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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 11


Page 11 of 47

Integrated solutions for the Indus Basin

The new integrated modeling framework could help the Indus Basin region address water resource challenges and interconnected sustainable development goals. The framework, developed by IIASA researchers, includes state-of-the-art integrated assessment modeling and participatory approaches to engage stakeholders in decision-making.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalOne Earth·DateOct 25, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Birds do not habituate to traffic noise

Researchers found that birds in constant traffic noise had lower levels of corticosterone in their blood compared to quiet environments. This suppression may protect against negative effects of chronic stress on the immune system. Chicks from noisy parents were also smaller but caught up after leaving the nest.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalConservation Biology·DateOct 25, 2019

Small magnets reveal big secrets

A microscopic process of electron spin dynamics in nanoparticles has been identified, which could have wide-ranging impact on applications in medicine, quantum computation, and spintronics. The research provides insights into the principles of energy dissipation in nanomagnets, enabling engineers to build better devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 25, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Dynamic images show rhomboid protease in action

Researchers used solid-state NMR spectroscopy to observe rhomboid protease movement, revealing a gate that opens for substrate protein entry. This study provides new insights for developing medication targeting these proteins.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 25, 2019

Mountain streams emit a surprising amount of CO2

A recent study found that mountain streams have a higher average CO2 emission rate per square meter than lower-altitude streams due to additional turbulence. The scientists developed a model to estimate natural CO2 emissions from over 1.8 million mountain streams worldwide, indicating geological sources as the primary origin of CO2.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2019

A win-win for forests and small-holder dairy farming in East Africa

A new study found that using Napier grass as a nutrient-rich animal fodder can intensify small-scale dairy farming while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research modelled the impact of three scenarios for feeding diets to dairy cows in Kenya, and found that only the Napier grass diet reduced overall emissions by 2.5%.

SourceLancaster University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 24, 2019

A tale of two cities: Impact of reducing teens' access to flavored tobacco products

A new study found that enforcing restrictions on flavored tobacco products led to decreased teen use of both flavored and non-flavored tobacco. In contrast, a nearby community without such restrictions saw an increase in tobacco use among youth. The study suggests that flavor restriction policies can curb youth tobacco use in as little...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 24, 2019

Cutting-edge robot makes short work of gardening chores

Trimbot uses cameras and 3D mapping technology to self-navigate gardens and perform precise tasks, including pruning roses and trimming bushes. The robot's advanced algorithms enable it to compare overgrown bushes with ideal shapes and pinpoint exact stem cuts for rose pruning.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateOct 24, 2019
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.

Babies understand counting years earlier than believed

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that babies can recognize counting as a way to describe quantity, even before they can verbally express the numbers. The study found that when toys were counted aloud, babies showed an understanding of the approximate number and expected more than one toy to be pulled from the box.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateOct 24, 2019

UMass Lowell climate education initiative expands

The Cool Science program is expanding its reach to other cities and towns in Massachusetts and Kansas, introducing it to young people and commuters, while also adding adult mentors. The program aims to study the effectiveness of using art to teach climate science and extreme weather events.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateOct 24, 2019

Researchers discover 4 new strains of human adenovirus

Researchers discovered four new strains of human adenovirus in Singapore, with two strains linked to severe respiratory diseases. The study highlights an increase in adenovirus types 4 and 7 among pediatric patients, emphasizing the need for antiviral therapies and vaccine development.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateOct 24, 2019
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.

Extracting hidden quantum information from a light source

Scientists have created a new method to isolate quantum images from classical illumination, enabling ultra-sensitive microscopy and potential applications in quantum communications. By leveraging image distillation, they can retrieve 'quantum illuminated' images even with high classical illumination.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 24, 2019

CRISPR-edited C. elegans identifies vulnerabilities in cancer

Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to mimic human SF3B1 mutations in C. elegans worms, identifying three splicing factors as potential targets for cancer therapy. The study also humanized a region of the SF3B1 protein binding site, enabling testing of Pladienolide B-derived molecules.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 24, 2019

Mindfulness meditation enhances positive effects of psilocybin

Researchers found that mindfulness meditation boosts the positive long-term effects of a single dose of psilocybin, reducing stress and increasing feelings of happiness. The study showed that meditation can counteract negative reactions to psilocybin and increase empathy and altruism.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 24, 2019

Athletes suspend morality to pursue sporting success -- study

Researchers found that athletes who focus solely on winning will engage in antisocial behavior, while prosocial behavior from teammates can boost performance and enjoyment. Coaches' coercive practices also lead to moral disengagement and negative team spirit.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateOct 24, 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.

Scientist confirm a new 'magic number' for neutrons

Researchers at RIKEN have confirmed that atomic nuclei with 34 neutrons are more stable than expected, exhibiting strong shell closure. This finding demonstrates that 34 is a 'magic number', a set of numbers where the shells are completely filled and the nucleus exhibits unique properties.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 24, 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.

NSF invests in cyberinfrastructure institute to harness cosmic data

The NSF awards $2.8M to develop a Scalable Cyberinfrastructure Institute for Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (SCIMMA) to analyze large-scale distributed data. The project aims to accelerate scientific discovery in multi-messenger astrophysics by facilitating global collaborations.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·DateOct 24, 2019

GIS-based analysis of fault zone geometry and hazard in an urban environment

A new study published in Geosphere uses GIS-based analysis to reveal the complex geometry of the Rose Canyon fault zone beneath downtown San Diego. The researchers compiled data from hundreds of individual reports and created a centralized geodatabase to examine the fault zone's shape and potential hazard.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateOct 24, 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.

A new drought-protective small molecule 'drug' for crops

Researchers have created a synthetic abscisic acid (ABA) mimic, opabactin, nearly 10 times more effective in manipulating crop water use than natural ABA. The molecule demonstrates high potency in wheat and tomato plants and provides long-lasting protection against underwatering.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 24, 2019

Most prescribed blood pressure drugs may be less effective than others

A new study of nearly 5 million patients shows that ACE inhibitors are not as effective in treating hypertension as thiazide diuretics, which cause fewer cardiovascular events. The research highlights the need for more evidence to guide drug selection in treating high blood pressure.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 24, 2019

Lupus study illustrates the importance of diversity in genetic research

A recent lupus study reveals significant epigenetic differences between black women and other populations, impacting disease progression and severity. Researchers found that increased risk of lupus can be linked to epigenetic changes, which could lead to new treatments and better understanding of the disease.

SourceHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateOct 24, 2019
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.

Controlling the immune system's brakes to treat cancer, autoimmune disorders

St. Jude researchers have identified key biological switches controlling regulatory T cells, which can be boosted or suppressed for cancer and autoimmune disorder treatment. The study reveals the critical role of enzymes Rag and Rheb in activating these cells, offering new avenues for immunotherapy against cancers.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalImmunity·DateOct 24, 2019

Martian landslides not conclusive evidence of ice

Researchers at University College London analysed Martian landslide structures to understand their formation. The study found that high-speed rock particles and vibrations could create the unique ridges and furrows, contradicting the idea of icy substrates.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 24, 2019

Lassa fever: Vaccine set to be trialed

A vaccine for Lassa fever, a hemorrhagic disease causing up to 6,000 deaths annually, is set to enter human clinical trials. The measles platform-based vaccine demonstrated the best protection against the virus in preclinical tests.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 24, 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.

Kidney replacement therapy rates have remained higher in men vs. women for decades

Rates for all types of kidney replacement therapy were consistently higher in men than women in European countries from 1965 to 2015. The male-to-female ratio increased with age and was particularly high for diabetic patients, suggesting that biological or access-related factors may be at play.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 24, 2019

Gap in care found for patients with chronic kidney disease: study

A new study found that less than 20% of Canadian patients with chronic kidney disease received a critical urine test within six months of diagnosis, highlighting a significant gap in care. The test is crucial for assessing the severity of kidney disease and guiding treatment.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 24, 2019

Structural protein essential for ciliary harmony in comb jellies

A team of researchers identified a critical protein component essential for coordinated motion in comb jellies. The study found that this protein, CTENO64, plays a vital role in maintaining harmony among the tiny surface organelles on comb plates, which propel these marine animals through the ocean.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 24, 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.

New survey shows link between comprehensive antibiotic stewardship programs and infection preventionist certification

A nationally representative survey found that nursing homes with certified infection preventionists were nearly five times more likely to have comprehensive antibiotic stewardship programs. The study highlights the importance of well-trained IPs in reducing the risk of infections and improving patient safety.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateOct 24, 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.

Poverty may be more critical to cognitive function than trauma in adolescent refugees

A new study found that poverty worsened the working memory of refugee youth, while exposure to war-related trauma did not have lasting impacts on executive function. The researchers suggest that addressing ongoing poverty is crucial for improving learning outcomes and educational achievement in adolescents affected by war.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateOct 24, 2019

Political affiliation may help drive and shape a person's morals

A new study found that people's moral foundations are better predicted by their political attitudes than vice versa. The researchers tracked participants' moral values and political leanings over time, revealing that those with stable political beliefs were more likely to have consistent moral foundations.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateOct 24, 2019

Ending HIV will require optimizing treatment and prevention tools, say NIH experts

Experts say optimal implementation of existing tools and development of new interventions are crucial to ending the HIV pandemic. Current highly effective treatments like antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can prevent transmission if implemented correctly.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateOct 24, 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.

Higher local earthworm diversity in temperate regions than in the tropics

A new study found higher local earthworm diversity in temperate regions than in the tropics, with patterns not matching aboveground biodiversity. The researchers created a global map of earthworm diversity, abundance, and biomass, highlighting climate change's potential impact on earthworm communities.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience·DateOct 24, 2019

The benefits that carnivorous animals bring to society are under-studied

A recent study reveals that human-carnivore relationships are deeply skewed, with research gaps in understanding ecosystem services provided by carnivores. The study identifies four key knowledge gaps, including a lack of focus on small and medium-sized carnivores and social science methods.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalBiological Conservation·DateOct 24, 2019

Finally, the answer to a 'burning' 40-year-old question

Researchers at Lehigh University have discovered the mechanism behind a crucial catalyst that reduces harmful industrial emissions. The study found that tungsten oxide changes the structure of vanadium oxide, increasing its activity and reducing undesirable reaction products.

SourceLehigh University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 24, 2019
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.

Researchers learn how Ebola virus disables the body's immune defenses

Researchers discovered that Ebola virus targets and disables T cells, a crucial line of defense, rendering infected individuals less able to combat the infection. This understanding could lead to new insights into immunosuppression and disease development in general.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 24, 2019