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Science News Archive September 2019


Page 2 of 43

Bateman's cowbirds

A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that male cowbirds exhibit greater variation in offspring production, conforming to Bateman's Principle. Surprisingly, approximately 75% of cowbirds were monogamous for the entire breeding season despite not providing food or resources to their young.

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.

Water contamination and bottled water sales

A study found that water contamination violations associated with immediate health risks led to a 14% increase in bottled water sales. However, low-income rural communities did not show a significant response to nitrate violations, which pose a risk to infants.

Great apes and theory of mind

A recent study suggests that great apes possess theory of mind, demonstrated by their ability to anticipate an agent's action based on past experience. The findings indicate that these animals can use perceptual cues to infer another agent's belief about an object's location.

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.

New AI method may boost Crohn's disease insight and improve treatment

A Rutgers-led study uses artificial intelligence to examine genetic signatures of Crohn's disease, revealing previously undiscovered genes linked to the illness. The AI method accurately predicted whether thousands of people had the disease, holding promise for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Cooling requirements, climate change, and desert bird collapse

A study found that climate-driven extinctions in Mojave Desert birds may be linked to increased water requirements, particularly for insectivorous and carnivorous species. Climate forecasts predict a 50-78% increase in water needs for Mojave birds, making species declines more likely.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Lancet journals: Papers at ERS Congress 2019

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine published a series of papers on cystic fibrosis treatment, including new CFTR modulator drugs showing promise and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, a three-in-one inhaler therapy was found to improve lung function and reduce asthma attacks in patients with severe asthma.

Cornell researchers reveal molecular basis of vision

Researchers at Cornell University have solved the three-dimensional structure of a protein complex involved in vertebrate vision at atomic resolution, revealing how signals from photons are amplified in the eye. The study provides insights into G-protein-coupled receptors and their role in human vision, with potential implications for ...

Fruit flies live longer with combination drug treatment

A triple drug combination of lithium, trametinib, and rapamycin has been shown to extend the lifespan of fruit flies by 48%, a significant increase compared to previous studies. The treatment targets different cellular processes and may have potential benefits for preventing age-related diseases in humans.

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.

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 smallpox vaccine tested by USAMRIID receives FDA approval

The US FDA has approved a new smallpox vaccine called JYNNEOS, which is non-replicating and can be used to protect against both smallpox and monkeypox diseases. The vaccine developed by Bavarian Nordic was shown to have a superior immune response compared to the existing ACAM2000 vaccine.

Is this brain cell your 'mind's eye'?

Researchers suggest a structural connection between 'content circuits' in the cortex and 'switchboard circuits' that allocate awareness, mediated by L5p neurons. Studies demonstrate interaction between state and contents of consciousness in these cells.

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.

BU finds physical therapy access may reduce opioid prescriptions

Patients who first see a chiropractor or physical therapist are less likely to be prescribed opioids, reducing the risk of short- and long-term use. The study found that state-level policy regulations impact opioid prescribing, with patients in states with limited access more likely to receive opioids.

Viscoelastic fluids and wildfire prevention

Researchers developed nontoxic, biodegradable viscoelastic carrier fluids to enhance fire retardant retention on wildfires-prone vegetation. Treating high-risk locations with these fluids may help prevent wildfires from starting during peak season.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Delivery system can make RNA vaccines more powerful

MIT researchers have developed a delivery system that makes RNA vaccines more powerful, triggering efficient protein production and boosting immune response. The nanoparticles also activate an immune signaling pathway, provoking T cells to attack cancer cells and infectious agents.

Underwater manatee chatter may aid in their conservation

A new method for detecting manatee calls could help restore populations of the endangered Antillean manatee. By analyzing underwater recordings, scientists can estimate manatee numbers and understand their habitat use in turbid waters.

Does being a 'superwoman' protect African American women's health?

African American women report feeling pressured to act as superwomen to cope with racial discrimination, but research reveals mixed results on the persona's impact on health. Some aspects of being a strong black woman seem to protect against chronic stress, while others exacerbate its negative effects.

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.

New CRISPR-Cas9 variant may boost precision in gene editing

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR-Cas9 variant that reduces unintended changes in DNA, increasing precision in gene therapy. The SaCas9-HF variant shows high on-target efficiency and nearly undetectable off-target activity, offering a promising alternative for precise genome editing.

German fishermen's scepticism towards EU impedes compliance with its regulations

A game of chance experiment revealed that German commercial fishermen are more honest than students when not under suspicion. However, when told to report their results in favor of the EU, almost one in three fishermen answered dishonestly. The study highlights the importance of trust between fishermen and regulatory authorities.

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP analyzes record-setting hurricane Lorenzo

Hurricane Lorenzo attained Category 5 strength briefly, becoming the strongest hurricane on record in the eastern-most Atlantic Ocean. The Suomi NPP satellite provided infrared data that showed changes in the storm's eye and powerful thunderstorms, and mesospheric gravity waves were also observed.

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.

Potent antibody curbs Nipah and Hendra virus attack

A potent monoclonal antibody has been developed to impede henipavirus fusion with cell membranes, blocking viral genome injection. The antibody recognizes a specific area of the viral membrane machinery, preventing membrane fusion and keeping viral material out of host cells.

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.

Origins of female orgasm and induced ovulation

Researchers propose female orgasm evolved from copulation-induced ovulation (CIO) in animals like rabbits. A study found that inhibiting CIO reduced ovulations in treated rabbits, supporting the hypothesis of a shared evolutionary origin.

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.

EPFL researchers invent low-cost alternative to Bitcoin

A new cryptocurrency system, Byzantine Reliable Broadcast, achieves safe and secure transactions with virtually zero energy cost. This paradigm shift is made possible by assuming all players are honest until proven guilty, eliminating the need for complex consensus tasks.

Curbing diesel emission could reduce big city mortality

Reducing diesel emissions from freight trucks can lead to significant improvements in public health and the economy. By 2050, studies predict a decline in mortality rates and annual savings of $38 billion, thanks to improved air quality and technology.

New clinical trial analyses predict response to benralizumab by patients with COPD

A new analysis of two international clinical trials predicts that benralizumab may be effective for a subpopulation of patients with moderate to very severe COPD who have elevated blood eosinophil counts and a history of frequent exacerbations. The study found no significant efficacy in reducing annual COPD exacerbation rates for patie...

The flagellar hook: Making sense of bacterial motility

Researchers at OIST Graduate University revealed the flagellar hook's mechanics, showing how it acts as a dynamic joint to transmit torque and enable bacterial motility. The study provides insights into the hook's flexible and rigid structure, allowing for dynamic shifts in its conformation.

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.

Borophene on silver grows freely into an atomic 'skin'

Researchers have successfully grown elongated hexagon-shaped flakes of borophene on a silver substrate, overcoming a major hurdle in its production. The discovery could enable the creation of atom-width conductive wires for nanoelectronics devices.

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.

Nanoparticles wiggling through mucus may predict severe COPD

A new technique uses nanoparticles to measure how quickly they move through mucus samples, correlating with COPD severity. The study's findings suggest that the structure of mucus in patients with severe COPD may be distinct and affect particle movement.