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Science News Archive September 2019


Page 6 of 43

Estonian humanities scholar awarded a prestigious grant by ERC

Laanes' five-year project 'Translating Memories: The Eastern European Past in the Global Arena' investigates how literature, cinema, and art shape global perceptions of WWII and Soviet regimes. The team will analyze aesthetic and political debates around these works to break local history deadlocks.

Preserving old bones with modern technology

A team of researchers has developed a method to screen bone samples for collagen using near-infrared spectrometry, reducing the need to destroy valuable remains. This breakthrough could enable scientists to analyze ancient DNA and gain insights into human history.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

How time affects the fate of stem cells

Researchers found that small changes in SOX2 and OCT4 levels impact embryonic stem cell fate during the G1 phase. Elevated OCT4 levels direct cells towards neuronal and non-neuronal types, while increased SOX2 pushes them towards neuronal-type cells.

Positive relationships boost self-esteem, and vice versa

A meta-analysis of over two decades of research found a robust reciprocal link between positive relationships and self-esteem across the lifespan. The study analyzed 52 studies involving over 47,000 participants and found that both positive relationships and high self-esteem shape each other's development.

Otherworldly worms with three sexes discovered in Mono Lake

Researchers at Caltech have discovered a new species of worm, Auanema sp., in Mono Lake, which can survive 500 times the lethal human dose of arsenic. The eight discovered species are diverse and resilient to arsenic-laden conditions, suggesting nematodes may have genetic predispositions for adaptability.

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.

Anxiety disorders linked to disturbances in the cells' powerhouses

A recent study has found that chronic stress can lead to changes in the mitochondria of brain cells, which may contribute to anxiety symptoms. Researchers identified differences in mitochondrial pathways between stressed and non-stressed mice and patients with panic disorder.

Dishing the dirt on an early man cave

A team of scientists uncovered new details about day-to-day life in the famous Denisova Cave complex in Siberia's Altai Mountains. Microscopic studies of fossil droppings and charcoal from ancient fires indicate that large carnivores such as hyenas, wolves, and bears dominated the landscape for over 300,000 years.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study champions inland fisheries as rural nutrition hero

A recent study reveals that inland fisheries are providing vital micronutrients and animal-source protein to sustain 159 million people. The global economic value of inland catch is estimated at $24 billion, highlighting its importance in local rural economies.

Spider silk: A malleable protein provides reinforcement

Scientists have discovered that the natural amino acid methionine provides plasticity to spider silk proteins, increasing strength and elasticity. This finding has potential applications in industries such as aviation and textile production.

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.

Research shows racial disparities in pregnant women on dialysis

A new study from the University of Cincinnati reveals racial disparities in pregnancy rates among women on dialysis, with Native American, Hispanic, and black women experiencing higher rates. The study found that these groups were 77%, 51%, and 33% more likely to become pregnant than white women, respectively.

Habitat connectivity increases plant diversity over decades

A new study suggests that restoring habitat connectivity can increase plant diversity by nearly 14% in fragmented ecosystems. By reconnecting disparate habitat fragments, plant extinctions are reduced by 2% per year and colonization from new species is increased by 5% per year.

Using the immune system as a defence against cancer

Researchers at King's College London have discovered that β-Galactoside-Binding Protein (βGBP) can selectively target and kill cancer cells while stimulating the immune system to provide long-term protection against cancer recurrence. The study presents a promising new strategy for treating aggressive forms of cancer.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Galaxy surrounded by a halo of tranquil gas

Astronomers have found that a distant galaxy is nestled in a serene ocean of gas, defying expectations and providing new insights into the composition of galaxy halos. The discovery was made possible by a new technique involving fast radio bursts, which allowed researchers to study the gas directly.

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.

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.

2019 Science in Society Journalism Award winners announced

The National Association of Science Writers awarded prizes in seven categories, including She Has Her Mother's Laugh by Carl Zimmer, In the Land of Quakes by Michelle Donahue, Scientists think Alabama's sewage problem has caused a tropical parasite by Arielle Duhaime-Ross, and Surrendering to Rising Seas by Jen Schwartz. Winners receiv...

Galaxy found to float in a tranquil sea of halo gas

Astronomers analyze radio pulses from a fast radio burst to characterize the diffuse gas in a galactic halo, finding surprisingly low density and weak magnetic field. The discovery challenges previous models and provides new insights into ejection processes and galaxy evolution.

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.

Found: 'Poster child' for being shredded by a black hole

A team of astronomers has observed the aftermath of a star violently ripped apart by a supermassive black hole, providing unprecedented detail and insights into these mysterious phenomena. The observations, made possible by NASA's TESS satellite, reveal new features of tidal disruption events (TDEs) that were previously unknown.

How neural circuits form in a developing embryo

Researchers develop tools to watch neural circuit formation directly in living animals, revealing new window into brain development. The study uses light-sheet microscopy to track neurons' movement, activity, and function, shedding light on how coordinated network activity emerges and gives rise to early behaviors.

Testing effectiveness of a mobile app for assessment of dementia symptoms

A Regenstrief Institute research scientist is testing a novel mobile app designed to improve care for people with Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to determine if the Brain CareNotes app can manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, leading to improved quality of life for patients and caregivers.

A planet that should not exist

Astronomers detected a massive planet, GJ 3512b, orbiting the small red dwarf star GJ 3512, defying predictions of theoretical models. The discovery poses questions about planetary formation mechanisms and encourages further research.

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.

Sport has its benefits but do not overdo it

A study shows that intensive physical training can harm brain capacity, particularly cognitive control. Excessive physical activity is linked to reduced activity of the lateral prefrontal cortex, leading to impulsive decision-making and burnout syndrome.

How to tie microscopic knots

Physicists at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered a way to tie microscopic knots within liquid crystals, a type of material used in electronics. The researchers found that by applying voltage, they can expand or shrink the knots and even form complex shapes.

Molecular link between chronic pain and depression revealed

Chronic pain leads to depression by suppressing brain reward system, say Hokkaido University researchers. Their study found that blocking excessive CRF signals can increase dopamine neuron activity, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for chronic pain and depression.

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.

Enigmatic radio burst illuminates a galaxy's tranquil halo

Using FRB 181112, researchers studied the diffuse gas in the halo of a massive galaxy, finding no evidence of cold turbulent clouds or small dense clumps of cool gas. The signal also revealed information about the magnetic field in the halo, which is very weak.

Viruses as modulators of interactions in marine ecosystems

A team of scientists discovered a giant virus genome in choanoflagellates, unicellular predators that eat bacteria and small algae. The virus encodes genes for microbial rhodopsin proteins, which are also found in vertebrates and help detect light.

New findings enable more heart donations

A new study published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that hearts from donors with acute stress-induced cardiomyopathy can be safely transplanted without affecting recipient outcomes. This breakthrough could lead to a significant increase in the supply of donor hearts, estimated at 20-30%.

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.

Black hole shreds star, UH astronomer on discovery team

The ASAS-SN telescope network discovered a tidal disruption event in 2019, which was followed up with observations from NASA's Swift satellite and TESS. The team captured the event's evolution, revealing unique characteristics such as a smooth increase in brightness and a young host galaxy.

New genes identified in hearing loss, providing treatment hope

Researchers from King's College London and UCL have identified 44 genes linked to age-related hearing loss, offering a clearer understanding of the condition's development. The study's findings may lead to new therapies for millions worldwide affected by hearing loss as they age.

The global phosphorus crisis

A team of 40 experts from industries, universities, and research institutes worldwide warn that the world's limited phosphate resources are being overexploited and wasted. Without sustainable management, phosphorus will eventually run out, threatening global food security.

Catching evolution in the act

Researchers found that natural selection acts on signal-sensing receptors, influencing a worm's decision to stay or enter dauer based on the availability of resources. The study provides evidence that artificial and natural selection work similarly, supporting Darwin's hypothesis.

Jumping the gap may make electronics faster

Researchers have developed a method to transfer information using surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), enabling faster signal propagation in microelectronic chips. The technique, which uses multiple snapshots of electromagnetic fields, can potentially solve the problem of shrinking electronic components and improve the speed of chips.

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.

Rock-solid climate solutions: Negative emissions technology

A four-year research project aims to deliver safe and reliable carbon dioxide removal by injecting CO2 into ocean basalt, where it will mineralize and remain permanently as rock. The project combines state-of-the-art technologies in a way that has never been conceived before.

NASA finds Tropical Storm Karen's strength on western side

NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of Tropical Storm Karen showing strongest thunderstorms west of center, indicating weakening. The storm is forecast to become a remnant low by Sunday with wind speeds near 45 mph and minimum central pressure at 1004 millibars.

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.