Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 25


Page 25 of 44

Knowing how cells grow and divide can lead to more robust and productive plants

Scientists have identified a key enzyme that regulates cell size in plant roots, leading to more robust and productive plants. This discovery could lead to innovative techniques to improve root architecture, resulting in higher crop yields and improved resilience to environmental stresses.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2019

CD30: From witness to culprit

Researchers developed a mouse model to investigate the role of persistent CD30 signaling in blood cancer development. They found that permanent CD30 activation increases the risk of B-cell lymphoma and can trigger cancer through misdirected cellular processes.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalBlood·DateApr 12, 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.

Heads in the cloud: Scientists predict internet of thoughts 'within decades'

A 'Human Brain/Cloud Interface' could provide individuals with instantaneous access to all cumulative human knowledge, improving learning capacities and intelligence. The technology, predicted to be developed within decades, aims to connect neurons and synapses in the brain to vast cloud-computing networks.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateApr 12, 2019

SRC-1 gene variants linked to human obesity

Researchers discover SRC-1 gene variants disrupt body weight regulation in mice and humans, highlighting the protein's key role in the hypothalamus. Genetic variants identified in severely obese children contribute to poor body weight control.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 12, 2019

The interface makes the difference

A collaboration of researchers from ICIQ and ICMAB-CSIC investigated the impact of changing Hole Transport Materials in perovskite solar cells. They found that the surfaces and interfaces created in the solar cell stack have a crucial role in functional device performances.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateApr 12, 2019

Researchers develop effective method to diagnose pancreatic cancer

A new diagnostic method for pancreatic cancer has been developed by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, utilizing circular DNA to identify cancer cells in blood tests. The technology is expected to classify cancer cells in individual patients and implement personalized treatment regimens, leading to increased survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·DateApr 12, 2019

The trouble with thaw

A recent study reveals that thawing Alaskan permafrost is releasing about twelve times higher amounts of nitrous oxide than previously assumed, making it a significant contributor to global warming. The potent greenhouse gas can stay in the atmosphere for up to 114 years, posing an additional threat to the ozone layer.

SourceHarvard University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateApr 12, 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.

LSU Health New Orleans research finds new Rx target for childhood cancer

Researchers found a compound named 5'-iodotubercidin (5'-IT) that suppresses neuroblastoma cell growth and identified a potential new therapeutic approach. The study, led by Dr. Michael Lan, discovered a DNA-binding protein called INSM1 that is overproduced in neuroblastoma tumors.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 12, 2019

Increase in foreign body ingestions among young children

A new study found that foreign body ingestions among children under six increased by 91.5% between 1995 and 2015, with coins being the most common item ingested. The rate of ingestions per 10,000 children rose from 9.5 in 1995 to 18 in 2015.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 12, 2019

Clear sight in the data fog with PAGA

Researchers use PAGA to study developmental processes and understand disease progression. The tool groups cells by type and biological state, revealing transitions between cell types and states, and delivering important results in a clinical context.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 12, 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.

App predicts risk of developing hernia following abdominal surgery

The Penn-developed tool uses big data to identify risk factors for incisional hernias, including history of abdominal surgery, smoking, and recent infection. The app combines this data to generate a real-time risk score, potentially helping surgeons make informed decisions about patient care.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateApr 12, 2019

Abnormal proteins correlate with aggressive behavior in dementia

Researchers found a strong correlation between abnormal proteins and criminal behavior in dementia sufferers, especially those with frontotemporal dementia. The study of 220 deceased patients showed that 42% of FTD patients committed repeated crimes, compared to 15% of Alzheimer's patients.

SourceLund University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 12, 2019

Move more to live longer

A large study found that moving more is linked to living longer, with a 2.8% reduction in all-cause mortality for each milliliter increase in maximal oxygen uptake. The benefits of fitness were seen in men and women across all age groups and fitness levels.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 12, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bacteria surrounding coral reefs change in synchrony, even across great distance

Researchers discovered that bacteria in coral reef waters change dramatically at night, and then return to the same daytime community the next morning. A group of microbes called Psychrobacter appears to be leading the way, dominating the marine microbial community during the day and being a hundred times more abundant at night.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 12, 2019

Want to learn a new skill? Take some short breaks

A recent NIH study suggests that taking short breaks can strengthen memories of new skills by solidifying them in the brain. Researchers found that volunteers' performance improved primarily during rest periods and not during practice, with gains correlating to changes in brain wave patterns.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 12, 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.

Improved procedure for cancer-related erectile dysfunction

Researchers have modified a minimally invasive technique to help men regain erectile function lost after prostate cancer surgery. The 'end-to-side' nerve grafting procedure has shown promising results, restoring erectile function in 71% of patients with significant improvements in quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalEuropean Urology·DateApr 12, 2019

New method inverts the self-assembly of liquid crystals

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have discovered a method to create an anti-ordered state in liquid crystals, which can exhibit unique properties such as shape-changing behavior. This breakthrough enables the development of novel materials with potential applications in soft robotics and artificial muscles.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 12, 2019

Case of tick-borne relapsing fever in Mexico

A case of tick-borne relapsing fever was reported in Sonora, Mexico, where the disease gets little attention. The patient's symptoms improved with doxycycline treatment, and spirochetes were detected in her blood, supporting the identification of an endemic focus for the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 11, 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.

New method may transport medicine better through the body

Researchers have developed a new method for transporting medicine through the body, using a sliding molecule that can jump between polymers to deliver medication to specific organs. Laboratory tests confirm the model's effectiveness in delivering molecules to gel-like materials.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 11, 2019

Time for a new global protected area target

A new international protected area target is necessary to effectively conserve biodiversity, according to a study published in Science. The current target has led to perverse outcomes, with nations unable to account for real progress.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateApr 11, 2019

World's fastest hydrogen sensor could pave the way for clean hydrogen energy

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology have created the world's fastest hydrogen sensor, capable of detecting extremely small amounts of hydrogen in the air in under a second. The sensor works by using an optical phenomenon called plasmon, which changes color when hydrogen levels change.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 11, 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.

New microscopy method provides more details about nanocomposites

Researchers at DOE's Ames Laboratory developed a new microscopy approach to image gel nanocomposites in their natural state, providing insights into their assembly and properties. The technique allows for the observation of nanoparticles within gels, which shows promise in creating materials with unique optical properties.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalMicron·DateApr 11, 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.

More Michigan students taking, passing advanced math

A new study by Michigan State University found that the state's graduation requirements for math are leading to more students taking and passing advanced math courses. This policy change is also resulting in higher college enrollment rates, particularly among low-income students.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateApr 11, 2019

Inner electrons behave differently in aromatic hydrocarbons

A new study investigates the Auger effect in aromatic hydrocarbons, revealing that molecules with pi electrons have a lower double ionization threshold. This finding favors Auger decay over saturated hydrocarbons, with potential applications in cancer treatment and atomic identification.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateApr 11, 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.

Rice, Northwestern find new ways to image, characterize unique material

Scientists at Rice and Northwestern universities have developed a method to image and characterize 2D borophene crystals, which can exhibit unique lattice configurations that determine their characteristics. The research could help manufacturers incorporate borophene into products with desirable electronic, thermal, optical properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2019

Biologists uncover new rules for cellular decision-making in genetics

A team of biologists has discovered new rules governing cell decision-making in genetics, revealing how genes are activated under specific conditions. The study found that a protein called Zelda strengthens Dorsal activity, allowing cells to make decisions about gene activation based on their environment.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 11, 2019

Getting back to work after a heart attack

Patients with acute coronary syndromes can return to work in two to three months, but one in four quit after a year. Psychological factors like lack of confidence, depression, and anxiety are significant predictors of failure. Attending cardiac rehabilitation and gradual reintegration into the workplace can help patients succeed.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateApr 11, 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.

Why is ketamine an antidepressant?

Researchers found that ketamine restores dendritic spines in the prefrontal cortex of mice with depression-like behavior. Healthy dendritic spines are crucial for long-term antidepressant effects, suggesting interventions to enhance their survival may be helpful in sustaining ketamine's benefits.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 11, 2019

Texts like networks: How many words are sufficient to recognize the author?

Researchers create statistical tool for stylometric analysis using graphs, finding that individuality manifests itself in surprisingly small number of words. The method identifies authors correctly in almost 90% of cases, requiring only 10-12 words to be traced in English texts.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalInformation Sciences·DateApr 11, 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.

I feel you: Emotional mirror neurons found in the rat

Researchers found that rat brain activates same cells when observing others' pain as when experiencing pain itself, indicating shared empathy mechanism. The cingulate cortex region is responsible for this emotional sharing, and suppressing its activity can prevent rats from freezing in response to others' distress.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 11, 2019

Rapid urbanization increasing pressure on rural water supplies globally

A global review of water reallocation from rural to urban regions found that 69 cities receive significant amounts of reallocated water, mainly driven by North America and Asia's growing populations. The practice is expected to rise further, with 2.5 billion more urban dwellers projected by 2050.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 11, 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.

The FASEB Journal: New strategy to reduce cancer drug's cardiotoxic effects

Researchers have identified chromogranin A as a key regulator of cardiotoxic and antitumor activities of Doxorubicin, a widely used cancer drug. Monitoring plasma levels of CgA before and after chemotherapy may provide prognostic information on drug-related cardiotoxicity.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 11, 2019

'Mindreading' neurons simulate decisions of social partners

Researchers identified special brain cells that allow animals to reconstruct their social partner's state of mind and predict their intentions. Dysfunction in these 'simulation neurons' may contribute to social cognition difficulties in conditions like autism and social anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCell·DateApr 11, 2019

New study advances treatment options for PTSD

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that stress increases fear-promoting brain regions while reducing fear-reducing ones. This shift can be mimicked by increasing norepinephrine release, potentially leading to more effective treatments for PTSD.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 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.

CNIO researchers assess melanoma progression with a new liquid biopsy technique

Researchers at CNIO have discovered biomarkers in surgically treated patients' fluid that reveal specific mutations and help determine cancer recurrence risk. The new liquid biopsy technique may enable earlier detection and more targeted treatment for melanoma patients.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 11, 2019