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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 37


Page 37 of 44

Research unlocks biomechanical mystery behind deadly blood clots

Researchers at the University of Sydney have used biomechanical engineering techniques to understand the mechanical forces that influence blood clotting. Their findings take them one step closer to developing new anti-thrombotic drugs without serious side effects.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 4, 2019

HZB contributions to special edition on ultrafast dynamics with X-ray methods

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) has contributed to the special edition on ultrafast dynamics with X-ray methods, focusing on photochemistry and material science. Femtoslicing and BESSY VSR methods have been classified, providing a comprehensive overview of current advances in generating ultra-short X-ray pulses.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateApr 4, 2019

Genome-wide analysis reveals new strategies to target pancreatic cancer

Researchers have identified a key hormone receptor called RORγ that promotes tumor growth and is responsible for therapy resistance in pancreatic cancer. Blocking this receptor slows patient-derived tumor growth and improves survival in animal models, providing new avenues for research and potential therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateApr 4, 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.

Defining the responsibility to recontact research participants with new genetic findings

The American Society of Human Genetics has issued a position statement outlining the responsibility to recontact research participants with new genetic findings. The statement recommends that researchers make reasonable attempts to recontact participants if the reinterpretation is expected to affect medical management, but not strongly...

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 4, 2019

What and where in the processing of body-part information

A study by Kazumichi Matsumiya found two distinct neural substrates for body localization and ownership, indicating a need to revise existing models. The findings suggest that spatial localization and body ownership are processed differently in the brain.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 4, 2019

Screw-shaped bird sperm swim faster -- but it comes at a cost

Research found that screw-shaped bird sperm have high average swimming speed, but also higher rates of abnormal or damaged sperm. The study suggests a trade-off between swimming speed and robustness, with the more screw-shaped sperm being faster but more fragile.

SourceNatural History Museum, University of Oslo·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateApr 4, 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.

Detecting pollution with a compact laser source

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new compact laser source that can detect greenhouse gases and molecules in a person's breath. The system uses a fiber laser combined with a micrometer waveguide chip to generate light waves in the mid-infrared spectrum, retaining 30% of the original signal strength.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 4, 2019

Telerehabilitation benefits patients with late-stage cancers

A telerehabilitation program has been shown to improve the physical function, pain, and quality of life of patients with late-stage cancers. The study found that these patients who received remotely delivered rehabilitation services had fewer hospital and nursing home stays.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateApr 4, 2019

Noncoding DNA drives the convergent loss of flight in flightless birds

Researchers found that noncoding DNA regions play a crucial role in the evolution of flightlessness in disparate bird species. The study's results contradict previous findings on protein-coding DNA changes and suggest rapid, convergent adaptations across taxa.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 2019

Photons trained for optical fiber obstacle course will deliver stronger cyber security

A new approach enables the smooth navigation of photons through complex optical fiber obstacle courses, preserving entanglement and correlation. This breakthrough boosts expectations for quantum key distribution (QKD) technology, which uses signals in particles of light to create encryption keys.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 4, 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.

Evolutionary changes played a crucial role in industrialization, study finds

A recent study found that those who conceived months after marriage had more surviving descendants in future generations, giving them an evolutionary advantage. This shift created ideal conditions for economic growth during the Industrial Revolution, as families with moderate fecundity became the dominant population.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 4, 2019

Novel Hawaiian communities operate similarly to native ecosystems

Researchers found that introduced bird species on Oahu are selecting certain non-native plants to interact with, similar to native-dominated ecosystems globally. This suggests that these novel communities can be as stable as native ones, despite being composed of invasive species. However, the study highlights the importance of caution...

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 2019

Plants grow less in hotter temperatures

Researchers discovered that transcription factors ANAC044 and ANAC085 control plant cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage and abiotic stress. These proteins act as a bridge between SOG1 and Rep-MYB, preventing cell proliferation under hostile conditions.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·DateApr 4, 2019

Life on Mars?

Researchers have discovered embedded organic material in a Martian meteorite, suggesting that life could have existed on the Red Planet. The study proposes the presence of active bacteria on Mars and may indicate that there was once life beyond Earth.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Astronomy·DateApr 4, 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.

Multiple mechanisms behind disease associated with unexpected heart attacks

Recent studies examining three mutations at the molecular level found separate mechanisms at work in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Researchers suggest that multiple mechanisms may be responsible for the disease, rather than a single explanation. This discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for this condition.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 4, 2019

New guidelines push for better controlled experiments with synthetic nucleic acids

Researchers proposed new guidelines to standardize experiments with synthetic nucleic acids, addressing current issues like inadequate controls and misleading data interpretation. The guidelines focus on practical advice for performing experiments, measuring gene expression, and selecting appropriate controls.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateApr 4, 2019

Harnessing the power of solar to enhance the electric grid

Researchers at Arizona State University are developing advanced grid models and control technologies to increase the amount of renewable power operating in distribution systems. The goal is to improve grid resilience and performance while ensuring reliable power to critical infrastructures.

SourceArizona State University·DateApr 4, 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.

Supporting HIV-affected couples trying to conceive

A pilot study conducted in Kenya identified a safe and effective strategy to help women with HIV have children, despite the infection being passed on to their babies. The study showed six live births without HIV transmission among 23 couples participating in timed vaginal insemination.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 4, 2019

Could robots autocomplete soldier tasks?

Researchers mapped brain connectivity in 30 people to understand how different regions coordinate during tasks. The study aims to create novel strategies for AI-powered teaming environments, where robots can dynamically assist soldiers in completing tasks.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 4, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stressed? Take a 20-minute nature pill

A study published in Frontiers found that taking a 20- to 30-minute nature experience significantly lowers cortisol levels. The research suggests a daily dose of 'nature pills' could be a simple and effective way to reduce stress.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 4, 2019

Sea turtles struggle years after unexplained die-off

Researchers found elevated levels of heavy metals and signs of illness in green sea turtle populations affected by human activity. The study suggests a link between environmental toxins and poor health, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 4, 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.

Federal subsidies for US commercial fisheries should be rejected

A Duke University economist argues that federal subsidies for US commercial fisheries should be rejected due to their lack of scientific merit. The proposed rule change could lead to overfishing, weak economic performance, and increased by-catch and habitat impacts if finalized.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 2019

Researchers show that mutations in human livers can promote tissue regeneration

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers identified genetic mutations that accumulate in the adult liver and can promote tissue regeneration. The findings suggest that certain mutations provide liver cells with fitness advantages, allowing them to grow and survive better after environmental insults.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell·DateApr 4, 2019

See and be seen

Artificial microswimmers with forward and long-range vision form stable groups by perceiving the number of neighbors within their field of view. This process allows for efficient movement, evasion of predators, and adaptation to environmental stimuli without requiring precise location information.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 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.

Samuel Huang, M.D., receives Pfizer/ACMG Foundation Next Generation Award

Dr. Samuel Huang receives the Pfizer/ACMG Foundation Clinical Genetics Combined Residency Fellowship Award to enhance his clinical research training and expertise in biochemical genetics and therapeutics. He aims to improve patient care through translational genomics and policy changes.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·DateApr 3, 2019

Racial disparities persist in access to kidney transplants

Racial disparities in access to kidney transplants continue, with patients from underserved groups more likely to be listed as inactive and less likely to receive transplants than white patients. A new study analyzing data from 2014-2016 found significant inequities despite a system aimed at increasing access for vulnerable populations.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateApr 3, 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.

Order hidden in disorder

Scientists found that amorphous systems converge to hyperuniformity, a hidden order on large scales, as they optimize individual cells' geometrical properties. This discovery has implications for the development of novel materials, including photonic metamaterials and block copolymers.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2019

People with obesity often 'dehumanized,' study finds

Research at the University of Liverpool found that people with obesity are stigmatized and explicitly considered to be less human than those without obesity. This blunt dehumanization was linked to support for health policies that discriminate against individuals due to their weight.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalObesity·DateApr 3, 2019

Researchers test new imaging method for first time on human patients

Researchers have successfully tested a new ultrasound technology on human patients, enabling detailed images of internal structure and blood flow. The vector flow imaging method provides advanced detail of blood flow patterns within cardiac chambers, across valves, and in the great arteries.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalProgress in Pediatric Cardiology·DateApr 3, 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.

Gene levels could help predict prognosis for colorectal cancer

Researchers at Medical College of Georgia found that higher levels of CCR4 gene are associated with better survival rates and longer lifespan in patients with colorectal cancer. The gene helps the immune system differentiate between good cells and bad cells.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateApr 3, 2019

Dr. Roger E. Stevenson receives Rimoin Lifetime Achievement Award from ACMG Foundation

Dr. Roger E. Stevenson, a senior clinical and research geneticist at the Greenwood Genetic Center, has received the 2019 ACMG Foundation David L. Rimoin Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes his vision in founding the center, groundbreaking research on X-linked intellectual disability, and leadership in establishing programs...

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·DateApr 3, 2019

Discrimination may affect adolescents' sleep quality

Research suggests that discrimination during the day is linked to poor sleep quality at night. Minority youth, particularly Black and Latinx adolescents, experience disrupted sleep patterns and increased daytime symptoms.

SourceWiley·JournalChild Development·DateApr 3, 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.

The whisper room: Moderates on Twitter are losing their voice

A study by MU researcher Michael Kearney found that moderate users are avoiding politics on Twitter, potentially creating a void in the middle. This amplifies the existing trend of partisan users forming highly partisan networks.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNew Media & Society·DateApr 3, 2019

Racial bias associated with disparities in disciplinary action across US schools

A study by Princeton University researchers found that racial bias contributes to disciplinary disparities in US schools, with black students experiencing higher rates of suspension and expulsion. The study analyzed data from over 3,100 counties and found a correlation between county-level measures of racial bias and disciplinary action.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 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.

Structure of the molecular machine that links carbohydrate and lipid metabolism

A team of scientists has unraveled the three-dimensional structure and molecular mechanism of ATP citrate lyase, a key enzyme in fatty acid and cholesterol production. The findings offer new insights into the origins of cellular respiration and have potential therapeutic implications for metabolic diseases and cancer.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature·DateApr 3, 2019

A soft spot for stem cells helps cornea healing

Researchers at Newcastle University develop a potential revolutionary way to treat eye injuries and prevent blindness by using an enzyme to soften the tissue hosting stem cells. This approach has important implications for developing new ways to heal corneal damage, which affects almost 500,000 people worldwide.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2019

New campaign encourages organ and tissue donation to advance medical research

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has launched a new effort to encourage people to become organ and tissue donors, helping scientists save human lives and reduce animal experiments. Human tissue is used in various scientific advancements, including disease progression, drug development, and medical procedures.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·DateApr 3, 2019

New $22 million project targets deadly viruses

The Prometheus Center for Excellence in Translational Research aims to develop antibody-based therapies against four highly lethal viruses with no approved vaccines or treatments. The project will leverage existing research on ebolavirus and apply it to other emerging viruses, focusing on virus transmission from animals to humans.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateApr 3, 2019

Gorillas gather around and groom their dead

Researchers observed mountain gorillas gathering around the bodies of deceased group members, spending time in contact with their corpses, and even grooming them. These behaviors were surprisingly similar across different gorilla groups and suggest a complex understanding of death among these animals.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 3, 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.