Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive August 2019


Page 8 of 38

New study suggests exercise is good for the aging brain

A new study suggests that exercise can improve cognitive functions and working memory in some older individuals after just one session. The researchers found increased connectivity between brain regions involved in cognition and memory, leading to better performance on memory tests.

Optimism and exceptional longevity

A study of 69,744 women and 1,429 men found higher optimism associated with increased odds of exceptional longevity. More optimistic individuals demonstrated 11-15% longer lifespan than less optimistic ones.

New evidence that optimists live longer

Researchers found that individuals with higher optimism levels live up to 11-15% longer and have a 50-70% greater chance of reaching 85 years old compared to those with lower optimism. Optimism may be linked to healthier habits, better emotional regulation, and increased resilience.

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 common is cannabis use among young adult cancer patients?

A recent study published in Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology found that 30% of young adult cancer patients (ages 18-39) tested positive for a breakdown product of cannabis. Cannabis users were more likely to be male and report having more severe symptoms, including pain and nausea.

Physicians slow to use effective new antibiotics against superbugs

New antibiotics are prescribed in only about a quarter of CRE infections due to high costs, despite being classified as the best choice by pharmacists. The slow adoption is attributed to concerns about accelerating antibiotic resistance and limited data on their effectiveness.

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.

Quantum criticality could be a boon for qubit designers

Researchers at Rice University found a way to safeguard quantum bit information by studying the behavior of heavy fermions in extreme cold and magnetic fields. The discovery provides a new approach to minimize decoherence, a major concern in qubit design.

Hiring committees that don't believe in gender bias promote fewer women

A new study by a UBC psychologist and researchers found that hiring committees who deny the existence of gender bias are less likely to promote women. The study, based on actual decisions made by 40 hiring committees in France, suggests that awareness and acknowledgement of barriers faced by women can help overcome implicit biases.

New technique gives polyurethane waste a second life

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a method to break down polyurethane waste into other useful products, such as adhesives and glues. This approach reduces the amount of toxic byproducts generated from incineration, providing an environmentally friendly solution to managing polyurethane waste.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nanoshells for prostate tumor treatment

A clinical trial demonstrates the safety and feasibility of gold-silica nanoshells for treating localized prostate cancer, showing no serious side effects during treatment. The vast majority of treated lesions showed no evidence of tumor after 12 months.

Obesity tied to weakened response to taste

A new study at Binghamton University reveals that obesity is connected to a weaker response to taste. Researchers found that obese rats showed smaller and less responsive taste reactions compared to lean rats.

Technique combats widespread passion fruit disease

A new study has found that systematic eradication of plants contaminated with the cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) can keep passion fruit orchards producing for at least 25 months. The technique, known as roguing, involves removing weak or diseased plants to prevent the spread of the disease. In experiments conducted in Brazil, ...

Alberta researchers find elusive key to stopping neglected tropical diseases

University of Alberta researchers found a critical protein called PEX3 in the cells of a deadly infectious parasite, opening the door to less harmful treatment options for millions suffering from diseases. The discovery could lead to effective drug treatments that target and kill parasites without harming human hosts.

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.

Breaching the brain's defense causes epilepsy

Researchers found that glial cells, which make up 80% of brain cells, contribute to seizures by releasing glutamate, a chemical that transmits signals between neurons. The study suggests that targeting glial cells may lead to new treatments for epilepsy.

New threat from ocean acidification emerges in the Southern Ocean

A new study reveals that ocean acidification is negatively affecting diatoms, a key group of microscopic marine organisms responsible for 40% of ocean productivity. The loss of silica production and sinking ability could lead to reduced atmospheric CO2 removal and storage in the deep ocean.

Organophosphate exposure and brain activation

Research reveals that prenatal organophosphate exposure is associated with decreased brain activity in adolescents, particularly in regions related to cognitive and language functions. The study also identifies sex-dependent differences in brain activation patterns following OP exposure.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Identification of all types of germ cells tumors

Researchers have identified seven types of germ cell tumors, which are caused by failure of mechanisms that prevent spontaneous embryonal development. The new classification is valuable for future research, epidemiology, and clinical care, as it enables more reliable mapping of treatment sensitivity and resistances.

Are physicians helping cancer survivors live healthy lives?

A recent study found that primary care physicians recommend health promotion to at least some cancer survivors, but oncologists and specialists rarely do. Cancer survivors face increased risks of cardiovascular disease if they don't adopt healthy lifestyles.

From crystals to glasses: a new unified theory for heat transport

Researchers from SISSA and UC Davis develop a new methodology that bridges different approaches for crystals and glasses, enabling predictive modelling of heat transport in complex disordered materials. This breakthrough empowers scientists to understand and design heat transport for various applications.

Intelligence and practice in skill development

A study of 90 Austrian chess players found that both intelligence and practice positively influenced skill level. More intelligent players acquired skills more quickly and retained them longer with the same amount of practice.

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.

Filter-feeding pterosaurs were the flamingos of the Late Jurassic

A recent study from Uppsala University and Polish Academy of Sciences describes the contents of three Jurassic pterosaur coprolites, revealing a diet rich in foraminifera, small shells, and polychaete worms. The findings suggest that these Late Jurassic pterosaurs were filter feeders, similar to modern flamingos.

Utah's red rock metronome

Researchers measured the tower's vibrations using seismometers and found two primary resonance modes at frequencies of 0.8 and 1.0 hertz. The results help scientists understand how human-made vibrations affect seemingly unmovable rocks, offering a geological checkup for natural rock forms.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Tiny tweaks for big wins in solar cells

Researchers have made significant advancements in perovskite solar cells by tuning the halide-cation mixture, delaying the collapse of the sol-gel structure and promoting the formation of the desirable α-phase. This leads to improved solar cell performance and stability.

Quest for new cancer treatment crosses milestone

A cancer therapy invented at Rice University has shown promising results in clinical trials, destroying tumors without debilitating side effects. Thirteen of the first 15 prostate cancer patients treated with AuroLase Therapy showed no detectable signs of cancer a year after treatment.

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.

Multiple-birth infants have higher risk of medical mixups in NICU

A new study found that multiple-birth infants are at a higher risk of wrong-patient order errors in the NICU, with errors between siblings accounting for most excess risk. The risk grows with increasing number of siblings, and using given names or pseudonyms can help reduce the risk

Sea snail compound reduces cancer risk

Researchers at Flinders University have isolated a compound from the Australian white rock sea snail with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as important anti-cancer effects. The compound, part of the indole class, shows promise for preventing colon cancer tumor formation.

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.

Dopaminergic midbrain and human behavior

Researchers found that dopamine-related changes in the brain stem may influence human behavior and decision-making. Fluctuations in the dopaminergic midbrain have been linked to behavioral variability, suggesting a possible non-random basis for human choices.

Social, executive brain functions crucial for communication

Research found that social and executive brain functions are essential for successful language processing, even in individuals with dementia. Patients with frontotemporal dementia performed poorly on language tests despite showing no speech impairment, highlighting the importance of non-language brain regions.

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.

Physicists' study demonstrates silicon's energy-harvesting power

A University of Texas at Dallas physicist has teamed with Texas Instruments Inc. to design a better way for electronics to convert waste heat into reusable energy. Thermoelectric nanoblades have been shown to greatly increase silicon's ability to harvest energy from heat, making it mass-producible.

Shingles vaccination of older adults cost-effective in Canada

A Canadian study suggests that vaccinating older adults against shingles is cost-effective, with the Shingrix vaccine providing better protection than Zostavax. The study found that fewer people need to be vaccinated to prevent one case of shingles for the newer vaccine.

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.

NASA's Terra Satellite finds some power in Tropical Depression 13W

Tropical Depression 13W has triggered warnings in the Philippines due to its location and potential for heavy rainfall. The NASA Terra satellite used infrared light to analyze storm strength, finding strongest storms with cloud top temperatures as cold as -80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Parasitic worms infect dogs, humans

A human infective nematode has been identified in canine carriers for the first time in remote northern Australia. The study suggests that dogs may represent a potential reservoir of human strongyloidiasis in these communities.

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.

A new model of heat transfer in crystals was developed by Russian scientists

A new model of heat transfer in crystals has been developed by a team of Russian scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The model describes the distribution of heat in ultrapure crystals at the atomic level, revealing certain directions along which heat rays distribute major energy.

The secret of fireworm is out: molecular basis of its light emission

A team of researchers has discovered the molecular basis of fireworms' bioluminescence, revealing a novel chemical structure for luciferin. The findings provide insight into a completely new mechanism of light emission and hold potential for developing new bioluminescence-based applications.

Scientists advance search for memory's molecular roots

Scientists have detailed the structure of calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), a key protein involved in encoding memories. The study reveals how CaMKII binds to actin filaments, forming rigid bundles that support dendritic spines and enable cognitive functions.

How moral obligation drives protest

Researchers found that moral obligation is a key factor in protesters' decisions, followed by identification with the protesting group's values. The study suggests that ideology also plays a role in people's engagement in collective action. In total, the model correctly classified respondents in 87% of cases.

Will disposable colonoscopy devices replace reusables?

The study found that disposable devices might lead to lower rates of post-colonoscopy infection, but institutions with thousands of procedures per year could better benefit from improved disinfection methods. High-volume centers tend to have lower infection risks due to increased experience and faster turnover of colonoscopes.

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.