Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 32


Page 32 of 44

ACP issues guidance statement for breast cancer screening of average-risk women

The American College of Physicians recommends that average-risk women between 50 and 74 years old undergo breast cancer screening with mammography every other year, as this approach balances benefits and harms. This strategy reduces false-positive findings and overtreatment, while minimizing radiation exposure and related risks.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 8, 2019

Relationship benefits can be seen in your eyes

A recent BYU study used infrared cameras to measure pupil diameter and found that couples who worked together experienced reduced stress levels. The research, published in PLOS ONE, builds on previous landmark studies showing the benefits of relationships for longevity.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2019

Immune cells fighting blood cancer visualized for the first time

Scientists visualized CAR T cells fighting blood cancer for the first time, revealing key interactions and behaviors. The study showed that CAR T cells can directly kill tumor cells within minutes, but their effectiveness is hindered by aggregation and infiltration issues.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 8, 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.

Location-specific air pollution damages

A US study estimates that location-specific air pollution damages result in nearly 107,000 premature deaths annually, with a societal cost of $886 billion, highlighting the need for location-specific emissions mitigation efforts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2019

High-capacity transmission over multi-core fiber link with 19-core optical amplifier

Researchers at NICT and Furukawa Electric successfully demonstrated a record SDM transmission experiment, achieving 715 Tb/s over 2009 km using a 19-core optical amplifier. The demonstration showcases the potential of high-core count cladding pumped EDFAs for long-haul transmission in both C and L bands.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateApr 8, 2019

You're probably not allergic to vaccines

According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, vaccine allergies are extremely uncommon, affecting only one in 760,000 vaccinations. Most side effects from vaccines are not allergic reactions, but rather minor responses that can be managed with over-the-counter medications.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 8, 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.

Woolly mammoths and Neanderthals may have shared genetic traits

The research attributes the human-elephant relationship during the Pleistocene epoch to their mutual ecology and shared living environments. Both species likely hailed from ancestors that came to Europe from Africa and adapted to living conditions in Ice Age Europe, highlighting their genetic similarities.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalHuman Biology·DateApr 8, 2019

Observing a molecule stretch and bend in real-time

Scientists have observed the structural bending and stretching of carbon disulphide molecules in real-time, revealing a linear-to-bent transition driven by electronic structure changes. This breakthrough uses advanced laser-induced electron diffraction techniques to capture snapshots of molecular dynamics with sub-atomic resolution.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2019

Online tool encourages healthy weight gain during pregnancy

A new study found that online diet goal-setting helped women with normal body weight achieve healthy weight gain during pregnancy. However, the tool was not effective for women with higher BMI levels, suggesting a need for personalized approaches to dietary change.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateApr 8, 2019

Specific criteria needed for different types of myeloma

Current diagnostic criteria do not account for differences in kappa and lambda light chains, leading to missed diagnoses and false positives. The researchers propose new criteria that take into account the varying levels of these light chains to improve accuracy and detect cases of lambda-associated lesions.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalLaboratory Medicine·DateApr 8, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Is it genetic code or postal code that influence a child's life chances?

A study published in Nature Human Behavior found that genetic factors play a small role in shaping children's health and educational success, while neighborhood conditions have a significant impact. The research team analyzed data from thousands of children living in Britain and Wales, and found that children growing up in worse-off ne...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateApr 8, 2019

Excellent catering: How a bacterium feeds an entire flatworm

A single bacterium supplies the gutless Paracatenula worm with lipids, proteins, sugars, fatty acids, vitamins, and other substances for energy and biomass production. The bacteria use chemosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds, which are then delivered to the host in small droplet-like vesicles.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2019

Improving our understanding of children and gender

Children's Hospital Los Angeles is conducting a 5-year national study of pre-pubescent transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) children's mental health, aiming to enroll 320 participants. The study will provide valuable insights into the interplay between mental health and gender issues in this understudied age group.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·DateApr 8, 2019

New intervention doubles quit rate among smokers with severe mental illness

Researchers at the University of York have developed an effective smoking cessation program for individuals with severe mental illness. The study found that smokers who received tailored behavioral support and access to nicotine replacement therapy were more than twice as likely to quit six months after intervention, compared to those ...

SourceUniversity of York·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateApr 8, 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.

Pollen detectives work to predict asthma and hay fever

Researchers tracked grass pollen for seasonal variations and found it was released into the atmosphere later in areas further from the equator. The study aims to create a unique profile of each grass pollen species to determine the most harmful strains.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 8, 2019

Plant diversity increases insect diversity

Research reveals that increased plant species lead to higher insect species richness and abundance, challenging current management practices for ecosystem conservation.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2019

Blood-based colon cancer screen shows promise in UW-Madison study

A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists has identified four blood-based fingerprints associated with pre-cancerous forms of colon cancer. The findings may lead to a minimally-invasive blood test to increase screening rates and reduce overtreatment.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 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.

Nutrients from food, not supplements, linked to lower risks of death, cancer

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that adequate intake of certain nutrients from food sources is associated with a reduced risk of death and cancer. However, excess calcium intake from supplements was linked to an increased risk of cancer death. The researchers suggest that nutrients from foods may have beneficial ...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 8, 2019

Body donor's rare anatomy offers valuable lessons

A rare condition, situs inversus with levocardia, has been discovered in a 99-year-old body donor. This condition is often associated with life-threatening cardiac ailments and occurs about once in every 22,000 births. The discovery of this unusual anatomy offers valuable lessons on human variations.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateApr 8, 2019

Antioxidants protect cells from harmful water contaminant

Researchers found that antioxidants like vitamin C can block toxicity caused by hexavalent chromium in human cells, which could lead to a new treatment method for water contamination. The study suggests an oxidative mechanism is responsible for the contaminant's toxicity, and treating water with antioxidants may prevent it.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 8, 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.

More sleep may help teens with ADHD focus and organize

A study found that teenagers with ADHD who got less sleep experienced significant deficits in executive functioning skills, including working memory, planning, and organization. In contrast, those who got more sleep showed improved performance.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 8, 2019

New pathways for sustainable agriculture

A new study found that small-scale land use can significantly improve biodiversity and ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes, even with minimal non-crop habitat.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEcology Letters·DateApr 8, 2019

Study reveals early molecular signs of high-risk pregnancy

Researchers found that modulation of immune system during pregnancy is similar in women with and without lupus. In healthy pregnancies, key immune genes are quieted after embryo implantation, while those with preeclampsia or complications show downregulation of these genes.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 8, 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.

'Electron shuttle' protein plays key role in plant cell-wall construction

A recent study by scientists from Brookhaven National Laboratory has revealed the mechanistic details of a protein involved in the assembly of lignin, a key cell-wall component. The discovery identifies an electron shuttle protein that delivers fuel for the construction of one specific type of lignin building block.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateApr 8, 2019

Stillbirth threefold increase when sleeping on back in pregnancy

A new study published in EClinicalMedicine found that pregnant women who sleep on their backs are at a higher risk of stillbirth, with the risk increasing by 2.6 times after 28 weeks of pregnancy. The NHS has now incorporated the findings into its Saving Babies' Lives care advice information for pregnant women.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateApr 8, 2019

Healthy diet helps older men maintain physical function

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that a healthy diet can significantly influence physical function in older men, with higher diet scores associated with decreased odds of physical impairment. The study suggests that specific dietary changes, such as eating more vegetables and nuts, may lower risk.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateApr 8, 2019

Dietary supplement boosts cognitive function in vegetarians

A new study found that vegetarian volunteers who took a daily creatine supplement showed improved brain function and higher scores on a neurocognitive test compared to non-vegetarians. Vegetarian diets tend to have lower creatine levels, but supplementation can help bridge this gap.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 8, 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.

Amorphous materials will be used in medical and industrial applications

Researchers at Kazan University have discovered that amorphous materials exhibit outstanding physical and mechanical properties, including strength, electric conductivity, and corrosion resistance. The study found that these materials can crystallize into a monocrystal or polycrystalline structure under different temperature conditions.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalActa Materialia·DateApr 8, 2019

Early agricultural strategies in southern Polynesia

Researchers discovered fossil evidence of early taro cultivation in southern Polynesia, suggesting a history of taro production on the islands. The study indicates that fire was used for clearing forest cover during early cultivation, followed by a decrease in fire and an increase in short-lived plants as production intensified.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2019

New study exonerates refined grains

A new study published in Advances in Nutrition reveals that refined grains are not associated with increased disease risk and premature death. Refined grain intake was found to have an inverse association with total cancer deaths and a statistically significant inverse association with all-cause death rate.

SourceThe Ginger Network·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·DateApr 8, 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.

Melting glaciers causing sea levels to rise at ever greater rates

A global study found that melting glaciers worldwide have caused a significant increase in global sea levels over the past 30 years, with 19,000 glaciers losing an average of 27 millimeters of ice since 1961. The largest contributors were glaciers in Alaska and Patagonia, resulting in a 335 billion-ton annual loss of glacier ice.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2019

IOF Medal of Achievement awarded to Harry K. Genant

Dr. Harry K. Genant received the 2019 International Osteoporosis Foundation Medal of Achievement for his innovative work in non-invasive and quantitative imaging methods, advancing knowledge on bone fragility and fracture risk assessment. This award recognizes his significant contributions to osteoporosis research.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateApr 8, 2019

When the extreme becomes the norm for Arctic animals

Svalbard reindeer population behaves counterintuitively under harsher climate scenarios, with high density and competition leading to population crashes. However, the population's internal restructuring and age structure buffer the effects of climate change, allowing them to survive in a warming environment.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 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.

ACP issues guidance statement for breast cancer screening

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued a new guidance statement on breast cancer screening for average-risk women, recommending mammography every other year beginning at age 50. The guidelines take into account the potential harms of overdiagnosis and overtreatment associated with annual or biennial screening.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 8, 2019

New DNA 'shredder' technique goes beyond CRISPR's scissors

A new CRISPR-Cas3 tool has been developed for long-range DNA editing in human cells, allowing scientists to target and delete large expanses of DNA. This technique harnesses a different type of CRISPR system than the widely used Cas9 tools, enabling precise control over DNA degradation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 8, 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.

Global study shows exotic species are a complex threat

A recent study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that exotic species do tend to disrupt marine ecosystems, reducing native species abundance. However, the team's meta-analysis revealed significant variability and context dependence in their impact.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 8, 2019

Scientists compared ways of drug delivery to malignant tumors

Researchers analyzed methods of targeted drug delivery to malignant tumors, exploring passive targeting, active targeting, and cell-mediated targeting. By understanding tumor structure and metabolism, scientists can develop personalized treatment approaches to increase efficiency and reduce side effects.

SourceSechenov University·JournalCancers·DateApr 8, 2019

Carbon-negative power generation for China

Researchers propose a new approach for China's electric power generation that combines coal-bioenergy gasification with carbon capture storage. This strategy could reduce CO2 emissions while improving air quality in the country by utilizing crop residue as biofuel.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2019

Postdoctoral researcher launches Community Noise Lab at Boston University

Community Noise Lab, launched by Dr. Erica Walker, explores the relationship between community noise and health through real-time sound monitoring, lab experiments, and community engagement. The lab aims to inform, empower, and impact communities, sharing ride-sharing science to advance public health research.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateApr 8, 2019

Breaking down Beowulf

A team of researchers led by Madison Krieger used statistical analysis to find evidence supporting the theory that Beowulf was written by a single author. The study found consistent metrics throughout the text, including letter combinations, which lends further support to the idea of unity.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateApr 8, 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.

Proactive policing and youth delinquency

A study found that frequent police stops in ninth-graders led to higher engagement in delinquent behaviors over time. Proactive policing may unintentionally contribute to adolescent criminality, with psychological distress playing a key role.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2019

Could eating garlic reduce aging-related memory problems?

A recent study has found that garlic can protect memory by improving gut health, which is associated with age-related memory problems. The researchers observed that mice receiving the garlic compound showed better long- and short-term memory than those not receiving the treatment.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 8, 2019

Researchers 3D print metamaterials with novel optical properties

Engineers at Tufts University have created novel optical devices using 3D printed metamaterials with unique microwave or optical properties. The researchers developed a hybrid fabrication approach to create complex geometries and novel functionalities for wavelengths in the microwave range.

SourceTufts University·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateApr 8, 2019

TGen review links gene with the most common liver cancer

Researchers at TGen identified AKR1B10 as a potential biomarker for liver cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The enzyme has a paradoxical role in HCC development, where its overexpression indicates cancer presence while suppression may slow progression.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalCancers·DateApr 8, 2019

Kids living near major roads at higher risk of developmental delays, NIH study suggests

Young children who live close to a major roadway are twice as likely to score lower on tests of communications skills. Children born to women exposed during pregnancy to higher-than-normal levels of traffic-related pollutants have a small but significantly higher likelihood of developmental delays.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateApr 8, 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.

Drug candidate for leishmaniasis

Researchers have developed a small molecule that effectively treats visceral leishmaniasis in a mouse model, with favorable pharmacokinetic properties and no safety concerns. The compound targets the proteasome, a cellular recycling machine, by binding to a previously undiscovered site.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2019

Off-the-shelf smart fabric helps athletic coaching and physical therapy

A smart fabric system developed by Dartmouth College researchers uses off-the-shelf fabrics to monitor joint rotation and provide real-time feedback for athletic coaching and physical therapy. The wearable is lightweight, washable, and comfortable, achieving a low median error of 9.69º in reconstructing elbow joint angles.

SourceDartmouth College·DateApr 8, 2019

Scientists review influenza vaccine research progress and opportunities

Experts discuss ongoing research on improving seasonal influenza vaccines and developing a universal vaccine for long-term protection against multiple seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses. Recent scientific advances have provided unprecedented momentum toward this goal.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateApr 8, 2019