Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive 2019


Page 114 of 486

Genome-edited bull passes on hornless trait to calves

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have successfully genome-edited a dairy bull to prevent it from growing horns, and their findings show that none of its offspring developed horns. The study also highlights the need for screening and selection to address plasmid integration when using genome-editing in livestock.

Early humans evolved in ecosystems unlike any found today

Researchers found that ancient plant and animal communities differed significantly from today's, with a greater diversity of megaherbivores and non-ruminant species. The study suggests that environmental changes driven by grassland expansion and arid climate pulses may have influenced human evolution.

Violence linked to social isolation, hypervigilance and chronic health problems

Exposure to violence negatively impacts physical and psychosocial health in urban adults. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with limited physical activity, poor nutrition, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Chronic hypervigilance also linked to increased blood pressure, memory impairment, and anxiety disorders.

UVA discovers surprise contributor to multiple sclerosis

Researchers at UVA School of Medicine found that oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, previously thought to be harmless, actively participate in the immune system's attacks on myelin in multiple sclerosis. This discovery offers new hope for finding a cure by promoting brain repair and targeting both aspects of the pathology.

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.

The benefits of updating agricultural drainage infrastructure

A new study from Iowa State University highlights the need to update agricultural drainage infrastructure, which can benefit crop production and the environment. The research recommends installing higher capacity pipes and implementing long-term conservation practices, such as denitrification wetlands, bioreactors, and saturated buffers.

Decarbonizing energy

The article emphasizes the need for cross-disciplinary research on renewable energy storage and solar energy conversion. Scientists discuss ways to remove carbon from energy sources, crucial to avoiding climate change's worst consequences.

25% of total US health care spending estimated to be waste

A new study estimates that about one-quarter of total US health care spending is waste, ranging from $76 billion to $94 billion. The authors found that the estimated annual cost of waste was $265.6 billion, with potential savings ranging from $191 billion to $282 billion

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.

Diabetes advances poised to help manage blood sugar after meals

Advances in medications, lifestyle changes, and technologies can help manage post-meal blood sugar levels, but more research is needed to pinpoint a target range and improve clinical outcomes. Small lifestyle changes, such as eating protein and vegetables before carbohydrates, can also lower blood glucose levels.

Young infants with fever may be more likely to develop infections

Researchers found that young infants with fevers are more likely to develop serious bacterial infections. Infants under eight weeks old have a doubled risk of developing such infections. Parents are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if their child develops a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.

Cincinnati Children's receives NIH grant renewal on eosinophilic disorders

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center will conduct clinical research into eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, trained investigators and patient advocacy groups will participate in the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers. The NIH grant renewal aims to improve understanding and treatment of chroni...

Diabetes-Alzheimer's link explored at Neuroscience 2019

Research investigates how diet and excess blood glucose influence Alzheimer's pathology, providing new insights into the link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to develop therapies targeting glucose pathways, offering potential treatments for this debilitating condition.

Study explores how to make conservation initiatives more contagious

Researchers at Imperial College London identified key factors for successful conservation initiatives, including facilitating contact between adopters and potential adopters. Most initiatives followed a slow-fast-slow model, where initial adoption is slow but grows quickly as more early adopters connect with potential adopters.

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.

Common denominator that triggers asthma in favorable environments

A study published in Nature Immunology identified neutrophils as a key player in the development of allergic asthma, particularly in pro-allergic environments such as excessive hygiene and air pollution. Compounds like pulmozyme may prevent disease development by destroying DNA released by neutrophils.

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.

UAF's Terry Chapin to receive 2019 Volvo Environment Prize

Terry Chapin, a University of Alaska Fairbanks professor emeritus, has been awarded the 2019 Volvo Environment Prize for his groundbreaking work on Earth stewardship. His research focuses on the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human impact on the environment.

New capsule can orally deliver drugs that usually have to be injected

Researchers developed a new oral delivery device that can carry insulin and other protein drugs, protecting them from the acidic environment of the stomach. The capsule contains microneedles that attach to the intestinal wall and release the drug for uptake into the bloodstream, enabling fast and pain-free delivery.

The story of thalidomide continues

A recent study reveals that thalidomide causes developmental abnormalities by inducing the breakdown of two types of p63 proteins, leading to limb defects and ear damage. The findings may contribute to the re-emergence of safe, non-teratogenic thalidomide-derived drugs as cancer and inflammatory disease treatments.

Axion particle spotted in solid-state crystal

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids spot axion particles in correlated Weyl semimetal (TaSe2I) below -11 °C. The discovery reveals novel properties of axion particles, which can conduct electrical current in a distinct manner from electrons.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UNAIDS HIV targets will be missed among gay men in Africa, study suggests

Research analyzing data from 44,993 MSM across 28 African countries found that only 19% of those with HIV were aware of their status, and only 24% were taking anti-retroviral therapy (ART). The UNAIDS targets of 90-90-90 by 2020 will not be achieved among MSM in Africa if the current situation remains unchanged.

UA study looks to measure benefits of eyeglasses for toddlers

The study aims to measure whether using eyeglasses to correct astigmatism in toddlers improves language, cognitive, and motor development. Researchers will divide children with astigmatism into two groups: one receiving traditional support and the other with significant additional clinical support to encourage wear.

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.

E-cigarette smoke caused lung cancer in mice

A new study has found that e-cigarette smoke caused lung cancer and bladder issues in mice exposed to nicotine. The study, published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, found that 22.5% of mice developed lung adenocarcinomas after exposure to e-cig smoke with nicotine for 54 weeks.

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.

Did providing free essential medicines increase adherence?

A randomized clinical trial found that providing free essential medicines increased adherence to treatment among patients who couldn't afford their medications. The study showed a significant improvement in systolic blood pressure, but not in LDL cholesterol levels or diabetes control.

Costs of natural disasters are increasing at the high end

The economic cost of natural disasters has increased disproportionately for major events like hurricanes and tornadoes, while lesser events have seen less growth. Climate change is driving these increases, with the top 1% of damages estimated to rise by $26 million annually.

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.

Four UC Davis studies report on key issues in preventing gun violence

Three UC Davis studies examine strategies to reduce firearm-related injury and death, while a fourth study identifies five distinct types of firearm owners. Background checks are found to reduce violence among those prevented from owning firearms, but flawed policies contribute to ineffective results.

China is on track to meet its ultra-low emissions goals for 2020

Between 2014 and 2017, China's annual power plant emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter dropped by 65%, 60% and 72% respectively. This significant reduction demonstrates the technical and economic feasibility of controlling emissions from power plants to reach ultra-low levels.

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.

Particles emitted by consumer 3D printers could hurt indoor air quality

Research from Georgia Institute of Technology found that consumer-grade 3D printers emit particles that can negatively impact indoor air quality and respiratory health. The study suggests measures such as better ventilation, lower nozzle temperatures, and using low-emission filaments to minimize harm.

Predicting terror activity before it happens

A new predictive model can forecast a terror organization's future violence after just 10 attacks, allowing security forces to identify and neutralize the most destructive groups. The model, developed by Northwestern University researchers, uses data from publicly available sources like the Global Terror Database.

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.

Brain processing of word units

A study involving 20 participants found that manipulating graphemes affects brain activity in a specific visual region. This suggests the brain region processes written words for sound translation rather than meaning access, potentially explaining variations in reading abilities.

SUTD physicists unlock the mystery of thermionic emission in graphene

Researchers from SUTD discovered a new theory that describes thermionic emission in graphene, improving the accuracy of models used to design devices. The new approach overcomes limitations of existing Dirac cone approximation, enabling universal descriptions of graphene-based devices across different temperatures and energy regimes.

Early breeding season for some Arctic seabirds due to global warming

According to a study published in Global Change Biology, the breeding season of some Arctic seabirds is shifting earlier due to global warming. The study found that surface-feeding seabirds in the north Pacific Ocean are moving their breeding season about ten days before the rest of species over the last thirty-five years.

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.

Urban, home gardens could help curb food insecurity, health problems

A new study suggests that urban and home gardens, combined with nutrition education, can improve a range of health behaviors in low-income households. Participants reported increased healthy eating, physical activity, and reduced stress after participating in the gardening program.

The last mammoths died on a remote island

A team of researchers found that the last woolly mammoths on Wrangel Island survived for another 7,000 years without significant changes in their diet or environment. However, when they finally died out, it was due to extreme weather events and potentially human activity.

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.

Dog owners often inaccurately measure out kibble, study finds

A study at the University of Guelph found that dog owners frequently make errors when measuring out dry dog food, with significant variations in portion sizes. The researchers recommend using a kitchen scale to ensure precise measurements and prevent under- or over-nourishment.

Inflammation and autism

A study of postmortem brain tissue found increased expression of IL-18 and IL-37 in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), suggesting these cytokines may inhibit microglia-driven inflammation and represent a potential therapeutic candidate for ASD.

Complex energies, quantum symmetries

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis realize a parity-time (PT) symmetric quantum system, allowing them to observe previously unexplored phenomena. The work demonstrates the potential applications of such systems to quantum computing.

Chemicals in wastewater and socioeconomic status

A study using wastewater analysis found that individuals with higher socioeconomic status had higher levels of vitamin B, caffeine, and certain pharmaceuticals. Conversely, lower socioeconomic status was associated with increased use of antidepressants, opioids, and antibiotics.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Initiating breastfeeding in vulnerable infants

A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that human milk and breastfeeding can improve outcomes for infants with myelomeningocele. The unique transition-to-breast pathway program helped many mothers establish an exclusive human milk diet, which is essential for optimal brain development.

Another casualty of climate change? Recreational fishing

New research from North Carolina State University and Oregon State University predicts a decline in recreational fishing participation due to climate change, with temperature extremes having the greatest impact. The study forecasts a 2.6% decline by 2080 under stringent mitigation efforts, but warns of a 15% drop if no action is taken.