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Science News Archive 2019


Page 161 of 486

Genome mining reveals novel production pathway for promising malaria treatment

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new biochemical trick used by microbes to produce an antimicrobial compound effective against malaria. The discovery reveals a completely unknown production pathway, which may lead to the development of more efficient and cost-effective methods for producing similar compounds.

Once scarce, neonatal intensive care proliferates

A Dartmouth report finds nearly half of newborns in NICUs are normal birth weight, but many low-birth-weight babies lack access to higher-level care. This disparity highlights the need for more equitable distribution of neonatal intensive care resources.

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.

How do social networks shape political decision-making?

New research suggests that the structure of social networks can sway voting outcomes towards one political party, even if both parties are equal in size and influence. This phenomenon is known as information gerrymandering, where people's decisions are constrained by their social networks and distorted by zealots and automated bots.

The argument for sexual selection in bacteria

Bacteria can swap DNA through mechanisms similar to sexual selection in animals, and this genetic mixing may have benefits for cell survival and evolution. Researchers suggest that bacterial transformation, a process where cells release and take up DNA, could be governed by sexual selection.

A tech intervention to tame tuberculosis

A digital program created by MIT researchers in collaboration with Keheala helped 4% of tuberculosis patients complete their treatment, compared to 13% in a control group. The interactive platform used behavioral-science insights and daily messages to motivate patients and reduce nonadherence.

'Resonance' raman spectroscopy with 1-nm resolution

Scientists have developed a new technique to study nanoscale chemical structures and local electronic states using tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The method breaks the diffraction limit, allowing for high-resolution analysis of materials at the atomic scale.

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.

Study of extracellular vesicles could enable individualized immunotherapy

A researcher at the University of Kansas is exploring the potential of 3D-biomimetic-tissue-engineered exosomes for understanding long-distance cellular communications that control our immune systems. The goal is to develop a molecular-engineering approach to speed development of immunotherapy treatments.

Solutions to urban heat differ between tropical and drier climes

A new model suggests that planting more vegetation may be more effective in drier regions to cool cities, while wetter cities require alternative approaches such as shading or ventilation. The study's findings can provide guidance for climate-sensitive city design and planning heat mitigation efforts.

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.

Laser-based ultrasound approach provides new direction for nondestructive testing

A team of researchers has developed a new technique that combines laser technology and candle soot to generate effective ultrasonic waves for nondestructive testing. The patch made from nanoparticles from candle soot and polydimethylsiloxane amplifies the signal, enabling temperature-independent measurement and wide range monitoring area.

Comparing opioid prescription fills after surgery across countries

A comparison of opioid prescription fills after surgery revealed significant differences between the United States, Canada, and Sweden. The study found that 76.2% of US patients filled an opioid prescription within seven days of discharge, compared to 78.6% in Canada and 11.1% in Sweden.

NASA finds strongest storms off-center in Tropical Storm 14W

NASA's Terra satellite revealed the strongest thunderstorms in Tropical Storm 14W were located east of the center, fueled by extremely cold cloud top temperatures. The storm is moving westward and is expected to intensify to 90 knots over the next five days.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study confirms the long-term benefits of a low-fat diet

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that a low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains reduces death following breast cancer, slows diabetes progression, and prevents coronary heart disease. The study, led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers, followed nearly 49,000 postmenopausal women for nearly 20...

Has racial/ethnic representation changed among US medical students?

Despite an increase in medical school applicants from diverse backgrounds, racial/ethnic representation remains underrepresented among US medical students. The study analyzed data from 2002 to 2017 and found that absolute numbers and proportions of minority students have ticked up over time but haven't kept pace with the U.S. population.

DNA repair: Opening the hatch to heal the break

Researchers have elucidated the complete three-dimensional structure of the MR complex, a molecular machine responsible for detecting and repairing DNA damage. The new structure reveals how the complex binds to DNA and initiates repair processes, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms involved.

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.

Mathematical model provides new support for environmental taxes

A new mathematical model developed by Fan et al. suggests that environmental taxes can stimulate economic growth, decrease emissions, and improve resource utilization in China. The model's findings support the use of carbon taxes as an effective strategy to promote environmentally friendly practices.

Minority students still underrepresented in medical schools

A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that minority students remain underrepresented in medical schools, despite increasing numbers over time. The study's findings suggest that while diversity in medical education has improved, it still lags behind the country's shifting demographics.

Many older adults aren't fully prepared for emergency situations, poll finds

A new national poll found that many older adults aren't fully prepared for emergency situations, with fewer than half having signed up for emergency warning systems or put together an emergency kit. The poll highlights the importance of key steps such as having a backup power supply and communicating evacuation plans with loved ones.

Study maps genetics of early progression in TB

A Harvard Medical School study maps the genetics of early TB progression, identifying gene variants that control immune functions as key drivers. The research paves the way for personalized tests to predict who is at risk for early disease onset, potentially informing vaccines or drugs to prevent the disease.

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.

U of M researcher awarded $3.9 million NIH grant for CMV vaccine studies

A University of Minnesota researcher has been awarded a $3.9 million NIH grant to develop novel vaccine strategies for cytomegalovirus (CMV), the most common infection causing birth defects and disabilities in US babies. The research aims to prevent congenital transmission of CMV by targeting pregnant women.

New peanut allergy treatment shows effectiveness and safety

A new peanut allergy treatment, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), has shown effectiveness in protecting patients from severe allergic reactions. SLIT involves placing tiny amounts of peanut protein under the tongue, where it is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream, desensitizing the immune system to larger amounts of peanut protein.

Planetary collisions can drop the internal pressures in planets

Researchers found that giant impacts can dramatically lower a planet's internal pressure after an impact, followed by a longer term increase as the body recovers. This new model could explain puzzling geochemical signatures in Earth's mantle and have major implications for planetary evolution.

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.

Prehistoric AC

Researchers propose that the two large holes in a T. rex skull were filled with blood vessels instead of muscles, based on thermal imaging and studies of alligators. This new theory challenges over a century of previous beliefs about T. rex anatomy.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Diabetes and heart attack is a particularly risky combination

Patients with diabetes are at greater risk of developing heart failure after a heart attack, with a 56% higher risk compared to those without diabetes. The study also found that diabetic patients who develop heart failure have a much higher risk of dying in the following years.

Eminent scientist's 160-year-old theories aid light wave discovery

Researchers from University of Edinburgh and Pennsylvania State University have made a groundbreaking discovery using equations developed by James Clerk Maxwell, leading to the identification of Dyakonov-Voigt waves. These newly discovered waves have unique properties and could be used in biosensors and fibre optic circuits.

WSU study to examine health benefits of outdoor preschools

A five-year WSU study is tracking 200 Seattle-area children to measure physical activity, body mass index, sleep, and gut microbiome in two groups: Tiny Trees outdoor preschool students and traditional preschool students. The goal is to evaluate the feasibility and sustainability of outdoor preschools in preventing childhood obesity.

CVD leading cause of death worldwide, but cancer rising cause in rich countries

A large international study found that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide, but its share has declined in high-income countries where cancer deaths have become more frequent. CVD risk factors are highest in rich countries, yet mortality rates are lower, suggesting other factors may be at play.

Spreading light over quantum computers

Scientists have shown that quantum computers have two degrees of freedom for each bit, enabling faster calculations. A simulation tool called Quantum Simulation Logic has been developed to simulate quantum computer properties in a classical computer.

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.

Receptor protein in brain promotes resilience to stress

Researchers discovered a receptor on brain cells that promotes resilience to stress and may be a useful biomarker for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3) protein was found to be associated with reduced symptoms of PTSD in human patients.

Study tests performance of electric solid propellant

Researchers have conducted experiments to understand the behavior of a high-performance electric propellant compared to a traditional propellant. The results indicate that the electric solid propellant ablates about two times more than the traditional propellant.

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.

ERC Starting Grant for MDC scientist Jane Reznick

Jane Reznick has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant to investigate the metabolism of naked mole rats, which live up to 30 years old without heart disease or cancer. Her research aims to understand how these animals adapt to oxygen deficiency and potentially develop new therapies for humans.

Share your goals -- but be careful whom you tell

Researchers at Ohio State University found that sharing career goals with someone perceived as having higher status increases motivation and goal achievement. In contrast, sharing with lower-status individuals has no positive effect. The study suggests that caring about what others think can drive goal commitment and performance.

Emory cardiologist introduces WHF Roadmap on CVD prevention with diabetes

The World Heart Federation's new roadmap outlines a vision for ideal CVD prevention pathways, highlighting gaps in care for people living with diabetes. Developed in partnership with the IDF, it presents an integrated approach to patient care and provides implementation tools for national initiatives.

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.

At the edge of chaos, powerful new electronics could be created

Scientists at the University of Groningen observed a phenomenon in ferroelastic material barium titanate that resembles spatial chaos in non-linear dynamical systems. This could lead to highly diverse responses in adaptable neuromorphic electronics, enabling complex computing.

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.

FAK protein linked to chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer

A new study links elevated levels of FAK to the survival of cancer stem cells and DNA repair in ovarian cancer tumors, making them resistant to platinum chemotherapy. Researchers found that FAK inhibition can improve treatment response in mice with chemo-resistant tumors.

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.