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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 5


Page 5 of 38

Study finds many psychiatric disorders have heightened impulsivity

A meta-analysis of 40 studies reveals that individuals with psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder exhibit heightened impulsivity. The study suggests a continuum between impulsive and self-controlled decision-making across different disorders.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 28, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ancient die-off greater than the dinosaur extinction

A new study found a previously unknown mass extinction event involving minuscule microorganisms, which shaped the Earth's atmosphere approximately 2.05 billion years ago. This die-off is estimated to be even greater than the dinosaur extinction, revealing significant changes in the planet's biosphere.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2019

New optical array, multisite stimulator advances optogenetics

Researchers have developed an implantable optrode array capable of exciting below-surface neurons in large mammal brains. The new device addresses challenges in optical stimulation and neuroscience, enabling studies to link neural activity to specific cognitive functions.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateAug 28, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Little-used drug combination may extend the lives of lung transplant patients

Researchers identified a drug combination that significantly extends patient survival in lung transplant recipients, offering a potential solution to the median survival rate of less than six years after transplantation. Sirolimus plus tacrolimus was associated with a better median survival than MMF plus tacrolimus.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 28, 2019

How your brain remembers motor sequences

The study reveals that overlapping regions in premotor and parietal cortices represent sequences in multiple levels of motor hierarchy. The primary motor cortex uniquely represents individual finger movements. This finding provides insights into the brain's complex representation of motor sequences.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalNeuron·DateAug 28, 2019

Using artificial intelligence to track birds' dark-of-night migrations

Researchers at UMass Amherst and Cornell Lab of Ornithology have developed a machine learning system called MistNet to analyze large-scale bird migration data. The tool allows for automation of data processing, enabling scientists to extract valuable information on bird migrations over the continental US.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateAug 28, 2019

Canadian astronomers determine Earth's fingerprint

Two McGill University astronomers have assembled a transit spectrum of Earth, a fingerprint of the planet's atmosphere in infrared light. This detection could help scientists identify planets capable of supporting life, such as TRAPPIST-1 system with seven habitable zone planets.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 28, 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.

Changing climate linked to major changes in flooding across Europe

A multinational study has shown that flood events are becoming increasingly severe in north-western Europe, while decreasing in southern and Eastern Europe. The research, which analyzed river flow data from thousands of locations over a 50-year period, provides clear evidence of the link between climate change and flooding.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature·DateAug 28, 2019

Chance, not ideology, drives political polarization

A new study suggests that chance and opinion cascades, rather than deeply rooted ideological differences, drive political polarization. The researchers found that early movers can trigger a cascade in which later partisans pile on to their party's position, leading to large political differences.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 28, 2019

Cancer cells 'corrupt' their healthy neighbors

Researchers found that non-cancerous cells in tumor microenvironment regress into stem cell-like state, supporting cancer growth. This 'corruption' of neighboring cells enables cancer to thrive and spread.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 28, 2019

The role of a single molecule in obesity

A single cholesterol-derived molecule, 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC), has been found to increase body fat even without a high-fat diet. The molecule affects white adipose tissue and expands the capacity of existing fat cells.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalEndocrinology·DateAug 28, 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 MRI computing technique can spot scar muscles of heart without damaging kidneys

Researchers at University of Warwick have developed a new 3D MRI computing technique that can detect scar muscles in the heart without using gadolinium, which can damage kidneys. This technique reduces stress for patients undergoing MRI scans and provides more precise diagnoses, enabling earlier treatment for heart diseases.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 28, 2019

First report of superconductivity in a nickel oxide material

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have made the first nickel oxide material that exhibits clear superconducting properties. The discovery is significant as it opens up new possibilities for high-temperature superconductors, which could revolutionize electronic devices and power transmission.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 28, 2019

Microbiota in home indoor air may protect children from asthma

A study by Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare found that large amounts of certain bacteria from outdoors may protect children from asthma. High diversity of microbes is important in protecting against asthma, but certain soil microbes provide more effective protection.

SourceFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 28, 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.

Cell biology -- Potential drop signals imminent danger

LMU biologists have identified a general alarm signal that activates the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) in mitochondria, ensuring protein degradation and restoring normal cell function. The signaling pathway is triggered by a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential and involves transcription factor ATFS-1.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 28, 2019

Fresh water found in the Norwegian Sea

Scientists have discovered fresh water leaking from the seabed in the Norwegian Sea, similar to a large underwater aquifer found in the Atlantic Ocean along the US East Coast. The aquifer could be a potential resource for areas with no drinking water on land.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 28, 2019

Narrowing risk of preeclampsia to a specific phenotype

Researchers at MUSC have identified a specific lipoprotein phenotype associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. Monitoring these patients closely and taking proactive measures to keep their blood pressure down can help prevent the complication.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 28, 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.

After 10-year search, scientists find second 'short sleep' gene

Researchers identified a second gene associated with natural short sleep, ADRB1, which promotes wakefulness and regulates sleep. The study suggests that short sleepers experience better sleep quality and sleep efficiency, despite potential health risks.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateAug 28, 2019

Exposure to second-hand e-cigarettes increasing among young people

A national survey found that about one-third of middle- and high-school students were exposed to vaping aerosols in 2018, a 30% increase from previous years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an alarming rise in second-hand e-cigarette exposure among young people.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 28, 2019

Stretchable wireless sensor could monitor healing of cerebral aneurysms

A stretchable wireless sensor can monitor the healing of cerebral aneurysms by detecting changes in blood flow. The sensor, fabricated using aerosol jet 3D printing, can be seamlessly integrated onto existing medical stents and measures an incoming blood flow to determine how well the aneurysm is healing.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 28, 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.

Research sheds new light on Antarctic control of global climate

A new study reveals that biological processes in the polar Southern Ocean are the key drivers of carbon dioxide absorption, challenging existing assumptions. This finding has significant implications for understanding past and future climate change.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 28, 2019

Nanoparticles 'click' immune cells to make a deeper penetration into tumors

A novel targeting strategy using a click reaction-assisted immune cell targeting (CRAIT) method enables deep tumor penetration of drug-loaded nanoparticles. This approach has shown promising results in reducing tumor burden in aggressive breast cancer models, offering new hope for cancer treatment.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 28, 2019

How blood sugar levels affect risks in type 1 diabetes

A new study published in BMJ found that blood glucose levels between 48-52mmol/mol do not provide additional protection against organ damage, whereas levels below 48 do not offer further reduced risk. Patients with low HbA1c values need to monitor for excessively low glucose levels and fluctuations.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 28, 2019

MUSC's Patrick Woster joins Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame

Patrick M. Woster, Ph.D., has been inducted into the Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to the field, including the discovery of novel therapeutics such as antimalarial and antibacterial agents. His work also emphasizes the crucial role of medicinal chemists in the drug discovery pipeline.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateAug 28, 2019

A dual imaging approach may improve diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer

A new dual imaging approach combines transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and photoacoustic imaging to detect anatomical features and molecular information of the prostate. This technology has shown promise in detecting prostate cancers with high accuracy, including distinguishing malignant regions in patients with advanced disease.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 28, 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.

Floods are impacted by a changing climate

A large international research project found that climate change is impacting the severity of flood events across Europe. Floods are increasing in central and north-western Europe due to rising precipitation and soil humidity, while decreasing in southern Europe where warmer temperatures lead to increased evaporation.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature·DateAug 28, 2019

Estimate of cigarette consumption in England

A study comparing survey and sales data found that estimated total cigarette consumption in England fell by almost one-quarter between 2011 and 2018. The decline is equivalent to approximately 1.4 billion cigarettes per year, highlighting the need for continued tobacco control efforts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 28, 2019

Grassland biodiversity is blowing in the wind

Researchers discovered that spillover, especially of wind-dispersed plant species, promotes biodiversity in restored grasslands. This is crucial for recovering endangered temperate grasslands.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 28, 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.

A PoEM on breast cancer metastasis

A new study identifies PoEMs as promoting breast cancer metastasis through the loosening of lymph vessel connections. Removing these cells reduces the ability of breast cancer cells to spread. The findings suggest targeting PoEMs in cancer therapy, specifically targeting cancer-associated lymphatic vessels.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 28, 2019

Could marriage stave off dementia?

A new study found that married people are less likely to develop dementia as they age, whereas divorced individuals are twice as likely to experience the condition. The research analyzed data from over 15,000 respondents and suggests that marital status is an important social risk factor for dementia.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·DateAug 28, 2019

More than a billion fewer cigarettes smoked each year as people ditch the cigs

Research funded by Cancer Research UK found that average monthly cigarette consumption fell by 24.4% based on survey data and 24.1% based on sales data between 2011 and 2018. The decline suggests that stricter tobacco laws and quitting smoking initiatives are working, with current smoking rates at 16% of English adults.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 28, 2019

Youth: Transgender people should use bathroom they're most comfortable in

A new study reveals that young people aged 14-24 overwhelmingly support the right of transgender individuals to use the bathroom they feel most comfortable in. Contrary to current policies in many schools, youth respondents believe bathroom use is a personal and private decision, and a matter of equality, freedom, and human rights. Thi...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Homosexuality·DateAug 28, 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.

Autism rates increasing fastest among black, Hispanic youth

Research from the University of Colorado Boulder found autism rates increasing by double digits among racial minorities, with black rates exceeding those of whites in most states. Hispanic rates grew faster than any other group, while prevalence among white youth is ticking up again after a plateau in the mid-2000s.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateAug 28, 2019

NASA finds heavy rain potential in tropical storm Dorian

Tropical Storm Dorian is expected to produce heavy rainfall, with accumulations ranging from 1-10 inches. NASA's Aqua satellite analyzed cloud top temperatures to indicate strong storms capable of creating life-threatening flash floods.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 28, 2019

Smarter experiments for faster materials discovery

Researchers developed an AI-powered decision-making system to streamline experiments, reducing measurement time and improving data quality. The algorithm selects the most uncertain step to measure next, maximizing information gain and ending experiments when additional measurements are unnecessary.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 28, 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.

Clues to early social structures may be found in ancient extraordinary graves

A study on a 9,000-year-old grave in southern Jordan provides new insights into emerging leadership in early farming communities. The authors propose that the presence of exotic items and proximity to other graves suggest a person who achieved individual prestige through trade networks while maintaining close status within the community.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 28, 2019

Ecopipam reduces stuttering symptoms in proof-of-concept trial

A proof-of-concept trial found ecopipam significantly reduced stuttering symptoms, including increased speech fluency and faster reading completion. The medication was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects or signals of weight gain or abnormal movement disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAnnals of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 28, 2019

Animal ethics and animal behavioral science -- bridging the gap

An interdisciplinary group of scholars urges animal behavior scientists to engage in growing ethical conversation, highlighting broader impacts on moral standing and conservation. Greater integration between animal ethics and behavior communities may benefit ethical theory and practice.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateAug 28, 2019

Europe warming faster than expected due to climate change

A new study finds Europe's summers are becoming hotter and winters colder, with extreme heat days tripling since 1950. This accelerates the region's warming, impacting cities unprepared for rising temperatures.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 28, 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.

UTA awarded more than $2 million in CPRIT grants

The University of Texas at Arlington has been awarded over $2 million in Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) grants to support its thriving cancer research initiatives. Dr. Piya Ghose received a $2 million grant for her work on programmed cell death, while Dr. Yaowu Hao received $200,000 to investigate radioactive n...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateAug 28, 2019

Exposing how pancreatic cancer does its dirty work

A new study reveals pancreatic cancer cells invade and destroy nearby blood vessels, replacing them with tumor-lined structures. The process is driven by the interaction between the protein receptor ALK7 and the protein Activin, pointing to a possible target for future treatments.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 28, 2019

Excess body fat increases the risk of depression

A new study finds that excess body fat increases the risk of depression, with a 17% higher probability for every ten kilograms of extra weight. The study suggests that psychological consequences of being overweight or obese drive this increased risk, rather than biological effects.

SourceAarhus University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateAug 27, 2019

The making of 'Fancy Mouse'

A study published in Communications Biology reveals that the genetic mutation responsible for black pigmentation in nonagouti mice is caused by the insertion of a retrovirus β4 into VL30. Researchers found that this mutation originated from East Asian mice related to Japanese fancy mice.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 27, 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.

Fat pumps generate electrical power

A study from Aarhus University has found that fat pumps in cell membranes create an electrical current, which may play a role in controlling essential processes in the body. This discovery highlights the importance of flippases in maintaining cellular function and suggests potential connections to neurological diseases and Alzheimer's.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2019

Seeing it both ways: Visual perspective in memory

Researchers found that viewing memories in the third person reduces vividness and emotion, while recalling experiences in the first person strengthens memory. Virtual reality technology is being used to explore how perspective influences memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 27, 2019

Researchers discover a new form of immunotherapy

Researchers have discovered a new form of immunotherapy that targets and removes specific immune cells called macrophages, which support cancer growth. The technique has shown promising results in treating malignant melanoma, with tumors shrinking after the removal of these cells.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 27, 2019