Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 19


Page 19 of 44

New automated biological-sample analysis systems to accelerate disease detection

Researchers at Polytechnique Montréal developed an open-space microfluidics technology that eliminates channels, reducing stress on cells and increasing compatibility with cell-culture standards. The system uses microfluidic multipoles to create patterns that can be used for disease detection and diagnosis.

SourcePolytechnique Montréal·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2019

Taking care of people with TBI: New tool could speed caregiver research

A new tool, TBI-CareQOL Measurement System, standardizes the measurement of physical, mental and emotional effects experienced by caregivers of people with TBI. The researchers' findings could inform clinical care, caregiver training and support programs, and even caregiver reimbursement policies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateApr 17, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Features that make lizards sexy are resilient to stress

A new study by Penn State researchers finds that male fence lizards' physical traits and behaviors used to attract mates remain unchanged under low levels of stress. This suggests that these traits are more resilient to stress than previously thought.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 17, 2019

Diet high in leucine may fuel breast cancer's drug resistance

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discover relationship between leucine and tamoxifen resistance in ER+ breast cancer. A diet high in leucine may fuel the growth of breast cancer cells, while reducing leucine levels could be beneficial for patients with ER+ breast cancer.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2019

Entrepreneurs emerge as a force in Europe's refugee emergency

Afro-Italian women entrepreneurs are transforming notions of beauty and Italian identity with their black fashion, style, and hair-care products. They are leveraging the internet to market their products, build community, and challenge racist narratives, potentially awakening Italy's moribund economy.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalSocial & Cultural Geography·DateApr 17, 2019

Brain stimulation shows promise for understanding memory decline in older adults

A pilot study found that transcranial magnetic stimulation temporarily increases activity in the brain's hippocampal-cortical network, leading to improved memory recall. The treatment showed temporary improvements in memory function compared to a placebo, with participants recalling memories 31% better after stimulation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 17, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study reveals factors behind embryonic stem cell state

Researchers at Monash University have identified two new epigenetic regulators, TAF5L and TAF6L, that maintain the self-renewal of embryonic stem cells by activating the oncogene c-Myc. These findings have significant potential for regenerative biology and cancer research.

SourceMonash University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 17, 2019

More severe salmonella outbreaks ahead: University of Sydney research

Researchers at the University of Sydney developed a method to predict salmonella outbreaks and found that future epidemics are likely to be more severe. The study suggests that genetic networks of salmonella pathogens are linked through just a few degrees of separation, indicating an increasing severity of future epidemics.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 17, 2019

Amazonian soils mapped using indicator species

Researchers from Finland and Brazil developed a method that uses both plant and soil data to produce a map of soil properties in Amazonia. The study leverages digital herbarium databases and fern species occurrence data to estimate soil properties, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Cervical cancer subtype rising in some sub-populations

A new study reports that cervical adenocarcinoma incidence rates are increasing in non-Hispanic whites, particularly among women aged 40-49 and 50-59. This trend underscores the need for intensified efforts to improve screening utilization and HPV vaccination.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019

A light-activated remote control for cells

Scientists develop DNA nanodevice that uses near-infrared light to guide stem cells to wounds, promoting muscle tissue regrowth in mice. The system successfully activated receptors, causing cells to move and grow, with treated mice showing increased signs of regeneration.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 17, 2019

Giving robots a better feel for object manipulation

A new learning system developed by MIT researchers improves robots' abilities to shape materials and predict their interactions. The system, called a learning-based particle simulator, can handle diverse materials, including rigid objects, liquids, and deformable materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 17, 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.

Scientists find evidence Mercury has a solid inner core

Researchers found evidence of a solid inner core in Mercury, approximately 1,260 miles wide and making up half the planet's core. This discovery helps scientists better understand Mercury's interior and offers clues about how rocky planets change over time.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 17, 2019

Screen time associated with behavioral problems in preschoolers

A Canadian study of over 2,400 families found that spending two hours or more of screen time per day is associated with clinically significant behavioral problems in preschoolers. Organized sports and good quality sleep were also identified as protective factors against the negative effects of screen time.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 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.

Life-threatening foot disease found in endangered huemul deer in Chile

Researchers discovered a potentially devastating foot disease in Chile's endangered huemul deer population, with severe pain and death caused by the condition. The study's findings highlight the need for improved monitoring and collaboration to help protect the critically endangered species.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 2019

Gender identity leaves imprint on human brains, Georgia State researchers find

Researchers at Georgia State University discovered that societal expectations around gender roles can alter the human brain at a cellular level. This finding suggests that epigenetic marks in the brain drive differences between males and females, influenced by gender identity rather than just biological sex.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Researchers pinpoint tumor-related protein, slow progression of cancers

New research finds elevated levels of fatty acid transporter protein 2 (FATP2) in immune-suppressing cells, which can slow tumor growth and aid cancer treatments. The study also discovered an energy-granting lipid that FATP2 produces and traffics into cells, leading to its potential as a therapeutic target.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2019

New eDNA technology used to quickly assess coral reefs

Scientists at the University of Hawaii have developed a technique to measure living coral on reefs by analyzing DNA in small seawater samples. This new method, known as metabarcoding, can track changes in coral reef health and detect rare species.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEnvironmental DNA·DateApr 17, 2019

Finding the key to flightlessness

A Harvard University study explores the genetics behind the evolution of flightless birds, finding that different species turn to similar regulatory pathways when evolving flight loss. The team discovered a shared suite of morphological changes that led to a similar body plan across all flightless bird species.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2019

Investigators explore temperature-triggered devices for gastrointestinal therapies

The team tested two devices, one that can change conformation in the esophagus to exit after drug delivery and another that can reside in the stomach until intentionally triggered. The devices were inspired by design principles of transformable materials and showed promise for fast and robust response.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Neotropical cloud forests to lose what most defines them: Clouds

Climate change could cause Western Hemisphere cloud forests to shrink and dry by 60-80% in as few as 25 years. The loss of clouds would nearly disappear the highly diverse alpine ecosystems above these equatorial cloud forests, known as páramo.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 2019

Espresso yourself: Coffee thoughts leave a latte on the mind

A Monash University study found that exposure to coffee-related cues can trigger cognitive benefits, such as increased alertness and energy levels, in participants from Western cultures. The research used mental construal theory and demonstrated the power of psychological associations in shaping our thinking and behavior.

SourceMonash University·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateApr 17, 2019

Scientists restore some functions in a pig's brain hours after death

Researchers at Yale University successfully restored circulation and cellular activity in a pig's brain four hours after its death using a specially designed chemical solution. However, the treated brain lacked recognizable global electrical signals associated with normal brain function.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 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.

Army awards eight research grants to address complex challenges

The US Army has awarded up to $50 million over five years to eight academic teams pursuing basic research across various scientific disciplines. The teams will study topics including heat energy transfer, plant and pollen distribution, and the restorative effects of sleep.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateApr 16, 2019

How inland waters 'breathe' carbon -- and what it means for global systems

A new Yale study uncovers key relationship between storm events, ecology, and topography in moderating greenhouse gas release from rivers and streams. Concentrations of three greenhouse gases increase during rainstorms in wetland streams but decrease or remain constant in forested streams.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalBiogeosciences·DateApr 16, 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.

AI performs as well as experienced radiologists in detecting prostate cancer

A new AI system called FocalNet has been developed to aid radiologists in detecting prostate cancer, achieving 80.5% accuracy in reading MRI scans. The system uses machine learning to evaluate tumors and predict their aggressiveness, providing diagnostic guidance to less-experienced radiologists.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateApr 16, 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.

Scientists report new approach to reduce or prevent renal fibrosis

Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for renal fibrosis by selectively activating AT1 receptors on T cells, which may help limit scar formation in the kidney. The study found that activating these receptors mitigates renal fibrogenesis by inhibiting Th1 differentiation and renal accumulation of pro-fibrotic macrophages.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateApr 16, 2019

Challenging the conventional wisdom about the Canadian electorate

A new study in Heliyon identifies distinct opinion patterns on positional issues among Canadian voters, suggesting a micro-targeting marketing strategy could be effective. The research found that many Canadians have strong opinions on divisive issues, comparable to conventional vote predictors like party identification.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateApr 16, 2019

Climate change threatens endangered sparrows

A new study finds that climate change will lead to the extinction of both seaside and saltmarsh sparrow species, with saltmarsh sparrows facing local extinction in as little as 30 years. Rising sea levels will reduce available habitat and increase flooding rates, making it difficult for these birds to thrive.

SourceOxford University Press USA·DateApr 16, 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.

Want black women students to stay in STEM? Help them find role models who look like them

A new study found that having Black female role models in STEM is crucial for black women college students to feel a sense of belonging. The research, led by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science, also discovered that seeing a Black male scientist can signal more belonging, while high stigma consciousness ...

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateApr 16, 2019

Study finds white sharks flee feeding areas when orcas present

Research reveals that white sharks immediately vacate their preferred hunting grounds when orcas arrive, resulting in no shark sightings for up to a year. Elephant seal colonies also indirectly benefit from these interactions, with significantly reduced predation events during the orca presence period.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2019
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.

Study reveals brain marker for angry dreams

Researchers have identified a pattern of brain activity reflecting anger experienced during dreaming. The study found that frontal alpha asymmetry is related to anger in both wakefulness and dreams.

SourceUniversity of Turku·DateApr 16, 2019

Uninformed, overwhelmed clients; unrealistic agency expectations

Researchers identified 11 primary challenges faced by therapists, including unrealistic agency expectations, inadequate support, and heightened case complexity. Therapists reported needing targeted trainings to improve service delivery for children and families.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research·DateApr 16, 2019

Tree dens play a critical role in panda lifestyle

A study published in Biological Conservation highlights the importance of tree dens for pandas raising infants in native habitats. Tree dens provide a more stable microclimate than cave dens, facilitating offspring survival. This research emphasizes the need to preserve large old trees for giant panda conservation.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalBiological Conservation·DateApr 16, 2019
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.

Scientists 'reverse engineer' brain cancer cells to find new targets for treatment

Researchers discovered multiple potential targets for glioblastoma by systematically profiling patient-derived brain tumour cells. They found that adult glioblastoma cells rely on genes important for brain development in infancy, highlighting the need for new research to understand the developing human brain.

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 16, 2019

The fluid that feeds tumor cells

Researchers found that the nutrient composition of interstitial fluid surrounding pancreatic tumors differs from blood and culture medium used to grow cancer cells. This discrepancy suggests growing cancer cells in a more similar environment could help predict how experimental drugs will affect cancer cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 16, 2019

Lower approval rates evidence of discrimination for same-sex borrowers

A new study from Iowa State University found that same-sex couples are less likely to be approved for mortgages, with approval rates ranging from 3-8% lower. Same-sex applicants also faced higher interest and fees, with the difference adding up to $86 million annually.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2019

Oxytocin could help treat alcohol use disorder

A study published in PLOS Biology found that oxytocin administration can block excess drinking in alcohol-dependent rats, suggesting a potential novel pharmaceutical intervention for treating alcohol-use disorder. Oxytocin also blocked altered GABA signaling in the brain region affected by alcohol dependence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 16, 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.