Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive April 2019


Page 42 of 44

Searching for better treatments for irritated tendons

A new study from Thomas Jefferson University reveals that decreased oxygen supply to tendons leads to a loss of flexibility and an increase in fibrocartilage-like cells. This knowledge could help develop better treatments for tendinosis and regrow damaged tissue, which is common in older individuals.

Food for thought: Why did we ever start farming?

A recent study by Elic Weitzel found that humans transitioned from hunting and gathering to agriculture in response to changes in their environment, including declining food sources and shifting climates. The research analyzed animal bones and pollen data from Eastern United States sites, revealing a link between population growth and ...

Prebiotic chemistry: Stable majorities

Scientists discover a simple mechanism that allows prebiotic information-bearing DNA sequences to outcompete shorter molecules, enabling the survival and transmission of genetic information. Templated ligation promotes cooperation among complementary sequences, creating stable majorities through intermolecular assembly and replication.

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.

Hands spread flame retardants, plasticizers throughout homes

A study by Canadian researchers reveals that hands play a central role in transferring organophosphate ester (OPE) flame retardants and plasticizers through the indoor environment. The study found that most chemicals were present on all surfaces, including electronic devices, floor dust, and participant's hands.

Parasitology: Exotic signaling mechanism in pathogens

Researchers discovered an unconventional signaling pathway in Trypanosoma brucei, a parasite that causes sleeping sickness. The study identifies a new compound activator for protein kinase A (PKA), potentially leading to targeted therapies.

Mosses -- Dynamic and built to last

A groundbreaking study using DNA sequencing technology reconstructs the moss family tree, revealing a highly dynamic evolutionary history and significant morphological innovations. The research also sheds light on the rate of evolutionary changes and the diversification of moss structures.

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.

Wearable sensors mimic skin to help with wound healing process

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed skin-inspired electronics to monitor lactate and oxygen levels on the skin, enabling long-term, high-performance wound monitoring. The sensor's bio-mimicry structure allows for invisible integration with biological tissue, reducing inflammation and evoking no response.

Drugs used to enhance sexual experiences, especially in UK

A new UK-based study reveals that alcohol, cannabis, MDMA, and cocaine are the most commonly combined with sex. The research found that people of all genders and sexual orientations engage in substance-linked sex, but gay and bisexual men are more likely to do so.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New 'blue-green' solution for recycling world's batteries

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries using an environmentally friendly deep eutectic solvent. The solvent successfully extracted over 90% of cobalt and significant amounts of lithium from powdered compounds and used batteries, making it a promising approach to curtail hars...

Women dominate ob/gyn field but make less money than male counterparts

A study published in Fertility and Sterility found that female reproductive endocrinology and infertility subspecialists make $67,000 less than their male counterparts annually. Researchers attribute the pay gap to factors such as salary compression and women's reluctance to negotiate over salary.

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.

New ebolavirus, found in bats, more widespread than thought

Researchers discovered a new species of ebolavirus, Bombali, in Kenyan bats, suggesting it may be more widespread than thought. The virus does not infect humans and its presence in wildlife could help researchers understand the dynamics of this and other ebolavirus species.

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.

Research identifies potential target for group a streptococcus vaccine

A research team led by Natalia Korotkova has identified a potential target for developing a vaccine against Group A Streptococcus, which causes strep throat and other serious infections. The gacH gene, which enables the bacteria to reinforce its resistance to the immune system, is a promising candidate for vaccine design.

Complex artefacts don't prove brilliance of our ancestors

Researchers found that complex artefacts don't necessarily prove human ancestors had sophisticated reasoning, but rather an accumulation of improvements made across generations. The study used chains of volunteers to tackle engineering problems and showed that understanding was not necessary for improvement.

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.

New therapy targets cause of adult-onset muscular dystrophy

Researchers at Scripps Research have developed a potential drug that targets the genetic defect causing myotonic dystrophy type 1, a disease affecting 1 in 2,500 people. The therapy, called Cugamycin, improves muscle defects without harming healthy gene transcripts.

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.

Diversity training and workplace attitudes

A study of 3,016 employees from 63 countries revealed that diversity training improved attitudes towards gender bias and stereotyping. Women in the US showed significant motivation to seek out mentoring after the training, despite no measurable behavioral improvements.

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.

New therapeutic strategy to prevent gastrointestinal disease

Researchers have developed a new therapeutic strategy that targets the MLCK1 enzyme to restore epithelial barrier function and prevent gastrointestinal disease. By preserving and restoring the gut's critical lining of cells, this approach may help break the cycle of inflammation driving chronic diseases.

Farming for natural profits in China

Researchers at Stanford University found that adopting diverse agricultural lands can provide flood control, water purification, and climate stabilization, while also doubling farmers' incomes. The 'Ecological Development Strategy' aims to support both economic growth and environmental health in rural regions like Hainan Island.

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.

'Featherweight oxygen' discovery opens window on nuclear symmetry

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered and characterized oxygen-11, the lightest-ever form of oxygen with three neutrons to its eight protons. This discovery opens a new avenue for studying nuclear symmetry by comparing it to its mirror nucleus lithium-11.

Is conception by IVF associated with childhood cancer risk?

A study of almost 276,000 children found a small association between IVF conception and an increased risk of childhood cancer, mostly rare tumor types. The link was limited to the first decade of life and was found in only a subset of cancers.

Natural gene therapy for intractable skin disease discovered

Researchers found that some patients' skin areas return to normal as they age, eliminating mutant loricrin genes through somatic recombination. This natural process could lead to a new treatment method for genetic diseases like loricin keratoderma.

Ritual offerings, sacrifice in ancient Tiwanaku state formation

Archaeological evidence uncovered at Khoa Reef suggests religious rituals, including animal sacrifice, played a crucial role in consolidating the ancient Tiwanaku state between 500-1100 CE. The findings, based on underwater excavations, provide new insights into the region's moral code and power structure.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Artificial intelligence sheds new light on cell developmental dynamics

Researchers from VIB have developed a map to model cellular dynamics, highlighting outstanding challenges and pioneering new ways of evaluating computational biology methods. This breakthrough enables the study of individual cell trajectories, revealing complex structures such as cell development in diseases.

Colorado drug takes aim at cancer metastasis

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study identifies a compound that inhibits the action of the SIX1/EYA transcriptional complex, which is involved in cancer metastasis. The compound dramatically suppresses breast cancer-associated metastasis in mouse models.

First bacterial genome created entirely with a computer

Researchers at ETH Zurich develop a computer-generated genome for Caulobacter ethensis, which is based on the genome of a harmless freshwater bacterium. The new genome contains over 800,000 DNA letters and was generated using an algorithm that simplifies genetic information to facilitate production.

Research shows cocaine trafficking adapts to law enforcement efforts

Researchers found cocaine trafficking expands its geographic area in response to interdiction strategies, with little success in stopping the drug from reaching the US. The model suggests that increased efforts to curb trafficking only intensify the problem, allowing traffickers to adapt and exploit new routes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists construct new family tree for perching birds

Researchers constructed a massive family tree using DNA samples from 221 bird specimens, discovering two African species in a distinct new passerine family and five additional proposed families. This study reveals that global temperature changes and continent colonization were not the sole drivers of passerine diversification.

The inflammation connection

Researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation discovered a novel way to control inflammation by understanding how cells produce IL-1β, a crucial molecule involved in inflammation. By targeting the unfolded protein response and GRASP55 pathways, they identified potential avenues for developing anti-inflammatory drugs.

Natural climate processes overshadow recent human-induced Walker circulation trends

A new study reveals that recent intensification of the equatorial Pacific wind system known as Walker Circulation is unrelated to human influences and can be explained by natural processes. The observed strengthening of the Walker circulation from about 1990-2013 was a naturally occurring phenomenon, contrary to projections of anthropo...

DC Council signs life saving initiative into law

The D.C. Council has passed the Breast Density Screening and Notification Act, requiring women with dense breast tissue to be informed and receive additional screenings. This legislation aims to reduce deaths from breast cancer by promoting early detection among high-risk groups.

We've been thinking of how ice forms in cirrus clouds all wrong

Researchers from ETH Zürich and the University of Utah discovered that water vapor condenses in small particle pores to nucleate ice crystals. This process called Pore Condensation and Freezing is a key factor in understanding cold cloud formation and its impact on climate.

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.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Brain growth inhibited by heavy alcohol use

Heavy alcohol use among adolescents and young adults slows brain growth by 0.25 milliliters per year for every gram of alcohol consumed. Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain growth in 71 rhesus macaques and found a significant reduction in brain volume due to ethanol consumption.

Sugar could be sweet solution to respiratory disease

A new study led by University of Manchester biologists reveals how glucose levels in the lungs control immune responses during inflammation. The research found that blocking sugar receptors may reduce inflammation in chronic conditions, while inhalation therapy could enhance immune response against some infections.