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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 23


Page 23 of 44

Some patients with imminently fatal cancer still receive treatment

A new American Cancer Society study highlights the need to better identify patients with metastatic cancer who may not benefit from aggressive treatment. The study found wide variations in treatment patterns among patients who died within a month of diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·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.

Physicists improve understanding of heat and particle flow in the edge of a fusion device

Researchers have discovered a hill-like bump of electric charge at the X-point in tokamaks, which prevents plasma particles from traveling straight between upstream and downstream areas. This finding could lead to more accurate predictions about exhaust and make future large-scale facilities less vulnerable to internal damage.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateApr 15, 2019

Rutgers researchers discover crucial link between brain and gut stem cells

Researchers at Rutgers University have identified a new factor essential for maintaining stem cells in the brain and gut, whose loss contributes to anxiety and cognitive disorders. The study reveals that this gene product supports multiple types of adult stem cells, including those critical for cognitive function and intestinal renewal.

SourceRutgers University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 15, 2019

TESS finds its first Earth-sized planet

The discovery of an Earth-sized planet and a warm sub-Neptune-sized world in the HD 21749 system marks a significant milestone for NASA's TESS mission. The planets have distinct orbital periods, with the sub-Neptune taking 36 days to complete its orbit.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 15, 2019

Research explores ways to bridge gaps in science communication

Research by Laurie Weingart and Matthew Cronin focuses on respect to promote learning and consensus building in science communication. The study highlights the importance of bridging representational gaps, or rGaps, which occur due to fundamental differences in values, perspectives, and knowledge bases.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Sizing up a starry night

Researchers discovered the diameter of a giant red giant star 2,674 light-years away and a sun-like star at 700 light-years, setting a record for the smallest star measured. The team used asteroid occultations to calculate the stars' sizes with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 15, 2019

University of Cincinnati awarded the 2019 UPS George D. Smith Prize

The University of Cincinnati's Department of Operations, Business Analytics and Information Systems has been awarded the 2019 UPS George D. Smith Prize for its innovative curriculum, which prepares students to become effective practitioners in business analytics. The prize recognizes the department's long history of excellence in worki...

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

RNA transport in neurons -- Staufen2 detects its target transcripts in a complex manner

A team of scientists has discovered that the neuronal transport factor Staufen2 scans and binds to its target transcripts in a more complex manner than previously thought. This finding opens up new approaches to improve our understanding of RNA transport and synaptic plasticity, which is essential for memory and learning.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Communications·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.

Transgender youth faced with tough decision to freeze sperm or eggs

A new study identifies four key factors influencing transgender youth's decision on fertility preservation, including family values, cost, and concerns about worsening gender dysphoria. The findings highlight the need for standardized protocols in primary care counseling and support for young adults navigating this complex issue.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalLGBT Health·DateApr 15, 2019

New microscopy technique peers deep into the brain

A novel microscopy technique, developed by Rockefeller scientists, integrates approaches to build a more cohesive picture of the brain. It captures cellular activity across large volumes of neural tissue, allowing researchers to generate a picture of rapid cellular activity across multiple layers of brain tissue.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateApr 15, 2019

A new bacteria-killing weapon in the fight against antibiotic resistance

Scientists have created a genetically engineered bacterium that can specifically kill multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria without harming beneficial bacteria. The novel tool, based on the CRISPR-Cas9 system, has shown a minimal rate of emergence of new resistance and has potential applications in treating infectious diseases.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 15, 2019

Army scientists lead the way to produce tools for engineering biomolecules

Researchers successfully created self-assembled structures using oppositely charged synthetic proteins, enabling the formation of hierarchical ordered, symmetrical structures. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel architectures for bio-enabled sensing and functional coatings with unique properties.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 15, 2019

Scanning for cancer treatment

Researchers combined CRISPR with drug discovery to understand how AML treatment works and which weaknesses can be exploited. The study revealed that LSD1-GFI1B relationship is critical for AML survival, enabling more targeted treatments.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 15, 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.

Could climate change cause infertility?

A new study by University of Lincoln researchers suggests that extreme temperatures can impact the reproductive behavior and physiology of males before females, potentially leading to infertility. The study found that rising temperatures hampered sperm production in male Indian meal moths, affecting their ability to mate.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateApr 15, 2019

Researcher awarded $1.17 million for cancer research

A researcher at the University of Texas at Arlington has received a four-year grant to investigate protein regulation in programmed cell death. Understanding how these proteins are regulated could lead to drugs targeting specific cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateApr 15, 2019

Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District and Tetra Tech awarded the 2019 INFORMS Edelman Award

The Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District and Tetra Tech won the 2019 INFORMS Edelman Award for their successful implementation of Csoft, a software solution that maximizes storage, conveyance, and treatment capacities to better protect the environment. The project has saved over $200 million in infrastructure costs and improved commu...

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

Hospital study finds substantial proportion of patients and healthcare workers shed flu virus before symptoms appear

Researchers found that a significant proportion of patients and healthcare workers shed the flu virus without displaying symptoms, making it difficult to control its spread. The study, conducted at a tertiary hospital in Zurich, tracked over 700 healthcare workers and inpatients during two consecutive influenza seasons.

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

New study first to identify cause of rare genetic metabolic disorder

Researchers have identified a rarely-seen type of DNA mutation as the cause of an inherited metabolic disorder, a condition where the body can't break down specific nutrients. The gene responsible for the disorder is intact but a repeat expansion error prevents it from functioning.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 15, 2019

Asteroids help scientists to measure the diameters of faraway stars

Astronomers used asteroid occultations to measure the smallest apparent size of a star on the night sky, revealing the diameter of a giant star and a sun-like star. The new method provides ten times better resolution than standard lunar occultation methods.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Astronomy·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.

FDA ban on menthol is likely to survive tobacco industry lawsuits

A proposed ban on menthol cigarettes by the FDA is expected to survive a lengthy legal process, according to a Rutgers paper. The study concludes that an FDA rule banning menthol cigarettes is likely to be upheld due to strong scientific evidence and legal power.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateApr 15, 2019

Pollen genes mutate naturally in only some strains of corn

A Rutgers-led study found that pollen genes in certain corn strains undergo natural mutations, which may lead to better breeding and crop development. In contrast, other strains show no detectable gene mutations.

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

Safety-net hospitals fare better under new Medicare reimbursement rules

A new study finds that hospitals serving richer patient populations will face increased financial penalties under the revised system, while those with poorer patients will see reduced penalties. The changes aim to address concerns about the original program unfairly penalizing safety-net hospitals.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 15, 2019

First-year doctors spend almost 90% of their time away from patients

According to a new study, first-year doctors in internal medicine programs spend an average of 87% of their work time away from patients. The majority of this time is spent interacting with electronic health records or engaging in indirect patient care. Multitasking is also common throughout the day.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 15, 2019
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.

How does dark play impact the effectiveness of serious video games?

A new study published in Games for Health Journal found that allowing dark play in a serious video game has no significant effect on its effectiveness. The researchers analyzed the effects of dark play on medical students' ability to advise care, learning motivation, and attitudes towards delirious patients.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGames for Health Journal·DateApr 15, 2019

Shocking economics

Researchers propose a novel method from physics that makes economic effects of major events computable for the first time. The new method calculates resilience and outputs, testable predictions can be made and visualizations help understand economies.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2019

The history of humanity in your face

Researchers reveal how the modern human face evolved over four million years, influenced by dietary changes, tool use, and social interactions. The study's findings suggest that the face's shape and features reflect our species' adaptability to different environments and cultural contexts.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 15, 2019

Climate change and education in the tropics

Research reveals a correlation between exposure to extreme temperatures and precipitation, and reduced educational attainment among children in the tropics. Exposure to higher-than-average temperatures in utero and early childhood correlates with fewer years of education, particularly in Asia.

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.

Decoding cancer's molecular signature

A new algorithm can detect the molecular signature of a cancer-driving defect, identifying patients who could benefit from treatment with PARP inhibitors. The algorithm has the potential to expand greatly the pool of patients eligible for this therapy.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 15, 2019

New evidence suggests volcanoes caused biggest mass extinction ever

A study published in Nature Communications suggests that volcanic eruptions in the Siberian Traps led to a global catastrophe known as the Great Dying, which killed off 95% of life on Earth. The eruptions released massive amounts of mercury vapor into the atmosphere, causing acid rain and warming the planet.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Communications·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.

Plastic's carbon footprint

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have conducted the first global assessment of plastic's life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, finding that current strategies are insufficient to curb emissions. Recycling and replacing fossil-based energy with renewable sources offer promising solutions, but significant reductions will require unpreceden...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 15, 2019

Blake Richards is the 2019 CAN Young Investigator awardee

Dr. Blake Richards has made significant contributions to mathematical models of learning and memory in the brain, providing insights into the neurobiological basis of animal and human intelligence. His work explores the neural basis of deep learning and its potential to revolutionize our understanding of the brain.

SourceCanadian Association for Neuroscience·DateApr 15, 2019

Developing a vaccine against Nipah virus

Researchers developed a novel recombinant vaccine called NIPRAB that shows strong immunization against Nipah virus in animal models. The live vaccine is safe in mice, eliciting a strong antibodies response and reacting to similar viruses like Hendra and Rabies.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·Journalnpj Vaccines·DateApr 15, 2019

Severe haze in China

A recent study synthesizes research on severe haze pollution in Northern China, highlighting its complex interaction between human activities and atmospheric conditions. The findings suggest that improving haze prediction and developing effective regulatory policies require additional knowledge and public awareness campaigns.

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

Cell biology: The complexity of division by two

Researchers identify essential protein PCMD-1 in controlling cell division at the centrosomal level, which is also linked to a genetic disease called primary microcephaly. The study provides insights into how centrosome assembly is regulated and has significant implications for understanding human developmental defects.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 15, 2019

Brain marker for angry dreams

A new study has identified a brain activity pattern, called frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA), that predicts anger experienced during dreaming. Individuals with greater alpha-band brain activity in the right frontal cortex during REM sleep and pre-sleep wakefulness tend to have more angry dreams.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateApr 15, 2019

Public interest in US birds

Researchers found that public interest in US bird species increases with body size and abundance, while endangered species attract high local interest. Certain well-known species are also popular nationwide, despite their limited range.

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

Successful research papers cite young references

Analyzing nearly 6 million citations, Northwestern University researchers found that highly cited papers cite relatively recent work and go on to become highly cited themselves. This suggests that top scientists are adept at identifying promising research.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateApr 15, 2019

Time is money, especially when it comes to giving

A study published in the National Tax Journal found that allowing donors to claim charitable donations earlier, such as before tax season, increases donations by nine percent. Researchers from UBC Okanagan and other institutions used a policy experiment in Quebec to test this idea.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalNational Tax Journal·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.

Doubles badminton players may be at highest risk of serious eye injury during play

A small study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that doubles badminton players are at greatest risk of potentially serious eye injuries during matches. Protective eye wear is highly recommended for all competitors to prevent such injuries, which can cause permanent vision loss and even blindness.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 15, 2019

Abundance of information narrows our collective attention span

A new study in Nature Communications finds that the collective attention span is narrowing, with increasingly steep gradients of attention given to each cultural item. The accelerating vicissitudes of popular content are driven by the rapid exhaustion of limited attention resources, as suggested by a mathematical model with three basic...

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2019

Celebrity fat shaming has ripple effects on women's implicit anti-fat attitudes

A study found that celebrity fat-shaming events increased women's implicit negative weight-related attitudes, with more notorious incidents producing greater spikes. The research suggests that cultural emphasis on the thin ideal contributes to eating disorders, particularly among young women.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 15, 2019

North Atlantic warming hole impacts jet stream

The North Atlantic warming hole has a significant impact on the North Atlantic jet stream, leading to changes in atmospheric circulation and storm tracks. The cooling pattern caused by the warming hole is predicted to become greater and more apparent as the century progresses.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Climate·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.

Meteoroid strikes eject precious water from moon

Scientists found evidence of water vapor in lunar exosphere after analyzing data from NASA's LADEE mission, which orbited the Moon from October 2013 to April 2014. The team detected dozens of events where meteoroids struck the Moon's surface, releasing a short-lived water vapor that could be used as a resource for future human explorat...

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 15, 2019

Necrophagy: A means of survival in the Dead Sea

Researchers from UNIGE discovered that bacteria can thrive in the Dead Sea's sediments, surviving extreme conditions by feeding on ancient corpses. This finding has significant implications for searching for life on other planets and highlights the importance of understanding how microorganisms adapt to hostile environments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGeology·DateApr 15, 2019

CRISPRed wheat helps farmers control weeds

Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences develop CRISPRed wheat with tolerance to sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, and aryloxyphenoxy propionate-type herbicides. The trait offers low-risk weed control for millions of multi-cropping farmers in China.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 15, 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.

Improving the ACA's insurance coverage provisions will improve patient care

The American College of Physicians recommends strengthening the Affordable Care Act to address gaps in coverage and ensure universal access. ACP calls for bolstering the insurance market, expanding Medicaid, and increasing competition to provide quality care for all Americans.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 15, 2019

China, India economic development key to achieving MDG for safe drinking water

Research led by The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science found that China and India's rapid urbanization, especially in China, and rural development in India were major enablers of the success in achieving MDG Target 7C-Water. Economic development was also found to be imperative in expanding drinking water coverage.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 15, 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.