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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 3


Page 3 of 38

Nanostructured material with potential for use in catalyzers

A Brazilian research group, supported by FAPESP, has developed a nanostructured titanium oxide material through electrospinning and atomic layer deposition. The material exhibits high surface area and reacts with UV light to degrade organic matter.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMaterials Today·DateAug 29, 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.

New funding awarded to two early career scientists

Two Argonne scientists, Ahmet Uysal and Kibaek Kim, have been awarded Early Career Research Program funding to tackle complex challenges in water separation and electric grid modernization. Their research programs will utilize cutting-edge technologies and facilities at Argonne National Laboratory.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateAug 29, 2019

The 'inflammation' of opioid use

New research reveals a strong correlation between opioid use, brain inflammation, and negative emotional states during withdrawal. The study found that inflammation in the gut and central amygdala may contribute to the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateAug 29, 2019

Bacteria feeding on Arctic algae blooms can seed clouds

New research reveals that bacteria from Arctic algae blooms can travel to the atmosphere and seed clouds, impacting global weather patterns. The particles help accelerate ice crystal formation, influencing climate and precipitation patterns.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 29, 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.

Biochar: A better start to rain forest restoration

Researchers at Wake Forest University's Center for Amazonian Scientific Innovation found that biochar combined with fertilizer significantly improved height and diameter growth of tree seedlings. The treatment also increased the number of leaves developed by the seedlings.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalForests·DateAug 29, 2019

Drug resistance signature discovered in Crohn's disease

Researchers at The Mount Sinai Hospital have identified a unique cell signature associated with drug resistance in Crohn's disease patients. This discovery may enable the development of personalized treatment plans and improved patient outcomes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateAug 29, 2019

Researchers demonstrate first all-metamaterial optical gas sensor

The new sensor uses metamaterials to eliminate the need for a dielectric filter, reducing size and energy consumption. It can detect gas concentrations with high sensitivity, using less energy than commercial systems, making it ideal for automotive, consumer electronics, and medical applications.

SourceOptica·DateAug 29, 2019

White matter affects how people respond to brain stimulation therapy

Researchers found that patients with more connected white matter in targeted brain regions respond better to non-invasive electrical brain stimulation, suggesting a potential breakthrough in personalizing the therapy. The study also showed partial reversal of abnormalities in brain activity caused by traumatic brain injury.

SourceImperial College London·JournalBrain·DateAug 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.

New science blooms after star researchers die, study finds

A new study reveals that the deaths of prominent life scientists are followed by an increase in highly cited research by newcomers, with papers by these researchers receiving more citations than those of established scientists.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateAug 29, 2019

University of Alberta researchers discover new biomarker for rare autoimmune disease

University of Alberta researchers have identified a unique biological marker that can predict the course of myasthenia gravis and develop personalized treatment plans. The biomarker, composed of 12 metabolites exclusive to patients with myasthenia gravis, enables early diagnosis and more effective management of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalMetabolomics·DateAug 29, 2019

MIT's fleet of autonomous boats can now shapeshift

Researchers at MIT have developed a new algorithm that enables the 'roboats' to smoothly reshape themselves as efficiently as possible. The system, designed for Amsterdam's canals, allows groups of linked roboat units to unlatch from one another and reattach to form various structures, such as bridges and stages.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 29, 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.

Lower risk for heart failure with new type 2 diabetes drug

A new study published in The BMJ found that SGLT2 inhibitors, commonly used for type 2 diabetes, reduce the risk of heart failure by 34% compared to another type of diabetes drug. The study also showed a 20% lower risk of death among patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 29, 2019

Family perceptions of end-of-life care for patients with advanced kidney disease

Bereaved family members rate end-of-life care higher for patients who received palliative and hospice care, rather than intensive patterns of life extension. Patients treated with dialysis have more aggressive end-of-life care, which is associated with lower quality ratings.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 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.

Human developmental clock mimicked in a dish

Researchers create a 'clock in a dish' to study human developmental timing, replicating a genetic mutation linked to spondylocostal dysotosis. This breakthrough provides insight into the hard-wired timing within cells and may accelerate cell development for clinical benefit.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 29, 2019

Gut microbiota linked to organ damage in patients with sepsis

Researchers found altered gut microbiota in sepsis patients, leading to more severe liver damage in mice. The study suggests that transplantation of healthy feces may help treat sepsis in intensive care units.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateAug 29, 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.

DGIST Successfully defined the identity and dynamics of adult gastric isthmus stem cells

Scientists have identified two types of gastric isthmus stem cells with different roles and characteristics in the upper and lower glands. The discovery was made through a joint research project involving South Korea, Austria, and the UK, using advanced techniques such as single-cell transcriptional analysis.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 29, 2019

Global warming may diminish plant genetic variety in Central Europe

A new study published in Nature found that only a few individuals of the thale cress plant have adapted to extreme climate conditions, suggesting a potential collapse of species genetic diversity in Central Europe. This could lead to reduced plant populations unable to survive due to changing precipitation and temperature patterns.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2019

Lack of oxygen doesn't kill infant brain cells, as previously thought

Research published in Journal of Neuroscience shows brief periods of hypoxia persistently disrupt the hippocampus, vital for learning and memory, but brain cells do not die as previously thought. Instead, cells fail to mature normally, reducing long-term potentiation, a cellular basis of learning.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateAug 29, 2019

Closing the gap -- a two-tier mechanism for epithelial barrier

Epithelial cells lack claudins but maintain barrier against large molecules via JAM-A; removal of JAM-A disrupts barrier, expanding space between cells. The study challenges traditional views on tight junctions and epithelial barriers.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 29, 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.

'Charismatic carbon'

A study found that seaweed aquaculture has huge potential for carbon sequestration, with suitable area sufficient to render the entire global aquaculture industry carbon neutral. However, farming seaweed alone won't balance emissions from global food production due to cost and growth constraints.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 29, 2019

A unique conducting state under UV-irradiation

Researchers at Ehime University discovered a molecular insulating crystal that reversibly exhibits metal-like conducting behavior under UV-irradiation. This unique property indicates the existence of other photoexcited states of matter with novel properties.

SourceEhime University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateAug 29, 2019

Scientists explore aged paint in microscopic detail to inform preservation efforts

Researchers used X-ray imaging and nanoscale techniques to analyze the chemical processes involved in aging oil paints. The study found that metal soaps can cause deterioration in artworks, particularly those composed of oil paints. The findings have implications for art conservation and potential solutions to prevent further damage.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 29, 2019

Parenting stress may affect mother's and child's ability to tune in to each other

A study found that mothers with higher levels of parenting stress have reduced brain activity synchronization with their children in the prefrontal cortex, a region linked to understanding others' point of view. This suggests that excessive parenting stress can weaken mother-child communication and relationships.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 29, 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.

Getting to the root of how plants tolerate too much iron

Scientists have identified a major genetic regulator of iron tolerance, called GSNOR, which enables plants to grow in environments with high iron levels. The discovery could lead to crop species that thrive in soils with excess iron, improving food security and yields.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2019

What a Virginia wildflower can tell us about climate change

Researchers found that American bellflowers' colonization of new areas led to beneficial adaptations, such as self-fertilization, but also detrimental mutations reducing overall vigor. This study draws attention to climate change's potential legacies and the inherent perils of species expansion.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalEvolution Letters·DateAug 29, 2019

Searching for dangerous gut bacteria

A new Emmy-Noether Independent Junior Research Group is exploring the mechanisms behind certain bacteria causing disease in some people but not others. The team aims to develop strategies for preventing symptoms and restoring gut health.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·DateAug 29, 2019

Study discovers abnormal expression of genes in psychopathy

A new study reveals that psychopathic violent offenders exhibit abnormal expression of genes and immune-response-related molecular pathways, which have also been linked to autism. The findings suggest that targeting the opioid system could be a feasible treatment approach for psychopathy.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 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.

Ancient civilizations were already messing up the planet

A massive collaborative study reveals that early humans globally altered their environments as far back as 10,000 years ago. The study found widespread land use changes, including deforestation and invasive farming, starting around 3,000 years ago.

SourceField Museum·JournalScience·DateAug 29, 2019

Friendships factor into start-up success (and failure)

Research at Cass Business School found that entrepreneurial groups with strong friendship bonds are more likely to persist with a failing venture and escalate financial commitment. The study suggests that understanding team emotions is crucial for best decision making in start-ups.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateAug 29, 2019

Hints of a volcanically active exomoon

Researchers at the University of Bern discover hints of a volcanically active exomoon, or exo-Io, orbiting the hot giant planet WASP-49b. The presence of sodium gas at an anomalously high-altitude suggests the existence of a small rocky moon that could be responsible for the observed phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateAug 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.

A protective factor against Alzheimer's disease?

Researchers discovered that higher levels of TREM2 protein in cerebrospinal fluid are associated with improved prognosis and reduced cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. The study suggests that TREM2 may play a key role in regulating the brain's protective immune response, offering new therapeutic strategies.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 29, 2019

How visceral leishmaniasis spread through central-Southern Brazil

Visceral leishmaniasis has expanded to Central-Southern Brazil through three dispersion routes: Bolivia-Brazil gas pipeline, Paraguay, and western Santa Catarina State. The study highlights the lack of joint policies with neighboring countries as a risk factor for disease spread.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 29, 2019

Cracking the code of a brain cancer that keeps coming back

Scientists used single-cell transcriptomics to map cell types and molecular cascades driving medulloblastoma growth. They discovered new treatment targets, including the HIPPO-YAP/TAZ pathway, which can be targeted with an FDA-approved cancer drug.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 29, 2019

Biological 'Rosetta Stone' brings scientists closer to deciphering how the body is built

Researchers from Columbia University and the Spanish National Research Council have discovered a method to systematically identify the role of each Hox gene in a developing fruit fly. This breakthrough offers a new path forward for decoding the underlying genetic mechanisms that guide growth and development, aging, and disease.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2019

Biophysics: The art of worming through tight spaces

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München use computer simulations to study the invasion of epithelial cells and bacterial biofilms into confined microspaces. They discover three distinct modes of invasion based on the level of motile activity, which can lead to clusters of cells detaching and 'worming' through narrow gaps.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalSoft Matter·DateAug 29, 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.

Flathead Bio Station researcher helps uncover ocean iron level mystery

Researchers discovered that Asian dust brings nutrients to the ocean, affecting plankton growth and nutrient availability. The study confirms how tightly coupled plankton biology is to iron supply from the atmosphere, highlighting the need for considering atmospheric and ocean circulation variability in forecasting climate change impacts.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2019

Detailed map shows how viruses infect humans

Biologists at Columbia University created a detailed map of protein-protein interactions between human-infecting viruses and infected cells. The study revealed insights into Zika virus infection and HPV's role in cancer, with potential implications for diagnostics and vaccine development.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell·DateAug 29, 2019

Negative interest rate policies are backfiring -- new research

Research from the University of Bath finds that negative interest rate policies are backfiring, curbing loan growth and damaging banking profits. Bank margins were being squeezed, eroding capital bases and limiting credit growth, thereby stifling domestic demand.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Banking & Finance·DateAug 29, 2019

New method could help assess a worker's situational awareness while multitasking

Researchers developed a new method to evaluate a worker's situational awareness while multitasking by analyzing their eye movement patterns. The study found that employees with poor situational awareness spend more time searching for solutions, increasing the risk of mistakes and accidents.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Industrial Ergonomics·DateAug 29, 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.

The Lancet: New analyses of the worldwide epidemiological evidence demonstrate link between different forms of menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer incidence, and find that some risk persists for many years

A new study analyzing worldwide epidemiological evidence finds a significant association between menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer incidence. The research indicates that the risks are greater for users of oestrogen-progestagen hormone therapy than for oestrogen-only hormone therapy.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 29, 2019

Brain waves detected in mini-brains grown in a dish

Scientists have successfully grown miniature brains from stem cells that exhibit functional neural networks and produce brain waves resembling those of preterm babies. The study marks a significant breakthrough in understanding human brain development and may lead to new insights into diseases such as autism, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 29, 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.

A global assessment of Earth's early anthropogenic transformation

A global archaeological assessment reveals that prehistoric humans had a substantial impact on Earth's landscapes by 3,000 years ago. The 'big-data' approach to understanding human legacy on Earth suggests an early and widespread effect of human activity on the environment.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 29, 2019