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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 15


Page 15 of 38

Lung cell transplant boosts healing after the flu in mice

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a method to transplant healthy lung cells into injured mice, improving blood-oxygen levels and promoting lung regeneration. The technique, using specialized alveolar type-two cells, showed promise in treating various models of lung injury.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalRegenerative Medicine·DateAug 20, 2019

Discharge incentives in emergency rooms could lead to higher patient readmission rates

A new study from UBC Sauder School of Business shows that pay-for-performance incentive programs in emergency departments can increase return visits and readmissions. The research focused on patients discharged within 20 minutes of the deadline for incentives and found a significant discontinuity around the four-hour mark.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateAug 20, 2019

Folded paper creates portable lab for field laboratory tests

A team of scientists developed a technique to coat low-cost paper with a liquid-infused polymer layer, creating a portable lab for field laboratory tests. The coated paper performed significantly better than uncoated paper in terms of fluid delivery and accuracy.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiointerphases·DateAug 20, 2019

Vaping impairs vascular function

A recent study found that vaping impairs vascular function, reducing blood flow and increasing arterial stiffness in healthy adults. The study used MRI scans to measure the effects of e-cigarette inhalation on the body's vascular system.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateAug 20, 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.

Ammonia for fuel cells

Researchers at the University of Delaware have made significant progress in developing a cost-effective fuel cell technology utilizing ammonia, a nitrogen-based liquid fuel. Ammonia has been identified as the lowest-cost fuel produced from renewable energy, with potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJoule·DateAug 20, 2019

Climate is changing faster than animal adaptation

An international team of scientists analyzed over 10,000 climate change studies and found that birds and other animals cannot adapt quickly enough to keep pace with climate change. This mismatch between the timing of biological events and the availability of food resources poses a significant threat to species survival.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 20, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new way to 'hoard' resources in nano-sized factories targeted for biotech

Researchers at Michigan State University have created a synthetic nano-sized factory using a new shell protein that can be controlled to direct useful enzymes inside. The team successfully produced factory shells with the new protein, allowing them to incorporate molecules and control cargo imports.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateAug 20, 2019

What's at the 'heart' of a heartbeat?

Atrial fibrillation is a major concern due to its association with serious complications like heart failure and stroke. Researchers have identified a new piece of the puzzle that has changed the field's understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to atrial fibrillation, involving a phosphatase regulatory subunit known as PPP1R3A.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateAug 20, 2019

Solution from VTT to prevent beer bottle explosions

VTT scientists developed a genetic test to detect diastatic yeasts, which cause off-flavours, increased alcohol, and over-carbonation. The new method differentiates between problematic and harmless strains, offering breweries savings in time and cost.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateAug 20, 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.

Nicotine-free e-cigarettes can damage blood vessels

A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that nicotine-free e-cigarettes can immediately reduce vascular function and impair blood flow. The researchers used MRI exams on healthy adults to measure changes in blood vessels after vaping a single e-cigarette, revealing significant damage.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalRadiology·DateAug 20, 2019

MSD and Francis Crick Institute unite to tackle Motor Neurone Disease

Scientists at MSD and Francis Crick Institute are working together to better understand Motor Neurone Disease, a devastating disease with no current treatments. The collaboration aims to identify key mechanisms that can kill motor neurons and build scientific understanding for future treatments.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·DateAug 20, 2019

Applying machine learning in intelligent weather consultation

A new machine learning method, MOML, simulates weather consultation to improve forecast accuracy by 27.91% compared to ECMWF model forecasts. The approach leverages observational data and both high- and low-frequency information for more accurate results.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 20, 2019

Shasta dam releases can be managed to benefit both salmon and sturgeon, study finds

Researchers found an optimal management scenario that benefits both winter-run chinook salmon and threatened green sturgeon by releasing warmer water in the spring and cold water in the summer. This strategy minimizes harm to young green sturgeon while meeting the needs of downstream agricultural users.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 20, 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.

Skeletal shapes key to rapid recognition of objects

Researchers at Emory University found that the medial axis of an object, or its skeletal geometry, is a crucial visual tool for object recognition. The study suggests that this inner mechanism may play a more important role than previously thought in recognizing objects quickly.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 20, 2019

More children suffer head injuries playing recreational sport than team sport

A study of 8,857 children found that recreational sports led to more serious head injuries than contact sports, with bike riding and skateboarding causing the most frequent serious injuries. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and safety measures in recreational sports to prevent head injuries in children.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateAug 20, 2019

Rise of dinosaurs linked to increasing oxygen levels

Researchers found a significant increase in oxygen levels in ancient rocks, possibly setting the stage for dinosaur expansion into tropical regions. The discovery provides insight into the evolutionary diversification of dinosaurs during a critical period.

SourceGoldschmidt Conference·DateAug 20, 2019

The meat allergy: Researcher IDs biological changes triggered by tick bites

Researchers have identified key immunological changes in people who develop a meat allergy triggered by tick bites, which can lead to mild hives or life-threatening anaphylaxis. The study provides important insights into why otherwise healthy individuals can suddenly become allergic to mammalian meat.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateAug 20, 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.

Some pregnant women are exposed to gadolinium in early pregnancy

A small number of pregnant women are exposed to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) before recognition of pregnancy, according to a recent study. The researchers suggest implementing pregnancy screening measures and safety protocols to reduce inadvertent exposures.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateAug 20, 2019

Wave climate projections predict risks to Aussie coastlines

Researchers mapped out how much waves are likely to change around the globe under climate change, finding that limiting warming to 2 degrees would keep signals of wave climate change within natural variability. However, 48% of the world's coast is at risk if we don't limit warming, with changes in wave height, period, or direction.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 20, 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.

Scientists find precise control of terminal division during plant stomatal development

Researchers have identified a genetic suppressor of flp stomatal defects, which acts downstream from core cell cycle genes to ensure terminal division during stomatal development. The study found that CDK-mediated phosphorylation at the N-terminus of RPA2a is essential for RPA functioning and localization.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2019

A Stone Age boat building site has been discovered underwater

A new 8,000-year-old structure has been found next to the oldest known boat building site in the world on the Isle of Wight. The site features an intact wooden platform with split timbers, providing evidence of advanced woodworking skills and technological advancements.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·DateAug 20, 2019

Studying animal cognition in the wild

Observational fieldwork provides valuable insights into evolutionary function, conditions for cognitive skill employment, and brain plasticity. Janmaat's five-step guideline guides scholars in studying cognition in wild animals through a suite of behaviours and statistical models.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalEvolutionary Anthropology Issues News and Reviews·DateAug 20, 2019

Amazon rainforest absorbing less carbon than expected

A new study reveals that phosphorus-deficient soils reduced projected carbon dioxide uptake by 50% in the Amazon compared to current estimates. The Amazon Basin plays a critical role in mitigating climate change, but outdated assumptions have been used in models, leading to inaccurate predictions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 20, 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.

All-in-one: New microbe degrades oil to gas

A new microbe called Methanoliparia has been found to degrade long-chain hydrocarbons into methane and carbon dioxide. This discovery provides an alternative to the previously thought complex partnership between archaea and bacteria.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateAug 20, 2019

Free rides could lead to better health outcomes for seniors

Researchers at USC Center for Body Computing found that free ride programs can help older adults attend medical appointments more frequently, reducing social isolation. The study provided unlimited Lyft rides to patients with chronic diseases, resulting in improved quality-of-life experiences.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·DateAug 20, 2019

Spending on illicit drugs in US nears $150 billion annually

A new RAND Corporation report estimates that US spending on cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine reached nearly $150 billion in 2016. The market for cannabis is roughly the size of the cocaine and methamphetamine markets combined, with total spending fluctuating between $120 billion and $145 billion each year.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateAug 20, 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.

To make lakes healthy, you first need the right recipe

Researchers from NIOO-KNAW suggest a different approach to lake restoration by identifying four types of lakes based on spatial differences. Flushing with clean water may not be effective in all lake types, while reducing nutrient supply is key to permanent recovery.

SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 20, 2019

Simple computational models can help predict post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Researchers developed a simplified computational model to predict locations susceptible to post-traumatic osteoarthritis in patients with ligament ruptures. The model identified areas prone to degeneration, suggesting potential pathways for patient-specific clinical evaluation and rehabilitation protocols.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalClinical Biomechanics·DateAug 20, 2019

Studying organ crosstalk leads to a deeper understanding of sepsis

Researchers investigated metabolic changes across organs in a large animal model of sepsis, identifying common and organ-specific alterations that could inform new therapeutic approaches. The study, published in The American Journal of Pathology, has the potential to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with sepsis.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateAug 20, 2019

Brain takes a beating as arteries age

As humans age, their brains receive increased load from the heart's beating due to stiffening large arteries, causing damage to smallest blood vessels. The hippocampus, crucial for episodic memory, is particularly vulnerable to this increased stress.

SourceUmea University·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateAug 20, 2019

Enabling longer space missions

Researchers used computer modeling and laboratory tests to investigate how changing gas flow rates and magnetic field sizes affect Hall thruster performance. They found that maintaining optimal ionization and acceleration regions can prolong the life of these systems, making them suitable for even longer space missions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateAug 20, 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.

Shape-shifting sheets

Researchers from Harvard SEAS developed a mathematical framework that can turn any sheet of material into any prescribed shape. The framework, inspired by paper craft kirigami, uses cuts to change flexibility and morph into 3D shapes.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 20, 2019

Stardust in the Antarctic snow

A TUM research team discovered iron-60 in Antarctic snow, ruling out cosmic radiation and nuclear sources. The isotope's presence suggests the solar system recently passed through an interstellar gas cloud.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 20, 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 tools to minimize risks in shared, augmented-reality environments

University of Washington researchers developed a prototype toolkit called ShareAR to build collaborative AR features without compromising user privacy and security. The team created 'ghost objects' to signal the physical location of private virtual content, addressing concerns around data breaches and harassment.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 20, 2019

BRCA1/2 genetic testing recommendations still leave issues unresolved

New USPSTF recommendations for BRCA1/2 genetic testing are beneficial, increasing use of genetic counseling and testing for those with high risk. However, concerns remain about large-panel genetic tests, direct-to-consumer multi-panel tests, and racial and socioeconomic disparities in genetic testing uptake.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateAug 20, 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.

Engineers make transistors and electronic devices entirely from thread

Researchers at Tufts University developed transistors made from linen thread, enabling the creation of fully flexible devices with superior flexibility and material diversity. The device can be woven into fabric or worn on the skin, allowing for seamless integration with biological tissues.

SourceTufts University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 20, 2019

Helping skin cells differentiate could be key to treating common skin cancer

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified LSD1 as a key regulator of skin cell turnover and found that blocking it could be an effective treatment method for non-melanoma skin cancers. The study shows that targeting LSD1 can force skin cells to differentiate, potentially turning tumor cells into healthier cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 20, 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.

A new path to cancer therapy: developing simultaneous multiplexed gene editing technology

Researchers developed a new gene editing system that simultaneously suppresses proteins inhibiting the immune system in lymphoma cells and activates cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The technology, based on improved CRISPR gene editing, shows promise for treating various diseases including cancer, autoimmune, and inflammatory conditions.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalBiomaterials·DateAug 20, 2019

Lifelong study links early blood pressure change to poorer brain health

Changes in blood pressure in early adulthood have been linked to markers of poorer brain health in later life, according to a UCL-led research study. Higher blood pressure at midlife and faster rises in blood pressure between ages 36 and 43 were associated with smaller brain volumes.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateAug 20, 2019

Multi-tasking protein at the root of neuropathic pain

A study published in Journal of Neuroscience reveals that FLRT3 protein, involved in neuron development and cell adhesion, is also critical for pain sensitization. High levels of FLRT3 protein were found in the dorsal horn following nerve injury, leading to touch sensitivity and mechanical allodynia.

SourceOsaka University·DateAug 20, 2019

Poo transplants to help save koalas

Researchers found that faecal inoculations changed the koalas' microbiomes, allowing them to eat messmate. This could affect all aspects of their ecology, including nutrition and habitat selection. The study provides a proof of concept for using encapsulated faecal material to introduce new microbes in koalas' guts.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAnimal Microbiome·DateAug 20, 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.

Indigenous scholars confront the power, limitations of genomics

The SING workshop brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous scientists to discuss genomic tools and their social and political ramifications. Participants learn about the limitations of genomics research and its applications in health and environmental policy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateAug 20, 2019