Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive April 2019


Page 33 of 44

How can we improve skin care in residential care homes?

A new study aims to develop a standardized skin care guidance for elderly people in residential care, addressing common skin problems and improving quality of life. The SKINCARE study will investigate the effectiveness of the new program and provide training for care workers.

How common is sex for boys before age 13?

A study combining US survey data found that 7.6% of male high school students and 3.6% of males aged 15-24 reported having sex before age 13. The prevalence varied across metropolitan areas, with higher rates among non-Hispanic black and Hispanic males.

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.

Environment-friendly electricity in China

Researchers found that crop residue ratios over 35% enable CBECCS systems to produce electricity with zero greenhouse gas emissions. This technology helps reduce air pollution and offers a carbon-negative alternative for electricity generation.

New technique cuts AI training time by more than 60 percent

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed Adaptive Deep Reuse, a technique that reduces deep learning network training time by up to 69% without accuracy loss. By recognizing similar data chunks and applying filters to multiple chunks simultaneously, the technique saves significant computing power.

Selective inhibition of peanut-specific antibodies

Researchers identified two epitopes capable of eliciting strong allergic reactions in serum samples from all or nearly all patients, and engineered molecules to selectively bind to IgEs recognizing these epitopes. Treatment with the inhibitors inhibited over 80% of the allergic response to peanut extract in patients.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Engineers develop concept for hybrid heavy-duty trucks

Researchers at MIT have devised a plug-in hybrid engine system that could power long-haul trucks with electric motors combined with gas-alcohol engines, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The flex-fuel hybrid option overcomes concerns about limited range and cost, allowing for early entry into the marketplace.

Pediatric telemedicine visits may increase antibiotic overprescribing

A new study found that children who had telemedicine visits for acute respiratory infections were more likely to receive antibiotics than those who visited primary care offices or urgent care centers. The use of unnecessary antibiotics during these visits may contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Resistosome illuminates plant disease resistance mechanisms

A recent study has solved the first structures of a full-length plant NLR protein, uncovering previously unknown mechanisms of this important class of immune receptors. The researchers found that plant NLRs form oligomeric complexes called resistosomes, which are essential for disease resistance and hypersensitive cell death-triggering.

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.

Identifying the grass pollen that gets up your nose

The study reveals that different grass pollens can cause varying reactions in allergy sufferers and people with asthma. By analyzing environmental DNA, researchers identified links between certain pollen types and days with increased asthma attacks or intense hay fever symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory medicine can have a beneficial effect on depression

A meta-analysis of international studies found that anti-inflammatory medicine can have a beneficial effect on symptoms of depression. Six different medications showed an antidepressant effect, and the results were present when compared to a placebo in patients with physical diseases and depressive symptoms.

Study of multiple sclerosis patients shows 18 percent misdiagnosed

A recent study found that nearly 18% of multiple sclerosis patients were misdiagnosed before receiving treatment at two major Los Angeles medical centers. The study revealed that many patients spent an average of four years being treated for MS before receiving a correct diagnosis.

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.

Newly devised static negative capacitor could improve computing

Researchers have developed a permanent static negative capacitor that can redistribute electricity on a small scale, improving computing efficiency. The device works as a steady-state, reversible system, allowing for controlled voltage distribution and increased energy efficiency.

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.

Breakthrough in knowledge of how some sarcomas arise

A new study has revealed a previously unknown interaction between proteins that causes certain types of cancer called sarcoma. The research, led by Pierre Åman, found that tumor-altered FET proteins bind to the SWI/SNF complex, leading to misregulation and disruptions in genetic programming.

From spinal cord injury to recovery

Neuronal feedback from sites below the spinal cord injury plays a crucial role in early recovery and maintaining regained motor functions. Incomplete injuries can recover spontaneously with activating specific sensory feedback pathways promoting detour circuits.

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.

Spotted lanternflies found to be flyers, not gliders

Researchers found that spotted lanternflies create level or gradually descending straight-line flight paths, averaging 75 feet in length. The insects tend to orient strongly to nearby visual landmarks and begin feeding immediately after landing.

Elements can be solid and liquid at the same time, study reveals

Researchers have found that extreme pressure and temperature conditions can create a state in which atoms form both solid and liquid structures. This new state, known as the chain-melted state, has been discovered in several elements, including potassium, sodium, and bismuth.

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.

Just how much does enhancing photosynthesis improve crop yield?

A team of scientists has developed a dynamic model that predicts which photosynthetic manipulations will boost wheat and sorghum crop yields. The study found that enhancing photosynthesis can increase or decrease crop yield depending on environmental conditions.

Tracking records of the oldest life forms on Earth

A new characteristic 'biosignature' has been identified to track the remains of ancient life on Earth. The discovery suggests that graphite-like crystals alongside minerals such as apatite and carbonate are indicative of biological origin.

Banned pesticides in Europe's rivers

A study of 29 waterways in 10 countries revealed more than 100 pesticides, including 24 unlicensed for EU use. The highest levels were found in a Belgian canal with 70 pesticides, contaminating every screened river and canal.

High rate of sex before age 13 among boys from metropolitan areas

Researchers found that in metropolitan areas, over a quarter of young African American men reported having sex before age 13, with many experiencing unwanted or mixed feelings. The study emphasizes the importance of better access to sex education, sexual health clinics, and mental health counseling services for inner city male youth.

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.

How education may stave off cognitive decline

A recent study published in JNeurosci has identified genes and molecular pathways associated with higher educational attainment in older adults. The research found that individuals with higher education levels had thicker prefrontal brain regions, which are linked to improved working memory and decision-making.

Expanding truck safety outreach program

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is expanding its Sharing the Road program to educate high school students on safe driving practices around commercial vehicles. Through the program, researchers will visit 15 mid-Atlantic high schools and provide hands-on experience for thousands of teen drivers.

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.

Behavioral ecology: Personalities promote adaptability

A recent study by LMU biologists found that personality differences among great tits affect their breeding timing. The more daring birds breed later but earlier when threatened, while less valiant pairs delay breeding until the threat passes.

These molecules could trap viruses inside a cell

Researchers at Purdue University discovered a molecule called heparan sulfate that can prevent viruses from escaping cells, raising questions about the safety of gene therapy delivery. The study highlights the need to consider how engineered viruses will exit cells to avoid unintended consequences.

Methane-oxidizing soil bacteria culture

Researchers successfully isolated a strain of methane-oxidizing soil bacteria that can grow in air and oxidize methane at atmospheric concentrations. The strain also exhibits metabolic flexibility, allowing it to metabolize multiple gases including CO2, N2, O2, CO, and H2.

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.

IOF President's Award honours exceptional members from Australia and Serbia

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has recognized Greg Lyubomirsky and Radmila Matijevic for their contributions to IOF and dedication to advancing education and awareness of osteoporosis. The award is presented annually to individuals representing IOF member societies, highlighting their exceptional commitment to the field.

Evolution imposes 'speed limit' on recovery after mass extinctions

A new study finds that evolution is the key to understanding the 'speed limit' of recovery after mass extinctions, with a minimum time of 10 million years for species diversity to return. This finding has implications for ongoing extinction events driven by climate change.

Slug glue reveals clues for making better medical adhesives

Two studies analyze the adhesive properties of the Dusky Arion slug's defensive glue, identifying key proteins and structures that contribute to its strength and flexibility. Insights gained could lead to the development of organic synthetic adhesives with reduced risk of complications.

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.

Carbon lurking in deep ocean threw ancient climate switch, say researchers

A new study links a slowdown of the Atlantic Ocean current to a massive buildup of carbon in the deep ocean. This buildup cooled the planet and triggered a series of ice ages that lasted for hundreds of thousands of years. The research suggests that if this current continues to slow, it may not help store carbon emissions.

Earth's recovery from mass extinction could take millions of years

Scientists studied planktic foraminifera fossil record, finding that global recovery took around ten million years after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction. The study suggests that it will take an extremely long time, likely millions of years, to recover from current climate crisis.

Inducing immune tolerance to autoimmune targets

A Phase 1b clinical trial successfully induces immune tolerance to autoimmune targets in patients with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica. The treatment involves introducing peptide-loaded tolerogenic dendritic cells, which stimulate the production of IL-10 and promote immune tolerance.

Psychiatry: Multigene test predicts depression risk

A new method calculates aggregated genetic risk for depression, identifying young people at highest risk before symptoms emerge. The polygenic risk score is linked to childhood abuse, offering hope for targeted interventions and prevention strategies.

Decline in physical activity often starts as early as age 7

Research suggests that physical activity levels begin to decline around age 7, with childhood and adolescence playing a significant role in determining long-term inactivity. Factors such as parental support, socioeconomic status, and chronic illnesses can influence an individual's likelihood of persistent or increasing activity.

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.

Migraine neurobiology linked to prevalence in females

A new study found that low doses of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) trigger headaches only in female rodents, potentially explaining the higher prevalence of migraines in women. The researchers used rat and mouse models with both male and female animals to investigate CGRP's role in migraine.

An EEG to assess a baby's developmental risk?

A two-center study used EEGs to assess the impact of maternal stress on infant brain development, finding distinct patterns in brain activity at just 2 months old. Babies whose mothers reported higher levels of stress tended to have lower power in higher frequency bands and relatively higher power in lower-frequency bands.

New biologically derived metal-organic framework mimics DNA

Scientists have synthesized a new MOF that mimics DNA's hydrogen-bonding interactions between adenine and thymine. The MOF successfully traps thymine molecules, allowing researchers to catalyze a chemical reaction and isolate di-thymine, related to skin cancer.

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.

Gene editing for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

Researchers have developed a gene editing approach that corrects over 80% of patient cells, targeting the COL7A1 gene mutation responsible for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. The technique shows promise for treating this rare disease with high efficiency and safety.

Global warming and systems thinking

A survey of US adults found a positive correlation between systems thinking and climate change beliefs, suggesting that a systemic mindset promotes environmentally conscious attitudes. The study suggests that systems thinking can help both conservatives and liberals address climate change, regardless of their political views.

Iron volcanoes may have erupted on metal asteroids

Researchers propose that metallic asteroids could have erupted volcanoes spewing liquid iron, with signs of 'ferrovolcanism' potentially detectable in iron meteorites. The study suggests NASA's Psyche mission may uncover evidence of past eruptions on the asteroid.

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.