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Science News Archive October 2019


Page 25 of 47

Surveying solar storms by ancient Assyrian astronomers

A research team at the University of Tsukuba studied ancient cuneiform tablets and matched them with tree-ring radioisotope data to identify three possible magnetic storms that occurred around 679-655 BCE. This work may help modern astronomers predict future solar flares or coronal mass ejections.

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.

Aҫaí berry extracts fight malaria in mice

Researchers have discovered that aҫaí berry extract can significantly reduce the number of malaria parasites in infected mice, with a 89.4% decrease in parasitic load. The treatment also prolonged the survival of the mice, with all those given polyphenols surviving for over 15 days.

Scientists discover skin keeps time independent of the brain

Researchers found that skin in mice expresses its own photoreceptors using neuroposin, synchronizing circadian clocks to light-dark cycles independently of eyes or brain. This discovery has implications for understanding skin physiology and potentially enhancing medical practice.

Examining risk of suicide and use of ACE inhibitors, ARBs

A study by JAMA Network found a potential association between ACE inhibitors and ARBs and an increased risk of suicide among individuals with hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The observational study analyzed data from over 200,000 patients to identify any possible links between these medications and suicidal behavior.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mothers' behavior influences bonding hormone oxytocin in babies

A new study found that mothers' involvement in play with their children can influence the development of their oxytocin systems. Higher maternal involvement was associated with reduced DNA methylation and increased expression of the oxytocin receptor gene, which can lead to a stronger bond between mother and child.

Scientists identify genetic variation linked to severity of ALS

Researchers found that ALS patients with a specific genetic variation in the IL6 receptor gene experience more severe symptoms and faster disease progression. The study suggests this polymorphism may serve as a target for new treatments and lay the groundwork for future clinical trials.

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.

New catalyst would boost biomass conversion to fuels, chemicals

Researchers have discovered a new catalyst using bulk cerium oxide that can efficiently remove oxygen from biomass, enabling more economical conversion to fuels and chemicals. The discovery could reduce energy use and carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel production.

In Baltimore, lower income neighborhoods have bigger mosquitoes

A study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies found that mosquitoes in lower-income neighborhoods have larger bodies, which can transmit diseases more efficiently. The researchers measured wing length and habitat features to understand how socioeconomic conditions influence mosquito-borne disease risk.

X marks the spot: recombination in structurally distinct chromosomes

Researchers discovered that different mechanisms govern chromosome interaction with the synaptonemal complex, particularly for sex chromosomes like X. The findings highlight the importance of structural features over primary amino acid sequences and suggest a chromosome-specific aspect to human meiotic defects.

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.

Research networks can help BRICS countries combat invasive species

A recent study suggests that BRICS countries can curb the spread of invasive species by forming networks of researchers dedicated to invasion science. The study proposes a 'facilitated' network model that would allow for rapid responses to emerging alien species and substantial increases in capacity to tackle existing invasions.

NIH scientists develop test for uncommon brain diseases

Scientists have linked abnormal tau in the brain to at least 25 neurodegenerative diseases, but current diagnosis requires analyzing brain tissue after death. The new test uses cerebrospinal fluid to detect abnormal tau, offering hope for diagnosing less common neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.

Are we underestimating the benefits of investing in renewable energy?

A new study reveals that using average emissions intensities can lead to errors in estimating the benefits of interventions, potentially compromising their implementation. By analyzing electricity from PJM, researchers found that ignoring marginal emissions can underestimate damages avoided by 50%. The study highlights the importance o...

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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Tiny particles lead to brighter clouds in the tropics

A new study found that tiny particles formed in the tropics can brighten lower-level clouds, which may impact global cooling predictions. The research used measurements from a massive airborne study to understand how these particles form and contribute to cloud properties.

Toxoplasmosis: Preventing mother-to-child transmission

Researchers aim to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis by studying the molecular mechanisms of transmission and placenta development. The team will investigate how Toxoplasma gondii infection affects fetal development and explore potential treatments.

The moon determines when migratory birds head south

Researchers found that European nightjars begin their autumn migration 10 days after the full moon and synchronize their flight to depart at the same time. The study reveals that moonlight affects the birds' activity patterns, enabling them to hunt more efficiently and replenish energy reserves.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

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Family members' emotional attachment limits family firm growth

Research by Lancaster University finds that family-related considerations often trump a desire to grow among firms with multiple generations of the same family in senior roles. Non-active family members as major shareholders and non-family members on boards encourage growth, while active family members are more conservative and risk-av...

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.

Premature death from cardiovascular disease

Between 2000 and 2015, the number of US deaths from cardiovascular disease among people aged 25 to 64 rose substantially. This trend is attributed to increased rates of heart disease and stroke.

Cascades of gas around young star indicate early stages of planet formation

A team of astronomers discovered three areas in the disk of a young star where gas is cascading into gaps, indicating the presence of forming planets. The study confirms a theory about how planets acquire their atmospheres, suggesting that warmer gas from the outer layers of the disk forms the atmosphere of the planet.

How partisan hate leads people to believe falsehoods

A study by Ohio State University found that partisan media use is linked to stronger negative feelings and false beliefs about political opponents. Researchers surveyed Americans using various news outlets during the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections, discovering a correlation between increased hostility and belief in misperceptions.

3D-printed coral could help endangered reefs

Researchers at the University of Delaware found that 3D-printed coral models do not harm fish behavior or coral survival. Fish showed no preference between native coral and artificial habitats, making biodegradable materials like cornstarch a promising alternative to plastic.

Virtual walking system for re-experiencing the journey of another person

A Japanese research team developed a virtual walking system that records a person's walk and replays it to another user, creating an illusion of walking. The system uses pre-recorded oscillating optic flow and synchronous foot vibrations to induce sensations of self-motion, walking, leg action, and telepresence.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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Sociodemographic factors associated with passing surgery board exams

A study examining sociodemographic factors associated with passing American Board of Surgery board exams found that women and family-salaried physicians were more likely to pass. General surgeons who identified as Asian or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander also had higher board exam passing rates.

Human medicines affect fish behavior

Research reveals that human medicines influencing serotonin and dopamine systems alter the boldness and explorative behaviour of three-spined sticklebacks, highlighting potential consequences for aquatic ecosystems. The study confirms the role of these signal substances in individual personality differences and stress resilience.

Do we trust artificial intelligence agents to mediate conflict? Not entirely

A new study examines the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in mediating conflict among team members. Researchers found that while humans initially engaged with a virtual agent during mission planning, their engagement decreased as conflicts arose, suggesting a limit to trust in AI-mediated conflict resolution.

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.

Newly identified compounds could help give fire ants their sting

Researchers have identified 10 previously hidden pyridine alkaloids in fire ant venom, which could help explain the severity of bites and potential health complications. These compounds are found in different species of fire ants and even within individual ant castes.

Warmer nights prompt forest birds to lay eggs earlier in spring

A study by the University of Edinburgh found that warmer springs cause blue tits to begin breeding earlier, with chicks hatching after peak caterpillar numbers. This suggests that night-time temperatures and tree leafing cues influence bird reproductive timing.

UC Riverside helps secure the future of food

The Plants-3D program will provide academic and entrepreneurial training to 50 students, equipping them with cutting-edge technologies to increase crop yields and nutritional value. The synthetic biology approach will enable plants to tolerate increased stress levels, reducing the need for fertilizer.

Pilot study shows even short-term 'vaping' causes inflammation in non-smokers

Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center report a measurable increase in inflammation after four weeks of e-cig use without nicotine or flavors. The study suggests that even short-term usage can result in inflammatory changes at a cellular level, a concern as vaping usage is rapidly outpacing scientific understanding.

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.

Study reveals how age affects perception of white LED light

Researchers found that age-dependent effects on color perception can lead to different perceptions of white LED lighting. Designs that consider these differences can improve the aesthetic appeal of LED lighting. The study suggests using modern colorimetry to minimize inter-user discrepancies in LED emitters.

Assembler robots make large structures from little pieces

Researchers have developed a new kind of robotics that can assemble large structures from identical subunits using simple robotic systems. The system works by having the robot work together with the structure, adjusting its position as it adds each piece, allowing for efficient and precise assembly.

Failure of mitochondrial quality control causes heart disease

Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that ANT is crucial for mitophagy, a quality control process removing damaged mitochondria, and found that mutations leading to defective quality control cause heart disease. The study reveals ANT's two distinct roles: producing ATP and regulating mitophagy.

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.

Oxygen in hyperbaric chamber provides relief after radiotherapy

A study shows that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can relieve self-reported symptoms and side-effects of radiotherapy in cancer patients, including bleeding, urinary incontinence, and pain. The treatment, administered for 30-40 sessions, was found to be highly effective for the majority of patients.

Recovering 'lost dimensions' of images and video

MIT researchers create a visual deprojection model that recovers valuable data lost from images and video by learning patterns in low-dimensional projections. The model has successfully recreated video frames showing people walking and recovered motion-blurred images, with potential applications in medical imaging.

Pioneering cell therapies for non-responders to current immunotherapies

A new approach to identifying killer T lymphocytes in patients with gastrointestinal tumors has been developed, which can hone in on unique mutations expressed in cancer cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of personalized and effective cell therapies for patients who do not respond to current immunotherapies.

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.

New human reference genome resources help capture global genetic diversity

Scientists have assembled a set of genetic sequences to improve the human reference genome, which better reflects global genetic diversity and provides more accurate interpretations of whole-genome sequencing data. The new resource benefits researchers studying diverse human populations and future sequencing studies.

Distribution of highly radioactive microparticles in Fukushima revealed

Scientists have created a quantitative map of radioactive cesium-rich microparticle distribution in Fukushima soils, shedding light on their origin and environmental impact. The study suggests three regions of particular interest, with varying levels of microparticle abundance and radioactivity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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