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Science News Archive November 2019


Page 37 of 41

Talk to the hand

Researchers at the University of Missouri found that when a person loses a hand, both 'hand areas' of the brain become dedicated to the remaining healthy hand. Functional MRI scans revealed that the brain reorganizes its neural map and reroutes functions to the remaining hand after deprivation of input from a lost hand.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why is ice so slippery

A thin layer of liquid water, much thinner than expected, is found to reduce friction on ice, with complex viscoelastic properties. This film's unusual behavior contradicts existing theories and offers new insights into ice gliding and winter sports.

Weight-loss surgery may counter genetic risk for developing breast cancer

Women with a genetic predisposition for breast cancer were 2.5 times more likely to develop malignancy without weight-loss surgery, but the risk was significantly reduced after bariatric or weight-loss surgery. The study found that weight-loss surgery cut the overall risk of developing cancers linked to obesity by 20 percent.

Ultrafast quantum motion in a nanoscale trap detected

Scientists have developed a protocol to measure ultrafast electronic dynamics with picosecond resolution, revealing the spatial oscillation of electrons at sub-terahertz frequencies. The detection scheme utilizes a quantum-mechanical resonant state formed beside the trap, providing new insights into nano-electronics and quantum computing.

Birth control options out of reach for many low-income women

Young, low-income women in Canada are more likely to use no contraception or condoms only, compared to those with higher incomes. The study found that lower household income is associated with decreased use of effective birth control methods and increased risk of unintended pregnancy.

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.

Are students getting enough air?

A recent study found that only 15% of California K-12 classrooms met the recommended ventilation standard, leading to high CO2 levels and thermal discomfort. The researchers recommend improvements such as commissioning, fan operation, filter replacement, and CO2 monitoring to ensure adequate air quality.

Persistent drizzle at sub-zero temps in Antarctica

Researchers recorded persistent drizzle at temperatures below minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit in Antarctica, with the presence of low concentrations of airborne particles contributing to its formation. The findings have implications for improving the accuracy of climate models in polar regions.

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.

Scientists studied the reasons for plant extinction in different world regions

A recent study found that plant extinction rates have increased significantly, particularly in biodiversity hotspots, due to human activities such as agriculture and urbanization. The research group also discovered that the extinction rates of perennial herb plants growing in temperate regions are among the most threatened.

Teen vapers prefer mint flavored e-cigarettes, USC study shows

A new USC study reveals that mint is the most popular flavor among U.S. teens who vape, contradicting previous studies that linked fruit flavors to teen vaping. The findings cast doubt on the effectiveness of JUUL's voluntary product removal and federal regulations aimed at reducing youth vaping.

Popular flavors of JUUL electronic cigarettes used by teens

A study of over 14,000 US teenagers found that mint was the most popular JUUL flavor among 12th and 10th graders, while mango was favored by eighth graders. The findings raise questions about regulations to reduce e-cigarette use by adolescents

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Infectious cancer in mussels spread across the Atlantic

A study published in eLife reveals that an infectious cancer has spread to two different species of mussels on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, likely due to accidental transport on ships. The cancer is believed to have originated from a single mussel with a primary cancer and has since infected multiple species across the globe.

New 'bike helmet' style brain scanner used with children for first time

Researchers have successfully used a new 'bike helmet' style brain scanner with young children for the first time, measuring brain activity during natural activities. The technology enhances Magnetoencephalography (MEG) to study healthy brain function and neurological conditions in children.

NASA tracking remnants of Tropical Cyclone Matmo

The remnants of Tropical Cyclone Matmo are being monitored by NASA's Aqua satellite for signs of regeneration. Forecasters believe the low-pressure system has developed thunderstorms and is moving north towards Bangladesh.

When managing a company, less is more

Michigan State University researchers identified key elements of a company's product portfolio and brand strategy that drive success in marketing. The study found that developing high-quality brands within a portfolio and innovating products are critical to maximizing sales and market share.

World scientists declare climate emergency

A global team of scientists declares a climate emergency, warning of 'untold human suffering' without drastic shifts in human activities contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The declaration outlines six areas of action, including energy conservation, reducing short-lived pollutants, and stabilizing the global population.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New assessment could identify risks of frailty

Researchers developed a new assessment to identify risks of frailty through blood biomarkers, providing potential solutions for personalized treatment. The study involved analyzing 1191 elderly people and identified 12 metabolites that differentiate between frail and non-frail individuals.

AI blood test can spot signs of brain tumor to speed up diagnosis

Researchers developed an AI-powered blood test that can spot chemical clues indicative of brain tumors, allowing for quicker diagnoses and improved survival rates. The test, combining infrared spectroscopy with AI analysis, accurately identified 82% of brain tumors in a study of 400 patients.

NASA's coating technology could help resolve lunar dust challenge

A new coating technology being tested on the International Space Station has shown promise in reducing electrical charges that can damage spacecraft electronics. The coating, developed using atomic layer deposition, could also help make spacesuits more conductive and reduce lunar dust's electrostatic charge.

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.

IBR awarded $1.95 million NIH grant to study rare diseases

The Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities has received a $1.95 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support Dr. Gholson Lyon's research on rare human diseases. Dr. Lyon plans to expand his studies on Ogden syndrome and other diseases related to N-terminal acetylation, aiming to better understand ...

Study shows invasive blue catfish can tolerate high salinities

Researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science have found that blue catfish, an invasive species in Chesapeake Bay tributaries, can survive in waters with high salinity levels. The study suggests that these fish may be able to expand their range into mainstem Chesapeake waters and new Bay tributaries.

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.

To save biodiversity, scientists suggest 'mega-conservation'

The researchers propose a strategic approach to conservation, focusing on keystone ecosystems that support large numbers of dependent species. This mega-conservation approach has the potential to enhance biodiversity and facilitate effective global-scale conservation efforts.

Spherical exosomes may deliver what an injured kidney needs

Researchers studying spherical exosomes, tiny cargo-filled spheres that arrive at the scene of acute kidney injury, aim to learn more about their role in repair and restore function. They suspect these exosomes can be controlled to better treat injuries and prevent permanent damage.

Cooperating may result in better self-driving experience

Researchers argue that using cooperative game theory to model human-drone interactions can lead to better steering angle control and safer lane-change maneuvers. By taking into account human drivers' real-life experience, automated steering technology can achieve better shared control.

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.

Physical activity may protect against new episodes of depression

A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that increased physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of depression, even among those with a high genetic risk. Individuals who engaged in at least several hours of exercise per week were less likely to be diagnosed with new episodes of depression.

CBD, THC use during early pregnancy can disrupt fetal development

A new study shows that components of marijuana, including its cannabinoids CBD and THC, can cause brain and facial birth defects in mice when used during the first trimester of pregnancy. The research also found that combining CBs with alcohol increases the likelihood of these birth defects.

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.

China meets ultra-low emissions in advance of the 2020 goal

China's coal-fired power plants met ultra-low emission (ULE) standards early, reducing annual emissions by 65% for sulfur dioxide and 72% for particulate matter. The country achieved these results thanks to its strict supervision system and nationwide ULE technology application.

Feast or famine: Scientists find key bio 'switch' that helps cells adapt

Researchers from UNC School of Medicine and Stanford University found that crotonyl marks on histones help cells adapt to low-nutrient conditions by repressing growth genes. This mechanism may be a future target for cancer therapy, as proteins similar to the identified yeast protein are often disrupted in cancers.

Declaration of a climate emergency and next steps for action

A coalition of scientists argues that too little action has been taken to curb climate change, citing 'profoundly troubling signs' from human activities. The authors propose six key objectives to alleviate climate change, including energy sector reform and a carbon-free economy.

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.

Black holes sometimes behave like conventional quantum systems

Researchers at Skoltech found that black holes thermalize through the same mechanism as conventional quantum systems, providing insight into quantum gravity. The study confirms the Eigenstate Thermalization Hypothesis in spatially-extended systems, a long-sought proof.

'Big data' for life sciences

A new co-regulation map of the human proteome has been created, enabling the prediction and assignment of functions to uncharacterized human proteins. The map reveals unexpected partnerships between proteins, including peroxisomal membrane protein PEX11β with mitochondrial respiration factors.

Zooming into cilia sheds light into blinding diseases

Researchers developed new imaging methods to study retinal cilia, discovering previously unknown compartments and pinpointing protein locations in diseased cilia. These findings contribute to a better understanding of structural defects leading to cilia-related blindness.

Gene-OFF switches tool up synthetic biology

Researchers developed programmable repressor elements that can switch off protein production in response to specific stimuli, enabling sophisticated diagnostic, environmental and biofabrication approaches. The new tools have the potential to improve applications in next-generation diagnostics, environmental reporting and biomanufacturing.

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.

Increased risk of suicide for teens who visit emergency for self-harm

Youth who self-harmed were five times more likely to have repeat visits to the emergency department and eight times more likely to die from suicide than their non-self-harming peers. Serious mental conditions, including anxiety and substance abuse issues, were common among adolescents with recurrent self-harm hospitalizations.

Eelgrass acid and resveratrol produced by cell factories for the first time

Researchers demonstrate the production of a wide range of sulfated aromatic compounds, including antifouling agents and pharmaceuticals, using microbial hosts. The process enables the large-scale production of sulfated phenolic compounds, offering potential applications in medicine, nutraceuticals, and other industries.

Rich resources of private schools give pupils educational advantage

A study of over 5,800 pupils found that private school students scored 27% higher in 'facilitating' A-level subjects, with better university access and labor market rewards as a result. The significant resource gap between private and state schools is cited as the primary driver of this academic advantage.

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.

New approach uses light to stabilize proteins for study

Researchers developed a new technique using light to stabilize proteins for study, allowing scientists to observe how specific proteins contribute to health, development, and disease. The method, called GLIMPSe, involves attaching a short peptide sequence that signals the cell to degrade the protein, which can be controlled using light.

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 many NCAA team doctors, trainers are women, men?

A study found that in NCAA teams, more men (73%) than women (27%) held positions as head physicians or athletic trainers. The distribution was most pronounced in Divisions I, II, and III teams, where only 5% of the personnel were women.

Diet and gut microbiome of African megafauna

Researchers studied African megafauna diet and gut microbiome, finding correlations between diet composition and microbiome composition. Seasonal changes in diet and microbiome were observed, with some species exhibiting little variability and others showing significant differences.