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Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 18


Page 18 of 41

Moss: a bio-monitor of atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Yangtze River Delta

Researchers used moss (Haplocladium microphyllum) to monitor N deposition rates and sources in the Yangtze River Delta. They found a significant linear relationship between moss N content and wet N deposition rate, with decreasing trends from urban to rural areas.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 18, 2019

Possible new treatment strategy against progeria

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified antisense oligonucleotide therapies as a new possible treatment option for progeria. In mice and human cells, the treatments showed promising results by reducing telomeric non-coding RNA and improving cell division.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2019

Study of Wisconsin walleye finds recreational fishing contributes to stock declines

A study found that recreational fishing in Wisconsin's walleye lakes contributes to declining fish stocks, with overharvesting reaching 40% in some areas. The research suggests that fisheries managers should consider production rates instead of abundance alone to set more effective regulations.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Superbug battle: Bacteria structure may be key to new antibiotics

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a unique bacterial regulatory mechanism called T-boxes, which facilitate basic functioning in bacteria. Understanding the structure of these elements could lead to designing targeted antibiotics, offering hope against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 18, 2019

Evolutionary innovation in cretaceous birds

Researchers studied a small, toothless beak-like structure in prehistoric birds from the Cretaceous period. The predentary, found only in ancient ornithuromorphs, may have aided prey capture with proprioceptive capability and kinetic movement.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019

UMass Amherst food scientist receives Nils Foss award in Denmark

David Julian McClements, a UMass Amherst distinguished professor, received the 2019 Nils Foss Excellence Prize for his groundbreaking research on functional foods and nanotechnology. The award will support new equipment and investigation in areas like plant-based foods and nano-enabled nutraceuticals.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateNov 18, 2019

Scientists make vampire bats 'glow' to simulate vaccine spread

Researchers used fluorescent gel to test vaccine effectiveness in wild vampire bats, showing a 2.6-fold increase in population-level immunity compared to conventional non-spreadable vaccines. The study suggests a strategic switch from poisoning to vaccination could lead to a dramatic reduction in rabies across Latin America.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 18, 2019
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.

Antibiotics from the sea

A team of scientists has discovered 79 new types of bacteria with potential to produce unique antibiotics. The researchers, led by Christian Jogler, found that these Planctomycetes have complex lifestyles and the ability to produce small molecules like antibiotics.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 18, 2019

Host and endosymbiont heat tolerance

Researchers tested heat tolerance in 5 aphid species against their endosymbionts' sensitivity to heat. Heat exposure reduced survival and reproduction in some species, while enhancing fecundity in others.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019

Watch out for 'feather duvet lung' caution doctors

A middle-aged man developed severe lung inflammation after introducing feather-filled bedding into his home, prompting doctors to sound the alarm about the potential risk. Repeated exposure to bird feathers can lead to irreversible scarring of lung tissue, highlighting the importance of identifying this condition promptly.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Case Reports·DateNov 18, 2019
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.

How LISA pathfinder detected dozens of 'comet crumbs'

The mission detected 54 impacts from micrometeoroids, mostly from short-period comets with Jupiter-determined orbits. The findings help refine dust models used in various studies, including planet formation and spacecraft impact risks.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 18, 2019

Researchers clear the path for 'designer' plants

Researchers at the University of Georgia have identified gene regulatory elements that can help produce 'designer' plants, which could lead to improvements in food crops. The team's findings suggest that targeting these elements for editing offers a more refined tool than editing genes.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 18, 2019

How religion can heighten or help with financial stress

A study by University of Arizona researcher Ashley LeBaron found that religious involvement can both relieve and worsen financial stress. On one hand, religion can reduce materialism, bring monetary blessings, and foster a positive outlook on financial struggles. On the other hand, it can also impose increased financial obligations, re...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychology of Religion and Spirituality·DateNov 18, 2019
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.

Can plants tell us something about longevity?

Researchers from Arizona State University uncover the structure and function of plant telomerase RNA, a 'missing link' between ciliates and humans. This discovery may hold promise for extending human lifespan and improving health in elderly individuals by understanding the regulation of telomerase enzyme.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019

Tailored T-cell therapies neutralize viruses that threaten kids with PID

Researchers at Children's National Hospital have developed virus-specific T-cells that neutralize six viruses, including CMV and EBV, in patients with primary immune deficiency diseases. The treatment shows promise in preventing and treating multiple viral infections, with partial clinical improvement in critically ill patients.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateNov 18, 2019

How to observe a 'black hole symphony' using gravitational wave astronomy

A new study from Vanderbilt University presents a compelling roadmap for capturing multiband observations of gravitational waves emitted by intermediate-mass black holes. This could help fill in the gaps in our understanding of these enigmatic objects, allowing scientists to 'hear the entire song' when it comes to black holes.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 18, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New findings on the largest natural sulfur source in the atmosphere

A team of researchers from TROPOS and Universities in Germany, Austria, and Finland have discovered a new reaction pathway for dimethyl sulfide, challenging current knowledge on its degradation. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the Earth's sulfur cycle and climate modeling.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 18, 2019

Shark proof wetsuit material could help save lives

A new wetsuit material with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers can help reduce injuries from White Shark bites. The study found that the new fabrics were more resistant to puncture, laceration, and bites than standard neoprene.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2019
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.

Quantum computers learn to mark their own work

Researchers at University of Warwick develop protocol to measure how close a quantum computer's answer is to correct ones. This helps confirm if quantum computer has outperformed classical computers, so-called quantum supremacy.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 18, 2019

Gut microbiota imbalance promotes the onset of colorectal cancer

A study published in PNAS found that gut microbiota imbalance promotes the onset of colorectal cancer. A non-invasive blood test has been developed to identify the epigenetic phenomenon associated with dysbiosis, which was validated in 1,000 individuals.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019

Extraterrestrial biologically important sugars

Researchers found ribose and other biologically important sugars in meteorites, hinting at prebiotic origins on Earth. The discovery implies that sugars could have formed in space and been delivered to our planet, contributing to the emergence of life.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019

A four-way switch promises greater tunability of layered materials

A new material phase has been discovered that enables unique control over material properties, including electrical conduction. This discovery paves the way for manipulating these properties using temperature, pressure, and electric fields, opening up exciting opportunities for ultrathin energy and electronics technologies.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 18, 2019
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.

Scientists and schoolkids find family soups have antimalarial properties

Researchers at Imperial College London found that several traditional soup recipes have antimalarial properties, with some curbing parasite growth by over 50% or preventing maturation. The next step is to identify the active ingredients responsible for these effects.

SourceImperial College London·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateNov 18, 2019

Self-cannibalizing mitochondria may set the stage for ALS development

Researchers discovered a phenomenon in brain cells where mitochondria 'eat themselves up' at an early stage of neurodegeneration. The study found that this self-destruction is selectively present in neurons prone to degeneration in ALS patients, providing potential targets for new therapies.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateNov 18, 2019

Mechanism connects early binge drinking to adult behaviors

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that intermittent exposure to high levels of alcohol in adolescent animals leads to altered gene expression in adulthood. Blocking microRNA-137 in adulthood reverses or reduces the lasting effects of youth drinking, such as increased anxiety and alcohol use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournaleNeuro·DateNov 18, 2019

Quantum light improves sensitivity of biological measurements

Researchers used quantum light to track enzyme reactions in real-time without disrupting enzymatic activity, providing a potential breakthrough for biomedical applications. The technique combines quantum physics and biology to improve sensitivity and resolution.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateNov 18, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Chemical and microbial diversity in boreal lakes

A study found that boreal lakes exhibit enhanced chemical and microbial diversity in response to rising organic matter levels, leading to increased decomposition of carbon dioxide and methane. This correlation has significant implications for the global carbon cycle and potential greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019

Protein imaging at the speed of life

The European XFEL has enabled scientists to create molecular movies of ultrafast protein movement, allowing them to observe proteins' physical functioning and enzyme activity in real-time. This breakthrough capability opens the door to answering bigger biological questions and potentially saving lives.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 18, 2019
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.

Yellowstone's migrating bison manipulate springtime green-up

Bison in Yellowstone engineer the range to their benefit by manipulating the landscape through grazing, affecting plant growth patterns. This allows them to maintain high-quality diets despite not following the broader pattern of spring green-up.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019

Personality traits affect retirement spending

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that people with greater conscientiousness, extroversion, and positive emotions withdraw from their retirement portfolios at a lower rate. However, higher portfolio withdrawal rates may be concerning if it leads to early depletion of savings.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateNov 18, 2019

Gene therapy: Development of new DNA transporters

Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed new DNA transporters using artificial fats, offering a promising alternative to modified viruses. The lipids can encapsulate nucleic acids, protect them from degradation, and introduce them into cells efficiently.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalBiomaterials Science·DateNov 18, 2019
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.

UCLouvain strengthens connectivity of 1 in 8 of world's smartphones

UCLouvain's research developed Multipath TCP to support expanding global internet traffic, improving Wi-Fi and mobile network switching. The protocol is used by 800 million iPhones and has won international awards, enhancing connectivity in rural areas and offering a win-win for subscribers and telecom operators.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·DateNov 18, 2019

A genetic tug-of-war between the sexes begets variation

A study by Uppsala University researchers found a genetic tug-of-war between males and females that maintains genetic variation. This conflict leads to different gene variants being favored in each sex, contributing to the balance of genetic diversity.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 18, 2019

Bees 'surf' atop water

Researchers discovered that bees use a specific wing motion to create a wave and propel themselves forward, essentially 'surfing' on the water's surface. This unique adaptation enables bees to escape drowning by generating a strong enough force to reach land.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateNov 18, 2019

Vietnam-era women veterans continue to experience wartime stress

A recent study found that Vietnam-era women veterans continue to struggle with stress-related mental health conditions, including PTSD, major depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. Exposure to sexual discrimination and harassment while deployed was a significant risk factor for poor health outcomes and increased disability.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateNov 18, 2019
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.

Four ways to curb light pollution, save bugs

Artificial light at night negatively impacts thousands of species, causing global declines in abundance. Experts recommend turning off unnecessary lights, using motion-activated fixtures, and selecting amber-colored lights to curb light pollution and preserve insect populations.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBiological Conservation·DateNov 18, 2019

Switching to renewable energy could save thousands of lives in Africa

A new study from Harvard University and the University of Leicester estimates that nearly 50,000 people could die prematurely each year from fossil fuel emissions in Africa by 2030. The researchers found that a shift to clean energy sources could have a substantial health benefit for Africans.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 18, 2019

Sierra Nevada has oldest underground water recharge system in Europe

Researchers from Spain and Portugal have identified the careo irrigation channels of Sierra Nevada as the oldest underground aquifer recharge system in Europe. The study, published in Journal of Hydrology, reveals that this ancient technique was used to channel water for centuries, with evidence dating back to the 11th Century.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateNov 18, 2019

Don't confuse luck with skill when rewarding performance

Researchers analyzed European football league matches to find that 'lucky' goals often led to increased playing time and ratings for players. The study highlights the importance of taking process and effort into account when evaluating performance to avoid bias and ensure fair rewards.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateNov 17, 2019
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.

Schools less important than parents in determining higher education aspirations

A new study of over 1,000 pupils in Croatia found that school-level factors such as class size and property prices had little influence on their desire to attend university. In contrast, parental aspirations, academic support from mothers, and having a desk to work on were key predictors of higher education intentions.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEducational Studies·DateNov 17, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Teens with heart disease improve exercise capacity in large clinical trial

A large clinical trial found that an oral drug improved exercise capacity in adolescent patients with severe single-ventricle heart defects. The treatment showed benefits in oxygen consumption and circulatory function, which may translate to better long-term outcomes for these patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalCirculation·DateNov 17, 2019