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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 39


Page 39 of 44

Patent-pending probiotic could disrupt Crohn's disease biofilms

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a novel probiotic mix that can weaken and break apart stubborn microbial biofilm communities in the gut, which are often resistant to antibiotics. The study suggests this probiotic could help patients with gastrointestinal diseases avoid harmful biofilms that worsen symptoms.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalmBio·DateApr 3, 2019

Researchers demonstrate latest neurotechnologies at international conference

Researchers showcase cutting-edge neurotechnology systems, including BrainFlight, which uses online neurofeedback to modify an individual's arousal state. The system aims to improve performance in demanding tasks and has potential applications in treating mental conditions like PTSD.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2019

Crowdsourcing speeds up earthquake monitoring

A new method combines seismic data with crowdsourced information from the internet, smartphones, and Twitter to detect earthquakes more quickly. This approach reduces detection time for felt earthquakes to just 1-3 minutes, improving situational awareness.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience Advances·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.

Predicting the uphill battle

Researchers developed a series of models that strongly predict how terrain slope affects human travel rates, accounting for variability in movement. The study used crowdsourced fitness-tracking data from nearly 30,000 people, resulting in more advanced models than previous ones.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalApplied Geography·DateApr 3, 2019

Global centers of unsustainable harvesting of species identified

The study identifies regions under high-intensity threat from commercial harvesting of species, highlighting urgent need for sustainable use and protection. High-risk areas contain 82% of impacted species, with only 16% covered by protected areas on land.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 3, 2019

New insights on liver injury in men taking body building supplements

Researchers found that men taking bodybuilding supplements experienced prolonged and difficult-to-treat liver injuries, often accompanied by jaundice and generalized itching. The study also revealed that many products contained illicit anabolic steroids not accurately listed on the label.

SourceWiley·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateApr 3, 2019

Adiponectin, the hormone that protects women against liver cancer

Researchers at CNIC have discovered a hormone called adiponectin that protects the liver from liver cancer, which affects more men than women. Adiponectin is produced in higher amounts in women and slim people, with levels declining after puberty in men.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 3, 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.

Detecting eye and brain disease earlier

Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago are developing functional optical coherence tomography and OCT angiography to study minute changes in the retina indicating early stages of brain diseases. The technique, led by Xincheng Yao, aims to detect neurovascular coupling changes that precede clinical symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateApr 3, 2019

Shorter stays in a skilled nursing facility tied to higher risk for readmission

A new study by NYU School of Medicine found that shorter stays in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are associated with a higher risk of hospital readmission among elderly heart failure patients. Patients who stayed at SNFs for two days or less had a risk four times higher than those who stayed longer.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateApr 3, 2019

Structure of the molecular machine that links carbohydrate and lipid metabolism

Researchers have unraveled the three-dimensional structure of ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), a central metabolic enzyme crucial for fatty acid and cholesterol production. The study's findings provide new insights into ACLY's role in metabolism, evolution, and potential therapeutic targeting of cancer and metabolic diseases.

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

Advance boosts efficiency of flash storage in data centers

Researchers have designed a new flash-storage system called LightStore that modifies SSDs to connect directly to a data center's network, enabling more efficient data storage operations. In experiments, the system was found to run twice as efficiently as traditional storage servers and required less than half the physical space.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·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.

Unique patterns of brain activity predict treatment responses in patients with PTSD

A neuroimaging study identified unique brain activity patterns that predict poorer responses to talk therapy in patients with PTSD. Patients with impaired verbal memory and VAN function had poorer outcomes after psychotherapy, while those with intact verbal memory or normal VAN function were more responsive.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 3, 2019

New family of glass good for lenses

Penn State researchers develop a novel zinc germanosilicate glass with high transparency, UV shielding, and favorable forming properties, making it an ideal material for lens applications. The new glass composition overcomes roadblocks associated with achieving high refractive index, such as crystallization and toxicity.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Non-Crystalline Solids·DateApr 3, 2019

Strong link between air pollution in Southwestern Ontario and adverse birth outcomes

A study by Lawson Research Institute found evidence of a strong association between exposure to sulfur dioxide during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, including low birthweight and preterm birth. Pregnant women were 3.4 times more likely to have a low birthweight baby for every 1-part per billion increase in sulfur dioxide.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalEnvironmental Research·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.

Sunscreen application has better face coverage than SPF moisturizers

A study published in PLOS ONE found that SPF moisturizer users incompletely cover their eyelid regions during application. The researchers compared sunscreen and moisturizer application and found significantly better coverage with sunscreen. This highlights the importance of using sunscreen for optimal sun protection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2019

Thirteen new ant species discovered in Hong Kong

A team of researchers from the University of Hong Kong has added 13 new species to the existing list of ants, including three miniature trap-jaw ants and five non-native species. These discoveries highlight the importance of monitoring insect populations in Hong Kong and beyond.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalZooKeys·DateApr 3, 2019

Ushering in ultrafast cluster electronics

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a computational approach to predict the behavior of clusters of molecules, enabling faster electronic devices with on/off switching and reversible conductivity. This method could lead to the creation of cluster molecular electronics, a new field of science.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 3, 2019

Insect-deterring sorghum compounds may be eco-friendly pesticide

Researchers found that flavonoids, produced by sorghum plants to defend against insect feeding, are effective in repelling corn leaf aphids. The compounds are not present in the phloem but in epidermal cells, where they can be taken up by insects and lead to their demise.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology·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.

Coral study traces excess nitrogen to Maui wastewater treatment facility

A new study connects excess nutrients in West Maui's coastal waters to a sewage treatment facility that injects treated wastewater into the ground. The researchers developed a procedure for analyzing nitrogen isotopes in coral skeletons, providing a 40-year record of changes in nitrogen sources over time.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 3, 2019

California's current earthquake hiatus is an unlikely pause

A new study published in Seismological Research Letters found that California's current 100-year earthquake hiatus is highly unlikely, occurring at a 0.3% chance over the past 1000 years. The researchers analyzed long paleoseismic records and concluded that the gap isn't a statistical fluke, but rather an exceptional event.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateApr 3, 2019

Study finds lower death rates for TAVR centers that do more procedures

A study by Duke University Medical Center found that hospitals performing the highest volume of TAVR procedures have significantly lower mortality rates compared to those performing fewer procedures. This relationship held true even after accounting for the learning curve and individual proceduralist performance.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 3, 2019

More CO2 than ever before in 3 million years, shows unprecedented computer simulation

A team of scientists successfully conducted the first computer simulation that matches ocean floor sediment data on climate evolution over 3 million years. The study reveals that changes in CO2 levels were a main driver of ice ages, and current greenhouse gas emissions are now triggering unprecedented climate change.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalScience Advances·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.

Children benefit from living near conservation zones

Living near protected areas designated by IUCN can have a positive impact on children's wealth levels, reducing poverty by 17% compared to those far away. Children also experience improved growth outcomes, with higher height-for-age scores and lower risk of stunted growth.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 3, 2019

Integrating infant mental health into the neonatal intensive care unit

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles implemented child-parent psychotherapy in the NICU to support infant-parent relationships. The approach has been shown to reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms and promote resilience in families.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings·DateApr 3, 2019

Scientists pioneer new low-temperature chemical conversion process

Scientists have identified a way to convert cyclohexane to useful products at lower temperatures, reducing the need for energy and minimizing unwanted byproducts. The new catalysts work at temperatures as low as 100°C, protecting intermediate products from further conversion.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2019

Is adenosine the missing link in restless leg syndrome?

A study identified a common mechanism implicating adenosine in RLS symptoms, including periodic limb movements and enhanced arousal. Targeting the downregulation of the adenosine A1 receptor may be a promising therapeutic strategy for RLS.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Caffeine and Adenosine Research·DateApr 3, 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.

New study questions effects of reintroducing top predators

Researchers question the predictability of ecosystem changes when apex predators are reintroduced, citing climate change and invasive species as complicating factors. The study's findings have big implications for wildlife conservation in places like Yellowstone National Park.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalBiological Conservation·DateApr 3, 2019

Global warming disrupts recovery of coral reefs

New research reveals that global warming has made it difficult for coral reefs to recover, with a 89% decline in adult corals and a 93% drop in coral replenishment. The study's findings indicate that the Great Barrier Reef's resilience is now severely compromised by global warming.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature·DateApr 3, 2019

It's a one-way street for sound waves in this new technology

Yale researchers have developed a new technology that allows sound to flow in one direction, enabling the control of acoustic resonators. This discovery offers possibilities for enhancing electronic devices that use these resonators. The technology also enables the controlled flow of heat from one object to another.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·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.

Doing more with less in the study of plant chemical defense

Researchers developed a new technique to measure plant biochemical responses using small tissue samples, reducing the need for large sample sizes and increasing experimental efficiency. This approach allows for more nuanced and high-resolution understanding of plant defense mechanisms.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateApr 3, 2019

Lithuanian researchers created special food for elderly patients

Researchers created a special food for elderly patients with swallowing difficulties, improving nutritional state and health indicators in just 10 days. The food is rich in unsaturated fat, vitamins, and minerals, making it easily consumable for those with swallowing issues.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·DateApr 3, 2019

Sleeping pill use linked to greater need for blood pressure medications

A study of 752 older adults found that using sleeping pills regularly was associated with an increasing number of blood pressure medications over time. The association held true regardless of sleep duration, quality, or other factors, suggesting that sleeping pill use may indicate a future need for greater hypertension treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalGeriatrics and Gerontology International·DateApr 3, 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.

Fellowship to further international research links in Huntington's disease

A UK researcher has been awarded a fellowship to collaborate with Chinese scientists on a novel treatment strategy for Huntington's disease. The project aims to establish sustainable research links between the UK and China, with the goal of accelerating the development of an effective therapy for this devastating neurological disorder.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateApr 3, 2019

Optical tweezers achieve new feats of capturing atoms

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new method for trapping single atoms using optical tweezers, achieving an unprecedented 90% success rate. This breakthrough enables the efficient assembly of atom grids, a crucial step towards harnessing quantum computing power.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 3, 2019

Study looks to iron from microbes for climate help

A new study proposes using iron powder produced by bacteria to stimulate growth of phytoplankton in the ocean, which can help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This approach aims to supplement decreasing carbon emissions and mitigate climate change by fertilizing microscopic ocean plants.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateApr 3, 2019

The screen interval for high cardiovascular disease risk should be individual

A study suggests that individualized screening intervals can effectively reduce cardiovascular disease risk by detecting high-risk individuals more timely. The researchers found that the current 5-yearly screenings are unnecessarily frequent for low-risk individuals and insufficiently frequent for intermediate-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·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.

Tipping the scales

A team from TUM has successfully marked proteins with ubiquitin in a targeted manner, paving the way for exploring the inner workings of this vital regulatory system. The discovery may lead to a better understanding of protein function and its impact on diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 3, 2019

Lung disease bronchiectasis associated with high frequency of allergy

A recent study found that patients with lung disease bronchiectasis often display sensitivity to airborne allergens, with a particular role for fungi. The discovery highlights the importance of examining bronchiectasis patients for allergies, as existing treatments can prevent worsening of the disease.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·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.

Elucidation of functional mechanism of 'love hormone,' oxytocin, at molecular level

A Kanazawa University study reveals that RAGE binds to oxytocin, facilitating its transport through the blood-brain barrier and central nervous system. The findings show that oxytocin plays a crucial role in maternal nurturing behaviors, with reduced survival rates observed in offspring when mothers lack functional RAGE.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 3, 2019

Hepatitis C-infected hearts and lungs safely transplanted

Researchers successfully transplanted hepatitis C-infected hearts and lungs, detecting no signs of the disease and good outcomes for patients treated with a short course of antivirals. The study found that nearly all patients cleared the virus within two weeks, and graft survival was comparable to non-HCV positive donors.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·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.

Amplifier for terahertz lattice vibrations in a semiconductor crystal

Scientists demonstrate amplification of optical phonons in a metal-semiconductor nanostructure using THz pulses, showing potential for ultrasound imaging with sub-nanometer resolution. The amplification process relies on population inversion and stimulated emission of phonons.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 3, 2019

Polysulfide donors strongly suppress inflammatory responses

Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a new polysulfide donor that strongly suppresses inflammatory responses. The compound artificially increases reactive sulfur species in cells, leading to reduced inflammation and improved survival rates in mice with endotoxin shock.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateApr 3, 2019

High-tech material in a salt crust

Scientists from Forschungszentrum Jülich simplify production of MAX phases, a desirable material class. The new method uses a salt crust to protect raw material from oxidation at high temperatures, making industrial-scale production possible.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Materials·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.

Creating blood vessels on demand

Scientists discover a new population of immune cells that can aid in regenerative processes, enabling the creation of stable blood vessels.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 3, 2019

Is your melanoma hot enough for immunotherapy?

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study identifies a possible way to predict which melanomas are hot and cold for immunotherapy. Tumors with specific genetic changes in the NF-kB signaling pathway are more likely to respond to anti-PD1 immunotherapies, suggesting a potential biomarker for treatment prediction.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateApr 2, 2019