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Science News Archive January 2020 - Page 37


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.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalBioinformatics·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

Biodiverse forests better at storing carbon for long periods, says study

A new study found that diverse natural forests with multiple tree species are more reliable and stable at absorbing and storing carbon than plantations dominated by just a few tree species. Natural forests showed higher stability of carbon capture across years, particularly in dry conditions.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 6, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJan 6, 2020

Shutdown of coal-fired plants in US saves lives and improves crop yields

A new study found that shutting down coal-fired plants in the US reduces nearby pollution, saving an estimated 26,610 lives between 2005 and 2016. The transition from coal to natural gas also improves crop yields, with a loss of 10.2 billion bushels of crops avoided.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 6, 2020
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJan 6, 2020

Moving domain walls induce losses in superconductor/ferromagnet hybrid systems

Researchers from the University of Jyväskylæ have discovered that moving domain walls in superconducting devices generate voltage, causing losses. This finding has significant implications for magnetic racetrack memory applications, which require low current resistance.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 6, 2020

Genes controlling mycorrhizal colonization discovered in soybean

New research from the University of Illinois has discovered genes controlling mycorrhizal colonization in soybeans. The study found that different soybean genotypes have varying levels of root colonization by a common mycorrhizal fungus.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalTheoretical and Applied Genetics·DateJan 6, 2020
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.

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.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 6, 2020
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.

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironment International·DateJan 6, 2020

Sublimation, not melting: Graphene surprises researchers again

Researchers used computer modeling to refine graphite's melting curve, finding it actually undergoes sublimation. Graphene was found to 'melt' into a gaseous state, enabling better understanding of phase transitions in low-dimensional materials.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalCarbon·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateJan 6, 2020

Commercial weight management groups could support women to manage their weight after giving birth

Women who were overweight at the start of their pregnancy benefit from attending commercial weight management groups post-pregnancy, losing around 3kgs by 12 months. The researchers argue that a larger clinical trial is needed to determine the definitive health and cost-effectiveness benefits of such programs.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020
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.

Families of children with autism face physical, mental and social burdens

Research by Rutgers University found that families caring for children with autism spectrum disorder experience high levels of emotional burnout, social isolation, and financial strain. Families with more than one caregiver tend to fare better in terms of emotional well-being.

SourceRutgers University·JournalInternational Journal of Autism & Related Disabilities·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 2020
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.

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.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalInternational Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health·DateJan 6, 2020

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...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 6, 2020
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.

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalCurrent Treatment Options in Gastroenterology·DateJan 6, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study finds 80% of medical students feel low sense of personal achievement

A new study finds that 80% of medical students experience a low sense of personal achievement, while 17% report high levels of depersonalization. The study's lead author attributes this to the unique stresses and pressures of each year of medical school.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020
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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 6, 2020

Sleep difficulties in children with Autism caused by shallower brain waves -- Ben-Gurion U.

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that children with autism have trouble entering deep sleep and exhibit shallow brain waves, leading to severe sleep disturbances. The study suggests that increasing daytime physical activity, behavioral therapies, and pharmacological alternatives may help generate deeper sleep.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalSLEEP·DateJan 6, 2020

Young women still may be getting unnecessary pelvic exams

A new study by UCSF and CDC estimates that millions of young women in the US are undergoing medically unnecessary pelvic exams and Pap tests. The exams can lead to false positives, over-treatment, anxiety, and unnecessary cost.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 6, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Blood pressure control for people aged 80 and older: What's the right target?

A study found that intensive blood pressure control in people aged 80 and older reduces the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and mild cognitive impairment, but increases the risk of declines in kidney function. Benefits were highest in those with higher cognitive performance.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 6, 2020

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%.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateJan 6, 2020
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.

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

2017 San Diego wildfire increased pediatric ER visits for breathing problems

A small wildfire in San Diego County in 2017 resulted in a significant increase in children visiting the emergency room for breathing problems, according to new research. The study found that children under the age of 12 were more likely to develop breathing issues leading to an ER visit.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJan 6, 2020
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.

Severe childhood deprivation has longstanding impacts on brain size in adulthood

Researchers found that Romanian adoptees who experienced institutional deprivation as children had smaller brains (8.6% smaller) compared to English adoptees. The study also showed a correlation between deprivation and lower IQ and ADHD symptoms, suggesting brain changes may play a mediating role.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·DateJan 6, 2020

Vaping lung injury symptoms have been reported online for at least seven years

Researchers analyzed online forum data from 2008-2015 to find health problems associated with e-cigarettes existed before the 2019 VAPI outbreak. The study suggests many more users may have serious symptoms, and cases similar to those in the current epidemic have likely existed previously.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJan 6, 2020
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.

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 6, 2020

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJan 6, 2020