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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 31


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Study evaluates effects of noninvasive neuromodulation used to treat obesity

A clinical trial published in Appetite found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can reduce or increase appetite depending on a patient's genetic profile. The study used a current of 2 milliamperes and 17 thirty-minute sessions over a month, with participants monitored for six months.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAppetite·DateAug 7, 2019

Where in the universe can you find a black hole nursery?

A new study suggests that stellar collapse causes instabilities, preventing the formation of heavier black holes. The researchers propose that nuclear star clusters might act as 'black-hole nurseries', providing an ideal environment for generating generations of black holes.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPhysical Review D·DateAug 7, 2019

Study finds fish preserve DNA 'memories' far better than humans

Researchers found that fish preserve 'DNA methylation' memories between generations, unlike humans where this is almost entirely erased. This discovery opens up new avenues for studying intergenerational memory transfer through DNA methylation.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 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.

Designing a better low-fat potato chip

A new technique developed by researchers allows for the creation of tastier low-fat potato chips by analyzing physical characteristics. The method, called in vitro oral processing, measures chip properties from first bite to swallow, enabling food scientists to link physical measurements with sensory perceptions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 7, 2019

Medication in the environment affects feeding behavior of fish

A new study found that prescription medication Escitalopram can inhibit fish foraging and eating behavior, particularly in males. The inhibitory effect was more pronounced in males than females, highlighting a sex-based difference in aquatic wildlife response to environmental pollutants.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateAug 7, 2019

Personalized assay surpasses limits for detecting tumor DNA in breast cancer patients

Scientists have developed a personalized platform called TARDIS that accurately detects circulating tumor DNA and signs of residual disease in breast cancer patients. The assay demonstrated a significant improvement in sensitivity, enabling earlier detection of tumors and monitoring patient response to chemotherapy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 7, 2019

Cover crops, compost and carbon

A long-term study in California's Salinas Valley found that annual cover cropping significantly benefits soil health, while organic matter from compost has relatively small effects. The research suggests innovative strategies to increase cover cropping adoption, improving soil quality and sustainability.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateAug 7, 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.

Funded by FDA, C-Path and NORD to launch rare disease data analytics platform

The Rare Disease Cures Accelerator-Data and Analytics Platform (RDCA-DAP) aims to reduce barriers for rare disease treatment development. The platform will provide a centralized infrastructure to support accelerated therapy development, leveraging integrated data from various sources and advanced analytics expertise.

SourceCritical Path Institute (C-Path)·DateAug 7, 2019

Home births as safe as hospital births: International study

A large international study published in EClinicalMedicine journal reveals that home births have no increased risk of baby's perinatal or neonatal death compared to hospital births. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 intended home births and similar numbers of hospital births in eight countries.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateAug 7, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Climate change likely to increase human exposure to toxic methylmercury

Researchers found that warming oceans are driving up methylmercury levels in fish due to increased energy consumption and changing diets. As sea temperatures rise, fish use more energy to swim, requiring them to consume more calories, which can lead to higher mercury levels.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 2019

33% of new childhood asthma cases in Europe attributable to air pollution

A study published by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that air pollution from particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and black carbon is responsible for 33% of new childhood asthma cases in Europe, highlighting the need to update WHO air quality guidelines to better protect children's health.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateAug 7, 2019

Erectile dysfunction associated with lower work productivity in men

A study of over 52,000 men from eight countries found erectile dysfunction (ED) to be associated with increased absenteeism and reduced work productivity. Men with ED reported higher rates of staying home from work and working while sick compared to those without ED.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateAug 7, 2019

Groundwater resources in Africa resilient to climate change

A new study led by UCL and Cardiff University finds that groundwater replenishment depends on heavy rainfalls and flood events amplified by climate change. This knowledge can inform strategies to enhance groundwater supplies in drylands, where it is often the only lasting source of freshwater.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 2019

Study examines characteristics of older adults with moderately severe dementia

A study found that older adults with moderately severe dementia living at home have worse health and more symptoms than those in residential care or nursing facilities. The research highlights the need for better understanding and addressing geriatric palliative care needs of people with dementia wherever they live.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 7, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Good heart health at age 50 linked to lower dementia risk later in life

A new study found that good cardiovascular health at age 50 is associated with a lower risk of dementia later in life. Researchers used the Life Simple 7 cardiovascular health score as a tool for preventing dementia, and their findings support public health policies to improve midlife cardiovascular health.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 7, 2019

New data indicate rise in opioid use for migraine treatment

According to the OVERCOME study, nearly a quarter of people with frequent headaches use opioids to treat their migraines. Clinical guidelines discourage opioid use for migraine symptoms except in rare cases, highlighting concerns about its potential risks and effectiveness.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateAug 7, 2019

Substituting poultry for red meat may reduce breast cancer risk

A recent study found that increasing consumption of red meat was associated with a higher risk of invasive breast cancer, while consuming poultry was linked to decreased risk. Substituting poultry for red meat may be a simple way to reduce breast cancer incidence.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateAug 7, 2019

Quantum momentum

Researchers developed a new quantum-mechanical model to measure momentum of particles using a classical concept: time-of-flight. They achieved precise calculations by estimating probabilistic positions and distances between pointers coupled to moving wave packets.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateAug 7, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New insights into the origin of life

Researchers have demonstrated that energetic interactions between hydrogen cyanide and water can form precursors to RNA and proteins. The study provides new potential pathways for the formation of life's building blocks, without requiring high-energy photons or metal catalysts.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 7, 2019

Blue sharks use eddies for fast track to food

Researchers tracked blue sharks using satellite tags and found they spent most of their days diving into warm-water eddies to forage for small fish and squid. The study suggests blue sharks prefer warm-water eddies due to their inability to regulate body temperature, shedding light on their unique feeding behavior

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2019

Cibio knocks out cystic fibrosis

Researchers at the University of Trento have developed a genome editing strategy to permanently correct two types of mutations that cause cystic fibrosis. The 'SpliceFix' technique uses Crispr-Cas to edit patient-derived organoids, showing high precision and efficacy.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2019

Persistent inflammation in sepsis survivors linked to higher mortality rates

Sepsis survivors are at higher risk for major health problems and death due to persistent inflammation, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. The researchers found that nearly all patients with sepsis have increased inflammation during hospitalization, but this inflammation often persists long after discharge.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 7, 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.

Fast-food availability near commute route linked to BMI

A new study published in PLOS ONE examines the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and multiple food environments. The research found that a greater number of fast-food restaurants near commute routes is associated with higher BMI.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 7, 2019

Tropical Storm Krosa gets a comma shape

Tropical Storm Krosa developed a 'comma shape' signature from thunderstorms feeding into the low-level center. The storm's maximum sustained winds reached near 60 knots, strengthening as it moved north-northwest towards Japan.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 7, 2019

ALMA dives into black hole's 'sphere of influence'

Researchers using ALMA observe a swirling disk of cold interstellar gas rotating around a supermassive black hole, NGC 3258. The study provides an unprecedented close-up view of the disk's rotation, allowing for the determination of the black hole's mass as 2.25 billion solar masses.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateAug 7, 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.

Entropy explains RNA diffusion rates in cells

Researchers have discovered exponential patterns in RNA diffusion rates within cells, displaying the highest possible degree of disorder or entropy. This pattern is linked to small-scale diffusive behaviors and can be compared to thermodynamic behaviors in larger systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateAug 7, 2019

Gene mutation combo linked to common cancer in women

Researchers have identified a combination of gene mutations that are frequently found together in endometrial cancer and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer. The ARID1A and PIK3CA genes' mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, increasing the risk of cancer.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 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.

Enhanced glow

Researchers developed a novel method to directly detect circulating tumor cells in blood samples without enrichment, using lanthanide ions released from nanoparticles. The technique was tested on cancer patients' blood samples, correctly identifying 14 out of 15 cases with strong correlation to cancer stage.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 7, 2019

A marine microbe could play increasingly important role in regulating climate

A USC-led study reveals that marine microbes containing rhodopsins are more abundant than thought and can capture more light energy than chlorophylls. This shift in microbial communities may result in less carbon fixation in the ocean, potentially leading to increased CO2 levels and faster warming.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 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.

Liberals and conservatives have different views on equity, but share 'protestant work ethic'

A new study reveals that people on the political left (Democrats and liberals) prioritize equity over proportionality, while those on the right (Republicans and conservatives) focus more on effort. The research also finds a shared concern for meritocracy and the 'Protestant work ethic' across both groups.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 7, 2019

Scientists reveal key insights into emerging water purification technology

Researchers from CSU have discovered that conventional hydrophobic membranes create a larger liquid-vapor interfacial area, increasing evaporation and efficiency. This tradeoff between hydrophobic vs. omniphobic membranes offers new information into why certain membrane designs work better than others in membrane distillation.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2019

New research provides better way to gauge pain in mice

New research provides a more accurate way to measure pain in mice using slow-motion video and artificial intelligence. The 'mouse pain scale' assesses the degree of pain, increasing confidence in therapeutic effectiveness in humans.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 7, 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.

Eating more plant-based foods may be linked to better heart health

Researchers analyzed food intake data from over 10,000 middle-aged adults and found a strong link between plant-based diets and lower cardiovascular disease risks. People who ate more plant-based foods had a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 32% lower risk of dying from any cause.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 7, 2019

FAU partners with USDA to boost domestic production of farm-raised fish

Scientists from FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute are developing novel technologies to supply warm water marine fish seedstocks, addressing the US's struggling aquaculture industry. The partnership aims to increase domestic production, reduce waste, disease risks, and feed inefficiencies.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·DateAug 7, 2019

Philippines on alert with Typhoon Lekima

NASA's Aqua satellite captured a clear image of Typhoon Lekima, showing a tight band of powerful thunderstorms surrounding its central eye. The storm is expected to strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane, making landfall near Shanghai around August 12.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 7, 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.

Forgotten immune cells protective in mouse model of multiple sclerosis

A new Stanford study found that stimulating a protective immune cell class, CD8 T cells, may reduce autoimmune disease severity. In a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, injecting mice with peptides recognized by these cells reduced disease severity and killed disease-causing immune cells.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 2019

Wearable motion sensors could save unborn babies

Developed by Stevens Institute of Technology researchers, wearable motion sensors can record vibrations sent through a mother's abdomen when her baby's heart beats or squirms. These non-invasive devices could reduce stillbirths worldwide and provide vital insights into fetal health.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateAug 7, 2019

Opioid use and misuse 3 months after ED visit for acute pain

A study found that 9% of patients with acute pain conditions continued opioid use 3 months after discharge from the emergency department. Most patients used opioids to manage initial or new pain, not misuse. The study highlights the need for non-narcotic methods to treat acute pain and further research on chronic pain mechanisms.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateAug 7, 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.

Adults with cerebral palsy at increased risk for mental health conditions

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine highlights the need for increased awareness of mental health disorders among adults with cerebral palsy. The research team found that adults with cerebral palsy have a higher age-standardized prevalence of mental health disorders compared to those without the condition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 7, 2019

Brain stimulation for PTSD patients

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new brain stimulation technique for PTSD patients, utilizing skin conductance to provide personalized treatment. The approach aims to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, including those with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateAug 7, 2019

Nanosecond pulsed electric fields activate immune cells

Researchers from Kumamoto University found that nsPEFs can stimulate immune cells to respond as if they were being stimulated by bacteria. This was achieved through the release of chromosomal DNA and histone citrullination in neutrophils, similar to the process occurring when neutrophils are exposed to bacteria.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 7, 2019

Gold glue really does bond nanocages 'contradicting' logic

Researchers have successfully created molecular nanocages with unprecedented properties using gold atoms as a binding agent. The gold-bonded cages exhibit chemical and thermal stability while being sensitive to acidity, making them ideal for biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 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.

Study examines cannabis' effects on brain neurochemistry

A new study found a blunted response to stress-induced dopamine signaling in the brains of individuals at high risk for psychosis who regularly use cannabis. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the impact of cannabis on brain neurochemistry, particularly among populations at risk for psychosis.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction Biology·DateAug 7, 2019