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Science News Archive September 2019


Page 27 of 43

Little heaps of silver, all wrapped up

Scientists have successfully created a nanocluster of exactly 16 silver atoms stabilized by a wrapping of DNA strands. The crystal structure revealed that each nanocluster is tightly wrapped and almost completely shielded by two DNA strands, with novel silver-silver interactions observed within the cluster.

Biology of bat wings may hold lessons for cold-weather work, exercise

A new study reveals that bat wing muscles are uniquely adapted to operate at low temperatures during flight, a phenomenon with implications for human exercise in extreme conditions. By understanding this adaptation, scientists hope to develop strategies to improve human performance and safety in cold weather.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Soil scientist researches nature versus nurture in microorganisms

A West Virginia University researcher used science and data to uncover the impact of nature on microorganism traits. The study found that evolutionary history shapes microbial characteristics more than local environment, with potential implications for predicting ecosystem responses to climate change.

Scientists solve lingering mystery of poorly understood frog

A team of scientists has solved the mystery of 'Fraser's Clawed Frog', an unusual species found in West Africa. The study, published in PLOS ONE, reveals that the frog inhabits hot and arid regions of northern Cameroon and Ghana, contradicting previous assumptions about its geographic origin.

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 metamaterial morphs into new shapes, taking on new properties

Researchers developed a tunable metamaterial that can change shape in response to electrical control, exhibiting unique mechanical and vibrational properties. This breakthrough has potential applications in next-generation energy storage systems and bio-implantable micro-devices.

Milestones on the way to the nuclear clock

Two research teams, including TU Wien, simultaneously demonstrate the long-sought Thorium nuclear transition, enabling extremely precise nuclear clocks. This discovery opens up new research possibilities, including investigating dark matter and measuring natural constants.

UBC study finds health isn't the only issue with bacteria growth

A UBC study found that fungi and associated microbes are degrading indoor building materials, compromising structural integrity and occupant health. The research highlights the need for multi-criteria design and optimized building materials to mitigate these effects.

Papillomaviruses may be able to be spread by blood

A recent study found that rabbit and mouse papillomaviruses can be transferred by blood to their respective hosts, raising the possibility of human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission through blood in humans. The researchers also detected HPV sequences in mucous membranes like the tongue and genitals, as well as in the stomach.

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.

Eugene Wu wins NSF CAREER Award

Wu aims to build scalable techniques to generate visual database interfaces tailored to specific analysis tasks, making data analysis more accessible to industry and science users. His goal is to create customized visual analysis interfaces like specialized apps for various tasks, improving data-driven decision-making.

Microbial profile to support growing field of human gut research

A team of researchers at George Washington University published a comprehensive list of the types and ratios of microbes that inhabit a healthy human gut, known as GutFeelingKB. This database will serve as a reference for doctors, patients, and researchers, providing an understanding of what constitutes a 'normal' human microbiome.

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.

Conserving rare species for the maintenance of Mediterranean forests

Researchers at the University of Seville studied the pine forests in the Iberian Peninsula to understand factors that make conservation successful. They found that climate, radiation, and temperature influenced the success of translocation, and recommended planting in winter or spring with proper watering.

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.

A precise chemical fingerprint of the Amazon

A novel drone-based chemical monitoring system tracks volatile organic compounds emitted by plants, revealing the health of Amazon forests and their response to climate change. The research found significant differences in VOC signals between various forest sub-types, contradicting previous assumptions about their emissions.

Computer science professor and geologist receive 3.5 million euros in funding

Researchers at the University of Bern have been awarded prestigious starting grants for their innovative projects on digital 3D models and fluid-rock interactions. The €1.5 million AlgoHex project aims to develop algorithms for automatic hexahedral mesh generation, while the €2 million PROMOTING project seeks to model fluid pathways in...

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.

Study shows cost savings from same-day long-acting reversible contraception

A new study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers found that providing adolescents with same-day access to long-acting reversible contraception can lead to significant cost savings for insurance providers. The study also found a decrease in unintended pregnancies and abortions associated with same-day placement.

Flexible solar cells a step closer to reality

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that organic solar cells only need 1% of their surface area to be electrically conductive, opening up possibilities for composite materials and improved device performance. This breakthrough could enable flexible solar cells to become a commercial reality sooner.

Cutting acrylamide in fried and baked snacks

Researchers explore ways to minimize acrylamide formation in fried and baked snacks, such as using the enzyme asparaginase to convert asparagine into harmless compounds. Food companies like Novozymes, Kerry, and DSM offer products to reduce acrylamide levels, including non-GMO options for organic food producers.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Infant with deadly leukemia saved by drug for adult liver cancer

A months-old infant with rare childhood leukemia was treated with sorafenib, a targeted therapy approved for adults with inoperable liver cancer. The patient's unique genetic mutation led to a significant response to the treatment, highlighting the importance of identifying genetic mutations in cancer treatment.

Study of newly homeless ED patients finds multiple contributors to homelessness

A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that unexpectedness, health and social conditions, lack of support from family or friends, and structural issues like job market and affordable housing availability contribute to homelessness. The findings suggest gaps in current homeless prevention services and can inform futu...

Corn one step closer to bacterial leaf streak resistance

A new study has identified corn varieties with moderate resistance to bacterial leaf streak, a foliar disease that can cause up to 20% yield losses. The research also found genetic regions associated with increased levels of resistance and highlighted the importance of host resistance in controlling this disease.

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.

Early humans used tiny, flint 'surgical' tools to butcher elephants

A new study reveals that early humans crafted tiny flint tools from recycled materials to perform delicate tasks such as tendon separation and meat carving. These tools played a vital role in ancient human survival strategies, showcasing a refined and thoughtful approach to animal butchery.

Research tracks narcissism from young adulthood to middle age

Research tracks narcissism from young adulthood to middle age, finding that certain personality traits, such as vanity and entitlement, are associated with negative outcomes. However, most people experience a decline in narcissism over time, particularly those who enter into serious relationships or have children.

Type 2 diabetes is not just about insulin

Researchers at UNIGE found that the liver can produce glucose independently of hormonal signals, challenging the long-held belief about its role in glucose regulation. This autonomous glucose production may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in patients with a fatty liver syndrome.

Microplastics stunt growth of worms -- study

Research by Anglia Ruskin University found microplastics can stunt earthworm growth and cause weight loss, impacting soil ecosystem health. Soil contamination with certain plastics leads to decreased pH and reduced plant growth.

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.

Nerve-like 'optical lace' gives robots a human touch

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a stretchable optical lace material that enables soft robots to sense their environment through mechanosensors. The material allows robots to detect changes in stress and strain, enabling them to adjust their actions accordingly.

Talking receptors may affect relaxin at work

Researchers at Monash University have discovered that receptors can communicate and interact, affecting the therapeutic actions of relaxin. This finding has implications for clinical trials involving relaxin and other drugs acting on these receptors.

It takes a 'consortium': Researchers develop metabolic engineering technique

Scientists have developed a new metabolic engineering technique that enables cells within microbial consortia to regulate their own composition through autonomous cell-to-cell communication. The approach utilizes the universal QS signal AI-2, allowing for tunable growth rates and improved coordination among subpopulations.

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.

Nuclear physics -- probing a nuclear clock transition

Scientists at LMU Munich have successfully quantified the energy released by thorium-229 nucleus decay, a crucial step towards developing a nuclear clock. The study enables lasers to emit in a wavelength range that can excite the nucleus, paving the way for a new era of precise measurements.

Brain changes may help track dementia, even before diagnosis

Researchers found that people with mild cognitive impairment may have different brain changes depending on the type of dementia they have. The study suggests that these changes could potentially be used to track early changes in Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease.

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.

Malaria could be felled by an Antarctic sea sponge

Researchers have identified a peptide from an Antarctic sponge that shows promise as a lead for new therapies against malaria. The compound, friomaramide, effectively blocked the development of the malaria parasite in liver cells without harming them.

'Game-changing' research could solve evolution mysteries

Researchers have extracted almost complete sets of proteins from ancient dental enamel, allowing scientists to reconstruct molecular evolution beyond the usual DNA preservation limit. This breakthrough enables scientists to study hundreds of species, including humans, and could revolutionize our understanding of the world's evolution.

Meet the molecule that helps stressed cells decide between life and death

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified DDX3X as a crucial molecule in determining the fate of stressed cells. The molecule plays a pivotal role in regulating the innate immune response and helps cells interpret and respond to various stressors with measures meant to ensure cell survival or death. This findi...

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.

Math shows why animals see at night

Biological experiments confirm that chromatin in mice eyes changes structure over time, allowing for night vision. Mathematical modeling shows nuclear deformation is a crucial point in DNA's structure change.

Black hole at the center of our galaxy appears to be getting hungrier

Researchers analyzed 13,000 observations of the black hole from 133 nights since 2003 and found extreme variations in brightness, with one night seeing an area twice as bright as the next-brightest observation. The team is unsure whether this is an extraordinary singular event or a precursor to significantly increased activity.

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.

Climate change: A dirt-y business

Researchers found increased rainfall reduces soil's water absorption rate, leading to more water in streams and lakes. Soil properties also affect carbon storage, potentially impacting climate models.

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.

Public support for gene drives in agriculture tied to limits

A national survey found more public support for genetically modified gene drive systems targeting non-native insects, rather than native species. The study suggests that controlled systems, which alter an insect's ability to carry a pathogen without eliminating it, receive greater support.

Insects as food and feed: research and innovation drive growing field

A new special issue of the Annals of the Entomological Society of America showcases research on insect agriculture for food and feed. More than 1 million insect species are known, offering room for growth in the field. Insect-based industries could reach $50-100 billion by 2050, bolstering global ag sector while protecting environment.

First water detected on potentially 'habitable' planet

Scientists at University College London have discovered water vapor on the potentially habitable exoplanet K2-18b, which orbits a cool dwarf star about 110 light years from Earth. The detection confirms that the planet is in its star's 'habitable zone', where temperatures could support liquid water and life.