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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 12


Page 12 of 44

Revealed: The secret superpower that makes C. difficile so deadly

Researchers identified a new way C. difficile causes severe disease by triggering an immune response through Th17 cells, explaining why patients with inflammatory bowel disease are more susceptible to severe infections and increasing mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 23, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Soft tissue makes coral tougher in the face of climate change

Researchers discovered that corals with thicker soft tissues can recover more quickly from bleaching due to the presence of beneficial algae. The stored energy in these tissues helps corals survive until environmental factors improve.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateApr 23, 2019

WSU researchers see health effects across generations from popular weed killer

Researchers found that rats exposed to glyphosate during pregnancy developed prostate, kidney, and ovarian diseases, as well as obesity and birth abnormalities in subsequent generations. The study's findings suggest a potential link between glyphosate exposure and increased risk of certain health problems across multiple generations.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2019
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.

2019 BioLegend William E. Paul Award for Excellence in Cytokine Research

Chen Dong has made seminal contributions to the field of CD4 T cell subsets, including the discovery of Th17 lineage cells and T follicular helper cells. His research has improved our understanding of human diseases and led to novel treatments, such as antagonizing Th17 cell function for autoimmune diseases.

SourceInternational Cytokine & Interferon Society·DateApr 23, 2019

Fixing a broken heart: Exploring new ways to heal damage after a heart attack

A Northwestern University and UC San Diego team has created a novel way to deliver a bioactivated, biodegradable substance through a noninvasive catheter without clogging. The approach uses self-assembling peptides that turn the body's inflammatory response into a signal to heal rather than a means of scarring.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2019

Pregnant women with type 1 diabetes are at risk of giving birth prematurely

Research at Karolinska Institutet links high HbA1c levels during pregnancy to increased preterm birth risk, affecting up to 22% of infants born to women with type 1 diabetes. The study also identifies risks of other complications for newborns, including respiratory problems and low blood sugar.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 23, 2019
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.

Stressed, anxious? Ask the brain!

Researchers used deep brain imaging to study amygdala activity in mice, revealing two large antagonistic sets of neurons that encode opposing moment-to-moment state changes. The findings suggest a complex neural basis for internal states like anxiety, which may have implications for understanding human anxiety disorders.

SourceFriedrich Miescher Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2019

Rare disease gives new insight into regulatory T cell function

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet mapped immune system targets in patients with rare IPEX disease, revealing that regulatory T cells control gut-related immunotolerance. The study provides insights into the role of these cells in preventing autoimmune diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateApr 23, 2019

Socioeconomic deprivation increases risk of developing chronic kidney disease in England

A study of 1.4 million adults in England found that socioeconomically deprived individuals are 68% more likely to develop advanced chronic kidney disease than the least deprived, experiencing poorer health outcomes and quality of life. The research recommends targeted interventions to engage disadvantaged groups through improved screen...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateApr 23, 2019
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.

Experiences of 'ultimate reality' or 'God' confer lasting benefits to mental health

Researchers found that over two-thirds of atheists shed their label after a transformative experience, and most attributed long-term positive changes in life satisfaction and purpose. The study also revealed vivid memories of the encounter, with many participants reporting communication with a conscious entity and decreased fear of death.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2019

Simple sea anemones not so simple after all

New research reveals tube-dwelling anemones have largest mitochondrial genomes, with fragments arranged in unexpected ways and sizes varying between species. The discovery defies classic doughnut-shaped designs and raises questions about evolutionary pressures among ancient sea animals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Nanocomponent is a quantum leap for Danish physicists

University of Copenhagen researchers create a nanomechanical router that emits quantum information carried by light particles, enabling the scaling up of quantum technology. The component's tiny size makes it promising for future applications, potentially achieving 'quantum supremacy' with tens of photons simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalOptica·DateApr 23, 2019

UNH scientists find auroral 'speed bumps' are more complicated

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that high-altitude auroras, known as Poleward Moving Auroral Forms (PMAF), cause drag on satellites by producing moving pockets of air. These 'speed bumps' were previously thought to be a simple phenomenon, but are now understood to be more complex and structured.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 23, 2019

Obesity linked with differences in form and structure of the brain

Researchers found associations between body fat percentage and brain volume, with smaller gray matter volumes observed in men and women. The study suggests that obesity may contribute to negative health consequences such as dementia and cognitive decline.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 23, 2019

Welding with stem cells for next-generation surgical glues

Scientists created smart glues from human stem cells that can repair chronic wounds, protecting the cells from aggressive environments. The new technology uses natural enzymes to grow artificial extracellular matrices, paving the way for tissue engineering advancements.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2019
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.

Zoologists discover two new bird species in Indonesia

Two new bird species, Wakatobi white-eye and Wangi-wangi white-eye, discovered in Indonesia's Sulawesi archipelago. The discoveries shed light on the complexities of species separation and highlight the need for conservation efforts to safeguard these unique habitats.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateApr 23, 2019

Calcium deficiency in cells due to ORAI1 gene mutation leads to damaged tooth enamel

A study led by NYU Dentistry researchers reveals that a mutation in the ORAI1 gene causes calcium deficiency in enamel cells, leading to defective dental enamel mineralization. The study identified ORAI1 as the dominant protein for calcium influx and provided insights into the mechanisms by which calcium affects enamel cell function.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience Signaling·DateApr 23, 2019

Proofreading the book of life: Gene editing made safer

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to render the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool 'immunsilent', allowing for reliable and stealthy gene repair. This breakthrough brings CRISPR closer to safe clinical application, addressing key safety concerns.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2019

New studies highlight challenge of meeting Paris Agreement climate goals

Two new studies warn that countries like the US, China, and EU will struggle to meet their emissions targets without significant reductions. The research suggests that even if these high-emitting countries strengthen their commitments, other nations would need to achieve near-zero emissions by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5 degree...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 23, 2019
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.

Bacteria reveal strong individuality when navigating a maze

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that bacteria in a microfluidic T-maze exhibit diverse chemotactic sensitivity due to genetic variations, allowing some individuals to outperform others. This phenotypic heterogeneity may provide an evolutionary advantage for the bacteria, enabling them to adapt to changing environments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2019

Quantum gas turns supersolid

Researchers have observed hallmarks of supersolidity in ultracold atomic gases, featuring a self-determined crystalline structure while sharing the same macroscopic wavefunction. The dysprosium quantum gas realization shows unprecedented stability, paving the way for probing its excitation spectrum and superfluid behavior.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 23, 2019
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.

Despite health warnings, Americans still sit too much

A recent study analyzing data from over 51,000 people found that most Americans spend at least two hours per day sitting and watching television or videos. Sedentary behavior is linked to poor health in many areas, and reducing it could have a significant impact on overall health.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateApr 23, 2019

CBD reduces impairment caused by cannabis

A new study found that CBD buffers against THC's effects on the brain, potentially making higher-CBD cannabis strains less harmful. The research used fMRI to gauge how different cannabis strains impact brain function.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateApr 23, 2019

New way to 'see' objects accelerates the future of self-driving cars

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a cost-effective and accurate way for self-driving cars to perceive 3D objects, reducing the reliance on expensive LiDAR sensors. The new method uses two inexpensive cameras on either side of the windshield to detect objects with nearly LiDAR's accuracy.

SourceCornell University·DateApr 23, 2019

Study: Why unique finches keep their heads of many colors

Research by scientists from Cornell University and the University of Sheffield finds that balancing selection is responsible for maintaining the diversity of head colors in Gouldian Finches. This process allows both red- and black-headed finches to coexist, with each having advantages and disadvantages, resulting in a stable polymorphism.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2019

Study: Mediterranean diet deters overeating

A study published in the journal Obesity found that nonhuman primates on a Mediterranean diet ate fewer calories, had lower body weight, and less body fat compared to those on a Western diet. The findings suggest that a Mediterranean diet may protect against obesity-related diseases.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalObesity·DateApr 23, 2019
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.

Air pollution poses risks for childhood cancer survivors

A study found that poor air quality significantly increases the risk of hospitalizations for respiratory issues in young cancer survivors, particularly those who received chemotherapy. The researchers tracked nearly 4,000 survivors and found that even low levels of PM2.5 can contribute to respiratory problems.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 23, 2019

Minor sleep loss can put your job at risk

A new study by University of South Florida researchers found that losing just 16 minutes of sleep can impair job performance, causing workers to experience cognitive issues and struggle with work-life balance. The study suggests workplaces should prioritize promoting employees' sleep to improve focus and reduce errors.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalSleep Health·DateApr 23, 2019

Scientists create largest collection of coral reef maps ever made

A global atlas offers a new way to map coral reefs from space, containing over 65,000 square kilometers of coral reefs and surrounding habitats. The high-resolution maps provide information on shallow water marine habitats, helping track changes in reef composition and structure over time.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalCoral Reefs·DateApr 23, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Researchers devise a progression risk-based classification for patients with AWM

A risk model has been devised by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers to classify patients with asymptomatic Waldenström macroglobulinemia into low, intermediate, or high risk of developing symptomatic disease. The model uses four biomarkers and was validated on two external cohorts with high accuracy and precision.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 23, 2019

Good mousekeeping: En suite bathroom makes for happier mice

Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that mice segregate their living and waste areas, suggesting a need for 'en suite bathrooms' in laboratory settings. The study showed that mice create separate compartments for nesting and eliminating waste, moving bedding and materials between cages to maintain comfort.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2019

Army publishes new findings to support soldier training

Researchers found that people's attitudes towards avoiding negative outcomes versus achieving positive outcomes affect their performance in response to gamified feedback during simulation-based training exercises. The study suggests that personalized gamification can boost training, but only if individual differences are taken into acc...

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 23, 2019
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.

Acupuncture equals disease prevention say new studies

A new study published in Medical Acupuncture found that acupuncture significantly improved psychological and pain symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a natural disaster. The treatment was effective in reducing symptoms without any serious adverse effects.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMedical Acupuncture·DateApr 23, 2019

Study shines light on safety of deworming programs

A new study found no major differences in gut microbiomes of people infected with roundworms or hookworms and uninfected peers. However, curing hookworm infections resulted in specific changes to the microbiome, while deworming had minimal effects.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateApr 23, 2019

Quality of laser beam shaping can be enhanced at no extra cost

The researchers developed a universal beam shaping technique that spatially separates residual and extracted components in the Fourier plane using a virtual diagonal phase grating. This allows for highly uniform flattop beams with improved resolution and accuracy, suppressing edge ripples to 20 μm.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2019

Plant signals trigger remarkable bacterial transformation

Scientists at Hokkaido University discovered a compound in cycad roots that triggers the transformation of Nostoc bacteria into motile hormogonia. This process enables the bacteria to provide nitrogen to host plants, potentially leading to more efficient and fertilizer-dependent agricultural production.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2019
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.

Project aims to revive natural product discovery

A new project at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology aims to discover a thousand new ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) using synthetic biology and automation. The project uses an automated robotic system, called iBioFAB, to identify new RiPPs and create new molecules.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateApr 23, 2019

The buzz about bumble bees isn't good

A new study reveals that bumble bee populations in Michigan have decreased significantly over the past century, with 12 out of 19 species experiencing declines. The research found that bumble bees that collect pollen from a narrower range of plants are more likely to decline.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology·DateApr 23, 2019

Atomic beams shoot straighter via cascading silicon peashooters

The new collimator sets up Newtonian mechanics that could be adapted for practical use in beam-driven gyroscopes, helping track motion and changes in location. It also enables experimental physicists to create complex quantum states, and its beams are streams of unwavering inertia due to the atoms' mass and momentum.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2019

New study compiles Gulf of Maine seasonal wildlife timing shifts

A new report synthesizes existing evidence on phenological shifts in the Gulf of Maine, highlighting the need for increased research and data incorporation. Marine species are responding to climate change through timing changes, with fish, birds, and mammals affected in various ways.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalFisheries Oceanography·DateApr 23, 2019

New approach to repair fetal membranes may prevent birth complications

Researchers have developed a new approach to repair defects in fetal membranes, which may prevent preterm birth and life-long medical conditions. By targeting a specific protein, they found that reducing its activity encourages rebuilding of the fetal membranes, enhancing tissue healing and repair.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2019
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.

How drug-resistant E. coli succeeds as a public health menace

Researchers analyzed over 850 drug-resistant E. coli genomes to identify survival strategies, finding that clones use niche separation and NFDS to evolve and succeed in the host environment. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding bacterial ecology to develop effective prevention methods.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateApr 23, 2019

'Longevity gene' responsible for more efficient DNA repair

The study discovered that the 'longevity gene' SIRT6 is responsible for more efficient DNA repair in species with longer lifespans. This gene's enhanced activity in organisms like beavers contributes to their extended lifespan, highlighting a potential target for anti-aging interventions.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCell·DateApr 23, 2019

How lifestyle affects our genes

Research at Lund University explores how lifestyle affects gene activity in human tissues, including adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, pancreatic islets, liver, and blood. The study reveals the role of epigenetic changes in disease development and potential novel treatments.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 23, 2019

Texting to improve health outcomes for people with schizophrenia

A randomized controlled trial found that texting patients with schizophrenia improved medication adherence by 27%, reducing relapses and re-hospitalizations. The LEAN program, which combines lay health supporters and mobile texting, was effective in resource-poor settings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 23, 2019