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Science News Archive September 2019


Page 26 of 43

Four billion particles of microplastics discovered in major body of water

A study by the University of South Florida and Eckerd College found four billion particles of microplastics in Tampa Bay's waters, highlighting the need to address plastic pollution. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 1/8 inch, come from various sources and can harm marine life through ingestion or surface damage.

Elaborate Komodo dragon armor defends against other dragons

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin discovered that Komodo dragon armor is designed to protect against other dragons, not predators. The unique bone structure, featuring four distinct shapes, provides extensive coverage and suggests that young Komodo dragons do not have armor until adulthood.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

All on the table

The study highlights significant gaps in knowledge about underassessed foods, which represent more than half of animal production and over 25% of total food globally. The researchers argue that a more complete global food assessment is necessary to develop sensitive and versatile local solutions to environmental and food security issues.

Finding (microbial) pillars of the bioenergy community

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that many core microbes on bioenergy plant leaves originate from the soil and remain consistent across seasons. The study suggests that these microbes play a crucial role in the plant's growth and health, and their phyllosphere microbiome can be targeted for cultivation.

Spin devices get a paint job

Physicists have developed a novel method to create high-performance spintronic devices using organic molecules, which can be easily configured for different functions. The new fabrication method uses layers of molecules that can be painted or printed onto metals, offering a promising alternative to traditional materials.

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.

Routine sparring in boxing can affect brain performance

Researchers found short-term impairments in brain-to-muscle communication and decreased memory performance after nine-minute boxing sparring sessions. The study suggests that routine impacts in sports like football and other combat sports may pose health risks.

Why do birds migrate at night?

Scientists have found that cryptochromes from migratory birds have evolved a mechanism that enhances their ability to respond to light, allowing them to sense and respond to magnetic fields under nighttime conditions. This discovery sheds light on how vertebrate cryptochromes function in low-light environments.

'Fire inversions' lock smoke in valleys

Researchers have discovered a feedback loop that reinforces atmospheric inversions, locking smoke in valleys and worsening air quality. Understanding this loop enables scientists to predict when fire inversions are likely to occur, aiding firefighters and residents.

Cause of congenital nystagmus found

Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience have found that congenital nystagmus is caused by electrical oscillations in retinal neurons. The study shows that defects in just a few proteins result in erroneous movement signals sent to the brain, leading to the oscillating eye movements characteristic of the condition.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How breast cancer uses exosomes to metastasize to the brain

Research reveals how breast cancer cells use exosomes to bypass the blood-brain barrier and spread to the brain. Exosomes trick endothelial cells into taking them up, allowing cancer cells to metastasize, and can also manipulate astrocytes to facilitate tumor growth.

The 2019 CNRS innovation medallists

Three innovative minds received the 2019 CNRS innovation medallist award for their groundbreaking work in reducing satellite size and propulsion units. Ane Aanesland and Dmytro Rafalskyi developed new propellant technologies, while Vance Bergeron created electrostimulation solutions to improve paralysis rehabilitation. Livio de Luca pi...

Bone marrow may be the missing piece of the fertility puzzle

Researchers at Yale University have discovered that a woman's bone marrow plays a crucial role in determining her ability to start and sustain a pregnancy. Bone marrow-derived stem cells travel to the uterus, where they help transform the uterine lining for implantation, essential for embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance.

Enhancing the way epilepsy is managed by engaging community pharmacists

A collaborative project between the University of Washington and UCB will explore ways to enhance community pharmacist engagement in epilepsy care. The effort seeks to address fragmented healthcare services and medication adherence issues affecting the 3.4 million people living with epilepsy.

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.

Bone, not adrenaline, drives fight or flight response

A recent study suggests that osteocalcin, a hormone released by the skeleton, is necessary for the fight or flight response to be triggered in bony vertebrates. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that adrenaline drives this response.

Researchers develop chemical reaction method for more efficient drug production

Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology researchers have developed a more efficient method to produce polyene substructures, a crucial framework in many natural products and pharmaceutical molecules. The new 'one-pot' solution eliminates lengthy preparation steps and excess waste, making the production process more economical.

Exercising at home has a positive effect on Parkinson's patients

A recent study by Radboud University Medical Center found that exercising at home using motivating apps significantly improves cardiovascular fitness and motor disability in Parkinson's patients. The cycling exercise program was more effective than stretching exercises alone, with a notable impact on disease progression.

Bones secrete a stress hormone

Research reveals that bone-derived hormone osteocalcin plays a critical role in mediating the acute stress response, which is distinct from hormones released by the adrenal glands. Osteocalcin levels rise in response to stress, triggering physiological responses such as increased energy expenditure and heart rate.

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.

Research discoveries suggest that LH dipeptide improves mental health

Researchers discovered LH dipeptide as a potent anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits the secretion of inflammatory cytokines from microglia, reducing brain inflammation and depression symptoms. Consuming foods rich in LH dipeptide may be a safe method for maintaining good mental health.

Researchers use metamaterials to create two-part optical security features

New optical security features use a two-piece metamaterial system to create difficult-to-replicate optical phenomena, making it harder to counterfeit money or intercept secure information. The approach offers improved forgery protection and can be used for various applications, including banknotes and identification cards.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Strategies to connect with barricaded buyers

Researchers found that suppliers can enhance competitiveness by engaging in 'peacocking' behavior, embedding unique capabilities into RFPs, and providing innovative solutions. Price is also important, but its importance varies by service and product.

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.

Simple model captures almost 100 years of measles dynamics in London

A simple epidemiological model accurately predicts measles transmission dynamics in London over almost a century, accounting for historical events like the 1918 pandemic. The study's findings suggest long-term disease dynamics can follow simple rules, with implications for understanding other ecological phenomena.

How marketers can shape customer sentiment during events

A new study from the Journal of Marketing finds that firms' own social media posts surrounding customers' experiences can influence digital sentiment. Informational content offers a substantial means to improve customer sentiment in negative interaction event outcomes, increasing positive sentiment by nearly 20%.

Big game hunting for a more versatile catalyst

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered the architecture of a copper-nitrenoid complex that can transform carbon-hydrogen bonds into valuable building blocks for chemical synthesis. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and sustainable production methods for pharmaceuticals, household products, and other chemicals.

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.

The rare molecule weighing in on the birth of planets

Astronomers have discovered a rare form of carbon monoxide in the dust and gas disc around a young star, revealing it to be much heavier than previously thought. This finding provides new insights into the formation of planets and challenges existing theories about planetary system formation.

Introducing 'phyjama,' a physiological-sensing pajama

Researchers developed physiological-sensing textiles that can be woven into sleep garments to monitor heart rate and breathing rhythm. The technology, dubbed 'phyjama,' extracts signals from pressured regions of the textile to get a more accurate composite reading.

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.

Advanced MRI brain scan may help predict stroke-related dementia

A new MRI analysis technique using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) helped predict thinking problems and dementia related to small vessel disease. Participants with the most brain damage were more likely to develop these conditions, and the scan accurately predicted three-fourths of dementia cases.

Mysterious Jurassic crocodile identified 250 years after fossil find

A fossil skull found in a Bavarian town in the 1770s has been recognized as Mystriosaurus laurillardi, a now-extinct species that lived in tropical waters during the Jurassic Period. Researchers have also identified another skull discovered in Yorkshire, belonging to the same species.

New drug target discovered for the lung disease PAH

Scientists identified a molecular pathway that contributes to PAH's development, targeting the EYA3 protein for new therapies. Blocking this protein prevents dangerous lung artery thickening and reversal of vascular remodeling was seen in laboratory rat models.

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.

Epilepsy surgery: The earlier the better, overview study shows

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that people with drug-resistant epilepsy have better prospects of being seizure-free if they undergo surgical treatment at an earlier stage. The study found a 15-21% higher probability of attack freedom for those who underwent surgery early compared to later stages.

UBC researchers design roadmap for hydrogen supply network

A new study by UBC researchers provides a comprehensive model for hydrogen adoption in British Columbia, recommending a refuelling infrastructure and production plants to support the adoption of hydrogen-powered cars. The study sees significant growth in hydrogen demand every year, provided policies like B.C.'s carbon tax are maintained.

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.

A curiosity-driven genetic discovery that should impact cancer treatments

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered new biological targets that may help combat cancers resistant to existing drugs. The study, published in Molecular Cell, reveals the importance of 'accessory components' in targeting Polycomb genes and their role in regulating cellular identity.

Study: Want more investors to your startup? Better make an impassioned pitch

A study from Case Western Reserve University found that entrepreneurs who pitch their startup ideas with passion are more likely to entice investors. The researchers used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to examine the neural responses of investors' brains, revealing a causal relationship between passion and interest. As a ...

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.

Supporting menstruating girls: Are we making progress?

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that socio-cultural values and beliefs around menstrual hygiene management are key to improving school environments for menstruating girls. The study identified gaps in research and provided recommendations for policy and practice changes.

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.