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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 38


Page 38 of 44

FDA-approved drug effectively treats rare chronic immune disorders

A small NIH clinical trial found benralizumab, a FDA-approved asthma medication, improves HES symptoms with low side effects. The study showed significant reduction in eosinophils and HES-related symptoms, allowing some participants to taper off other therapies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 3, 2019

UTA researchers to study Foundation High School Program outcomes

Researchers are studying the Texas Foundation High School Program to assess its impact on student graduation, college choice, and degree attainment. The study aims to provide insights into how endorsements affect student performance and inform future research and policy.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateApr 3, 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.

Dermatology students improve Wikipedia entries on skin disease

A group of medical students from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus improved Wikipedia articles on skin-related diseases, increasing their visibility by millions of views. They added evidence-based information from Cochrane Reviews to make the articles more complete and accurate.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateApr 3, 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.

How understanding animal behavior can support wildlife conservation

Researchers developed a behavior recognition model using biomechanical principles to accurately determine an animal's activity, such as resting or searching for food. The model uses wearable accelerometer signals to provide detailed information about specific behaviors, which can inform conservation efforts.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 3, 2019

New formula better predicts speed of tumor growth in 12 cancers

Researchers developed a new method to predict tumor growth rates using progression-free survival plots, reducing errors found in current methods. This improvement enables clinicians to schedule optimal screenings and set effective dosing regimens.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe AAPS Journal·DateApr 3, 2019

Think the tick threat grows with the grass? Not necessarily!

A study by Lerman and D'Amico found that less frequent lawn mowing in suburban areas has no detectable effect on blacklegged tick populations. In fact, the researchers documented 111 bee species across 16 lawns, highlighting a viable habitat for native bees.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalPLOS ONE·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.

Anti-inflammatory plant-based diet helps reduce gingivitis

A randomized trial found that a plant-based whole food diet reduced gingival bleeding and increased vitamin D values in patients with gingivitis. The experimental group also experienced weight loss and showed significant benefits without changes to plaque values.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal Of Clinical Periodontology·DateApr 3, 2019

Nanomaterials give plants 'super' abilities (video)

Researchers have created plants that can produce metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a type of nanomaterial, which can be used to detect chemicals and protect against harmful UV rays. The augmented plants could potentially perform useful new functions and may lead to applications in agriculture and space exploration.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 3, 2019

Fungal mating: Next weapon against corn aflatoxin?

A new study shows that using safe, native strains of Aspergillus flavus can be as effective, or even more effective, than commercial strains in reducing aflatoxin levels in corn crops. Native strains may perform better due to their adaptation to soil type and weather conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateApr 3, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Widely used public health surveys may underestimate global burden of childhood diarrhea

Researchers found that a one-week recall period in public health surveys yields higher estimates of childhood diarrhea prevalence than the traditional two-week period. The study suggests that future versions of the Demographic and Health Surveys should use a one-week recall period to improve accuracy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 3, 2019

Computational model of a human kinase may provide insights for cancer treatment

Researchers have developed a computational model for human MEK1, a protein with potential as a drug target for various human cancers. The model provides insights into the structure and function of MEK1, which can help develop new classes of inhibitors for cancer therapeutics.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateApr 3, 2019

Transparent wood can store and release heat (video)

Researchers developed a new type of transparent wood that absorbs, stores and releases heat, potentially saving energy costs in eco-friendly homes. The material is biodegradable, strong and can bear heavy loads, opening the door for its eventual use in modern architecture.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 3, 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.

Stress in childhood and adulthood have combined impact on hormones and health

Research finds that childhood stress can have a lasting impact on cortisol levels in adulthood, increasing the risk of negative health outcomes. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that early life stress can recalibrate the brain's stress-response system, making it more sensitive to stressors later in life.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 3, 2019

The future of agriculture is computerized

Researchers at MIT's Media Lab have created basil plants with enhanced flavor and potential health benefits using computer algorithms. The team used hydroponic containers with controlled environmental conditions to grow the plants, which were then analyzed for volatile compounds. Machine learning algorithms evaluated millions of possib...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 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.

Making lead pipes safe (video)

Researchers present a quick and affordable solution to restore protective coatings in lead pipes, reducing toxic lead leaching into water supply. The new electrochemical approach could be applied to existing pipes with minimal disruption and cost savings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 3, 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.

Researchers pinpoint origin of photons in mysterious gamma-ray bursts

Using simulations, researchers found that photons in long gamma-ray bursts originate from the photosphere of relativistic jets emitted by exploding stars. This discovery provides a promising explanation for the emission mechanism and could help unlock insights into dark matter and dark energy.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 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.

Opioid epidemic is increasing rates of some infectious diseases

The opioid epidemic is driving a surge in infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, heart infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. Comprehensive treatment that addresses both substance use disorder and underlying infections can improve outcomes for patients.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateApr 3, 2019

NICE drops social and ethical values from revised Social Balue Judgements document

A commentary published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine warns that removing explicit ethics and values from NICE's revised Social Value Judgements document undermines the organization's innovative approach. Experts argue that this revision leaves patients and clinicians struggling to understand NICE's decisions.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateApr 3, 2019

Study illuminates the brain's inner workings

A new study assesses how large-scale patterns of brain activity relate to different cognitive systems, revealing variations between individuals. The research uses computational modeling to simulate brain activity and identify repeatable patterns in some cognitive systems.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 3, 2019

Counselors may find that focusing on the human-nature connection may help clients

A new study in the Journal of Humanistic Counseling found strong relationships between ecowellness measures and overall wellness among participants aged 19-84. Counselors can integrate this research by asking clients about ecowellness and incorporating nature-based activities into treatment plans to help them feel effective and whole.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Humanistic Counseling·DateApr 3, 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.

Newly discovered mechanism of plant hormone auxin acts the opposite way

Researchers have discovered a novel gene expression pathway triggered by auxin accumulation at the inner bend of seedling, leading to growth inhibition rather than stimulation. This finding helps explain the formation of apical hooks that aid seedlings in breaking through the soil.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature·DateApr 3, 2019

Through machine learning, new model holds water

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed a new molecular model of water using machine learning, achieving high accuracy and reducing computational cost. The coarse-grained model replicates the behavior of water at the atomic scale, with applications in fields like materials science and climate modeling.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 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.

People with autism have an altered sense of self

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that people with autism lack the 'full body illusion', a test simulating an out-of-body experience. This is linked to a smaller peripersonal space, defining the boundaries of self, which may explain social difficulties and impaired empathy.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalAutism·DateApr 3, 2019

Experimental Biology highlights -- Environment and public health

Recent studies have shed light on the impact of environmental toxins, food additives, and pain management on human health. Research has found that certain antioxidants can protect cells from harm caused by hexavalent chromium, while other substances may weaken the immune system or cause dental damage.

SourceExperimental Biology·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.

Living near protected areas can have positive impacts on human well-being

A new study suggests that living near protected areas, particularly those with established tourism, can lead to increased wealth and reduced poverty. Children living near multiple-use protected areas also experience better health outcomes, including improved height-for-age scores and lower rates of stunted growth.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 3, 2019

The brain's auto-complete function

A new study reveals that hippocampal neurons provide pointers to complete memories by firing strongly during recall. This process, called reinstatement, helps the brain reconstruct associated objects from memory, similar to initial learning. The discovery has implications for understanding memory deficits and potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2019

NIH begins first-in-human trial of a universal influenza vaccine candidate

The NIH has launched a Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immune response of an experimental universal influenza vaccine candidate. The vaccine, known as H1ssF_3928, is designed to induce immunity against diverse influenza subtypes by focusing on a portion of the virus that varies relatively little from strain to strain.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 3, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Virtuoso of mobile sensing technology receives ACM Prize in Computing

Patel's work has ushered in possibilities in sustainability and health, enabling widespread adoption of systems that monitor individual health with smartphones. His research closed the gap between science fiction and reality in ubiquitous computing for sustainability and health.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateApr 3, 2019

Bid to beat rabies could benefit from oral dog vaccine, study finds

Researchers suggest an oral dog vaccine hidden in food could vaccinate millions of stray dogs daily, reducing the risk of rabies transmission to humans. The combined injectable and oral vaccination approach is estimated to be more efficient and potentially cheaper.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalVaccine X·DateApr 3, 2019

Do minerals play a role in development of multiple sclerosis?

A new study published in Neurology found no link between dietary intake of minerals like zinc, iron, and other minerals with the development of multiple sclerosis. The study involved over 80,000 female nurses and found no association between mineral intake and MS risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·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.