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Science News Archive September 2019


Page 37 of 43

Breakdown in coral spawning places species at risk of extinction

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that coral spawning synchrony has broken down in the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba, leading to reduced recruitment and stagnant aging populations. The researchers attribute this decline to ocean warming and endocrine-disrupting pollutants, posing a threat to the long-term survival of coral species.

MouseLight project maps 1,000 neurons (and counting) in the mouse brain

Researchers at Janelia Research Campus have mapped over 1,000 neurons in the mouse brain, tracing their branching routes to understand how messages travel through it. The preliminary data reveal new clues about the mouse brain's wiring diagram, including clusters of neurons and regions where they can't be easily delineated.

The paradox of different house flies with few genetic differences

Researchers have discovered that house flies from different regions exhibit minor genetic differences in their Y chromosomes, yet display distinct sex determination mechanisms. The study suggests that natural selection may be responsible for maintaining these variations despite the apparent lack of significant genetic changes.

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.

Underrated and underground, tuber evolution study earns NSF grant

Scientists at Michigan State University have received a four-year, $2.6 million grant to investigate tuber evolution in plants like potatoes and tomatoes. The researchers aim to uncover the genetic mechanisms behind this adaptation, which allows plants to store energy underground and survive harsh conditions.

Artificial intelligence approaches may improve diagnostics of kidney disease

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to classify kidney biopsy samples, achieving substantial agreement with pathologists' standard classifications. The methods may augment traditional diagnostics of kidney disease by automating and enhancing accuracy, potentially improving organ survival for transplant patients.

Weight change and bone health in older adults with obesity

A new study found that weight loss interventions among older adults with obesity result in persistent loss of hip bone mineral density, regardless of subsequent weight regain. Losses in both fat mass and lean mass contribute to reduced bone health.

Plant research could benefit wastewater treatment, biofuels and antibiotics

Researchers discovered powerful genes in duckweed that protect against a wide range of harmful microbes and pests, paving the way for use in bioreactors, drug production, and biofuel development. The study's DNA sequencing approach could lead to numerous societal benefits and further unlock the potential of duckweed.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Using nature to produce a revolutionary optical material

Researchers have created a new material using tellurium nanorods produced by naturally occurring bacteria, which can protect electronic devices against high-intensity bursts of light. The material has the potential to revolutionize high-speed optical networking and improve internet communications.

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.

New study reveals 'smart' approach to detecting common heart condition

A new study reveals the feasibility of using mobile health (mHealth) devices with photoplethysmography technology to screen and detect atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart condition. The research found that 424 participants out of 187,912 were confirmed as having AF, with 95% following up with care and successfully anticoagulated.

When physicians integrate with hospitals, costs go up, Rice study says

A study by Rice University found that when physicians integrate with hospitals, costs rise, even if care quality doesn't improve. The researchers analyzed insurance claims and found patients treated by doctors in hospital-owned practices incur higher spending on services such as X-rays and MRIs.

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.

New study confirms protective effect of diabetes drugs against kidney failure

A new meta-analysis found that SGLT2 inhibitors can reduce the risk of dialysis, transplantation, or death due to kidney disease by about 30% and also reduce the risk of acute kidney injury. The results are encouraging for people with diabetic kidney disease, offering a new treatment option to halt disease progression.

Charge fluctuations, a new property in superconductors

Researchers have identified a new property in superconductors called dynamical charge density fluctuations in cuprates. These fluctuations affect electrical resistance in the 'normal' state above the superconducting critical temperature.

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.

Pain medication use by children after common surgeries

A recent study found that approximately 400 caregivers reported pain medication use by children after common surgeries such as hernia or appendectomy. Most patients received acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief, with only 22% prescribed opioids at hospital discharge.

E-cigarettes disrupt lung function and raise risk of infection

Chronic e-cigarette vapor exposure damages lungs by disrupting normal lung structure and function, reducing immune cell response to viral infections. The study also found abnormal lipid accumulation within resident macrophages, leading to increased susceptibility to diseases like influenza.

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.

NASA catches the eye of Typhoon Lingling

Typhoon Lingling strengthens in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean with powerful thunderstorms circling its 15 nautical-mile wide eye. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center reports that the storm is expected to intensify to 105 knots upon passing between Taiwan and Japan.

Can AI spot liars?

Researchers at USC Institute for Creative Technologies found that spontaneous facial expressions are often context-dependent and do not accurately reveal intentions. The study challenges the assumption that facial expressions can be used to predict feelings and actions.

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.

Underwater soundscapes reveal differences in marine environments

A new study from Oregon State University found that underwater soundscapes varied widely across four protected marine sites, driven by differences in animal vocalization rates, human activity and weather. The study provides a baseline for these regions and can be used for comparison over time.

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.

How California wildfires can impact water availability

A new study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory used supercomputers to analyze the effects of wildfires on hydrological changes in a California watershed. The research found that post-wildfire conditions resulted in greater winter snowpack and subsequent summer runoff, as well as increased groundwater storage.

CU School of Medicine researcher makes key finding related to pre-mRNA splicing

A study led by CU School of Medicine researcher Rui Zhao sheds light on the mechanism of pre-mRNA splicing, a complex process that converts precursor mRNA into mature mRNA for protein production. The research proposes a unified model explaining three fundamental phenomena in pre-mRNA splicing without requiring different spliceosomes.

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.

ASNC announces multisocietal cardiac amyloidosis imaging consensus

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology published expert consensus recommendations for multimodality imaging in cardiac amyloidosis, aiming to improve diagnosis and management. The guidelines unify standardized imaging methods, diagnostic criteria, and appropriate utilization across various imaging modalities.

Genetic regions associated with left-handedness identified

Researchers have identified four genetic regions associated with left-handedness, which are linked to differences in brain structure in language-related regions. These findings suggest that left-handers may have an advantage in verbal tasks due to coordinated brain communication.

Livestock disease risk tied to herd management style

A new study reveals that livestock managed in a system where they are the sole source of an owner's livelihood are more likely to become infected with PPRV. Herds from pastoral villages had 3.8 times the risk of becoming infected compared to agropastoral villages.

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.

It's not aurora, it's STEVE

Scientists have confirmed that STEVE, a celestial phenomenon, has distinct differences from aurora. Its pinkish mauve color and 'picket fence' emissions set it apart. Researchers are now focused on understanding what causes STEVE and its potential impact on our infrastructure.

Biophysics: Stretching proteins with magnetic tweezers

Researchers create a novel method using magnetic tweezers to study the mechanical forces that activate proteins like VWF, which initiates blood clots. The technique reveals the unfolding of VWF dimers under low forces, shedding light on the first step in blood coagulation.

It is best not to fly to conferences

A study by Dr. Sebastian Jäckle found that conference attendees emit between 0.5-1.5 tons of CO2 per three-day meeting, with plane travel being the worst option. By choosing central venues and video transmission, emissions can be reduced by up to 85%.

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 viruses discovered in endangered wild Pacific salmon populations

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered three new viruses in endangered Chinook and sockeye salmon populations. The viruses are related to those causing serious disease in other species and may play a role in population dynamics and aquaculture threats.

Location matters for home-based female entrepreneurs says new study

A study of 1800 working-aged residents in a Colombian public apartment complex found that women on the ground floor earned twice as much as those on other floors, narrowing the gender earnings gap. Ground-floor female entrepreneurs also earned triple what their neighbors made in other occupations.

Hidden signals may hold key to mechanism of memory

Caleb Kemere and his team will investigate how sleep reorganizes information in the brain, aiming to identify critical time windows and neuronal activities involved in storing and stabilizing memories. The researchers hope to gain a better understanding of how sleep impacts lives, including its impact on memory consolidation.

Realistic robots get under Galápagos lizards' skin

Researchers found that immediate robot responses stimulated wild Galápagos lizards to react more quickly and often than delayed responses. This may help lizards assess their competitors' aggression levels and avoid injury. The study used realistic robots to simulate displays, providing new insights into lizard communication.

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.

Study: no link between 'extreme' personal grooming, STDs

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found no connection between 'extreme' pubic hair removal and chlamydia or gonorrhea infections. The study used laboratory-confirmed diagnoses and controlled for potential confounding factors, improving on previous research.

Natural ways of cooling cities

Cities with high rainfall can achieve cooler temperatures through targeted planting, while extremely dry regions benefit from increased wind circulation and shade. The study provides a preliminary classification of cities for urban heat island mitigation, highlighting the importance of regional climate characteristics.

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.