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Science News Archive November 2019


Page 20 of 41

Genes borrowed from bacteria allowed plants to move to land

A new study reveals that genes from soil bacteria were transferred to algae through horizontal gene transfer, allowing early life to move from water to land. This process, known as terrestrialization, marked a crucial event in the evolution of life on Earth.

Design flaw could open Bluetooth devices to hacking

New research from Ohio State University finds a fundamental flaw in Bluetooth Low Energy devices' communication with mobile apps, leaving them vulnerable to fingerprinting attacks and unauthorized access. The study identified over 5,800 Bluetooth devices, with 94.6% of them able to be 'fingerprinted' and 7.4% vulnerable to hacking.

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.

Architecture of a bacterial power plant decrypted

The study reveals that bacteria have multiple oxidases, with cytochrome bd oxidase playing a crucial role in energy production and stress protection. The novel findings provide insights into the development of new antimicrobials targeting pathogens.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists design built-in controls for mini-chemical labs on a chip

Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed a way to program built-in controls in microfluidic networks, enabling the creation of miniaturized chemical laboratories on a chip. This technology has potential applications in point-of-care diagnostics, field research, and even space exploration.

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.

MicroRNA comprehensively analyzed

Researchers from MIPT explored microRNA interactions with mRNA in two human cell lines, finding that microRNA does not strongly regulate all genes and its regulation potential does not directly depend on its expression level. The study also identified differences between microRNA interactions in the two cell lines.

Bottlebrushes rise up to control coatings

Researchers at Rice University developed bottlebrush copolymers to refine surface coatings, making them more waterproof or conductive. The polymers' migration to top and bottom of thin films can effectively decouple properties of bulk coating from exposed surfaces.

Future rainfall could far outweigh current climate predictions

UK researchers found significant increases in spring, autumn, and winter precipitation in upland areas, with winter increases consistent with national climate models. The study suggests caution is required when making assumptions on climate impacts based on climate models.

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.

Global climate change concerns for Africa's Lake Victoria

Researchers warn that Africa's Lake Victoria could dry up in the next 500 years due to climate change, posing a significant threat to 40 million people. The lake's water levels are projected to decline rapidly if temperature changes and precipitation patterns shift

FSU researchers develop thin heat shield for superfast aircraft

Researchers at FSU's High-Performance Materials Institute have developed a thin heat shield for high-speed aircraft using carbon nanotubes, known as 'buckypaper.' The material is lightweight, flexible, and durable, protecting the aircraft from intense heat while reducing weight.

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.

Study dissects attitudes on short-term vacation rentals

A new study conducted at the University of Georgia found that feelings of neighborhood pride and interactions with tourists influence residents' attitudes towards short-term vacation rentals. The study, which surveyed residents in Savannah, Georgia, suggests that well-designed regulations can foster support for these types of rentals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Catchment geology rules freshwater plant communities

A global study reveals that bicarbonate use among aquatic plants is linked to local geology and concentration levels. Many freshwater plants have evolved to use bicarbonate for photosynthesis due to low dissolved CO2 in water.

Bigger doesn't mean better for hatchery-released salmon

Researchers analyzed over 65 years of records and data on hatchery-origin Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea, finding that larger fish are being released but still vulnerable to predators. The study suggests a narrow two-week window of release may lead to 'boom or bust' dynamics, affecting sustainability.

Can cells collected from bone marrow repair brain damage in babies with CHD?

Researchers at Children's National Hospital aim to use mesenchymal stromal cells collected from bone marrow to promote brain growth and repair in newborns undergoing cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease. The NIH-funded trial seeks to determine the safety of this treatment and set the stage for a Phase 2 efficacy trial.

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.

For some urban areas, a warming climate is only half the threat

A new study projects that urban expansion will trigger 'extra' warming due to the urban heat island effect, increasing extreme heat risks for half of the world's future urban population. The study forecasts temperatures may rise up to 3 degrees C in some locations, particularly in tropical regions.

We know we're full because a stretched intestine tells us so

A new study reveals that intestinal stretch sensors uniquely stop hungry mice from wanting to eat, contradicting long-held assumptions about how we feel full. Researchers mapped the molecular and anatomical identities of vagal sensory cell types innervating the stomach and intestine, discovering that these stretch receptors are more po...

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.

Get your game face on: Study finds it may help

Researchers found that participants who demonstrated a game face showed improved performance in cognitive tasks, such as completing a black-and-white mandala puzzle, with an average gain of 20 percent. Additionally, the study found that game face may aid in better recovery from stress after physical challenges.

Link between hearing and cognition begins earlier than once thought

A new study found that even slight impairments in hearing can lead to decreased cognitive function, with the largest decline occurring in those whose hearing was just starting to become impaired. The researchers suggest that treating hearing loss could reduce dementia incidence by up to 9%.

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.

New material breaks world record turning heat into electricity

Scientists at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new thermoelectric material with a ZT value of 5 to 6, generating electrical current very efficiently from temperature differences. This enables sensors and small processors to supply themselves with energy wirelessly.

Women most affected by vascular complications of diabetes

Research highlights the disproportionate impact of diabetes on women, with a higher risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure compared to men. Healthy lifestyle habits and glucose-lowering treatment are crucial in preventing these complications.

J.M.K. Innovation Prizes go to 10 transformative early-stage initiatives

The J.M.K. Innovation Prize recognizes 10 non-profit and mission-driven organizations addressing pressing challenges through social innovation, providing up to $175,000 in funding over three years. The award aims to shine a spotlight on innovators tackling issues in under-resourced parts of America.

Yale study: Doctors give electronic health records an 'F'

A new study by Yale researchers found that physicians rate EHR systems poorly, with an average score of 45, leading to increased frustration and burnout. The study suggests that the steep learning curve and lack of intuitive design contribute to this outcome, affecting specialties such as dermatology and general surgery.

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.

Space-based radar suggests North Korean nuke equivalent to '17 Hiroshimas'

A team of scientists used satellite data to augment measurements of a 2017 North Korean nuclear test, estimating its yield to be between 245 and 271 kilotonnes. The study demonstrates the value of space-borne InSAR data for measuring underground nuclear tests with greater precision than conventional seismic methods.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Stress, plastic additives in late pregnancy raise risk of premature birth

A Rutgers University study found that women exposed to stress and plastic additives during late pregnancy are at increased risk of premature birth. The research suggests that the third trimester is a critical window for this risk, with higher levels of phthalates in urine and reported stress during pregnancy also linked to preterm births.

Efficient, but not without help

This study analyzes the performance of Russian and foreign- owned banks from 2004 to 2015, finding that state-owned banks excel during economic crises but lag behind in profit efficiency. In contrast, foreign-owned banks thrive in stable periods, thanks to better management practices.

Study reveals urban hotspots of high-schoolers' opioid abuse

A new study found that certain urban areas have significantly higher rates of heroin use among high school students, with Latina and white girls in Duval County, Florida, showing the highest figures for non-medical prescription opioid misuse. The findings underscore the need for tailored services to address adolescent opioid abuse.

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.

Here's how you help kids crack the reading code

A new study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology finds that children who can recognize 19 letters are more likely to break the reading code. Parents can support their children's reading development by practicing letter sounds and encouraging independent reading.

Magnetic reconnection on sun's surface launches solar spicules

Magnetic reconnection near the solar surface generates solar spicules, which channel hot plasma into the corona. The study reveals that energy released from magnetic field realignment triggers enhanced spicular activity, causing local heating of the upper atmosphere.

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.

Turning 'junk' DNA into gold

Researchers at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre have identified new protein targets for drug development against prostate cancer by analyzing noncoding DNA regions. These regions, previously thought to be 'junk' DNA, were found to harbor important regulatory elements that determine gene expression.