecedented detail in monitoring seafloor seismic activity and potential offshore resources.

Pharmacist-led interventions may help prevent cardiovascular disease

A review of randomized controlled trials found that pharmacist-led interventions, such as medication review and patient education, can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Patients who received these interventions experienced significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and LDL-cholesterol levels.

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.

Unexpected pattern of fish species richness found in the Amazon Basin

A new study reveals an unusual diversity gradient in the Amazon Basin, with higher species richness in the western portion than expected. The research, led by scientists from France and Brazil, analyzed data from 97 subdrainage basins along the main stem of the Amazon and its tributaries.

Creating the conditions for a globally just energy transition

A new policy brief highlights the risks of an uneven low-carbon energy transition and provides concrete proposals to prevent such risks. The authors recommend focusing on 'just transitions', accelerating technology transfer initiatives, and coordinating financial flows for energy transitions in developing countries.

Pharmacist-led interventions may help prevent cardiovascular disease

A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that pharmacist-led interventions can significantly reduce medical risk factors for cardiovascular events. Pharmacist-led interventions included patient education, medication review, and lifestyle modification, resulting in reductions in systolic blood pressure...

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.

An agenda for multidisciplinary cyber risk research

Experts argue that cyber risk requires collaboration across behavioral science, data science, economics, law, management science, and political science. A unified concept model identifies core questions to understand cyber risk and how each field can contribute to its efforts.

Growing nano-tailored surfaces using micellar brushes

Growing nanoscale polymer brushes on materials' surfaces enables the creation of diverse array of materials with tailored chemical properties. The approach allows for precise control over surface density, length and chemistry, enabling various catalysis and antibacterial applications.

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.

Additive manufacturing and NI/TI metal bolster cooling technology

A novel elastocaloric cooling material made from nickel-titanium alloy was developed using additive technology, showing high efficiency, ease of scaling-up, and minimal environmental impact. The material demonstrated robust mechanical integrity, withstanding one million cycles without degradation.

Home urine test for prostate cancer could revolutionize diagnosis

A new home urine test has shown to accurately diagnose aggressive prostate cancer and predict treatment needs up to five years earlier than standard clinical methods. The 'PUR' test looks at gene expression in urine samples and provides vital information about tumor aggressiveness.

Half of all women with HIV are diagnosed late in Europe

Women account for one-third of new HIV diagnoses in the Region, with 54% of cases among them being diagnosed late. Early diagnosis is crucial to start treatment and reduce transmission risk, but current systems are failing women and older adults, according to health experts.

Tinder is a waste of time for most people

Researchers found that Tinder users had limited success in achieving one-night stands, with most gains coming from traditional dating methods. The study suggests that using Tinder does not lead to an increase in short-term sexual relationships.

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.

People with depression experience suicidal thoughts despite treatment

A new study from iPSYCH found that one in five people with depression have suicidal thoughts despite treatment with antidepressants. The researchers suggest that more intensive treatment could lead to better responses in patients who don't respond to medication within the first few weeks.