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Science News Archive January 2020


Page 37 of 40

LD Motif Finder locates ancient hidden protein patterns

A machine learning tool has identified 12 new human proteins carrying functional leucine-aspartic acid (LD) motifs, which play a significant role in cell adhesion and morphogenesis. The researchers also found that LD motif signaling evolved over 800 million years ago, possibly by co-opting ancestral interaction sequences.

Formation of a huge underwater volcano offshore the Comoros

Researchers have observed processes in the upper mantle before a new submarine volcano formed off the Comoros island. The team reconstructed the partial emptying of a large magma reservoir and identified a dramatic movement of molten rocks before the eruption.

Removing body clock gene protects mice against pneumonia

Researchers have found that deleting the BMAL1 clock gene makes immune cells more effective at fighting off pneumonia-causing bacteria. The study reveals that strengthening the actin skeleton of these cells is key to their increased effectiveness.

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.

Researchers use remote sensing to estimate nitrogen deposition in North China

The study estimated nitrogen deposition in northern China using a combination of remote sensing data and atmospheric chemical transport model simulations, revealing an average flux of 54.5 kg N per hectare. This represents 10% of the annual nitrogen application for winter wheat-summer maize rotation in the region.

Exploring the 'dark side' of a single-crystal complex oxide thin film

A team of scientists has discovered new details about a type of thin film being explored for advanced microelectronics. The research reveals that the material's local static properties remain intact when transferred from one substrate to another, making it promising for future complex oxide microelectronics.

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.

Study shows animal life thriving around Fukushima

Researchers have found that wildlife populations are abundant in areas void of human life near the Fukushima nuclear accident zone. Over 20 species were documented, including wild boar and Japanese macaques, in zones with varying levels of radiation contamination.

Scientists develop new method to detect oxygen on exoplanets

Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a technique to detect oxygen in exoplanet atmospheres, which may indicate the presence of life. The method uses NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to identify a strong signal produced by oxygen molecules when they collide.

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.

Glowing material remembers where it was pressed

Researchers developed a mechanoluminescent material that can visualize pressure application locations for up to three days. The material uses defects in its structure to store energy, which is released as light when pressure is applied or infrared radiation is used.

Sea-level rise and land subsidence in delta

Researchers analyzed 101 monthly stream and tide gauge records to estimate variations in relative water level in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta from 1968 to 2012. The study found RWL increased by approximately 3mm/year, similar to global mean sea-level increase, leading to estimated maximum land subsidence rates of 1-7mm/year.

Grouper populations and conservation actions

A study analyzing data from 2005 to 2018 found that targeted seasonal and spatial closures can lead to successful population recovery of Nassau grouper in the Cayman Islands. By the end of 2018, both populations had tripled in size, highlighting the effectiveness of adaptive conservation actions.

Universal experiences associated with music

A study finds that music samples evoke similar feelings in both Chinese and US participants, suggesting that specific emotions are more universal than broader evaluations. The research suggests that cultural differences may not be as significant in subjective experiences associated with music.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Having a baby may cost some families $4,500 out-of-pocket

A new study found that out-of-pocket health care spending for maternity care increased significantly between 2008 and 2015, with 98% of women paying some costs. The Affordable Care Act requires full coverage of preventive services but leaves room for plans to impose co-pays, deductibles, and cost-sharing.

Plasticizers may contribute to motor control problems in girls

A longitudinal study of 209 New York City women and their offspring found a decrease in fine-motor functions among girls following prenatal exposure to specific phthalates. The analysis identified three phthalates most linked to the deficits: mono-butyl phthalate, mono-benzyl phthalate, and mono-isobutyl phthalate.

Jaguars could prevent a not-so-great American biotic exchange

Researchers found that coyotes and crab-eating foxes are co-occurring in eastern Panama due to deforestation along the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. Jaguars and other tropical forest predators may prevent coyotes from moving further south by maintaining their habitats.

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.

Reducing forest isoprene emissions

Field trials show that suppressing isoprene production in poplars has no significant impact on woody biomass production. The findings suggest that isoprene emissions can be diminished without affecting productivity in temperate forest plantations.

A fast radio burst tracked down to a nearby galaxy

Astronomers have localized a repeating fast radio burst (FRB) to a region approximately seven light years across in the Milky-Way-like galaxy, making it one of the closest yet seen. This discovery enables more detailed study and may help narrow down possible explanations for FRBs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Boys who are bullied online may have more risky sex

A study of US high school students found that peer victimization is associated with depression and risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex and substance use. Cyberbullying, in particular, predicts increased risky sexual behaviors among adolescent boys, particularly when they are depressed.

Study links Medicaid expansion and recipients' health status

A new study published in Health Affairs found that adults in Southern states with expanded Medicaid programs experienced lower rates of physical and mental health decline compared to those without expansion. The research suggests that access to the safety net is an inadequate substitute for coverage, highlighting the need for non-expan...

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.

Early-life adversity and brain changes in adulthood

Research reveals that early-life deprivation is associated with reduced total brain volume and altered brain structure, even after years of environmental enrichment. This study suggests that early adversity can have lasting impacts on adult brain development.

Ooh là là! Music evokes 13 key emotions. Scientists have mapped them

A study of over 2,500 people in the US and China identified 13 universal emotional responses to music, including amusement, joy, and relaxation. The research provides a framework for understanding how music evokes emotions across cultures and has potential applications in psychology, therapy, and music streaming services.

Processed foods highly correlated with obesity epidemic in the US

A review article published by George Washington University researcher Leigh A. Frame found a strong correlation between processed food consumption and the rising obesity epidemic in the US. The study suggests that limiting ultra-processed foods and increasing whole grain, fruit, and vegetable intake can help combat weight gain.

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.

NASA's Hubble surveys gigantic galaxy

The gigantic spiral galaxy UGC 2885 is 2.5 times wider than the Milky Way and contains 10 times as many stars, with modest ongoing star birth at half the rate of our galaxy.

A better estimate of water-level rise in the Ganges delta

Scientists provided reliable regional estimates of land subsidence and water-level rise in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta, projecting 85-140cm rise by 2100. The delta's 200 million inhabitants face significant flooding risks due to climate change, intense monsoon rainfall, rising sea levels, and land subsidence.

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.

NASA finds heavy rain potential in Tropical Cyclone Blake

Tropical Cyclone Blake has a high potential for creating heavy rain due to its cloud top temperatures being as cold as -81 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is currently located north of Western Australia and is forecasted to make landfall east of Port Hedland within the next 24 hours.

Laser pulse creates frequency doubling in amorphous dielectric material

Researchers created excited electrons that briefly doubled the frequency of a beam as it bounced off an amorphous TiO2 slab. This breakthrough widens the range of optical materials useful for micro- and nanoscale optoelectronic applications, enabling new options for creating second-order nonlinear effects.

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.

Polluted wastewater in the forecast? Try a solar umbrella

Researchers at Berkeley Lab demonstrate a 'photo-thermal' solar umbrella that can double evaporation rates in polluted wastewater, reducing the environmental impact of settling ponds. The device uses mid-infrared light to absorb and retain heat, enhancing evaporation rates by more than 100%.

Some genetic sequencing fail to analyze large segments of DNA

A recent study found that clinical whole exome sequencing at major commercial labs inadequately analyzes more than a quarter of genes, affecting the accuracy of genetic disorder diagnoses. The reanalysis revealed stark inconsistencies in gene coverage across different labs, with some testing only 34% of genes.

Well-being and perceptions of social status

Young people's ratings of their family's social status correlate with crime conviction rates, employment, education, and mental health. By age 18, twins from lower-status families are more likely to experience poor outcomes.

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.

Wearable AC

Researchers create breathable and waterproof device using passive cooling to deliver personal air conditioning, with potential applications in healthcare and sustainable fashion. The wearable AC can cool the human body by up to 11 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

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.

New research may lead to increased use of available hearts for transplant

A new study published in Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that many 'high-risk' donor hearts can be transplanted with similar survival rates as 'low-risk' donor hearts. The researchers, led by Dr. David Morales, used a risk-based matching system to match donors with recipients and found that the results were promising.

Finding a new way to fight late-stage sepsis

Scientists at Ohio State University have created a treatment for late-stage sepsis using nanotechnology to transform donated immune cells into a powerful antibacterial drug. The therapy demonstrated significant improvements in survival rates and bacteria clearance in mouse models of sepsis.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Specifying irrigation needs for container-grown plants

Researchers found that using a leaching fraction test can justify the amount of irrigation applied and provide a way to monitor irrigation efficiency. The study also showed that small daily adjustments to evapotranspiration-based scheduling programs are not beneficial for saving water compared to adjustments made every 1 to 3 weeks.