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Science News Archive 2019


Page 34 of 486

Sustaining roads with grape and agricultural waste

A team of WSU researchers created a more sustainable solution for winter road maintenance by using grape extract as a natural deicer. The solution melts ice faster and causes less damage to concrete and asphalt than traditional deicers.

Study highlights potential for 'liquid health check' to predict disease risk

A study published in Nature Medicine reveals a potential 'liquid health check' that uses proteins in blood to predict disease risk and improve preventative medicine. The technique, involving large-scale measurement of proteins, has shown promise for identifying health states and conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Micro implants could restore standing and walking

Researchers at the University of Alberta have made a breakthrough in restoring lower-body function after severe spinal injuries using tiny spinal implants. The implants use hair-like electrical wires to trigger the networks that already know how to do the hard work, and have shown remarkable consistency across the animal spectrum.

New treatment triggers self-destruction of pancreatic cancer cells

Researchers at American Friends of Tel Aviv University have developed a new treatment that triggers the self-destruction of pancreatic cancer cells. The innovative therapy has shown promising results in its early stages, providing hope for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Face mask can help combat mild cases of sleep condition

A new study finds that face masks (CPAP machines) can improve symptoms of mild sleep apnoea, leading to increased energy levels and vitality. The research involved over 200 patients and revealed a significant improvement in those who used the CPAP machine compared to those receiving standard care.

New framework brings accuracy, efficiency to identifying stop words

A research team developed an algorithmic approach to automatically recognize uninformative words, known as stop words, in large collections of text. The framework uses information theory to quantify a word's certainty of being informative, producing improved accuracy and reproducibility across texts.

Citizen scientists deserve more credit, researchers argue

Researchers argue that academic journal rules are undervaluing the contributions of citizen scientists and indigenous knowledge. To address this issue, they suggest crediting non-professionals as group co-authors for their work on projects like online species identification apps. This approach aims to recognize their valuable contribut...

Smarter strategies

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed integrated pest management strategies to combat aquatic invasive species, such as quagga and zebra mussels, in California's waterways. The studies focus on using biological control methods, like sunfish, to target early life stages of these pests, reducing harm to people and the environment.

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.

When reefs decline, parrotfish thrive

Researchers found parrotfish populations surge in damaged reefs, consuming microalgae and cyanobacteria that provide food for the fish. This 'feedback loop' helps coral recover as reef health improves, with parrotfish numbers declining once ecosystems stabilize.

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.

Improving drug delivery for brain tumor treatment

Researchers aim to overcome obstacles in brain tumor treatment by using focused ultrasound and temperature-sensitive nanoparticles. These strategies can provide unique opportunities to improve the delivery of nanoparticles into brain tumors.

Svalbard reindeer populations rebounding from centuries of hunting

Researchers have found that Svalbard reindeer populations have recovered enough to recolonize virtually all non-glaciated areas in the archipelago. The population now numbers around 22,000, a significant increase from pre-hunting levels. Protection implemented in the 1920s has enabled the animals to thrive and expand their habitats.

Scientists reveal the structure of viral rhodopsins

Researchers have determined the structure of OLPVRII, a unique protein found in giant viruses. The protein forms pentamers and may act as an ion channel, shedding light on its potential role in hosting green algae during viral infection.

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 finds common cold virus can infect the placenta

A study published in PLOS ONE found that a common cold virus can infect cells from human placentas, suggesting a possible link between maternal infection and fetal lung infections. Researchers suspect RSV could attack lung tissue within the fetus, potentially predisposing offspring to asthma.

Study examines the effects of weight loss surgery between pregnancies

A study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that women who underwent weight loss surgery between pregnancies had lower risks of hypertension and preterm birth in their second pregnancy. The likelihood of adverse outcomes did not decrease to the level observed in the general population.

Pot while pregnant: UNLV medicine doctors urge caution

A new study from UNLV Medicine doctors found daily marijuana use during pregnancy may lead to low birth weight, delayed fetal growth, and increased placental vascular resistance. The researchers reviewed sonogram data from nearly 450 pregnant women who self-reported daily marijuana use.

Molecular vibrations lead to high performance laser

Professor Andrea Armani's team has developed a new laser technology that uses surface Raman lasers with monolayer coatings of siloxane molecules, resulting in improved power consumption and reduced toxicity. This breakthrough has significant implications for applications in communications, diagnostics, and defense.

MBL team images the bacterial hitchhikers on plastic trash in ocean

The Marine Biological Laboratory team has used innovative microscopy to reveal the structure of microbial communities coating microplastic samples from various ocean sites. These biofilms can influence the microplastics' fate and interact with other organisms, posing a threat to marine survival.

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.

Pharmacy service will save NHS £651 million

A pharmacy service has been shown to reduce NHS costs by £651 million while improving patient outcomes through enhanced medication adherence. The New Medicine Service, delivered by pharmacists since 2011, supports patients taking new medicines and helps them adhere to their treatment regimens.

Advancement made in the visualization of large, complex datasets

Researchers can now visualize data from samples containing tens of millions of cells with unprecedented resolution, pinpointing previously undetectable features that distinguish diseased samples from controls. This advancement may lead to discovery of novel cell types to therapeutically target diseases.

Daylight damage-saving time

A research team at Kanazawa University investigated the molecular mechanisms behind organic solar cell damage from sunlight. They found that UV light causes fragile molecules to degrade, leading to reduced efficiency. This study may lead to the development of more robust and efficient solar cells.

Designing and repurposing cell receptors

Researchers develop computational method to predict and design allosteric functions in proteins, enabling the creation of novel signaling receptors with precise functions. They successfully designed and repurposed a dopamine receptor into a serotonin biosensor, demonstrating the potential for this approach in personalized medicine.

Developing a new AI breast cancer diagnostic tool

Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new AI diagnostic tool for breast cancer using Raman spectroscopy to identify unique chemical fingerprints of different types of breast cancers. The algorithm successfully predicted diagnostic patterns for four subtypes with high accuracy, ranging between 70% and 100%.

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.

When space travel is a blur

Researchers at Université de Montrêl are working on a new way to measure the mechanics of the human eye to protect astronauts from adverse impacts of space travel on their vision. The team has developed a non-invasive technology that can identify astronauts at risk of developing ocular damage before they go into space.

Deep learning identifies molecular patterns of cancer

A new deep-learning platform, maui, analyzes multiple 'omics' datasets to identify relevant patterns and features associated with colorectal cancer. The platform was found to be more accurate and faster than other machine learning algorithms, and could potentially improve diagnosis and treatment options for patients.

Potential treatment for endometriosis

A study of 16 participants found that women with endometriosis secrete higher levels of lactate than those without the condition. Exposure to dichloroacetate reduced lactate secretion and cell proliferation in human cell-culture models.

Rapid lake drainage on Greenland Ice Sheet

Researchers report rapid draining of a lake on the Greenland Ice Sheet, altering ice dynamics. Partial drainage events deliver large volumes of water to the bed in under 5 hours.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New treatment could ease the passage of kidney stones

Researchers have identified a combination of two drugs that can relax the walls of the ureter, reducing contractions that cause pain when passing a kidney stone. The treatment, which delivers muscle relaxants directly to the ureter, has shown promising results in reducing the frequency and length of contractions.

Project to enhance shrimp and fish health in Bangladesh

The University of Stirling has launched a pioneering tool to minimize environmental and occupational health risks in shrimp farming. The Pedigree project aims to bring research into practical use, providing a 'traffic-light system' to differentiate riskier from higher-quality probiotic products.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A CERN for climate change

A new modelling strategy is required to address challenges in understanding global warming, with a focus on reducing biases through physically based models. International initiatives are needed to co-develop modelling systems that exploit emerging technologies and exascale computing.

Immunology -- Activation by breakdown

Researchers have identified RNase T2 as a central component in the innate immune response, which activates the receptor TLR8 when recognizing foreign RNA fragments. The enzyme is highly conserved across species and plays a crucial role in the activation of the receptor.

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.

Firearms, by far, the most lethal method for suicide

A nationwide population-based study found that firearms are the most lethal method for suicide, with nearly 9 out of 10 attempts being fatal. The overall fatality rate for suicide attempts nationwide is 1 out of 12. The study suggests that prevention efforts focused on reducing access to firearms could save lives.

Earthquake risk perception: A picture is worth a thousand stats

A new study from the University of British Columbia found that vivid images are more effective than statistical data in conveying earthquake risk. The researchers created an image showing a Vancouver elementary school after a major earthquake and found that people who saw it were more likely to sign a petition for seismic upgrades, wit...

Targeting alcohol-detoxifying enzymes

A study by Adrien Guillot et al. found that knockout of the ALDH-2 enzyme in mice reduces excessive but not moderate alcohol seeking activity. Targeting this enzyme specifically in the liver may prevent heavy drinking without affecting moderate consumption.

Percentage of African ancestry affects gene expression

A new Northwestern University study reveals that the percentage of African ancestry influences gene production, affecting disease risk and medication response. The research highlights the importance of considering individual ancestry in precision medicine and drug discovery for diverse populations.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Making higher-energy light to fight cancer

Scientists at University of California, Riverside and The University of Texas at Austin demonstrate photon up-conversion using silicon nanocrystals and organic molecules. This breakthrough brings them closer to developing photodynamic treatments for cancer and advancing new technologies for solar-energy conversion and quantum information.

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.

NIH study reports more than half of US office-based physicians recommend CHA

A new study published in JACM found that more than half (53.1%) of US office-based physicians recommended at least one CHA to their patients, with female physicians more likely to do so. Massage therapy was the most commonly recommended CHA, followed by chiropractic/osteopathic manipulation and herbs/nonvitamin supplements.

Oat pathogen defence discovery marks an important milestone

Researchers have uncovered the critical genetic components responsible for oat's natural defense against soil pathogens, including the notorious Take-all disease. The finding holds significant implications for breeding other crops with similar resistance mechanisms.

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.

Significant developments in gamut mapping for the film industry

Researchers develop software that mimics human visual processes to improve color accuracy, outperforming existing methods in psychophysical tests. The new framework reduces and extends the color gamut, producing results free from artefacts and meeting the film industry's demands.

Machine learning that works like a dream

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba created an AI program called MC-SleepNet to automatically classify mouse sleep stages, achieving 96.6% accuracy and high robustness against noise in biological signals. This system can significantly assist researchers by automating data annotation, accelerating research on sleep patterns.

Testing barley's salt tolerance is a numbers game

Researchers at KAUST used advanced quantile regression techniques to analyze barley plant traits affecting yields in saline and nonsaline conditions. Two key traits help gain high yield under saline conditions: early flowering time and a specific ear number per plant.

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.