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Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 37


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.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalScience·DateSep 5, 2019

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.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateSep 5, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalGenetics·DateSep 5, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceMichigan State University·DateSep 5, 2019

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 5, 2019

UTA study shows how consumers rely on price to determine quality of products

A UTA study finds that consumers rely on price to judge product quality when local identity is important, suggesting marketers can use this understanding to shape price perceptions. The study also recommends using local flavors and ingredients in products for rural areas where local identity is strong.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 5, 2019
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.

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.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2019
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateSep 5, 2019

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.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 5, 2019
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.

NIH bolsters funding for HIV implementation research in high-burden US areas

The NIH has awarded $11 million to 23 institutions to develop locally relevant plans for diagnosing, treating, and preventing HIV in high-new HIV cases areas. Researchers will focus on implementing proven treatment and prevention tools, including daily antiretroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateSep 5, 2019

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.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateSep 5, 2019

UTA scientist explores using nanoparticles to reduce size of deep-seated tumors

Researchers have made a breakthrough in cancer treatment using nanoparticles that can be activated by radiation, resulting in statistically significant reductions in tumor size. This innovative approach builds on previous research and has the potential to effectively treat tumors throughout the body.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2019

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.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalScience·DateSep 4, 2019
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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateSep 4, 2019

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.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 4, 2019

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 4, 2019
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateSep 4, 2019

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.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateSep 4, 2019
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.

School district secessions in the South have deepened racial segregation between school systems

A recent study by Kendra Taylor and her colleagues found that school district secessions in the South have increased racial segregation between school systems. The trend has led to more students being sorted into separate districts based on race, potentially harming educational opportunities for diverse student populations.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAERA Open·DateSep 4, 2019

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalHydrological Processes·DateSep 4, 2019
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.

Death march of segmented animal unravels critical evolutionary puzzle

A 550-million-year-old fossil found in China reveals that mobile and segmented animals evolved by the terminal Ediacaran Period, providing crucial evidence for the origin of segmentation. The discovery also helps scientists understand the producers of Ediacaran trace fossils.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 2019

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nuclear Cardiology·JournalJournal of Nuclear Cardiology·DateSep 4, 2019

European whitefish is healthy to eat, but the nutritional quality varies among season

Researchers found that European whitefish muscle omega-3 fatty acid concentration declined by 60% from growing to spawning seasons. Local people traditionally fish for winter supplies during the main growing season when nutritional quality is optimal, reflecting an understanding of the fish's energy-demanding spawning process.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateSep 4, 2019
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.

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.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·JournalBrain·DateSep 4, 2019

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalEpidemiology and Infection·DateSep 4, 2019

New insight into motor neuron death mechanisms could be a step toward ALS treatment

Researchers at Oregon State University have made an important advance in understanding why certain cells in the nervous system are prone to breaking down and dying, which is what happens in patients with ALS. The study suggests that a protein chaperone called heat shock protein 90 may be critical to neuron survival.

SourceOregon State University·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateSep 4, 2019
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 4, 2019

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.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2019

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%.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEuropean Political Science·DateSep 4, 2019
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalSociology of Development·DateSep 4, 2019

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.

SourceRice University·DateSep 4, 2019

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateSep 4, 2019

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2019
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.

Albeit it exists: Unexpected new material has been quenched to ambient pressure

Researchers from NUST MISIS and international partners created a new material by quenching rhenium to ambient pressure. The material preserved its properties even under normal atmospheric pressure. Using theoretical modeling, they recreated the process in laboratory conditions.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2019

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 2019

Space dragons: Researchers observe energy consumption in quasars

A team of researchers has observed the rapid fuel consumption of eight quasars, revealing the role of strong gravity in feeding massive black holes. The study's findings provide new insights into the behavior of supermassive black holes at the center of quasars.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 2019
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.