Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 3


Page 3 of 44

Pregnancy shifts the daily schedule forward

A new study finds that women and mice experience changes in their daily schedules and activity levels during the first third of pregnancy. The study suggests that these changes may be related to hormonal influences and could have implications for preterm birth prevention.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Biological Rhythms·DateApr 30, 2019

Chatterbox parents may boost tots' intelligence

A new study by the University of York found that young children who hear a large amount of adult speech tend to have better cognitive skills. The researchers also discovered that high-quality adult speech can benefit children's linguistic development and positive parenting styles can reduce restless behavior.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateApr 30, 2019

Study: Health care providers split on who should prescribe HIV prevention drug

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that health care providers are divided on who should prescribe PrEP, with some arguing primary care physicians should take the lead. Meanwhile, pharmacy students showed a positive attitude towards PrEP, with 89% agreeing it can be a cost-effective tool to prevent HIV infection.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care·DateApr 30, 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.

Darwin can help your doctor

A team of scientists, led by microbiologist Marjon de Vos, conducted a review to explore the application of evolutionary theory in clinical microbiology. By analyzing microbial communities and genetic data, they identified potential solutions for treating cystic fibrosis patients and limiting the spread of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 29, 2019

Massachusetts General study finds women pay more for over-the-counter moisturizers

A Massachusetts General Hospital study reveals significant price disparities in facial moisturizer products targeted at men and women, with women's products costing an average of $3.09 more per ounce. The study suggests that discriminatory pricing persists despite recent government efforts to restrict such differences.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology·DateApr 29, 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.

Cosmic dust reveals new insights on the formation of solar system

A study of a tiny grain of stardust older than our solar system has provided new insights into planetary system formation. The presolar graphite grain contained oxygen-rich silicates, contradicting the scientific hypothesis on two types of stardust material.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 29, 2019

Exoplanets and water worlds

Sub-Neptune exoplanets are likely to be water worlds due to simulations of planetary growth. These planets contain at least 25% water-dominated ices or fluids, rather than gas dwarfs with a rocky core surrounded by a gaseous envelope.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Simple clinical features can help personalize type 2 diabetes treatment

A new study from the University of Exeter Medical School found that using characteristics such as weight and age at diagnosis can help select the best diabetes drug for individuals. This approach is more effective than previous models, which divide adults with diabetes into subgroups.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateApr 29, 2019

New view on the mechanisms of how the brain works

Studies found that all brain parts process touch signals, complementing each other for perception. Brain network processing information as a single network with partially different functions from situation to situation.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 29, 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 suggests no direct link between drinking sugar sweetened drinks and higher energy consumption or BMI in children

A nationally representative survey of UK children aged 4-10 years found no strong correlation between drinking sugar sweetened beverages and higher energy consumption or BMI. The study suggests that relying on a single-nutrient approach, such as a 'sugar tax', may not be effective in tackling childhood obesity.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateApr 29, 2019

Ocean's 'seasonal memory' affects Arctic climate change

The Arctic Ocean's seasonal memory mechanism explains how atmospheric circulation causes the Eurasian Arctic to melt faster than the American Arctic. The researchers found that different seasonal patterns are at play depending on region, with the Eurasian Arctic losing ice in winter and the American Arctic only losing ice in summer.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalAtmosphere·DateApr 29, 2019

Study highlights how little we know about women terrorists

A large-scale research project highlights significant differences between men and women in their backgrounds and roles within terrorist groups. Women were less likely to be involved in planning or carrying out attacks, and more likely to play behind-the-scenes supporting roles.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Threat Assessment and Management·DateApr 29, 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.

Alcohol ads in sport fuel drinking culture

A new international study by Monash University and Parisien Laboratory of Social Psychology found a positive link between alcohol sponsorship and attitudes, as well as exposure to specific brands. The research suggests that incidental exposure to alcohol marketing messages influences participants' drinking attitudes.

SourceMonash University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·DateApr 29, 2019

What a dying star's ashes tell us about the birth of our solar system

A team of researchers discovered a grain of dust forged in a stellar explosion, challenging current theories about how stars seed the universe. The grain, LAP-149, is highly enriched in carbon-13, providing evidence that novae contributed to the building blocks of our solar system.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 29, 2019

Brain area tied to emotions is larger in vets, service members with mild TBI and PTSD

A new study found that veterans and active-duty service members with combat-related PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury had larger amygdalas, a key region in processing emotions, compared to those with only brain injuries. The findings suggest a potential link between amygdala size and the development of PTSD symptoms.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateApr 29, 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.

How to purify water with graphene

Scientists have discovered that graphene can be used to purify water by capturing bacterial cells, making it drinkable. The process involves adding graphene oxide to solutions containing E.coli bacteria, resulting in the formation of flakes that can be easily extracted and reused.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering C·DateApr 29, 2019

Wax helps plants to survive in the desert

Researchers have discovered that desert plants like the colocynth use a special wax to prevent their leaves from drying out in extreme heat. This wax reduces water permeability, enabling plants to conserve water and survive. In contrast, date palms have a different type of wax that helps them thrive in hot conditions.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateApr 29, 2019

Tumor-selective angiotensin blockers may improve response to cancer immunotherapy

Researchers found that combining tumor-selective angiotensin blockers with immune checkpoint blockers significantly improves breast cancer treatment in mouse models. The combination treatment normalizes the tumor microenvironment, inducing changes in gene expression and activating immunosupportive pathways.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 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.

Spinning black hole sprays light-speed plasma clouds into space

Astronomers have discovered rapidly swinging jets from a black hole in V404 Cygni, behaving in a way never seen before. The jets are thought to be caused by the misalignment of the accretion disk and the black hole, resulting in a wobble-like motion.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalNature·DateApr 29, 2019

Researchers identify ways to predict and avoid radiotherapy side effects

A combination of biological markers and genetic changes can predict radiation sensitivity, helping doctors assess patients at risk of side effects. The study found that the time of day when radiotherapy is given can also affect side effects, particularly in breast cancer patients.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·DateApr 29, 2019

Federal research significant in environmental rule-making

Stakeholders rely on federal government-sponsored research to form opinions on hydraulic fracturing, viewing it as more neutral and credible. The study highlights the importance of federal research in reducing polarization and shaping the regulatory landscape.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateApr 29, 2019

Preventing harassment in online discussions

Online discussions with community expectations posting increased newcomer participation by 70% and rule compliance by 8.4%. Ensuring visible community norms benefits group dynamics.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 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.

Biomarker for chronic fatigue syndrome identified by Stanford researchers

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have created a blood test that can flag the disease, which currently lacks a standard diagnostic test. The test successfully identified participants in a study with chronic fatigue syndrome and is being used to screen for potential drugs that may help treat the condition.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Nitrous oxide in agricultural reservoirs

Researchers discovered that small farm dams in Canada are unexpectedly absorbing nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. This finding suggests that these nutrient-rich waterbodies could be used to reduce agricultural emissions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Five things to know about loneliness in older adults

Loneliness is a common emotional state in older adults linked to declines in health and increased healthcare usage. Social prescribing may alleviate loneliness by connecting lonely individuals with community supports.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateApr 29, 2019

Patterns of compulsive smartphone use suggest how to kick the habit

A study by University of Washington researchers identified common triggers for compulsive smartphone use, including waiting for a friend, tedious tasks, and social awkwardness. The team also found that users can find meaning in phone use through apps like meme generators and Kindle, which promote lasting connections to the real world.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateApr 29, 2019

Estimates of illness, death among children, adolescents worldwide

Mortality rates among children and adolescents (birth to age 20) decreased globally between 1990 and 2017 due to declines in infectious diseases. However, years lived with disability (YLDs) rose, primarily caused by iron-deficient anemia, vitamin A deficiency, and mental health disorders.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 29, 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.

Filaments and fibres three times finer than a human hair

Researchers at the University of Seville developed a method to produce high-filament thin polymer fibres, opening doors for industrial-scale production and various applications in material science. The filaments have diameters as small as 50 micrometres and show great elasticity.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalACS Omega·DateApr 29, 2019

WHO study confirms breastfeeding protects against child obesity, however levels of breastfeeding across Europe are well off-target

Research from WHO Europe found that babies who were never or only partially breastfed have a higher risk of becoming obese as children compared to exclusively breastfed babies. The study suggests that promoting breastfeeding practices can help prevent childhood obesity in Europe, but adoption rates are still below global recommendations.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalObesity Facts·DateApr 29, 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.

Study: Mindfulness may help decrease stress in caregivers of veterans

A pilot study found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy skills significantly decreased stress, anxiety, and worry among caregivers of veterans. The intervention was effective in reducing caregiver burden, but more research is needed to explore its benefits for the veteran population as well.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMindfulness·DateApr 29, 2019

New WHO research reveals wide gradient of severe child obesity across Europe, with southern Europe having the highest levels

The study found a significant variation in the prevalence of severe child obesity across European countries, with Southern Europe showing the highest rates. Severe obesity is associated with worse health outcomes and limited treatment options, highlighting the need for effective policy measures to prevent obesity.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalObesity Facts·DateApr 29, 2019

Morning exercise can improve decision-making across the day in older adults

A morning bout of moderate-intensity exercise improves cognitive performance like decision-making across the day compared to prolonged sitting without exercise. Brief light-intensity walking breaks can also boost short-term memory by disrupting uninterrupted sitting.

SourceBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 29, 2019

Study links gene to sleep problems in autism

A recent study published in eLife has identified the gene SHANK3 as a key player in sleep problems associated with autism spectrum disorder. The research found that individuals with autism have trouble falling asleep due to difficulty regulating their body's circadian clock, which regulates the 24-hour day and night cycle.

SourceWashington State University·DateApr 29, 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.

A surprise: Bonobos eat and share meat at rates similar to chimpanzees

Researchers from the University of Oregon found that female bonobos control meat consumption and sharing, similar to male-dominated chimpanzees. They also observed aggressive behavior towards adult males trying to take pieces of meat, but showed tolerance with subadult males.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalFolia Primatologica·DateApr 29, 2019

BU receives Massachusetts life sciences capital grant award

The Center for Translation Neurotrauma Imaging (CTNI) aims to pioneer biomarkers, diagnostics, and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. The facility will create novel brain imaging techniques to track subtle changes in the brain after neurotrauma.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateApr 29, 2019

Precision medicine for pediatric cancers: New hope for children and adolescents

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open shows that precision medicine can be a reality for pediatric tumours, identifying genomic anomalies to guide treatment and offer targeted therapies. The TRICEPS project has successfully enrolled 84 patients, leading to better patient management and more effective treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 29, 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.

'Pedigree is not destiny' when it comes to scholarly success

Researchers found that current work environment is a better predictor of future success than doctoral training prestige. Despite this, early career researchers retain some benefit from prestigious programs in terms of citation accumulation.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Berkeley Lab science snapshots April 2019

Researchers developed a statistical method to quantify changes in environmental systems, finding La Nina winters favor mountain snowpack. Scientists also invented synthetic antibodies that could improve disease detection and toxin identification.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateApr 29, 2019

The search for nothing at all

A team at Colorado State University has developed a new technique called barium tagging, which could help scientists pinpoint single-atom byproducts of double-beta decay. This breakthrough aims to solve longstanding mysteries about neutrinos and their properties.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature·DateApr 29, 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.

UT faculty win grant to study Russian disinformation campaigns

A team of UT researchers will monitor and analyze Russian information warfare tactics, measuring their effectiveness in shaping public opinion in Georgia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The project aims to model relationships between propaganda and opinion, assessing the impact of disinformation campaigns on democratic institutions.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateApr 29, 2019

Keeping very low birth weight babies warm

The medical staff of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital implemented a model for improvement to decrease hypothermia in very low birth weight (VLBW) babies. As a result, they achieved a 97.5% reduction in temperature less than 36 degrees over four years.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·DateApr 29, 2019

Medieval skeletons reveal ancient bone disorder

Researchers used protein sequence-based methods to diagnose an ancient and atypical form of Paget's disease in medieval skeletons. The study found extensive pathological changes, high disease prevalence, and low age-at-death estimations for affected skeletons.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

How the bumble bee got its stripes

Researchers have identified a key gene driving color differences in bumble bee species, revealing the genetic basis of mimicry and evolutionary adaptations. The study found that a specific regulatory region influences Abdominal-B gene expression, resulting in unique color patterns.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Urine test could prevent cervical cancer

Researchers at University of Manchester found urine testing to be just as effective as the cervical smear in detecting high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer. The study suggests a urine test could increase participation rates for cervical cancer screening among younger women.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 29, 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.

Are Canadians kept in the dark about new risks of medicines?

A new international study found that regulators in four countries - including Canada - were only consistent in the decision to warn about potential drug safety risks 10% of the time. This lack of consistency highlights a need for better communication of important drug safety notices.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 29, 2019

Your present self is your best future self, according to new research

New research from UCLA suggests that predicting little change in one's future self is strongly related to increased life satisfaction. People who expect to remain the same tend to be more satisfied with their lives ten years later, while those expecting improvement or decline report less satisfaction.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 29, 2019

Oral cancer detection by dentists is significantly on the rise

A significant rise in oral cancer and pre-cancerous lesion detection by dentists in Ontario is reported, with a nearly doubling of cancers detected between 2005 and 2015. The study suggests that comprehensive training and continuing education programs for oral health professionals may be behind the dramatic increase in detection rates.

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Faculty of Dentistry·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateApr 29, 2019