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Science News Archive November 2019


Page 38 of 41

Precession-driven precipitation cycles in Chile

A study reveals a correlation between precession and Atacama rainfall, suggesting that precession reconfigures southern hemisphere westerlies differently. Model simulations replicate this relationship, which may impact global ocean circulation patterns.

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.

What factors predict success?

A large-scale study of over 11,000 West Point cadets reveals that both cognitive and non-cognitive factors predict success outcomes. Grit is crucial during Beast Barracks, while cognitive ability is the strongest predictor of academic grades in the classroom. Physical ability also plays a key role in determining graduation rates.

EMBL spins the Sleeping Beauty transposase

Researchers at EMBL developed a new variant of the Sleeping Beauty transposase with improved biochemical properties, allowing for direct protein delivery and autonomous cell penetration. This breakthrough enables efficient and stable genome modifications in target cells on demand.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Adding weight loss counseling to group visits improves diabetes outcomes

A study led by Duke University Medical Center found that adding weight management counseling to group visits improved diabetes outcomes for patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Participants who received the counseling showed significant weight loss, reduced blood sugar levels, and fewer episodes of hypoglycemia compared to those who on...

Sex differences in circadian disruption

Researchers observed a sex difference in how women and men respond to circadian disruption. Women experienced decreased satiety hormones, leading to reduced fullness, while men showed increased cravings for energy-dense foods.

Combination gene therapy treats multiple age-related diseases

Researchers developed a combination gene therapy treating four age-related diseases in mice, including heart failure, kidney failure, diabetes, and obesity. The treatment showed significant improvements, reversing or completely eliminating disease symptoms in obese and diabetic mice.

Researchers find best classroom shapes for fish swimming in schools

A team of researchers at New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences found that fish swimming in orderly groups or formations spend less energy and move faster than when swimming alone. The best arrangement, diamond-shaped lattices, yielded the greatest speeds and largest energy savings, confirming a long-held belief.

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.

Diabetes drug relieves nicotine withdrawal

Researchers found that pioglitazone reduces physical and emotional nicotine withdrawal symptoms in rats and mice. The study suggests that the diabetes drug may help diabetic smokers quit by reducing insulin resistance and alleviating anxiety associated with nicotine withdrawal.

Eye on research: A new way to detect and study retinoblastoma

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a novel way to biopsy retinoblastoma, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and access to studying the disease on a molecular level. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to drastically improve retinoblastoma research and clinical practice.

Any amount of running linked to significantly lower risk of death

A pooled analysis of 14 studies involving over 232,000 people found that any amount of running significantly lowers the risk of death from all causes. Even small doses of running, such as once weekly or less than 50 minutes, are associated with significant health and longevity benefits.

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 probe the limits of ice

Researchers found that the transition between ice and water breaks down at the nanoscale, with clusters oscillating between solid and liquid states. The study provides new insights into the conditions necessary for ice formation and has implications for understanding climate regulation and life viability.

Flotillin is a novel diagnostic blood marker of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that serum flotillin levels significantly decrease in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD compared to non-AD controls. Flotillin levels are also negatively associated with brain amyloid deposition, indicating its potential as a blood biomarker for early AD diagnosis.

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.

How oxygen destroys the core of important enzymes

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum identified why certain enzymes like hydrogenases are unstable in oxygen. By analyzing structural changes on an atomic level, they hope to protect these proteins against oxygen in future biotech applications.

What drives circadian rhythms at the poles?

Researchers studied Drosophila and Chymomyza flies, revealing two possible explanations for arrhythmic behavior in high-latitude species. The study suggests that strong behavioral rhythms may be a disadvantage in polar regions, but certain characteristics could aid survival.

Multi-disease gene therapy in mice

Researchers developed a gene therapy combining FGF21 and ?Klotho treatments to target multiple age-related diseases. The single-formulation treatment successfully treated obesity, type II diabetes, heart failure, and renal failure in mice.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Bead-making complex off the Florida coast

Researchers uncover ancient bead-making settlement on Raleigh Island, featuring high-production facilities for lightning whelk shells. The site predates the Mississippian era chiefdoms and offers insights into pre-Columbian economies.

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.

National-scale study shows that invasive grasses promote wildfire

A recent national-scale analysis found that invasive grasses can significantly increase wildfire risk, with some doubling fire frequency in affected areas. Eight non-native grass species, including cheatgrass and buffelgrass, were identified as major contributors to increased fire occurrence.

Researchers lift the curtain behind the 'black box' of data broker records

A study by INFORMS journal Marketing Science found that data records used in targeted advertising are not as reliable as assumed, with accuracy rates varying between demographics and interests. The researchers conducted field tests to assess the effectiveness of third-party consumer profiling and found mixed results.

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.

Light-based 'tractor beam' assembles materials at the nanoscale

Scientists at the University of Washington create a method to assemble nanoscale semiconductor materials into larger structures using optical tweezers. The technique allows for precise control over material size and shape, with potential applications in quantum computing.

NASA provides an infrared analysis of Tropical Cyclone Maha

Tropical Cyclone Maha was a powerful storm with the potential to generate heavy rainfall, as revealed by NASA's infrared analysis. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 100 knots and circling strongest storms at cloud top temperatures of minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

University of Utah economists tally societal cost of preterm birth

The total cost of preterm birth in the US was estimated to be $25.2 billion in 2016, with an average cost of $64,815 per birth. Preterm births are a leading cause of infant mortality and maternal health issues, with over 22,000 babies dying before their first birthday annually.

High frequencies and speech perception

Researchers found that extended high-frequency hearing loss contributes to difficulty hearing speech in noisy environments even in individuals with normal hearing. The study suggests EHF hearing may predict age-related hearing loss at an early age, highlighting the importance of preventive measures.

Shark skin microbiome resists infection

A study found that shark skin microbiomes resist infection and maintain native bacterial communities even after injury. Regional differences were also detected in the microbial communities across different locations.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Invasive grasses and fire regimes in the United States

Non-native invasive grasses increase fire occurrence and frequency across multiple ecoregions in the United States. Eight species showed significant increases in fire size and six in fire frequency, posing a risk to vulnerable ecosystems.

Protein Data Bank at Rutgers Awarded $34.5 million grant

The Protein Data Bank at Rutgers has received a $34.5 million grant over five years to enhance services and improve the quality of its vast repository of 3D biomolecular structures. With more than 150,000 structures available, the data bank plays a crucial role in discovering lifesaving drugs and supporting various fields of research.

Deep sea vents had ideal conditions for origin of life

A UCL-led research team has successfully created self-assembling protocells in hot, alkaline seawater, a key stepping stone to cell-based life. The study suggests that heat and alkalinity are necessary for the formation of life, adding weight to the theory that deep-sea hydrothermal vents could be the origin of life.

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.

Studies find nurse-led program improves care of older adults

A nurse-led program has been shown to improve the care of older adults, with improved patient safety, quality of care, and reduced complications. The program addresses issues specific to this population, including falls, medications, and dementia symptom management, and helps healthcare providers become unit-based leaders.

Cell signalling breakthrough opens up new avenues for research

A team led by Professor Claire Eyers has made a major breakthrough in cell signalling research, revealing a diverse and complex phenomenon of protein modification. The study found that approximately one-third of unique 'non-canonical' phosphorylation sites exist in addition to the well-studied serine, threonine and tyrosine residues.

Suspended layers make a special superconductor

Researchers at the University of Groningen have created a new type of superconductor using suspended layers of molybdenum disulfide. The superconductivity is strongly protected against external magnetic fields, even in extremely strong static magnetic fields.

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.

Tethered chem combos could revolutionize artificial photosynthesis

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new approach to artificial photosynthesis that improves the efficiency of capturing light and splitting water molecules to produce hydrogen fuel. The system uses molecular tethers to attach chromophores to catalysts, allowing for stable and efficient electron transfer and ge...

Peering into a more 'human' petri dish

Cell culture media has remained relatively unchanged for over 70 years, but Jason Cantor is developing 'physiologic media' that closely mimics real biological conditions. This allows researchers to study cell behavior in a more accurate and relevant way, potentially revealing fundamental insights into human diseases such as blood cancer.

ACP issues guidance for colorectal cancer screening

The American College of Physicians recommends screening for colorectal cancer in adults at average risk who do not have symptoms. The recommended screening frequency varies depending on the chosen strategy, with options including fecal immunochemical tests, colonoscopy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy.

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.

Health care provider deserts may leave patients in the cold

Researchers found that people with ACA health insurance are more likely to find themselves in 'artificial provider deserts,' areas with limited coverage, and must travel further to access care. The study highlights the need for consumers to carefully consider their insurance options to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Some skin cancers may start in hair follicles

Researchers found that newly cancerous pigment stem cells migrate up and out of hair follicles to establish melanomas in nearby surface skin before spreading deeper. This discovery sheds new light on the biology of melanoma and suggests potential new ideas for treatment.

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.

2D antimony holds promise for post-silicon electronics

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new material, 2D antimony, which holds promise for manufacturing even smaller computer chips. The material has high charge mobility, making it a suitable alternative to silicon, and its properties could lead to the discovery of even better materials.

Deep neural networks uncover what the brain likes to see

Researchers developed a novel computational approach using deep artificial neural networks to predict neural responses to images. The study found that certain stimuli, such as checkerboards or sharp corners, elicit strong responses from neurons, contradicting current dogma in the field.

New research project to tackle emergency natural disaster response problems

A new research project aims to improve natural disaster emergency preparedness and response in countries badly affected by earthquakes, flooding, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. The RESPOND-OR project will investigate issues relating to emergency response management of large-scale natural disasters in Indonesia and Sudan.

RoboBee powered by soft muscles

Researchers at Harvard develop resilient RoboBee with soft artificial muscles that can withstand collisions and achieve controlled hovering flight. The breakthrough solves long-standing challenges in microrobotics, paving the way for potential applications in search and rescue missions.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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