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Science News Archive 2019


Page 5 of 486

Genetic variation gives mussels a chance to adapt to climate change

A new study by University of Chicago biologists found that Mediterranean mussels with existing genetic variation can adapt to declining pH levels in seawater caused by carbon emissions. The surviving population in the low pH environment differed genetically from others, suggesting a faster adaptation process if no new mutation arises.

SHAPEIT4: An algorithm for large-scale genomic analysis

SHAPEIT4 is a powerful computer tool that allows researchers to quickly identify haplotypes in hundreds of thousands of unrelated individuals. This enables the analysis of complex traits and disease risk with unprecedented accuracy.

Brain biomarkers for detecting Alzheimer's disease are located

Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid have identified brain biomarkers for detecting Alzheimer's disease. A study found that patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment who develop dementia show increased and then decreased synchronization in brain regions, indicating cortical network dysfunction.

Obesity embargo alert for January 2020

Researchers link various environmental factors such as food access, recreational opportunities, and natural amenities with engagement in weight management programs. The study also examines the impact of changes in the food, built, and socioeconomic environment on BMI in US counties.

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.

Berlin's bright sky isn't a bat's thing

Researchers tracked common noctule bat trajectories in Berlin to find that they mostly avoid built-up areas with artificial light. Instead, they use dark corridors like forests, parks, and watercourses for commuting and foraging.

Discovering a new fundamental underwater force

A team of mathematicians has discovered a new phenomenon that generates a fluidic force capable of moving and binding particles immersed in density-layered fluids. This breakthrough offers an alternative to previously held assumptions about particle accumulation in lakes and oceans.

Finding familiar pathways in kidney cancer

Researchers found that PBRM1 acts as a novel reader of the activated p53 pathway, suppressing renal tumor growth. Tumor-derived mutations in PBRM1 can disrupt this interaction, allowing cancer growth to occur.

Falcons see prey at speed of Formula 1 car

Peregrine falcons have the fastest vision among birds of prey, registering up to 129 Hz blinks per second for high-light conditions. This exceptional visual acuity allows them to track fast-moving prey like flying birds and small mammals.

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.

Using a material's 'memory' to encode unique physical properties

Researchers discovered a way to encode specific physical properties in materials by utilizing their 'memory' of past stresses. This approach allows for the creation of auxetic materials with enhanced mechanical properties, such as improved energy absorption and fracture resistance.

New security system to revolutionize communications privacy

Researchers have developed an unbreakable security system that achieves 'perfect secrecy', protecting confidential data on public classical communication channels. The new technology uses silicon chips with complex structures to send information in a one-time key, making it impossible for hackers to intercept or recreate.

Telomere research at Marshall published in Nature Communications

Dr. Shakirov and collaborators identified genes NOP2A, RPL5A, and RPL5B as crucial for controlling telomere length in Arabidopsis thaliana, a small flowering plant. This discovery provides new insights into the connection between ribosome biogenesis and telomere length control.

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.

AI system for Minecraft: MIPT team wins MineRL international contest

The MIPT team developed a new method for reinforcement learning with demonstrations, enabling rapid solution of hierarchical problems in Minecraft. This approach opens opportunities for applying reinforcement learning to real-world tasks like autonomous vehicle control and manipulator control.

First step taken to find causes of muscle wasting disease

A recent study has gained insight into the mechanisms of sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle wasting and strength loss in older adults. Researchers identified changes in muscle cells and molecules that may explain why some people develop sarcopenia while others do not.

Thyroid cancer rates in US

Thyroid cancer rates in the US have stabilized since 2014, with a decline in new cases per 100,000 people from 14.7 to 14.1 between 2009 and 2016. The rise in thyroid cancer was largely due to increased screening and imaging over the past three decades.

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.

Sphingotec's biomarker penKid® predicts septic acute kidney injury

The penKid biomarker accurately predicted acute kidney injury (AKI), multiorgan failure, and mortality in unselected sepsis patients at presentation to the emergency department. Increasing penKid levels indicated worsening kidney function, enabling timely treatment decisions that improve outcomes.

The 'airbag' that protects cells against stress

Researchers at CNIC have identified molecules that act as an 'airbag' protecting cells from mechanical stress. The study shows how these molecules coordinate changes to protect the cell and prevent damage. Altering their activity could lead to new therapies for diseases related to mechanical stress.

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.

Untangling APOE ε 4's association to tau tangles

A new study by McGill University researchers found that APOEε4 carriers have greater levels of tau tangles in memory centers, even after controlling for amyloid plaques. The study provides evidence that the gene's risk of dementia is related to both hallmark pathologies of Alzheimer's disease.

IU team identifies potential target for restoring movement after spinal cord injury

A novel therapeutic target for promoting neuroprotection has been identified in the lumbar circuit below a spinal cord injury, suggesting potential hope for restoring motor function. The discovery uses animal models to show that neuromodulation of interrupted lumbar motor circuits with neurotrophic therapy improves locomotor performance.

Researchers studying vaginal birth injuries and recovery

A pilot study will examine the utility of quantitative ultrasound methods for assessing vaginal birth-induced pelvic floor injury and recovery in pregnant women. The researchers aim to develop noninvasive diagnostic methods that can predict long-term pelvic floor dysfunction.

Researchers produce first laser ultrasound images of humans

MIT engineers develop new laser ultrasound technique that remotely images inside a person, eliminating the need for direct contact. The method uses sound waves generated by a laser to create images comparable to conventional ultrasound, with potential applications in imaging infants, burn victims, and accident survivors.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Counting photons is now routine enough to need standards

Researchers at NIST have developed methods to measure the efficiency of five single-photon detectors, which are used in various applications such as optical communications and astrophysics. The study provides a tool for verifying future detection standards and aims to improve accuracy and reliability in these devices.

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.

Chronobiology: 'We'll be in later'

A German high school's flexible scheduling system, which allows students to start school later, has been shown to improve their sleep patterns and ability to concentrate. The study found that students who started school later slept more soundly and were better equipped to handle coursework.

Developing drugs that activate defences against tumours

A new project aims to create targeted cancer drugs that use small molecules and immune system activators, potentially treating tumours less aggressively. Researchers from 14 European partners will work together to develop prototypes for future tumour therapies.

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.

Overspill of fat shown to cause Type 2 Diabetes

Scientists have observed people developing Type 2 diabetes due to liver fat over-spilling into the pancreas. A study showed that individuals can reverse the condition through diet and weight loss, with nearly nine out of ten participants achieving remission.

Men think they're better liars

A study by Dr Brianna Verigin found that nearly half of all lies are told by a small number of prolific liars, who use their charm and words to deceive others. These expert liars prefer face-to-face interactions and often lie to close family members and colleagues.

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.

Space-time metasurface makes light reflect only in one direction

Researchers create a new type of optical metasurface that imposes phase modulation on reflected light, leading to unidirectional light propagation. The metasurface enables nonreciprocal light propagation in free space with unprecedented large temporal modulation frequency.

Understanding the adolescent brain

Research shows adolescents struggling with mental health issues have distinct neural connections that affect cognitive control and attention. The study provides new insights into the brain development of adolescents with mental health problems, potentially informing diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Nightside barrier gently brakes 'bursty' plasma bubbles

Scientists at Rice University have developed new methods to characterize the influence of turbulence on space weather. They discovered that bursty bulk flows cause big ripples in plasma, leading to oscillations called buoyancy waves. These waves play a role in the formation of auroral structures and magnetospheric substorms.

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.

Using a chip to find better cancer fighting drugs

Kyoto University researchers have developed a new 'tumor-on-a-chip' device that can better mimic the environment inside the body. The device allows for the growth of tumor cells and blood vessels in three dimensions, enabling scientists to test potential cancer fighting drugs more effectively.

Hitting HIT: Heparin therapy

Researchers at LMU have discovered that inhibition of a specific enzyme can effectively prevent heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a potentially life-threatening condition. The study shows that Btk inhibitors can block platelet activation and prevent the formation of harmful clots, offering a new promising therapeutic option for t...

Permanent predator-prey oscillations

A team of researchers observed regular oscillations in the populations of rotifers and green algae over a period of one year, corresponding to more than 50 cycles. The oscillations were repeatedly interrupted by short periods without discernible external influences, but always returned to their normal rhythm on their own.

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.

How common is diabetes among racial/ethnic groups?

This observational study found that the age-sex-adjusted proportion of US adults with diabetes was 12.1% for non-Hispanic whites, 20.4% for non-Hispanic blacks, 22.1% for Hispanics, and 19.1% for non-Hispanic Asians. Notably, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asian subpopulations showed significant differences in undiagnosed diabetes rates.

One-off genetic score can detect stroke risk from birth

A genetic risk score can identify individuals at a 3-fold increased risk of developing ischaemic stroke, a devastating condition. This scoring system may require more intensive preventive measures than current guidelines recommend.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Strong change of course for muscle research

Researchers have identified a new subtype of satellite cells that can regenerate muscle tissue without the transcription factor PAX7. This discovery could lead to new gene therapies for people with muscular dystrophy, such as Lavin, who has a rare genetic mutation preventing her from producing this protein.