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Science News Archive November 2019


Page 7 of 41

Tendon stem cells could revolutionize injury recovery

Researchers discovered tendon stem cells that can improve tendon healing and potentially avoid surgery. These stem cells compete with scar tissue precursors, suggesting a therapeutic approach to prevent fibrous scarring.

Ammonia synthesis made easy with 2D catalyst

Rice University scientists create inorganic catalyst from molybdenum disulfide that mimics natural bacterial process to produce ammonia on demand under ambient conditions. The method uses electricity and can be used for small-scale production or even in space applications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study reframes the history of LGBT mental health care

A study on the Eromin Center, one of the first LGBT counseling centers in the US, highlights the importance of clinical activism and community-based practice in providing support for LGBT people. The center's approach, which focused on self-acceptance and personal strengths, has had a lasting impact on the field of mental health care.

Planets around a black hole?

According to latest theories, planets could be formed even in harsh environments around a black hole, with tens of thousands of Earth-like planets possible within 10 light-years of a massive black hole. This finding opens up new possibilities for astronomy and challenges current understanding of planet formation.

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.

Prayers can crowd out donations for disaster victims

A recent study found that people who pray before donating tend to give less than they would have otherwise. However, simply thinking about the victims had no significant effect on donation levels. The research suggests that prayers can act as a substitute for material help in some contexts.

New flu drug drives drug resistance in influenza viruses

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that a new flu drug, baloxavir, can drive drug resistance in H3N2 and H1N1 influenza viruses. The mutation occurred in nearly 23% of patients treated with the medication, but did not appear to affect its effectiveness against other virus-fighting drugs.

Forest responses to climate change

A study simulates forest responses to projected climate changes using a model of plant physiology. Acclimation allows trees to adjust leaf area, photosynthetic capacity, and stand density to avoid stress, but its effectiveness varies with warming levels.

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.

Forest farms could create market for ginseng, other herbs

Researchers suggest forest farming as a solution to unsustainable wild collection of medicinal plants, which can lead to overharvesting and loss of ecosystems. Forest farming promotes better quality products, stable income for farmers, and increased transparency in the supply chain.

Ultrafast quantum simulations: A new twist to an old approach

Researchers have developed a new way to simulate quantum systems of many particles, allowing for the investigation of dynamic properties fully coupled to slowly moving ions. This approach overcomes limitations in previous methods and offers new insights into complex mutual interactions between particles in extreme environments.

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.

Thermal cameras effective in detecting rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers used thermal imaging to assess rheumatoid arthritis, finding increased palm and finger temperatures in patients. The study suggests thermal imaging could aid in early detection of the disease, which affects over 400,000 adults in the UK.

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.

Aquatic microorganisms offer important window on the history of life

Researchers have developed a new technique to study flagellate organisms, tiny eukaryotic creatures that provide clues about the emergence of complex life on Earth. By analyzing mitochondrial DNA and exploiting unique protein structures, scientists can fill in the gaps of the eukaryotic puzzle and better understand the history of life.

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.

Improved ethanol-to-hydrocarbon conversion

Researchers have developed a one-step conversion process that reduces ethanol-to-hydrocarbon conversion costs by 12-fold. This innovation enables the production of biofuels suitable for various applications, including blending with gasoline or jet fuel.

One third of UK doctors may suffer from workplace 'burnout'

A UK study of over 3,000 doctors reveals that 36% experience burnout, leading to suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety. The research highlights the need for improved workplace environments, compassionate leadership, and support systems to prevent burnout and improve patient care.

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 monkey's balancing act

A study reveals that endangered monkey species in national parks make calculated decisions to balance risks and rewards of sharing space with humans. The research highlights the negative impact of human food consumption on their physical health and the need for sustainable conservation programmes to save declining species.

Why women select college majors with lower earnings potential

A study by Ohio State University sociologist Natasha Quadlin found that women tend to choose college majors with lower earning potential than men, even when both prioritize economic returns. Women often opt for majors in fields perceived as more open and available to them.

Circulation and feeding in blue whales

During diving, blue whales exhibit extreme bradycardia, with heart rates as low as 2 beats per minute. This contrasts with their normal resting heart rate of 15 beats per minute, highlighting the circulatory system's adaptability to accommodate deep dives.

New research identifies neurodevelopment-related gene deficiency

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have identified a critical role for the Cullin 3 gene in brain development, contributing to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying these complex conditions, potentially paving the way for new treatments.

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 mantis shrimp make sense of the world

Researchers found a 'kidney-shaped' brain region that processes and integrates visual information with other sensory inputs. This discovery sheds new light on how mantis shrimp make sense of their breathtaking visual input.

Reconstructing source of radioactive ruthenium

A study reconstructs the source of radioactive ruthenium detected over Europe in 2017, identifying the southern Ural Mountains in Russia and the Mayak Production Association facility as the likely source. The authors estimated that approximately 250 TBq of radioactivity was released, with most of it occurring on September 26, 2017.

Approaching the perception of touch in the brain

Researchers identified key brain areas linked to limited sense of touch, including somatosensory cortex and prefrontal cortex. The study supports findings from previous research on body awareness and discovers new brain regions associated with touch perception.

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.

Forests face climate change tug of war

The study reveals that the winner of the climate tug of war between CO2 fertilization and heat stress depends on the ratio between the two. If forests can acclimate, they can tolerate a lower ratio, but if not, it's above 89 parts per million CO2 per degree C of warming. Other factors like forest fires, insect infestation, and exceptio...

Low-frequency sound may predict tornado formation

Researchers from Oklahoma State University and University of Nebraska-Lincoln have discovered that low-frequency sounds are emitted before tornado formation. These infrasound signals can be detected hours or even days in advance, providing potential warnings for severe weather events.

Study suggests women may be undertreated for obstructive sleep apnea

A recent study found that almost 60% of older men and women experienced sleep apnea during dream sleep, which is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Women were more likely to be undertreated for sleep apnea due to lower sensitivity to changes in ventilation and less airway collapsibility.

Locking up fats in CAGEs to reduce obesity

Researchers discovered that an orally administered liquid salt called Choline and Geranate (CAGE) can physically reduce fat absorption and slow down weight gain in rats. CAGE prevents fats from being absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to a significant reduction in body weight.

Light-trapping nanocubes drive inexpensive multispectral camera

Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a new type of broad-spectrum photodetector that can capture a multispectral image in a few trillionths of a second. The technology uses plasmonic nanocubes to trap specific frequencies of light, allowing for fast and efficient detection of different wavelengths.

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.

Study paves way to better understanding, treatment of arthritis

A new study by Oregon State University has provided a comprehensive, cellular-level understanding of osteoarthritis, enabling better treatment options. The research uses a sophisticated scanning technique to view loaded joints in arthritic and healthy mice, revealing key features such as tissue mechanics and cellular activity.

Liquid-liquid transitions crystallize new ideas for molecular liquids

Researchers have discovered a significant coupling between crystallization and liquid-liquid transition (LLT) in molecular liquids, leading to drastic enhancements of crystal formation. This finding has implications for understanding and controlling crystallization in various fields, including materials science and disease research.

Potent antimicrobial found that shows promise in fighting staph infections

Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a potent new antimicrobial that works against the toughest infectious disease strains, including MRSA. The compound, MAC-545496, cripples MRSA's ability to cause infection by diminishing its tolerance to the immune system and blocking its resistance to antibiotics.

Ionic liquid treatment for obesity

Rats fed a high-fat diet showed 12% less body weight gain after ingesting an ionic liquid containing choline and geranate once daily for 30 days. The treatment also decreased food intake and intestinal fat uptake by 60-70%.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Prenatal opioid exposure may alter brain function in babies

A new study using fMRI found significant differences in brain connectivity between infants exposed to opioids prenatally and those not exposed. The research suggests that prenatal opioid exposure may have lasting consequences on brain development and behavior.

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.

How our dreams prepare us to face our fears

Scientists identify brain areas activated during frightening dreams, including the insula and cingulate cortex, which improve emotional regulation upon waking. They found a link between fear in dreams and emotions experienced once awake.

Wastewater leak in West Texas revealed

A study by Southern Methodist University geophysicists has found evidence of a leak in a West Texas wastewater disposal well between 2007 and 2011. The leak could have contaminated the Rustler Aquifer, used for irrigation and livestock but not drinking water.

Dinosaur skull turns paleontology assumptions on their head

Researchers have found a well-preserved Styracosaurus skull with asymmetrical horns, challenging traditional identification methods. The discovery reveals morphological variability in dinosaur skulls, leading to reevaluation of previously assumed species.

Carbon soccer ball with extra proton probably most abundant form in space

Researchers at Radboud University have successfully measured the absorption spectrum of C60H+, a carbon molecule with an extra proton. This finding suggests that C60H+ is probably the most abundant form of carbon in interstellar clouds, which could provide insights into the formation of planets and our own solar system.

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.

Paleoclimate of the Middle East

A study analyzing carbonate minerals in Soreq Cave, Israel, suggests the summer monsoon periodically impacted the region during the last interglacial period. The findings coincide with archaeological evidence of human migration out of Africa, implying paleoclimate may have influenced early human movement.

Babies in the womb may see more than we thought

Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley have found evidence that light-sensitive cells in the developing retina are networked and play a more significant role in brain development than previously thought. The discovery suggests that these cells may enhance the influence of light on behavior and brain development.

Consistent gene changes in Alzheimer's disease across studies

A study analyzing data from four types of mouse Alzheimer's models found consistent changes in cell number and gene expression throughout the disease stages. The research provides new targets for intervention and therapy, highlighting the immune system's involvement in early stages of Alzheimer's.