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Science News Archive April 2019


Page 32 of 44

ACP issues guidance statement for breast cancer screening of average-risk women

The American College of Physicians recommends that average-risk women between 50 and 74 years old undergo breast cancer screening with mammography every other year, as this approach balances benefits and harms. This strategy reduces false-positive findings and overtreatment, while minimizing radiation exposure and related risks.

Relationship benefits can be seen in your eyes

A recent BYU study used infrared cameras to measure pupil diameter and found that couples who worked together experienced reduced stress levels. The research, published in PLOS ONE, builds on previous landmark studies showing the benefits of relationships for longevity.

Immune cells fighting blood cancer visualized for the first time

Scientists visualized CAR T cells fighting blood cancer for the first time, revealing key interactions and behaviors. The study showed that CAR T cells can directly kill tumor cells within minutes, but their effectiveness is hindered by aggregation and infiltration issues.

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.

Location-specific air pollution damages

A US study estimates that location-specific air pollution damages result in nearly 107,000 premature deaths annually, with a societal cost of $886 billion, highlighting the need for location-specific emissions mitigation efforts.

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.

You're probably not allergic to vaccines

According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, vaccine allergies are extremely uncommon, affecting only one in 760,000 vaccinations. Most side effects from vaccines are not allergic reactions, but rather minor responses that can be managed with over-the-counter medications.

Woolly mammoths and Neanderthals may have shared genetic traits

The research attributes the human-elephant relationship during the Pleistocene epoch to their mutual ecology and shared living environments. Both species likely hailed from ancestors that came to Europe from Africa and adapted to living conditions in Ice Age Europe, highlighting their genetic similarities.

Observing a molecule stretch and bend in real-time

Scientists have observed the structural bending and stretching of carbon disulphide molecules in real-time, revealing a linear-to-bent transition driven by electronic structure changes. This breakthrough uses advanced laser-induced electron diffraction techniques to capture snapshots of molecular dynamics with sub-atomic resolution.

Online tool encourages healthy weight gain during pregnancy

A new study found that online diet goal-setting helped women with normal body weight achieve healthy weight gain during pregnancy. However, the tool was not effective for women with higher BMI levels, suggesting a need for personalized approaches to dietary change.

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.

Specific criteria needed for different types of myeloma

Current diagnostic criteria do not account for differences in kappa and lambda light chains, leading to missed diagnoses and false positives. The researchers propose new criteria that take into account the varying levels of these light chains to improve accuracy and detect cases of lambda-associated lesions.

Is it genetic code or postal code that influence a child's life chances?

A study published in Nature Human Behavior found that genetic factors play a small role in shaping children's health and educational success, while neighborhood conditions have a significant impact. The research team analyzed data from thousands of children living in Britain and Wales, and found that children growing up in worse-off ne...

Excellent catering: How a bacterium feeds an entire flatworm

A single bacterium supplies the gutless Paracatenula worm with lipids, proteins, sugars, fatty acids, vitamins, and other substances for energy and biomass production. The bacteria use chemosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds, which are then delivered to the host in small droplet-like vesicles.

Improving our understanding of children and gender

Children's Hospital Los Angeles is conducting a 5-year national study of pre-pubescent transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) children's mental health, aiming to enroll 320 participants. The study will provide valuable insights into the interplay between mental health and gender issues in this understudied age group.

New intervention doubles quit rate among smokers with severe mental illness

Researchers at the University of York have developed an effective smoking cessation program for individuals with severe mental illness. The study found that smokers who received tailored behavioral support and access to nicotine replacement therapy were more than twice as likely to quit six months after intervention, compared to those ...

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.

Pollen detectives work to predict asthma and hay fever

Researchers tracked grass pollen for seasonal variations and found it was released into the atmosphere later in areas further from the equator. The study aims to create a unique profile of each grass pollen species to determine the most harmful strains.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nutrients from food, not supplements, linked to lower risks of death, cancer

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that adequate intake of certain nutrients from food sources is associated with a reduced risk of death and cancer. However, excess calcium intake from supplements was linked to an increased risk of cancer death. The researchers suggest that nutrients from foods may have beneficial ...

Body donor's rare anatomy offers valuable lessons

A rare condition, situs inversus with levocardia, has been discovered in a 99-year-old body donor. This condition is often associated with life-threatening cardiac ailments and occurs about once in every 22,000 births. The discovery of this unusual anatomy offers valuable lessons on human variations.

Antioxidants protect cells from harmful water contaminant

Researchers found that antioxidants like vitamin C can block toxicity caused by hexavalent chromium in human cells, which could lead to a new treatment method for water contamination. The study suggests an oxidative mechanism is responsible for the contaminant's toxicity, and treating water with antioxidants may prevent it.

More sleep may help teens with ADHD focus and organize

A study found that teenagers with ADHD who got less sleep experienced significant deficits in executive functioning skills, including working memory, planning, and organization. In contrast, those who got more sleep showed improved performance.

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.

New pathways for sustainable agriculture

A new study found that small-scale land use can significantly improve biodiversity and ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes, even with minimal non-crop habitat.

Study reveals early molecular signs of high-risk pregnancy

Researchers found that modulation of immune system during pregnancy is similar in women with and without lupus. In healthy pregnancies, key immune genes are quieted after embryo implantation, while those with preeclampsia or complications show downregulation of these genes.

'Electron shuttle' protein plays key role in plant cell-wall construction

A recent study by scientists from Brookhaven National Laboratory has revealed the mechanistic details of a protein involved in the assembly of lignin, a key cell-wall component. The discovery identifies an electron shuttle protein that delivers fuel for the construction of one specific type of lignin building block.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Stillbirth threefold increase when sleeping on back in pregnancy

A new study published in EClinicalMedicine found that pregnant women who sleep on their backs are at a higher risk of stillbirth, with the risk increasing by 2.6 times after 28 weeks of pregnancy. The NHS has now incorporated the findings into its Saving Babies' Lives care advice information for pregnant women.

Healthy diet helps older men maintain physical function

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that a healthy diet can significantly influence physical function in older men, with higher diet scores associated with decreased odds of physical impairment. The study suggests that specific dietary changes, such as eating more vegetables and nuts, may lower risk.

Dietary supplement boosts cognitive function in vegetarians

A new study found that vegetarian volunteers who took a daily creatine supplement showed improved brain function and higher scores on a neurocognitive test compared to non-vegetarians. Vegetarian diets tend to have lower creatine levels, but supplementation can help bridge this gap.

Amorphous materials will be used in medical and industrial applications

Researchers at Kazan University have discovered that amorphous materials exhibit outstanding physical and mechanical properties, including strength, electric conductivity, and corrosion resistance. The study found that these materials can crystallize into a monocrystal or polycrystalline structure under different temperature conditions.

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.

Early agricultural strategies in southern Polynesia

Researchers discovered fossil evidence of early taro cultivation in southern Polynesia, suggesting a history of taro production on the islands. The study indicates that fire was used for clearing forest cover during early cultivation, followed by a decrease in fire and an increase in short-lived plants as production intensified.

New study exonerates refined grains

A new study published in Advances in Nutrition reveals that refined grains are not associated with increased disease risk and premature death. Refined grain intake was found to have an inverse association with total cancer deaths and a statistically significant inverse association with all-cause death rate.

Melting glaciers causing sea levels to rise at ever greater rates

A global study found that melting glaciers worldwide have caused a significant increase in global sea levels over the past 30 years, with 19,000 glaciers losing an average of 27 millimeters of ice since 1961. The largest contributors were glaciers in Alaska and Patagonia, resulting in a 335 billion-ton annual loss of glacier ice.

IOF Medal of Achievement awarded to Harry K. Genant

Dr. Harry K. Genant received the 2019 International Osteoporosis Foundation Medal of Achievement for his innovative work in non-invasive and quantitative imaging methods, advancing knowledge on bone fragility and fracture risk assessment. This award recognizes his significant contributions to osteoporosis research.

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.

When the extreme becomes the norm for Arctic animals

Svalbard reindeer population behaves counterintuitively under harsher climate scenarios, with high density and competition leading to population crashes. However, the population's internal restructuring and age structure buffer the effects of climate change, allowing them to survive in a warming environment.

ACP issues guidance statement for breast cancer screening

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued a new guidance statement on breast cancer screening for average-risk women, recommending mammography every other year beginning at age 50. The guidelines take into account the potential harms of overdiagnosis and overtreatment associated with annual or biennial screening.

New DNA 'shredder' technique goes beyond CRISPR's scissors

A new CRISPR-Cas3 tool has been developed for long-range DNA editing in human cells, allowing scientists to target and delete large expanses of DNA. This technique harnesses a different type of CRISPR system than the widely used Cas9 tools, enabling precise control over DNA degradation.

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.

Global study shows exotic species are a complex threat

A recent study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that exotic species do tend to disrupt marine ecosystems, reducing native species abundance. However, the team's meta-analysis revealed significant variability and context dependence in their impact.

Scientists compared ways of drug delivery to malignant tumors

Researchers analyzed methods of targeted drug delivery to malignant tumors, exploring passive targeting, active targeting, and cell-mediated targeting. By understanding tumor structure and metabolism, scientists can develop personalized treatment approaches to increase efficiency and reduce side effects.

Carbon-negative power generation for China

Researchers propose a new approach for China's electric power generation that combines coal-bioenergy gasification with carbon capture storage. This strategy could reduce CO2 emissions while improving air quality in the country by utilizing crop residue as biofuel.

Postdoctoral researcher launches Community Noise Lab at Boston University

Community Noise Lab, launched by Dr. Erica Walker, explores the relationship between community noise and health through real-time sound monitoring, lab experiments, and community engagement. The lab aims to inform, empower, and impact communities, sharing ride-sharing science to advance public health research.

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.

Breaking down Beowulf

A team of researchers led by Madison Krieger used statistical analysis to find evidence supporting the theory that Beowulf was written by a single author. The study found consistent metrics throughout the text, including letter combinations, which lends further support to the idea of unity.

Proactive policing and youth delinquency

A study found that frequent police stops in ninth-graders led to higher engagement in delinquent behaviors over time. Proactive policing may unintentionally contribute to adolescent criminality, with psychological distress playing a key role.

Could eating garlic reduce aging-related memory problems?

A recent study has found that garlic can protect memory by improving gut health, which is associated with age-related memory problems. The researchers observed that mice receiving the garlic compound showed better long- and short-term memory than those not receiving the treatment.

Researchers 3D print metamaterials with novel optical properties

Engineers at Tufts University have created novel optical devices using 3D printed metamaterials with unique microwave or optical properties. The researchers developed a hybrid fabrication approach to create complex geometries and novel functionalities for wavelengths in the microwave range.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

TGen review links gene with the most common liver cancer

Researchers at TGen identified AKR1B10 as a potential biomarker for liver cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The enzyme has a paradoxical role in HCC development, where its overexpression indicates cancer presence while suppression may slow progression.

Drug candidate for leishmaniasis

Researchers have developed a small molecule that effectively treats visceral leishmaniasis in a mouse model, with favorable pharmacokinetic properties and no safety concerns. The compound targets the proteasome, a cellular recycling machine, by binding to a previously undiscovered site.

Off-the-shelf smart fabric helps athletic coaching and physical therapy

A smart fabric system developed by Dartmouth College researchers uses off-the-shelf fabrics to monitor joint rotation and provide real-time feedback for athletic coaching and physical therapy. The wearable is lightweight, washable, and comfortable, achieving a low median error of 9.69º in reconstructing elbow joint angles.

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.