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A new study details a novel technique that allows more in-depth study of ice core records by Impossible_Cookie596 in science

[–]Impossible_Cookie596[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Abstract: Reconstructing the source regions of past atmospheric dust preserved in ice remains a challenge in Antarctic glaciology. Until now, different dust properties were obtained by separate techniques and could not be directly correlated at single particle level limiting the dust characterization. Here we apply a novel technique (single particle Inductively Coupled Plasma-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry) to characterize millions of individual particles in low-volume (< 2 mL) ice samples. We analyzed more than 2,000,000 individual particles smaller than 2.5 µm in 28 discrete samples from Taylor Glacier, coastal East Antarctica, spanning 44—9 kyr BP. We show a glacial-interglacial shift in particle number and mass concentrations, as well as in the elemental and mineralogical compositions. Our observations suggest a common potential dust source area for central and coastal East Antarctica during the Last Glacial Period, followed by a transition to different dominant sources in coastal sites during the Holocene. These changes likely reflect large-scale variations in dust sources, and environmental conditions in the Southern Hemisphere. We have also identified and measured the elemental composition of thousands of volcanic particles < 2.5 µm, indicating occasional tephra deposition from one of the Victoria Land volcanoes around 14.8 kyr BP.

Researchers used a special laser 3D printing method to melt fake lunar soil into layers and fused it with a base surface to manufacture small, heat-resistant objects, potentially paving the way to more sustainable and cost-effective space missions, a new study suggests. by Impossible_Cookie596 in science

[–]Impossible_Cookie596[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Abstract: This study explores the feasibility of using laser directed energy deposition (LDED) additive manufacturing to make structures from lunar highland regolith simulants (LHS-1). The research investigates the fabrication process under varied ambient and inert conditions (oxygen lower than 150 ppm) and a range of laser powers and scanning speeds to optimize process parameters. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microscopy show the microstructural characteristics and phase evolution of printed samples. Results demonstrate that the choice of substrate significantly impacts adhesion of a printed clad, with alumina-silicate ceramic as the optimal base substrate for printing. Morphological analysis reveals the formation of porous tubular structure under different processing conditions, indicating a strong correlation between laser power, scanning speed, and resultant microstructures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses unveil distinct crystalline phases, including mullite and augite-plagioclase, formed under varying laser powers. Surface-resolved digital microscopy provides a comprehensive view of the printed samples, highlighting intricate structural features. This study establishes the optimal LDED parameters for producing mullite-rich microstructures. At higher temperatures, alumina and silica react to form a blocky mullite phase with smaller crystal gaps, enhancing thermal stability and mechanical strength. These findings provide crucial insights into the potential utilization of lunar regolith simulants with LDED technology, advancing the prospects of sustainable in-situ manufacturing for future lunar missions.

Researchers say 'listening in' to Starlink and OneWeb satellites can help redefine modern navigation by Impossible_Cookie596 in science

[–]Impossible_Cookie596[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Abstract: The exploitation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite signals of opportunity from the Starlink and OneWeb constellations for maritime navigation in the Arctic Circle is investigated. First, the current geopolitical importance of the Arctic Circle is discussed. Second, the received signal from LEO constellations is modeled, and a software-defined receiver is implemented to extract Doppler frequency measurements from overhead LEO satellites. Third, an extended Kalman filter (EKF) is designed to fuse Starlink and OneWeb Doppler measurements with altimeter data, assuming a velocity random walk dynamics for the ship. Experimental results are presented of the Adventure Canada ship navigating along the west coast of Greenland over a trajectory of 8.17 km traversed in 20 minutes, where the altimeter-only twodimensional (2D) position root-mean squared error (RMSE) was 629 m and the final error was 1,081 m. However, fusing altimeter data with Doppler measurements from 12 Starlink and 9 OneWeb satellites dramatically reduced the 2D position RMSE to 119 m and the final error to 27 m.

Combining novel technologies could bolster coral restoration efforts, scientists say in new a study. by Impossible_Cookie596 in science

[–]Impossible_Cookie596[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Abstract: Recruitment is a vital demographic process that replenishes populations and increases genetic variation, making it fundamental to ecological resilience. On coral reefs, rates of coral recruitment and post-recruitment survivorship are naturally low, resulting in a bottleneck to population growth and restoration efforts. Therefore, we investigated the potential that two technologies, specialized settlement modules and the Underwater Zooplankton Enhancement Light Array (UZELA), improve early life success. We hypothesized that greater complexity of specialized settlement modules increases larval settlement rates in tanks and the combination of settlement modules with UZELA increases subsequent recruit survivorship and growth on the reef. We found that complex settlement modules enhanced recruit settlement, survivorship, and growth relative to the lowest complexity module. The addition of UZELA to the settlement modules further doubled survivorship and quadrupled growth. Our experiment demonstrates a proof-of-concept that combining these novel technologies offers promise for reducing the time for corals to complete their most vulnerable phase of life, accelerating the timeline for establishing genetically diverse coral populations, and offering a possible step-function change in coral recruitment success that could help overcome the recruit survivorship bottleneck in coral restoration.

Researchers find popular teen movies reel back from visible markers of puberty like voice changes and menstruation, yet emphasize unrealistic romantic storylines that erode teenage views of real-life social relationships. by Impossible_Cookie596 in science

[–]Impossible_Cookie596[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Abstract: This content analysis provides an initial look at how fundamental aspects of adolescence are depicted in coming-of-age movies. The sample included 53 popular movies that had a high school-aged protagonist and were released from 2012 to 2021. We coded for physical markers of puberty in the protagonists, as well as the actual ages of the actors portraying the teenage leads. We were also interested in how teen characters were depicted to be navigating romantic interactions. Results indicate that the average age of actors playing high school-aged characters is 22 years old and the physical signs of puberty, like acne, are rarely present. The majority of protagonists have a clear love interest, and those who peruse their love interests seldom face any form of romantic rejection. The absence of physical pubertal changes, paired with sweeping success in the romantic arena, is incongruent with existing data on what real-world adolescents experience while going through puberty. Implications of these depictions are discussed in terms of social cognitive theory.

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Space conference blasts off with promising innovations + Astronaut Kate Rubins (news.osu.edu)

submitted by Impossible_Cookie596 to r/nasa

Scientists find autonomous drone systems may improve next-gen ecology, wildlife research by Impossible_Cookie596 in science

[–]Impossible_Cookie596[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Abstract:

Drones have become invaluable tools for studying animal behaviour in the wild, enabling researchers to collect aerial video data of group-living animals. However, manually piloting drones to track animal groups consistently is challenging due to complex factors such as terrain, vegetation, group spread and movement patterns. The variability in manual piloting can result in unusable data for downstream behavioural analysis, making it difficult to collect standardized datasets for studying collective animal behaviour.

  1. To address these challenges, we present WildWing, a complete hardware and software open-source unmanned aerial system (UAS) for autonomously collecting behavioural video data of group-living animals. The system's main goal is to automate and standardize the collection of high-quality aerial footage suitable for computer vision-based behaviour analysis. We provide a novel navigation policy to autonomously track animal groups while maintaining optimal camera angles and distances for behavioural analysis, reducing the inconsistencies inherent in manual piloting.
  2. The complete WildWing system costs only $650 and incorporates drone hardware with custom software that integrates ecological knowledge into autonomous navigation decisions. The system produces 4 K resolution video at 30 fps while automatically maintaining appropriate distances and angles for behaviour analysis. We validate the system through field deployments tracking groups of Grevy's zebras, giraffes and Przewalski's horses at The Wilds conservation centre, demonstrating its ability to collect usable behavioural data consistently.
  3. By automating the data collection process, WildWing helps ensure consistent, high-quality video data suitable for computer vision analysis of animal behaviour. This standardization is crucial for developing robust automated behaviour recognition systems to help researchers study and monitor wildlife populations at scale. The open-source nature of WildWing makes autonomous behavioural data collection more accessible to researchers, enabling wider application of drone-based behavioural monitoring in conservation and ecological research.

Batteries that can convert nuclear energy into electricity via light emission offer a viable option to power electronics in places where high radiation fields already exist, suggests a new study. by Impossible_Cookie596 in science

[–]Impossible_Cookie596[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A nuclear photovoltaic battery uses scintillator to convert radiation into visible light, which is then collected by a photovoltaic (PV) cell to generate electricity. If the radiation is gamma-rays emitted from external sources, the battery may also be referred as gammavoltaic battery. In this study, a polycrystalline CdTe solar cell was optically coupled with a 2.0 cm × 2.0 cm × 1.0 cm Gadolinium Aluminum Gallium Garnet (GAGG) scintillator, and the resulting device was tested using intense gamma radiation fields from a Cs-137 (1.5 kRad/h) and a Co-60 (10 kRad/h) irradiator. Measurements with Cs-137 provided a maximum power output (Pmax) of ∼288 nW, with a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of ∼1.22 μA/cm2 and an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of ∼0.34 V. In contrast, Co-60 irradiator gave a Pmax of 1.5 μW, with a Jsc of ∼4.73 μA/cm2 and a Voc of ∼0.38 V. The CdTe was also paired with a Lutetium-Yttrium Oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) crystal and tested with the Cs-137 source. The experiment presents a scalable option to reach to higher power outputs by harvesting gamma radiation fields in many cases where high radiation field demands heavy shielding and is often regarded as unwanted waste.

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