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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 30


Page 30 of 44

A Jetsons future? Assessing the role of flying cars in sustainable mobility

A new study assesses the environmental sustainability impacts of flying cars and finds that they could outperform ground-based cars for longer trips. For trips over 100 kilometers, fully loaded VTOLs carrying a pilot and three passengers had lower greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2019

Underwater forests a treasure trove of new drugs

Researchers have identified a common species of seaweed, Laminaria ochroleuca, as a rich source of bacteria with antimicrobial and anticancer activities. The study reveals that extracts from these Actinobacteria inhibited growth of various pathogens and showed selective anticancer activity.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateApr 9, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High-strength MRI tracks MS progression

A study using 7-Tesla MRI detected cortical lesions in 80% of MS patients, which were strongly correlated with neurological disability and disease progression. Cortical lesions accumulated in grooves on the brain's surface called sulci, suggesting a new approach to evaluating MS progression.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 9, 2019

Researchers reveal novel therapeutic strategy for ALS

A new cellular mechanism for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been identified, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy targeting the RNA degradation pathway. Researchers also found that an asthma drug called Tranilast could potentially rescue cells and fruit flies from C9orf72-induced neurotoxicity.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalBrain·DateApr 9, 2019

Study suggests 'rest is best' for carpal tunnel and similar injuries

A four-week rest period was nearly as effective as an experimental drug in reducing discomfort and regaining function after injury from repeated moderate-strain activity. The study suggests that rest may be a good first treatment choice for common musculoskeletal disorders, with exercises and pain reducers used to aid recovery.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 9, 2019

Genome assembly of pasta wheat leads to new insights for modern wheat breeding

The genome assembly of durum wheat has provided new insights into its domestication history and genetic properties. The study revealed a mutation that leads to high cadmium content in grains, enabling plant breeders to selectively breed modern durum cultivars with reduced cadmium levels.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 9, 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.

Retrieving climate history from the ice

Climate researchers are searching for ice in the Antarctic that's at least 1.5 million years old to gather data on carbon dioxide and methane, and their connections to the climate's development. The BE-OI project has selected Little Dome C as the ideal site, which will be drilled into starting in mid November 2021.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·DateApr 9, 2019

To lower childhood obesity, don't sugarcoat the facts about sweet drinks

Research at Columbia University found that providing clear information on the sugar content and health risks of sugary drinks can help families make informed choices. The study's lead author recommends using visual aids and graphic warning labels to inform parents about healthy alternatives.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateApr 9, 2019

A new way of finding compounds that prevent aging

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed a new method to identify compounds that prevent aging by analyzing the transcriptome of human cells. This approach identified several candidate substances, including Hsp90 inhibitors, which have been shown to extend lifespan and improve health in C. elegans.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 9, 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.

Study: Trump's 'Repeal and Replace' debate already impacting women's health

A new study found that the current 'repeal and replace' debate is already affecting women's health by increasing interest in IUDs as a cost-efficient form of reversible birth control. The study used Google Trends data to track searches for IUDs, showing a significant increase following the 2016 presidential election.

SourceElevated Science Communications·JournalContraception·DateApr 9, 2019

Can flipping coins replace animal experiments?

Researchers Sophie Piper and colleagues used a coin toss to confirm whether a drug protects the brain against stroke, questioning the need for repeated experiments in mice. The study reveals high rates of false positive results and highlights the 'replication crisis' in scientific research.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 9, 2019

PSU study shows green roofs could reduce indoor air pollution

Green roofs have been found to improve indoor air quality by reducing ozone levels, according to a PSU study. The research involved comparing air quality between a green roof and a conventional white membrane roof on a retail store in North Portland.

SourcePortland State University·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateApr 9, 2019

Study: Medication treatment reduces arrests among people with opioid use disorder

A new study published in Addiction found that medication treatment for opioid use disorder significantly reduces the risk of arrest and incarceration. The research, led by UMass Amherst public health scientist Elizabeth Evans, used data from a large randomized clinical trial to compare the effects of two medications on social outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAddiction·DateApr 9, 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.

Three K-12 educators win AIAA Foundation Educator Achievement Awards

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Foundation has honored three K-12 educators for their outstanding contributions to STEM education. The winners, Charlotte Cook, Patricia Palazzolo, and Megan L. Tucker, have inspired their students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateApr 9, 2019

The anxiety of exposure

Researchers confirmed the theory that impostor syndrome mediates the link between perfectionism and psychological distress. Impostor syndrome arises from maladaptive perfectionism, causing increased anxiety, depressive moods, and other disorders. The study recommends focusing on competence, understanding self-defense mechanisms, mainta...

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateApr 9, 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.

Conservationists clash over ways forward despite sharing 'core aims,' study finds

A large-scale study found consensus among conservationists on core aims, but significant disagreement on mechanisms to achieve them. The study reveals deep divisions over assigning economic value to nature and the necessity of protected areas, as well as varying perspectives on non-native species and human population growth.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 9, 2019

JUUL electronic cigarette products linked to cellular damage

A recent study has found that JUUL electronic cigarette products contain dangerously high levels of nicotine, which can be toxic to living cells. The researchers also discovered that flavor chemicals in JUUL pods may make them attractive to youth and could lead to adverse health effects with chronic use.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateApr 9, 2019

Life could be evolving right now on nearest exoplanets

New study models UV environments of nearby exoplanets, finding they could support life despite high radiation levels. The researchers argue that life has survived similar conditions on Earth and suggests the possibility of life existing today on planets like Proxima-b.

SourceCornell University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 9, 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.

NIH researchers make progress toward Epstein-Barr virus vaccine

Researchers at the NIH have made progress toward developing an EBV vaccine by identifying key antibodies that block infection. The new vaccine candidates elicited potent anti-EBV antibody responses in animals, offering potential protection against EBV-associated cancers and infectious mononucleosis.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalImmunity·DateApr 9, 2019

The return of Cthulhu -- the small sea critter

Researchers at Yale University have identified a 430 million-year-old fossil as a new species related to living sea cucumbers, named Sollasina cthulhu. The creature had 45 tentacle-like tube feet and was small, about the size of a large spider.

SourceYale University·DateApr 9, 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.

High-intensity interval training increases injuries, Rutgers study finds

A Rutgers study found that high-intensity interval training increases injury risk, especially in the knees and shoulders. Most injuries involved knees, ankles, and shoulders, with white males aged 20 to 39 being most injured. The researchers recommend conditioning, proper form, and recovery phases to minimize preventable injuries.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness·DateApr 9, 2019

Graphene coating could help prevent lithium battery fires

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago found that graphene coating can reduce lithium battery fires by preventing oxygen release from cathode decomposition. The coating showed significant reduction in oxygen release under high heat, maintaining battery performance even after rapid cycling.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 9, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

NASA imagery shows winds tearing Tropical Cyclone Wallace

Tropical Cyclone Wallace was sheared apart by northwesterly winds, causing its clouds to spread far inland. The storm's rotation was weakened due to wind shear, a phenomenon where winds at different altitudes push against the rotating cylinder of winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 9, 2019

How societal attitudes, political rhetoric affect immigrants' health

A new study by University of Washington professor Jane Lee finds that partisan rhetoric and cultural divides contribute to poor health among immigrants. The study identifies 'sociopolitical context' as a key factor in shaping health-related behaviors, with participants reporting fear, uncertainty, and discrimination as major stressors.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Social Policy·DateApr 9, 2019

Using bacteria to protect roads from deicer deterioration

Drexel University researchers have found that mixing a certain type of bacteria into concrete can prevent potholes caused by road salt. The bacteria produce calcite, which interacts with the calcium chloride in road salts and prevents their negative effects on concrete.

SourceDrexel University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateApr 9, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Study reports on bacterial STIs among men using PrEP

The study analyzed data from nearly 3,000 gay and bisexual men in Australia who received daily HIV PrEP, revealing an association between bacterial STIs and specific risk behaviors. The findings suggest that PrEP users are at higher risk of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis diagnoses.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 9, 2019

Researchers working to prevent sexual harassment in scientific field settings

A team of Colorado State University researchers are studying the prevalence and psychological indicators of sexual harassment in field-based research. They aim to create a policy and culture of collegiality and respect across field teams, with a focus on low-power positions like graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

SourceColorado State University·DateApr 9, 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.

Pin-sized sensor could bring chemical ID to smartphone-sized devices

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a compact spectrometer that can integrate with smartphone cameras, enabling real-time chemical identification. The device boasts high resolution and low fabrication costs, paving the way for enhanced sensors in various fields.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2019

Massachusetts parental consent law leads to delays for minors seeking abortions

A new study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that Massachusetts' parental consent law for abortion leads to significant delays in care, increasing medical risks and constraining clinical options. The law requires a judicial bypass hearing for minors seeking abortions without parental consent.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateApr 9, 2019

New research about biodiversity reveals the importance of climate on today's abundance of life

A new study maps historical biodiversity in unprecedented detail, showing that a cooler climate is crucial for conserving biodiversity. The researchers also debunk the notion of a brief ice age causing a major extinction event, pointing instead to volcanic activity as the primary cause.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2019

New to college? Spend some time alone

A new study finds that first-year students who value and enjoy their alone time tend to display greater psychological health. The researchers argue that a healthy motivation for solitude is essential, particularly for those who don't feel they belong in college.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateApr 9, 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.

Greener, more efficient natural gas filtration

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel polymer membrane that dramatically improves the efficiency of natural gas purification while reducing environmental impact. The membrane can process natural gas quickly and effectively, removing more carbon dioxide than traditional materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 9, 2019

More than 90% of glacier volume in the Alps could be lost by 2100

A study projects significant glacier loss in the Alps due to climate change. By 2050, about 50% of glacier volume is expected to disappear, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the region's ecosystem and economy. The fate of glaciers will depend on future warming scenarios.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateApr 9, 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.

Cancer-killing combination therapies unveiled with new drug-screening tool

Researchers at UCSF have developed a new screening system to identify effective cancer-killers when combining drugs that are only partially effective as single-agent therapies. The study identified combinations of PI3K inhibitors and RNAi that eradicated a devastating blood cancer and certain solid tumor cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 9, 2019

Empathy and cooperation go hand in hand

Researchers found that empathy fosters cooperation over selfishness by taking into account another person's perspective when forming moral judgments. Empathy tends to spread throughout a population under most scenarios, leading to increased cooperation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateApr 9, 2019

Single cell transcriptomics: A new sequencing approach

A new study compared traditional Illumina platforms to an alternative BGISEQ-500 short-read sequencing platform for single-cell transcriptomics. The authors found that BGISEQ-500 was highly comparable in sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility of detected RNA molecules.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 9, 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.

Bacteria flip an electric switch to worsen food poisoning

A new study reveals how Salmonella bacteria flip an electric switch within immune cells, causing them to migrate out of the gut and into the bloodstream. This mechanism contributes to the severity of food-borne illnesses, with over 400,000 deaths worldwide each year.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 9, 2019

Disposable parts of plants mutate more quickly

A new study published in PLOS Biology found that plant parts with longer lifespans, such as stems and roots, have lower mutation rates compared to those with shorter lifespans, like leaves and petals. The researchers also discovered that plants with more future prospects for mutations tend to have lower relative mutation rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 9, 2019

Combining opioids and marijuana may be advantageous for pain sufferers

Researchers found that combining cannabinoids with morphine did not increase impulsivity or memory impairment in rhesus monkeys, suggesting a safe way to cut opioid dosage for pain sufferers. The study's findings support the notion that opioid-cannabinoid mixtures can be effective for treating pain without greater adverse effects.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 9, 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.