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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 22


Page 22 of 44

Procedure time proves vital in thrombectomy success

Researchers at MUSC found that procedure time is vital in thrombectomy success, with diminishing returns after the 60-minute mark. The study suggests that surgeons should pause and reassess if a procedure is worth continuing beyond this point.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 15, 2019

CAR-T immunotherapy and multiple myeloma

A Phase 1 clinical trial of CAR-T therapy found an 88.2% overall response rate in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The treatment, called LCARB38M, targets the B-cell maturation antigen and achieved a stringent complete response in 13 patients.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Tel Aviv University scientists print first 3D heart using patient's biological materials

Researchers successfully engineered and printed a 3D vascularised engineered heart with cells, blood vessels, ventricles, and chambers that matches the immunological, cellular, biochemical, and anatomical properties of the patient. The use of native patient-specific materials is crucial to eliminating implant rejection risks.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateApr 15, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Turning silenced cancer genes back into fighters

Scientists successfully blocked cancer-fighting gene silencing protein UHRF1, restoring hundreds of protective genes in human colon cancer cells. The findings suggest a new strategy for fighting cancers by targeting this protein.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 15, 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.

What happens in the bodies of ALS patients?

Researchers discovered that impaired FUS protein-protein interactions contribute to ALS degeneration, but drug-induced autophagy reduces pathological processes linked to aberrantly accumulated FUS. Stimulating autophagy rescued RNA-binding proteins and reduced neuronal death in cell culture experiments.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateApr 15, 2019

SLAC's high-speed 'electron camera' films molecular movie in HD

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have made the first high-definition 'movie' of ring-shaped molecules breaking open in response to light. The results provide high-resolution details of the reaction, showing how bonds break and atoms jiggle around for extended periods of time.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 15, 2019

Scientists use eBird data to propose optimal bird conservation plan

A new study proposes a blueprint for conserving habitat across the Western Hemisphere to protect migratory birds. The research uses eBird data to calculate how much land must be conserved for each species, finding that working lands are more efficient than protected areas.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2019

Solving the mystery of fertilizer loss from Midwest cropland

Researchers from Michigan State University used satellite imagery to quantify nitrogen losses in Midwestern corn fields. They found that nearly $1 billion worth of fertilizer is wasted annually, resulting in 6.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 15, 2019

Scientists get sly, use deception to fight cancer

Scientists at Hebrew University create decoy molecules that trick RNA-binding proteins into binding with them, inhibiting their cancer-promoting activity. The technology has shown promise in slowing or stopping the growth of brain and breast cancer cells in mice.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 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.

Light from exotic particle states

Researchers at TU Wien develop innovative light-emitting diode by harnessing radiative decay of exciton complexes in ultra-thin layers, enabling precise control over desired light wavelengths.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 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.

Maternal gestational diabetes linked to diabetes in children

Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes before age 22. Early detection is crucial, as many cases are diagnosed when symptoms like frequent urination and weight loss arise.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 15, 2019

Drug reduces risk of kidney failure in people with diabetes, study finds

A landmark clinical trial shows that canagliflozin lowers the risk of kidney failure by 30% in people with Type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. The study also found a significant reduction in cardiovascular events, providing a promising new treatment option for patients at high risk.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 15, 2019

Russian scientists alter 3D genome using 'small molecules'

Researchers have discovered that small molecule compounds can alter the spatial organization of the genome, potentially leading to new epigenetic cancer drugs. This breakthrough opens up a promising approach to treat cancer by changing the 3D genome structure.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2019

How partisan politics could take a bite out of your wallet

Research by SDSU finance professors found that mutual fund managers invest more in firms with similar political leanings, leading to lower returns and higher volatility for clients. The study analyzed over 1,300 active mutual funds and 16,655 firms, revealing a partisan bias among fund managers' portfolios.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·DateApr 15, 2019

Vaccine-preventable diseases surge in crisis-hit Venezuela

Measles and diphtheria have re-emerged in Venezuela with a disproportionate impact on indigenous populations, with over 7,500 measles cases reported and 100 deaths attributed to the disease. Diphtheria cases also surged, with 96% of reported cases originating from Venezuela, exposing 3 million vulnerable children to the disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 15, 2019
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.

Climate change could undermine children's education and development in the tropics

A new study suggests that extreme heat and precipitation in early childhood can lead to lower educational attainment, even among better-off households. The research found that climatic conditions affect education negatively in multiple ways, particularly in Southeast Asia and West and Central Africa.

SourceNational Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Computer games for fish uncover why some prey lead and others follow

A new study found that leaders in groups of animals are more vulnerable to attack from predators due to their riskier position within the group. Researchers used virtual prey in aquarium tanks and found leaders were more likely to be attacked than followers, with isolated individuals also being at higher risk.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Predictability limit: Scientists find bounds of weather forecasting

Researchers confirm a long-hypothesized limit for weather prediction, first proposed in the 1960s, which is approximately two weeks on average. They used state-of-the-art models to test this limit and found that reliable forecasts are now possible nine to 10 days out in mid-latitudes.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Climate·DateApr 15, 2019

What makes a jellyfish?

The study found that certain genes, specifically transcription factors, code for proteins that fine-tune gene expression during the medusa stage. Jellyfish have a unique genetic toolkit, distinct from corals and anemones, which enables their development and growth.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 15, 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.

New gene variant is even more resistant to hospital antiseptic

Researchers found a new, more powerful variant of an antimicrobial resistance gene in Staphylococcus epidermidis, making it harder for the bacteria to be killed by chlorhexidine bathing. The discovery was an unexpected result of a study on central venous catheter infections.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateApr 15, 2019

A simple nudge leads low-income immigrants to apply for citizenship

A new study from Stanford University's Immigration Policy Lab found that providing low-income immigrants with free access to application assistance boosts naturalization rates. The gentlest kind of nudge—simple, well-placed information—most effectively targets those who are less educated and have lower incomes.

SourceStanford University - Immigration Policy Lab·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateApr 15, 2019

UT Dallas Peace Project focuses on ending deadliest type of war

Researchers aim to identify effective strategies for reducing violence in internationalized civil wars, which have the most fatalities and are difficult to resolve. The project will analyze conflict management approaches, create a barometer to measure changes in conflict levels, and provide policy recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateApr 15, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

MU neurobiologists annotate critical neuronal proteins in lamprey genome

A team of MU neurobiologists have annotated the sequences of 47 ion channels across the lamprey genome, shedding light on their role in nervous system function and recovery from spinal cord injury. This advancement paves the way for further investigations into the molecular aspects of the nervous system.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMarine Genomics·DateApr 15, 2019

Novel approach promises ready access to hard-to-study proteins

Scientists have developed a novel strategy to extract and analyze membrane proteins, which are critical targets for therapy. Azo, a photocleavable surfactant, enables effective mass spectrometry analysis of whole proteins, opening up new opportunities to study membrane proteins.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 15, 2019

Anti-gay bias and legalization of same-sex marriages

A study found that state-level legalization of gay marriage led to a significant decrease in implicit and explicit anti-gay bias across the US. The effects were consistent across models, suggesting that legislation locality may moderate local biases.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Discovery of oral cancer biomarkers could save thousands of lives

Researchers at the University of Otago and Indian Statistical Institute have discovered distinct epigenetic markers in oral cancer tissues that are associated with patient survival. The findings, published in the journal Epigenomics, could help save thousands of lives by identifying cancer cells early.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalEpigenomics·DateApr 15, 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.

Google searches reveal popular bird species

Google searches have identified popular North American bird species, with large birds and those visiting feeders drawing more attention. The study found that owls were the subject of public curiosity, while conservationists can use this information to focus efforts on lesser-known species.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Genetic analysis has potential to transform diagnosis and treatment of adults with liver disease of unknown cause

A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology reports that whole-exome sequencing (WES) can diagnose the genetic cause of liver disease in a significant proportion of adult patients. The analysis identified four monogenic disorders in five unrelated adults, enabling new treatment options and shedding light on underlying molecular ...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateApr 15, 2019

Booz Allen Hamilton awarded the 2019 INFORMS Prize for Operations Research

Booz Allen Hamilton received the 2019 INFORMS Prize for its pioneering integration of operations research (O.R.) and analytics programs. The company consolidated its O.R. talent into a single, centralized organization to enhance cross-disciplinary exchanges and accelerate internal research projects.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

NRL develops laser processing method to increase efficiency of optoelectronic devices

Scientists at NRL discovered a new method to passivate defects in next generation optical materials, improving optical quality and enabling miniaturization of light emitting diodes. The technique produces a 100-fold increase in material's optical emission efficiency, paving the way for high-efficiency optoelectronic devices.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 15, 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.

Entomologists uncover Florida fire ant matriarchy

Researchers found that tropical fire ants in Florida can coexist with both single- and multi-queen colonies. In multi-queen colonies, all reproductive queens are genetically identical and reproduce asexually.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 15, 2019

Stimulating the epileptic brain breaks up neural networks to prevent seizures

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that responsive neurostimulation can remodel the brain to be less susceptible to seizures. By analyzing individual brain activity recordings over time, the study shows that stimulation changes brain networks, making it harder for seizures to spread.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 15, 2019

Same-sex marriage legalization associated with reduced anti-gay bias in the US

A new study by McGill University researchers found that state legislation played a significant role in reducing anti-gay bias in the US. By analyzing data from over 1 million respondents, the team discovered that laws supporting same-sex marriage led to a sharp decline in biases, with the effect being roughly double the previous rate.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Anthropogenic bedrock erosion

Research in a Washington river basin reveals that early 20th-century timber harvesting, particularly splash-damming, led to increased bedrock erosion and reduced floodplain areas. This study suggests that brief human activities can have lasting impacts on the landscape.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 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.

'Flight recorder' of rocks within the Earth's crust

Daniela Rubatto's research provides a new way to connect minerals' ages to their formation conditions, reconstructing the speed and duration of rock travel within the Earth's crust. Her innovative method uses an ion microprobe to extract valuable information from minerals, contributing to better understanding geological processes.

SourceUniversity of Bern·DateApr 15, 2019

Advantages and disadvantages of prey leadership

Researchers found that being part of a group provides safer protection from predators, with prey positioned in the middle of schools having the safest position. The study revealed that predators are more likely to attack isolated individuals than those in groups, highlighting the benefits of collective behavior.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Crohn's disease research set to benefit from £1.8m funding boost

A £1.8m funding boost will help researchers at the University of Edinburgh improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for Crohn's disease, a condition affecting 120,000 people in the UK. The study aims to develop a non-invasive test using blood or stool to determine if the inflamed bowel wall has healed after treatment.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateApr 15, 2019

New study reveals 'silence' around suicide in young people

A new study by the University of Stirling has identified a silence around suicidality among children and young people, with many feeling they cannot access help or are not listened to by healthcare professionals. The research emphasizes the importance of using explicit language, such as 'suicide,' in mental health conversations.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalChild and Adolescent Mental Health·DateApr 15, 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.

Cognitive functioning does not predict weight-loss outcome for adolescents

A new study published in Pediatrics found that adolescents with cognitive impairments and intellectual disabilities have similar weight-loss outcomes after bariatric surgery as those with typical cognitive function. The study's authors recommend a case-by-case approach to determining eligibility for weight-loss surgery.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 15, 2019

World's first-ever 3D-printed high-strength aluminum

HRL Laboratories' breakthrough alloy is the world's first printable high-strength aluminum, registered with the Aluminum Association. The registration validates its commercial value and enables companies to access the alloy through specific powder numbers.

SourceHRL Laboratories·DateApr 15, 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.

Sharks more vulnerable than originally thought, new research shows

Researchers at Newcastle University found a significant discrepancy between reported and actual catches of vulnerable species like sharks and rays in small-scale fisheries. The study highlights the urgent need for global efforts to assess their impact on the environment.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateApr 15, 2019

New study finds simple way to inoculate teens against junk food marketing

Researchers found that reframing how students view food-marketing campaigns can spur adolescents to make healthier dietary choices for an extended period. Teenage boys reduced their daily purchases of unhealthy drinks and snacks in the school cafeteria by 31 percent, while girls' purchases remained similar.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateApr 15, 2019

Moffitt researchers identify mechanism of resistance to BRAF inhibitors in melanoma

Moffitt researchers discovered that melanoma cells become resistant to BRAF inhibitors through a conserved stress response mechanism involving AP-1 activation and histone deacetylase 8. This finding suggests that HDAC inhibitors may be able to overcome resistance mechanisms, leading to potential new treatments.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 15, 2019

Kin relationships in megalithic burial sites

A study found kin relationships among people buried in Neolithic megalith tombs, indicating a societal role for these enigmatic structures. The genomic data revealed affinity to farming groups with past admixture with hunter-gatherer groups, highlighting a previously unknown role for megaliths in Neolithic societies and families.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 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.

Engineering 'hairpins' increases CRISPR accuracy

Biomedical engineers at Duke University developed a method to improve CRISPR accuracy by adding a short tail to the guide RNA, creating a 'lock' that prevents off-target activity. The approach increases accuracy by an average of 50-fold across five different CRISPR systems.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 15, 2019

Leveraging scientists' perceptions for successful interactions with policy makers

A new study published in Geosphere investigates how scientists perceive interactions with policy makers, revealing five distinct models: a beacon, collaborator, educator, outcast, and investigator. The researchers emphasize the importance of understanding individual perspectives to effectively engage scientists in policy decisions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateApr 15, 2019