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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 5


Page 5 of 44

How the olfactory brain affects memory

Researchers found that piriform cortex stimulation triggers synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, leading to enhanced memory formation. The study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the special role of olfaction in memory formation and retrieval.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateApr 29, 2019

Continuous chemotherapy improves outcomes and quality of life in advanced breast cancer

Patients with advanced HER2-negative breast cancer treated with continuous chemotherapy showed improved survival rates and maintained quality of life compared to intermittent scheduling. The study also found that treatment holidays had a negative impact on physical quality of life scores, with a clinically meaningful decline at 24 months.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateApr 29, 2019

Autism diagnoses prove highly stable as early as 14 months

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that autism diagnoses become stable starting at 14 months, with a mean age of diagnosis being significantly lower than previously reported. This suggests that accurate screening and earlier treatment can result in improved therapeutic benefits for children with ASD.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 29, 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.

For low-income countries, climate action pays off by 2050

Successful global efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions would likely increase the average GDP of Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia by 2-6 percentage points by 2050. Lower oil prices due to reduced demand would also contribute to economic growth in these countries.

SourceInternational Food Policy Research Institute·JournalClimatic Change·DateApr 29, 2019

Study links exam stress with junk food cravings, snacking, and eating less fruit and veg

A study found that university students who experience high levels of exam stress are more likely to crave junk food, snack frequently, and consume fewer fruits and vegetables. The study suggests that prevention strategies should integrate psychological and lifestyle aspects to combat stress-induced eating.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateApr 29, 2019

Earlier detection of diabetic retinopathy with smartphone AI

Researchers at Michigan Medicine developed a smartphone-based tool that uses artificial intelligence to analyze retinal images and detect diabetic retinopathy. The device, called RetinaScope, achieved high sensitivity and specificity rates in a study, outperforming human graders in detecting the condition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateApr 29, 2019

Why a smell test should become part of a regular doctor visit

A new study suggests that older adults with poor sense of smell may be at a 46% higher risk for death at 10 years and 30% at 13 years compared to those with good smell. Poor sense of smell is linked to higher mortality in both healthy and unhealthy individuals, with most of the risk remaining unexplained.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 29, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Graphene sponge helps lithium sulphur batteries reach new potential

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a graphene sponge that acts as a free-standing electrode in lithium sulphur batteries, improving their energy density and cycle life. The new design achieves an 85% capacity retention after 350 cycles, reducing instability issues.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateApr 29, 2019

Agriculture and bird decline in Costa Rica

Research suggests that large protected forest areas are crucial for conserving bird species, while coffee plantations can serve as habitats for migratory birds and young birds. Insectivores suffered the greatest declines, with population losses greater in smaller forest fragments.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Deep learning takes Saturn by storm

Researchers from UCL and University of Arizona developed a 'deep learning' approach called PlanetNet to detect storms on Saturn. The algorithm accurately maps the components and features in turbulent regions, revealing previously undetected atmospheric features such as ammonia ice clouds.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 29, 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.

Climate, grasses and teeth -- the evolution of South America mammals

About 7-6 million years ago, the Hadley circulation intensified, leading to drier climate, expanding subtropical grasslands and increasing mammal species that eat grasses. The research provides a new understanding of late Miocene ecosystems and their evolution.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Fossils illuminate variation and continuity in early Asians

Fossils found in southeastern China provide insights into Middle Pleistocene human evolution. The discovery sheds light on the continuity of form through time and regional variations among early Asians.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Drug treats Type 2 diabetes in children, team announces

A clinical trial found liraglutide, an existing adult diabetes medication, effectively treats Type 2 diabetes in children. The study showed a significant reduction in A1C levels and improvements in glycated hemoglobin levels, offering new treatment options for this age group.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 29, 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.

Study: Loan-replacement grants boost low-income students' graduation rates

A study found that freshmen from low-income families who received Illinois Promise loan-replacement grants were significantly more likely to graduate within five years compared to peers without the program. The grant recipients had a 76.3% graduation rate, while non-recipient peers had a 67.1% rate.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Review of Higher Education·DateApr 29, 2019

The Tietê, São Paulo State's main river, is filtered by dam reservoirs

A study by Brazilian researchers shows that the Tietê River's water quality improves steadily as it flows through a series of dams along its 1,100 km course. The filtration process retains matter in suspension, affecting light absorption and ultimately making the river transparent at its downstream end.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalWater·DateApr 29, 2019

Responses to environmental tragedies often make matters worse, ethicists find

Conservationists analyzed a controversial Australian goat removal program to develop a framework for evaluating intervention options. The study highlights the importance of considering community values, avoiding assumptions, and being logically sound in conservation decisions. It recommends key attributes such as clarity, transparency,...

SourceOregon State University·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 29, 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.

Food system improvements could make it easier to eat healthier

A science advisory from the American Heart Association describes system-wide innovations to improve access to healthy foods. Improvements in food production, distribution, and consumer behavior can favorably impact health behaviors, such as reducing calorie consumption and increasing fruit and vegetable intake.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateApr 29, 2019

NASA looks at Tropical Storm Fani's rainfall rates

Tropical Storm Fani exhibited extreme rainfall patterns, with the heaviest downpours occurring south of its center circulation. GPM measurements showed hourly rainfall rates ranging from 1 inch (25 mm) in thunderstorm bands to 1.6 inches (40 mm) per hour in a localized area.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 29, 2019

Researchers to help develop next-generation hybrid and electric vehicles

The project aims to reduce cost, weight, and volume of systems powering hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles while improving performance, efficiency, and reliability. Researchers will design silicon-carbide integrated circuits for power modules and develop methods for packaging and integrating these circuits with other components.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·DateApr 29, 2019

Water creates traps in organic electronics

Researchers at Linköping University discover that water induces traps in organic semiconductors, reducing conductivity. Drying out the material improves performance, but reabsorption occurs if not done properly.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 29, 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.

Carthage's lead and silver resources during Punic wars

Researchers found elevated levels of lead in sediment cores from Utica, Tunisia, linked to tailings from lead-silver mining, which began around the middle of the 4th century BC. This discovery suggests that Carthage's North African territory provided a source of economic resilience during the Punic wars.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Economic inequality, income, and generosity

Researchers analyzed donating behaviors and found that lower income levels do not lead to increased generosity in regions with high economic inequality. The study contradicts previous findings that individuals with lower incomes are more charitable than those with higher incomes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Potential biomarker for chronic fatigue syndrome

A study suggests that hyperosmotic stress can be used to diagnose ME/CFS, a condition characterized by persistent fatigue and other symptoms. The researchers developed a blood-based assay that measures changes in electrical impedance in response to plasma salt concentrations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Major findings help understand bacteria's 'superglue'

Researchers from La Trobe University and the University of Queensland discovered how UpaB protein in bacteria sticks to human body parts, enabling new anti-microbial development opportunities. The study provides fundamental science that could inform future solutions to the global problem of antibiotic resistance.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 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.

Biodegradable bags can hold a full load of shopping after 3 years in the environment

A new study by the University of Plymouth found that biodegradable plastic bags remained functional as carrier bags for over three years when exposed to air, soil, and sea. The compostable bag completely disappeared after just three months in a marine environment, while others continued to show signs of deterioration but remained intact.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 28, 2019

Researchers discover new charge transfer and separation process

Scientists have developed a new charge transfer and separation process called Twisted Intramolecular Charge Shuttle (TICS) that enables faster energy conversion in solar cells and photosynthesis. TICS molecules exhibit a bidirectional, role switching phenomenon, paving a new avenue for chemists to construct unique fluorescent probes.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 28, 2019

Scientists trace the key factor of tiny onion-like BN to superhard nt-cBN

Researchers successfully synthesized nanotwinned cubic boron nitride (nt-cBN) and nanotwinned diamond (nt-diamond) using onion-like boron nitride (oBN) precursors. The size change of oBN precursor results in distinct microstructures, leading to significant alteration of microstructure and performance in the produced materials.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateApr 28, 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.

Radiotherapy doubles survival for patients with mesothelioma

Research presented at ESTRO 38 conference finds that high dose radiation therapy significantly improves two-year survival rates for mesothelioma patients. The study, led by Dr. Marco Trovo, suggests radical hemi-thoracic radiotherapy as a new standard of care for this rare and aggressive cancer.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·DateApr 28, 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.

Stressed at work and trouble sleeping? It's more serious than you think

Research found that one-third of workers have hypertension, and combined work stress and poor sleep increase cardiovascular death risk by three times. Employers should provide stress management and sleep treatment in the workplace, especially for staff with chronic conditions.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateApr 28, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

New research examines association between gun access and adolescent health

A new study found that personal gun access is associated with depression, suicidal ideation, and perceiving school as unsafe. In contrast, attending a school with common gun access is linked to lower odds of perceiving school as unsafe. The findings suggest complex associations between gun access and adolescent health.

SourcePediatric Academic Societies·DateApr 27, 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.

New study examines the resurgence of milk sharing

A new study explores the history and resurgence of milk sharing practices, tracing them back to ancient times. The research highlights the importance of understanding the cultural context and advocating for safe sharing practices.

SourcePediatric Academic Societies·DateApr 27, 2019

Early lipids boost brain growth for vulnerable micro-preemies

Research at Children's National Hospital found that early lipid intake significantly increases global brain volume and boosts regional brain activity in micro-preemies. This is particularly important for preterm infants who are vulnerable to growth failure and neurocognitive impairment after birth.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateApr 27, 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.

Clinical utility of rapid whole genome sequencing in neonates with seizures

A new study found that rapid whole genome sequencing can identify etiology and direct therapy in neonates with unexplained seizures. The analysis revealed six molecular diagnoses out of 19 patients, leading to changes in management for four patients, including targeted seizure medications and dietary supplements.

SourcePediatric Academic Societies·DateApr 27, 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.