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Science News Archive September 2019


Page 9 of 43

Quantum destabilization of a water sandwich

KAUST researchers find that water molecules become less stable when squeezed between two hydrophobic surfaces due to quantum effects. This discovery has practical implications for the development of nanofluidic platforms for molecular separation.

Could we feed one million people living on mars?

A study published in New Space: The Journal of Space Entrepreneurship and Innovation models population growth, caloric needs, land use, and potential food sources to determine Mars' food self-sufficiency. A diet composed of plants, insects, and cellular agriculture can meet human nutritional requirements.

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.

UC San Diego researchers isolate switch that kills inactive HIV

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified a principal cellular player controlling HIV reproduction in immune cells, which when turned off or deleted eliminates dormant HIV reservoirs. The discovery highlights a potential therapeutic target to eradicate HIV and AIDS.

Brain stimulation prevents anxiety-induced decrease in motor performances

Researchers discover a new neural mechanism involving the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex that explains how anxiety deteriorates physical performance. Transcranial magnetic stimulation to this region rescues performance deterioration, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for athletes and musicians.

We are all mutants, more or less

A new study published in eLife shows that children inherit a varying number of genetic mutations from their parents, with older fathers passing on more mutations to their offspring. The study analyzed data from 603 individuals from 33 three-generation families and found significant variability in mutation rates among families.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Crystal growth kinetics and its link to evolution

Researchers developed a framework to describe the process of ultrastructural morphogenesis of molluscan shells. They demonstrated that mineral phase growth is guided by regulating chemical and physical boundary conditions, influencing shell architecture and evolution.

New synthetic polymer degradable under very mild acidic conditions

Researchers at Ehime University developed a new synthetic polymer with great potential for use as an environmentally friendly material. The polymer can be degraded into low molecular weight compounds under mild acidic conditions, making it useful for drug encapsulation and recyclable materials.

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.

A healthy diet may help prevent kidney disease

A healthy dietary pattern was associated with a 30% lower incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a 23% lower incidence of albuminuria, an early indicator of kidney damage. The findings suggest that maintaining a healthy diet may help prevent kidney disease.

Using light to speed up computation

Researchers have developed a new type of processor called PAXEL, which uses light to speed up computation and increase efficiency. This approach has potential applications in areas such as fog computing, medical testing, and biodefense.

Exploring the risk of ALL in children with Down syndrome

Children with Down syndrome are 10-20 times more likely to develop Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) than children without the condition. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have made breakthroughs in understanding this risk, identifying genetic variants associated with increased ALL susceptibility.

Bird droppings defy expectations

Researchers analyzed six different bird species and found no uric acid in their excretions. Instead, they identified ammonium urate, struvite, and two unknown compounds, suggesting that bacteria break down uric acid before excretion.

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.

Mice, like humans, fidget when deep in thought

A new study found that mice's neural activity while performing tasks resembles human-like fidgeting, indicating a possible link between movement and cognition. Researchers must now correct for this overlap to accurately study decision-making processes.

Study shows the biological clock influences immune response efficiency

A recent study by Nicolas Cermakian and Nathalie Labrecque found that the biological clock influences immune response efficacy in CD8 T cells. The study discovered that the strength of the immune response varied according to the time of day, with mice showing a stronger response to vaccination at certain times.

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.

Microbes are a key marker of vaginal health during menopause

During menopause, the natural balance of vaginal bacteria is upset, leading to increased risk of urogenital infections and other health problems. Research highlights the importance of preserving healthy bacteria populations and strategies for promoting Lactobacillus colonization after menopause.

HSS researchers identify factor essential for tendon growth

Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) plays a crucial role in tendon growth and adaptation. The study suggests targeting IGF1 may be useful in treating painful tendon injuries, and clinical trials are underway to test this approach.

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.

ORNL develops, deploys AI capabilities across research portfolio

ORNL's labwide AI Initiative applies machine learning and deep learning to tackle complex problems in materials science, disease diagnosis, and cybersecurity. The lab's powerful computing resources and expertise enable researchers to develop new technologies and extract insights from massive datasets.

Improved mapping of Swedish genes from 1,000 individuals

Researchers mapped the whole genomes of 1,000 Swedish individuals, identifying 61,000 new DNA sequences that affect over 80 genes. These new sequences are found in all human populations and suggest an ancient origin, updating our understanding of human genetic diversity.

Crappy news for the dung beetle and those who depend on them

Research reveals that dung beetles are sensitive to livestock management chemicals, affecting their growth and development. This can lead to reduced ecosystem services, including nutrient redistribution and pest control, ultimately impacting agriculture and the environment.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Some high-cholesterol genes differ between countries

A new UCL-led study found that some genes predicting high cholesterol don't apply to people from Uganda as they do in European populations. The researchers investigated genetic variants affecting blood fat levels and found that only 10% of markers were implicated in cardiovascular risk factors among Ugandan participants.

Konstanz researcher Iain Couzin wins the 2019 Lagrange Prize

Iain Couzin, a renowned expert in collective animal behaviour, receives the 2019 Lagrange - CRT Foundation Prize for his groundbreaking work on collective sensing and decision-making. His research has had significant impact on various fields, including behaviour, ecology, psychology, and complexity science.

More efficient drug delivery within the brain by utilizing LAT1

Researchers at University of Eastern Finland developed a new approach to improve brain drug delivery by utilizing LAT1. The study showed that prodrugs can be converted into active drugs that utilize LAT1 for cell entry, achieving higher concentrations in target cells.

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.

Outcomes of birth options after a previous cesarean section

A large cohort study found attempting a vaginal birth after previous cesarean section increases the risk of serious maternal complications, including uterine rupture and sepsis. The study suggests that planning another cesarean may be a safer option for women with a history of cesarean section.

Outer hair cells regulate ear's sensitivity to sound

In a study published in eLife, researchers found that outer hair cells adjust the sensitivity of neighboring inner hair cells to sound levels rather than amplifying them. This discovery could lead to better interventions to protect hearing and develop new ways to prevent hearing loss.

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.

Promising prostate cancer drug candidates identified by Bath scientists

Researchers from the University of Bath screened over 20,000 molecules to find compounds that inhibit α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) protein, increasing its levels in prostate cancer cells. This approach identified novel small-molecule inhibitors with potential therapeutic applications.

Reconstructing the first successful lunar farside landing

A research team led by LI Chunlai reconstructed the landing trajectory and positioning techniques of China's Chang'E-4, which successfully landed on the Moon's far side in January. The reconstruction provides valuable insights into the navigation process and could aid future lunar missions.

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.

Eyeballing a black hole's mass

Astrophysicists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have devised a new way to indirectly measure the mass of a black hole, testing it on the Messier 87 active galaxy. The method combines theoretical modeling, computer calculations, and telescope observations to estimate black hole mass and spin.

Commit a crime? Loved ones got your back

A recent University of Michigan study reveals that people tend to prioritize protecting close relationships over reporting immoral acts, even in cases of theft and sexual harassment. Researchers found that this bias can be attenuated by adopting a psychologically distanced perspective.

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.

Christian Smorra receives ERC starting grant for antimatter research

Researchers expect to greatly enhance measuring accuracy by developing a transportable trap for transporting antiprotons from CERN to Mainz. The project aims to measure fundamental properties of antiprotons with high precision, searching for differences between protons and antiprotons.

Decoding a new sign in chromatin maze:

Researchers identified a novel histone mark, lysine glutarylation (Kglu) at histone H4, which is abundant in promoter regions of active genes. This mark facilitates the formation of open chromatin structure, leading to gene expression activation.

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.

Bats use private and social information as they hunt

Bats employ a range of hunting strategies, from echolocation in open spaces to listening for prey sounds in enclosed areas. They also utilize eavesdropping on prey communication and social interactions to locate prey and minimize search effort.

2019 Excellence in Institutional Writing Awards announced

The National Association of Science Writers has honored the winners of its 2019 Excellence in Institutional Writing Awards, recognizing exceptional science writing produced on behalf of an institution. The awards ceremony took place during the ScienceWriters2019 meeting, with $2,000 cash prizes awarded to the top winners.

Why do estradiol levels vary among women using hormone therapy?

A new study based on ELITE data found that hormone therapy affects estradiol levels in different ways for various determinants, such as BMI, smoking status, and medication use. Higher estradiol levels were associated with lower atherosclerosis risk among postmenopausal women.

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.

Tale of 2 climate crises gives clues to the present

Researchers analyze two recent global warming events, the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary and Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, to understand how oceans, animals, and plants respond to rapid climate change. The studies reveal that both events were caused by massive greenhouse gas releases, including carbon emissions from volcanic eruptions.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Safe solution to mop up oil spills: QUT research breakthrough

QUT researchers have created a new, safe way to clean up oil spills using a nontoxic, low-cost foam. The foam can be sprayed onto the surface of an oil spill and easily scraped away for safe disposal, offering a more efficient solution than current methods.

Model helps choose wind farm locations, predicts output

A team of Penn State researchers developed a model that can accurately predict wind farm energy production and location. The model provides a probability curve for wind production, allowing companies to make informed decisions about investing in wind farms.