Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 5


Page 5 of 47

Intensified global monsoon extreme rainfall signals global warming -- A study

A study published in Journal of Climate found significant associations between global warming and intensified extreme rainfall in global monsoon regions, affecting nearly two-thirds of the world's population. Regional characteristics, including aerosols, urbanization, and climate natural variability, also impact extreme rainfall.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Climate·DateOct 30, 2019

Paper: Firm's strategic orientation shapes how it resolves workplace disputes

A new study by University of Illinois expert J. Ryan Lamare examines how firms use alternative dispute resolution practices to resolve workplace issues. The researchers found that firms with different strategic orientations, such as efficiency and satisfaction, are more likely to use mediation or arbitration.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalILR Review·DateOct 30, 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.

Study suggests interventions against frailty

Interventions aimed at reducing obesity, sedentary behavior, smoking cessation, and improving physical activity have the potential to delay or reduce frailty. Age is a strong predictor of frailty, with other variables such as modifiable risk factors like obesity and lower body strength also being significant risk factors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 30, 2019

Immune 'control switch' could prevent brain injury in premature babies

A team of international researchers has identified a potential treatment for reducing brain injury in premature babies by targeting hyperactive microglia with a drug that activates the Wnt signalling pathway. This approach may help protect white matter and prevent long-term memory problems associated with preterm birth.

SourceRMIT University·JournalBrain·DateOct 30, 2019

Study considers double-edged sword of trust in regulatory agencies' monitoring of firms

Researchers found that strong relationships between regulators and firms improve monitoring quality initially, but eventually lead to negligence and collusion. The study suggests an optimal duration for relationships may exist, with mandatory auditor rotation programs potentially reducing failures in some cases.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateOct 30, 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.

The danger of great gift expectations

A new study found that neatly wrapped gifts lead to higher expectations but lower attitudes towards the gift, while sloppily wrapped gifts yield more favorable attitudes despite representing the same item. Gift givers should consider wrapping time and budget accordingly based on the recipient's relationship.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 30, 2019

Cumulative environmental exposures increase diabetes risk in rural populations

Researchers found that lower environmental quality in rural counties was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes. In contrast, urban areas showed a stronger link between air and sociodemographic domains. The study's findings suggest a significant impact of cumulative environmental exposures on diabetes risk in rural populations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Diabetes Investigation·DateOct 30, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Abrupt shifts in Arctic climate projected

Researchers from McGill University project abrupt changes in the Arctic climate and permafrost, potentially leading to increased wildfires. The study suggests a doubling of wildfire severity over one year in regions like the Northwestern Territories and Yukon.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 30, 2019

New study: 1 in 7 child deaths result from pneumonia, the flu, & other LRIs

A new study reveals that lower respiratory infections (LRIs) are responsible for one in seven child deaths worldwide. Since 1990, vaccines, improved nutrition, and better indoor air quality have substantially reduced LRI deaths, but progress has lagged behind other childhood infectious diseases.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 30, 2019

Simulations explain giant exoplanets with eccentric, close-in orbits

Astronomers used computer simulations to explore the evolution of high-mass planetary systems, finding that collisional growth and gravitational interactions lead to eccentric orbits. The models suggest a crucial role for giant impacts in producing close-in giant planets with high masses.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 30, 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.

How are psychiatric disorders linked to infections during pregnancy?

Researchers found that severe infections in pregnant mothers can impair brain development, leading to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. The study showed immediate and long-lasting effects on neuronal cells, including impaired cortical GABAergic interneuron development.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 30, 2019

The financial benefits of being bilingual

A new study suggests that bilingual individuals are less prone to emotional biases when making financial decisions, which could lead to better outcomes in negotiations and investments. The study found that thinking in a foreign language decreases sellers' attachment to their products, resulting in lower prices and improved interactions.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 30, 2019

The secrets behind a creepy photographic technique

Mordanñage is a 19th-century photographic process that creates dramatic black-and-white images with veiling effects. Researchers have determined the chemical details behind the process, revealing how hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid soften the photographic paper, allowing copper to oxidize and form veils.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 30, 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.

Scientists find possible treatment for muscle contractures in childhood paralysis

A new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center suggests that the drug bortezomib may help re-balance disrupted muscle growth and prevent muscle contractures in children with brachial plexus injury or cerebral palsy. The treatment shows promise in preventing loss of elbow and shoulder motion and disrupting skeletal growth.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 29, 2019

Where to install renewable energy in US to achieve greatest benefits

A new Harvard study identifies the Upper Midwest as ideal for wind turbines and the Great Lakes/Mid-Atlantic region for solar power to achieve maximum benefits. The research, funded by Harvard University's Climate Change Solutions Fund, provides a guide for policymakers, businesses, and utilities on where to deploy renewable energy.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 29, 2019

How far schoolkids live from junk food sources tied to obesity

A new study by NYU researchers found that children living within a half-block of fast-food outlets were 20% obese and 38% overweight. The farther away from unhealthy food sources, the lower obesity rates, with significant reductions at just one or two blocks distance.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalObesity·DateOct 29, 2019

Climate change could drive British crop farming north and west

A new study suggests that unchecked climate change will lead to a decline in arable farming in the east and south east of England by 2100. Crops may still be grown with irrigation, but this would require significant water transport or storage.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 29, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

A new type of acoustic insulation enables sound to be concentrated in corners

Researchers at UC3M have developed a new type of acoustic insulation that can focus sound energy in corners, potentially leading to breakthroughs in filtering and conducting applications. The innovation uses topological materials to concentrate sound waves, enabling efficient energy harvesting and conversion.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 29, 2019

Safeguarding our water supply

A novel membrane and chemical reduction process have been patented by University of Delaware researchers to remove perchlorate from drinking water. The technology has shown high efficiency in reducing perchlorate concentrations, making it a potential solution for mitigating human health risks associated with this contaminant.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Environmental Engineering·DateOct 29, 2019

Study finds 'cluster of disadvantage' behind BAME psychosis rates

A study by Queen Mary University of London researchers found that excess psychosis diagnoses amongst Black and South Asian men in deprived urban areas may reflect a cluster of disadvantage rather than individual factors. The team identified four markers of vulnerability: drug and alcohol dependence, criminality and violence, risky or c...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 29, 2019

Seeking better treatment for ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease

A recent study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has made significant strides in understanding the role of proteins called TDP-43 in ALS. The researchers found that TDP-43 aggregates in nerve cells can cause a toxic effect, leading to paralysis. This discovery opens up new avenues for developing effective treatments and therapies.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 29, 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.

Exposing blind spots in the carbon budget space

International researchers from IIASA and Japan propose a more systematic exploration of the carbon budget scenario space to address biases identified in current literature. This new approach aims to hedge against future budget uncertainties and provide consistency between physical climate science and mitigation assessments.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 29, 2019

Re-cracking the genetic code

New studies reveal a broader range of genetic code deviations than previously thought, particularly among green algae. The research suggests that these changes may have driven the evolution of unique mitochondrial genome organizations.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateOct 29, 2019

Facial recognition software has a gender problem

Researchers found facial analysis services performed worse on transgender individuals and were unable to classify non-binary genders, highlighting outdated stereotypes in the systems' assessment of gender. The study suggests moving away from gender classification altogether and using more specific labels like 'long hair' or 'make-up',

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateOct 29, 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.

Researchers led by Georgia State develop noninvasive method to detect early-stage liver disease

Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a protein-based contrast agent that can detect early-stage liver diseases, including liver fibrosis, with high accuracy and sensitivity. The new method uses a lower dosage of contrast metal gadolinium, reducing the risk of metal toxicity and enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2019

Ashes to concrete

Researchers at Drexel University have created a coal ash aggregate that helps concrete cure, reducing the time it takes for concrete to harden and improving its durability. The additive, called SPoRA, promotes a uniform hardening process from the inside out, providing a solution to concrete drying problems.

SourceDrexel University·JournalCement and Concrete Composites·DateOct 29, 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.

Classic energy theory fails to explain coral distribution across depth

A new study analyzing diversity across an Australasian reef reveals that coral species richness at different depths is unrelated to energy availability. Despite the expectation of greater diversity in shallower waters due to increased sunlight, the research found that coral diversity was highest at depths of between 15 and 20 metres.

SourceLancaster University·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 29, 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.

3-D models of cascadia megathrust events match coastal changes from 1700 earthquake

Researchers used 3D models of Cascadia megathrust events and geological evidence to recreate the 1700 earthquake's impact on the Pacific Northwest coast. The study suggests that a rupture extending just offshore could cause coastal subsidence, with an estimated magnitude between 8.7 and 9.2.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 29, 2019

Evidence backs women's choice on where to have their babies

A major Australian study found that planned birth center births had high rates of normal labor and birth, low maternal complications, and comparable perinatal mortality outcomes compared to hospital births. Planned home births also showed positive maternal outcomes with no significant differences in perinatal mortality or NICU admissions.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalBMJ Open·DateOct 29, 2019

Can't stop putting your hand in the candy dish? Scientists may have found why

Researchers discovered a neural pathway for impulse control in the brain, which is associated with psychiatric disorders such as overeating, gambling, and Parkinson's disease. The study found that manipulating this circuit may lead to the development of targeted treatments for impulsivity-related issues.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2019

Ground-breaking work improves understanding of brain function

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding brain function by studying the role of lactate in memory formation and learning. The study, published in Progress in Neurobiology, used a novel technique to produce three-dimensional models of astrocytes, revealing their complex structure and metabolic coupling with neurons.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalProgress in Neurobiology·DateOct 29, 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.

Severe drought shuts down reproduction in copperhead snakes, study finds

A long-term study found that five consecutive years of drought effectively ended copperhead snakes' reproductive output. Snakes produced significantly fewer offspring during and after the drought, with no pregnant females recorded in the year following the drought's end.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 29, 2019

Should preschool writing be more communication and less ABCs?

Preschool teachers often prioritize handwriting over communication in writing instruction, which may put young students at a disadvantage for academic success. Researchers found that environmental supports and materials were available in 94% of classrooms, but meaningful opportunities for writing were limited.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Early Childhood Teacher Education·DateOct 29, 2019

Pyschologists analyze language to categorize human goals

A team of researchers led by Ben Wilkowski analyzed goal-related words used by English speakers to categorize human goals. They identified four components: prominence (social status), inclusiveness (acceptance of diversity), negativity prevention (avoiding negative outcomes), and tradition (upholding cultural institutions).

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 29, 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.

Researchers find 'protein-scaffolding' for repairing DNA damage

Scientists from the University of Copenhagen have identified two proteins, 53BP1 and RIF1, that orchestrate the repair of damaged DNA by building a three-dimensional scaffold around broken strands. This scaffold concentrates special repair proteins, enabling cells to prevent collateral damage and maintain genetic stability.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2019

Scientists invent animal-free testing of lethal neurotoxins

Researchers have developed a new technique to test paralytic neurotoxins without euthanizing animals, using optical probes and analyzing changes in light reflected back. This breakthrough reduces animal use in research testing while having significant biomedical implications for treating diseases and conditions.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalToxins·DateOct 29, 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.

Exerting self-control does not mean sacrificing pleasure

New research challenges the common notion that choosing pleasurable foods like cake indicates a lack of self-control. Instead, it's about anticipated regret and long-term goals. The study suggests that consumers should abandon the idea of 'good' or 'bad' foods to exert self-control more easily.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 29, 2019

Hope offered to patients with a rare autoimmune condition

A new study has discovered four subtypes of primary Sjögren's syndrome, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the body's fluid production. This finding offers hope for personalized treatment and improved quality of life for patients.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateOct 29, 2019

Intuitive in the virtual reality

Researchers developed an electronic sensor that can process both touchless and tactile stimuli, enabling seamless interaction in virtual reality scenarios. The sensor's flexibility allows it to register a clear shift from touchless to tactile interaction, allowing for selective control of physical and virtual objects.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2019