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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 8


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.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateAug 26, 2019

Two studies reveal benefits of mindfulness for middle school students

Middle school students who received mindfulness training showed better academic performance, fewer suspensions, and lower stress levels. Mindfulness also altered brain activity, reducing the activation of the amygdala region, which processes fear and emotions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 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 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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateAug 26, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateAug 26, 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.

One-third of pre-approved prescription drugs have not completed the FDA approval process

New research reveals that 36% of post-market studies for pre-approved prescription drugs were not completed, with 50% taking an average of 5 years to begin. The study suggests that manufacturers lack incentive to complete these studies due to lax enforcement and high costs.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalFrontiers in Integrative Neuroscience·DateAug 26, 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.

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, ...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPlant Pathology·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 26, 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.

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourcePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology·JournalNature Reviews Cancer·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateAug 26, 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.

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.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 26, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateAug 26, 2019

Researchers' review paper reveal insights into high quality fabrication of nanocomposites

A comprehensive review paper provides a thorough understanding of the scientific and technological knowledge behind nanocomposite fabrication using selective laser melting. The study highlights the potential of this additive manufacturing technology for creating customized parts with unique structures and properties.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalProgress in Materials Science·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJoule·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 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.

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

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 26, 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.

Wild ground-nesting bees might be exposed to lethal levels of neonics in soil

Researchers found that 36% of squash bees are chronically exposed to lethal doses of clothianidin in soil, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 5%. This risk is applicable to many other wild bee species in Canada, highlighting the need for new approaches to protect pollinators and crops simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateAug 26, 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.

Wildfires could permanently alter Alaska's forest composition

Research predicts a 25% decline in evergreen conifer trees and a nearly doubling of broadleaf deciduous trees by 2100. This shift will have significant ecological and climatic implications for the entire ecosystem and carbon cycle.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNature Electronics·DateAug 26, 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.

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.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 26, 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.

Oncologists echo findings that suggest a reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence

Oncologists suggest using nab-paclitaxel instead of paclitaxel prior to surgery for high-risk breast cancer patients, potentially improving long-term outcomes and reducing disease recurrence. This approach may be particularly beneficial for women with hormone receptor positive, HER-2 negative breast cancer.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalJournal of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 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.

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.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 26, 2019

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGut·DateAug 26, 2019