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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 40


Page 40 of 44

Restore natural forests to meet global climate goals

New research by UCL and University of Edinburgh scientists reveals that many countries' forest restoration pledges are insufficient to meet global climate goals. Restoring natural forests is shown to capture more carbon than plantations or agroforestry, with potential to remove 42 billion tonnes of carbon by 2100.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateApr 2, 2019

New record on the growth of graphene single crystals

Researchers have discovered a new method to grow large graphene single crystals with a growth rate of up to 79 μm s-1 on liquid Cu, exceeding that on solid Cu. This is made possible by the unique properties of liquid metal, which accelerates nucleation and promotes fast growth.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateApr 2, 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.

High throughput method to produce and screen engineered antimicrobial lanthipeptides

Researchers have developed a high-throughput method to produce and screen engineered antimicrobial lanthipeptides, which could lead to the creation of new antibiotics. The method involves synthesizing DNA strands coding for different ring combinations and screening them for antimicrobial potential using micro-alginate beads.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 2, 2019

Older women benefit significantly when screened with 3D mammography

A new study found that 3D mammography improves breast cancer detection in older women, with lower false-positive rates and higher positive predictive values. The results suggest that guidelines for screening in this age group should be based on individual preferences and health status.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 2, 2019

Researchers tune material's color and thermal properties separately

Researchers at MIT have developed a material that can be tailored to reflect or absorb infrared radiation independently of its visible light properties. The new polymer material can be designed for various applications, including colorful, heat-reflecting building facades and light-absorbing covers for solar panels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateApr 2, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Circadian clock plays unexpected role in neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers found that inducing jet lag in fruit fly models of Huntington disease protected the flies' neurons. The team identified a circadian clock-controlled gene that also protected the brain when knocked down. This study suggests that targeting this gene could potentially slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 2, 2019

New plastic films deflect or trap heat with zero energy required

Researchers developed new plastic films that deflect or trap heat with zero energy required. The versatile materials can be used to regulate the temperature of buildings and people, and have potential applications in wearable technologies and solar cells.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateApr 2, 2019

Sun, moon and sea as part of a 'seismic probe'

Researchers Christoph Sens-Schönfelder and Tom Eulenfeld used seismic waves generated by surf and tidal effects to study subsurface properties. They found that the velocity of these waves can reveal information about deformations in the Earth's material, allowing for non-destructive analysis of subsurface stress and strain fluctuations.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 2, 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.

$2 million NIH grant for treating disease linked to APOL1

A researcher at Children's National Hospital has received a $2 million NIH grant to study new approaches to treating kidney disease linked to the APOL1 risk allele. The team plans to use a Drosophila model to identify potential therapeutic targets and test compounds for effective treatment.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateApr 2, 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.

Harnessing photonics for at-home disease detection

Researchers developed an ultra-thin optical chip that detects biomolecules in a sample and determines their location using metasurfaces. The technology uses image analysis to count biomolecules one by one and identify trends, demonstrating its potential for personalized medicine.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 2, 2019

Nature versus nurture: Environment exerts greater influence on corn health than genetics

A recent study published in Phytobiomes Journal found that corn's bacterial communities play a significant role in its health and performance. The research, led by Dr. Jason Wallace, monitored the active bacteria on the leaves of 300 diverse lines of corn and discovered little relationship between the bacteria and corn genes.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateApr 2, 2019

Breast cancer study by UCR medical student could help patients live longer

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside found that surgery is associated with a 44% increased chance of survival for patients with HER2-positive stage 4 breast cancer. The study suggests that surgery should be considered as part of treatment, particularly for women with Medicare or private insurance.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateApr 2, 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.

Understanding stock market returns: Which models fits best?

Researchers applied two competing stock market return models, Heston and multiplicative, to US historical data. The Heston model excels in predicting long-time accumulations of stock returns, while the multiplicative model is better suited for short-term predictions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 2, 2019

3D-printed transparent skull provides a window to the brain

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a 3D-printed transparent skull implant that allows for real-time brain activity monitoring. The device, called See-Shell, provides unprecedented control and precision in studying brain function, enabling new insights into human brain conditions.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 2, 2019

Dopamine conducts prefrontal cortex ensembles

A new study reveals dopamine generates sustained activity in ensemble of cells in the prefrontal cortex, lasting up to 20 minutes. This coordinated activity supports complex functions such as motivation and attention to complete a task.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 2, 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.

Defects enable RoHS-compliant, high-performance infrared photodetectors

Researchers at ICFO have developed an infrared detector using Bismuth Sulphide flakes with sulphur vacancies, creating extended in-gap states for sub-bandgap absorption. The resulting device has high gain, low noise, and sensitivity, enabling fast response times and broad spectral coverage.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateApr 2, 2019

Researchers tap rare pristine air to reveal pollution's impact

A study analyzing air samples from the Amazon rainforest and polluted areas found that human activity increases the production of climate-changing particles by 60-200% compared to natural forest carbon. The researchers developed an advanced computer model to simulate chemical reactions, improving predictive abilities.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 2, 2019

Study identifies potential fix for hospital star rating program

A Henry Ford Health System study suggests recognizing four fundamental quality factors in the safety of care category and assigning equal weights to eight measures would produce more accurate results. This alternative approach could make hospital star ratings more meaningful and unbiased.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateApr 2, 2019

Scientists capture live, atomic-level detail of nanoparticle formation

Researchers tracked platinum and tin atom movement during iNPs synthesis, discovering intermediate phases with unique catalytic properties. This discovery enables control over material synthesis and potential applications in energy-efficient fuel conversion and biofuel production.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalChem·DateApr 2, 2019

NHS dental budget needs reform to meet patients' needs

A study by Newcastle University reveals that the NHS dental budget is not being spent efficiently, with too much focus on orthodontics and specialist oral surgery. The team recommends investing in prevention measures and making services more accessible, such as opening new high street practices.

SourceNewcastle University·DateApr 2, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

VLA makes first direct image of key feature of powerful radio galaxies

Astronomers have made the first direct image of a dusty, doughnut-shaped feature surrounding a supermassive black hole in Cygnus A, a galaxy 760 million light-years from Earth. The feature, known as a torus, helps explain why objects with similar properties appear differently when viewed from different angles.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 2, 2019

Low-bandwidth radar technology provides improved detection of objects

A new Tel Aviv University study demonstrates improved radar detection using low-bandwidth technology, with applications in the automotive industry and beyond. The research, published in Nature Communications, uses a partially coherent approach to achieve high-range resolution without broadband signals.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 2, 2019

Researchers establish global microbial signatures for colorectal cancer

Researchers from University of Copenhagen and EMBL found consistent changes in gut bacteria across seven countries, providing a universal signature for colorectal cancer. These microbiome changes may play a role in developing the cancer and could be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 2, 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.

UBC research recommends graduated return to work after prostatectomy

A recent UBC study found that a 'reduced workload' program is the best option for men recovering from a radical prostatectomy, reducing the risk of burnout and promoting full recovery. The researchers recommend that patients have an open conversation with their employer before surgery to come up with a plan for a gradual return to work.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalQualitative Health Research·DateApr 2, 2019

Study debunks 'depression genes' hypotheses

A new University of Colorado Boulder study found that the 18 most highly-studied candidate genes for depression are no more associated with it than randomly chosen genes. The research suggests that depression is influenced by many variants, each having a miniscule effect, and challenges previous 'candidate gene hypotheses',

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 2, 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.

Researchers advance in the development of 'papaya sugarcane'

Scientists have identified genes involved in sugarcane root cell separation, a process that can be applied to other parts of the plant. The development of transgenic varieties with soft cell walls similar to papaya could increase sucrose extraction and reduce enzyme cocktails for ethanol production.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateApr 2, 2019

Online romance is local, but not all locales are the same

A study of messaging patterns on an online dating platform reveals geographic distance as the strongest driver of reciprocal interactions. Researchers found 19 distinct communities that closely mirrored geographic regions across the US, with age and race also influencing dating markets.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalSociological Science·DateApr 2, 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.

UMN researchers study effect of chronic opioid therapy on pain and survival in sickle cell disease

Researchers found that chronic morphine treatment decreased survival in control mice, but not in sickle mice with sickle cell disease. Chronic opioid therapy also caused hyperalgesia, a condition of increased pain sensitivity, in sickle mice. The study suggests that opioids may still be effective for managing pain in SCD patients despi...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalBlood Advances·DateApr 2, 2019

Optimizing proton beam therapy with mathematical models

Researchers developed a new model predicting proton beam effects on tumour and normal tissue more precisely, allowing for effective treatment plans. The study replaced traditional radiobiological models with complex ones, showing improved results for low-energy beams.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateApr 2, 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.

Team models cocaine trafficking response to counternarcotic efforts

A team of researchers developed a computer model called NarcoLogic to assess cocaine interception scenarios and predict how drug smugglers react. The model demonstrated that narcotics trafficking is widespread and difficult to eradicate due to law enforcement intervention.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2019

Sea snakes make record-setting deep dives

Researchers discovered sea snakes can dive as deep as 250 meters in the mesopelagic zone, challenging previous assumptions about their habitat. The ability to cope with diving sickness allows them to access previously unexplored ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustral Ecology·DateApr 2, 2019

New role for a driver of metastatic cancers

Salk scientists discovered a new mechanism of action for the CDK12 protein, revealing its role in regulating gene expression and cell division. This finding suggests that targeting CDK12 could be an effective way to kill cancer cells and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 2, 2019

New machine learning model describes dynamics of cell development

Researchers developed a new machine learning model to describe the dynamics of cell development, estimating selection pressure and formation of new cells. The tool simplifies the interpretation of single-cell time series observations, shedding light on vital questions in biology.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 2, 2019

Study identifies new approach to repairing damaged peripheral nervous system

A new study from the University of Virginia identifies a compound that can recruit oligodendrocytes, a type of glial cell, to repair damage in the peripheral nervous system. This finding has implications for treating debilitating neurological disorders such as muscular dystrophy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 2, 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.

Three easy measures to predict metabolic syndrome in elderly

A study found a high rate of metabolic syndrome among elderly individuals aged 60-100 years. Three simple measures - waist diameter, waist circumference, and neck circumference - were predictive of metabolic syndrome in both men and women.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMetabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders·DateApr 2, 2019

Fast-changing genetics key to hospital superbug survival

Researchers tracked the spread of K. pneumoniae bacteria in a Beijing hospital and found they were highly transmissible and adaptable to antibiotics. The study highlights the importance of genomic data in understanding multi-drug resistant infections, which are predicted to rise to 10 million per year by 2050.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalMicrobial Genomics·DateApr 2, 2019

Defining obesity in children should be based on health issues, not just BMI

A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that children with obesity experience a range of health issues, including anxiety, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The research suggests that using a clinical staging system is more useful than BMI alone to identify these health concerns.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateApr 2, 2019

HKUST scientists discover how RNA PoII maintains accurate transcription with super computer

A research team led by Prof. HUANG Xuhui discovered the mechanism of RNA polymerase II correcting errors in RNA synthesis, which relies on the RNA itself rather than amino acid residues. This finding offers insights into how transcription may go wrong in ageing and diseased cells, potentially leading to various human diseases.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 2, 2019

Plant pathologist leads research to stop spread of citrus-destroying disease

A plant pathologist at UC Riverside has secured a $4 million grant from the USDA to develop a cure for citrus-destroying disease. The research focuses on a novel class of peptides that can directly kill the bacteria and protect healthy trees from infection, offering hope for California's multibillion-dollar citrus industry.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateApr 2, 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.

Gut microbiome directs the immune system to fight cancer

Researchers have discovered a causal link between the gut microbiome and anti-tumor immunity, identifying key bacterial strains that activate the immune system to slow melanoma growth. The study also reveals the role of unfolded protein response (UPR) in this process, providing potential markers for patient stratification.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 2, 2019

Subaru Telescope helps find dark matter is not made up of tiny black holes

An international team of researchers used the Subaru telescope to detect primordial black holes using gravitational lensing effects. The study found that these black holes can contribute no more than 0.1% to all dark matter mass, ruling out their theory as a primary composition.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 2, 2019