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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 9


Page 9 of 38

Both talk therapy and medications show some efficacy for reducing suicide risk

A systematic review found moderate-strength evidence supporting face-to-face CBT in reducing suicidal ideation, as well as low-strength evidence suggesting DBT's effectiveness. Pharmaceutical treatments like ketamine and lithium showed promise in reducing suicidal ideation and suicide rates, respectively.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 26, 2019

Study finds that teens are using a highly potent form of marijuana

A new study by Arizona State University researchers found that nearly one in four Arizona teens have used marijuana concentrate, a highly potent form of marijuana. The study also discovered that teens who used concentrates had more risk factors for addiction, including lower perceived risk of harm and peer substance use.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 26, 2019

Childhood cancer survivors at elevated risk of heart disease

Researchers found a threefold increase in cardiac events and tenfold increased risk for heart failure among childhood cancer survivors compared to cancer-free peers. Modifiable risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic disorders contribute to the elevated heart disease risk.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateAug 26, 2019

Novel method identifies the right individual exosomes

Researchers at Uppsala University and Vesicode AB have developed a novel proximity-dependent barcoding assay (PBA) to map surface protein complements on individual exosomes. The method enables large-scale screens for biomarkers in disease, providing a new tool for early detection and prognosis.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·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.

Spontaneous brain fluctuations influence risk-taking

Research at University College London found that minute-to-minute fluctuations in human brain activity, linked to dopamine levels, impact decision-making. When the brain's dopaminergic midbrain is in a state of low activity, individuals are more likely to choose risky options.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

Deep transformations needed to achieve the SDGs

The article proposes six major transformations to achieve SDGs, focusing on education, gender, energy decarbonization, sustainable food, digital revolution, and others. These transformations require deep, deliberate changes in resource use, infrastructure, institutions, technologies, and social relations.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 26, 2019

Northern white rhino eggs successfully fertilized

A team of scientists has successfully fertilized seven out of ten northern white rhino eggs using ICSI and frozen sperm from two bulls. The eggs were matured at Avantea in Italy, marking a critical milestone in the BioRescue program aimed at saving the species from extinction.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·DateAug 26, 2019

Japanese trees synchronize allergic pollen release over immense distances

Researchers from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found that Japanese cedar and cypress trees' pollen dispersal patterns synchronizes across Japan, with strong phase synchronization in eastern regions. This discovery can help improve pollen forecasting, crucial for managing allergic rhinitis symptoms.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·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.

New scientific model can predict moral and political development

Researchers developed a scientific model predicting public opinion changes on moral issues by analyzing the connection between moral positions and arguments. The model shows that opinions supported by fairness and harm arguments gain ground over time, while classical grounds like loyalty or authority lose support.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateAug 26, 2019

Researchers use AI to plot green route to nylon

The NYU Tandon team discovered a way to improve the efficiency of organic electrosynthesis, a process that can easily integrate with renewable energy sources. By applying artificial intelligence to optimize the reaction, they achieved a 30% improvement in adiponitrile production.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

Disability categories in education were redefined to exclude minorities, study shows

A University of Kansas study found that dominant groups in the education system manipulate disability categories to exclude racial minorities and keep them out of most desirable special education programs. The researchers documented how upper-class white students were moved into what was once considered the least desirable category, an...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateAug 26, 2019

Mammalian diets and human-modified landscapes

Research using stable isotopes shows that some mammals thrive on agricultural products in modified landscapes, while others rely on forest resources. Habitat loss from agriculture may pose conservation challenges, highlighting the need for sustainable land-use practices.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

The flavor of chocolate is developed during the processing of the cocoa beans

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that fermentation conditions can significantly impact the flavor of noble cocoa varieties like Criollo and Trinitario. By controlling these processes, high-end chocolate producers can create unique flavors and aromas in their products.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateAug 26, 2019

Disappearing act: Device vanishes on command after military missions (video)

Researchers have developed a polymer that self-destructs upon activation, using low-temperature stability to break apart quickly. The material has been used in a rigid-winged glider and nylon-like parachute fabric for airborne delivery, and its potential applications include environmental sensors and building materials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 26, 2019

Effects of pollution on hair fibers

Researchers analyzed human hair fibers from polluted areas in China and found increased degradation with higher PAH levels. Exposure to UV radiation further damaged contaminated fibers, suggesting a toxic combination.

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

New technique isolates placental cells for non-invasive genetic testing

Researchers at Brown University developed a simple method to isolate trophoblast cells from cervical swabs, which carry the complete fetal genome. This technique enables less invasive diagnosis of genetic disorders in developing fetuses, increasing the proportion of trophoblasts by 700%.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 26, 2019

Strike three

A team of researchers has discovered a previously unrecognized mechanism that accelerates cystogenesis in polycystic kidney disease (PKD), leading to rapid cyst growth and kidney failure. The study suggests that increasing water intake and avoiding certain foods may slow the progression of ADPKD.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 26, 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.

Graphene-based wearables to prevent mosquito bites

Researchers developed graphene-based films that protect skin from mosquitoes by impeding their ability to detect molecular attractants. These wearable patches offer a potential solution for preventing insect bites without conferring mechanical puncture resistance.

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

$1.75 million X-ray tool is first of its kind in the US

Binghamton University has acquired a $1.75 million HArd X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy system, the third of its kind worldwide and first outside Europe. This HAXPES system allows researchers to analyze materials without disassembling them, providing detailed information about chemical and electronic structures.

SourceBinghamton University·DateAug 26, 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.

New way to bump off ticks: Dry up their saliva (video)

Scientists discover two compounds that can dry up tick saliva, reducing feeding and potentially limiting pathogen transmission. The treatment effectively kills ticks within 12 hours, a significant timeframe for pathogen transmission.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 26, 2019

A 2 nm sized nanomachine able to spin and transfer its rotational energy

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology created a 2 nm sized nanomachine capable of spinning and transferring its rotational energy, outperforming natural nanomachines. The machine's ability to rotate in different directions and convert thermal energy into movement shows great promise for faster molecular transfer.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2019

Native approaches to fire management

A Stanford-led study found that incorporating traditional techniques into current fire suppression practices could help revitalize American Indian cultures, economies, and livelihoods. The approach increased the production of high-quality stems needed to make culturally significant items up to 10-fold compared with untreated shrubs.

SourceStanford University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateAug 26, 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.

Delivery method for CRISPR editing of breast cancer

Researchers created a deformable nanolipogel-based delivery system for CRISPR knockout of oncogene Lcn2, reducing tumor growth by 77% in human and mouse models. The delivery method shows promise as a precise therapeutic tool for treating triple-negative breast cancer.

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

A new way to make valuable chemicals

Researchers developed a new process to form high-value chemicals called amides by coupling carbon and nitrogen bonds in an electrochemical reaction. This breakthrough enables the production of useful substances in various industries, including pharmaceuticals.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2019

Monster tumbleweed: Invasive new species is here to stay

A new study confirms that the gigantic tumbleweed Salsola ryanii is a hybrid with doubled pairs of its parent plants' chromosomes, resulting in exceptional growth vigor. This discovery suggests that polyploidy may have an evolutionary advantage, allowing the plant to thrive and expand its territory.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAoB Plants·DateAug 26, 2019

Many kidneys discarded in the United States would be transplanted in France

A new study found that French transplant centers are more likely to accept lower-rated kidneys from older donors, which could benefit thousands of Americans on the waitlist. This approach could provide over 10,000 years of life with a functioning kidney transplant if adopted in the US.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 26, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Tiny RNA provides big protection after a heart attack

A recent study found that boosting levels of tiny RNA miR322 can reduce heart muscle death by 40% after a heart attack. The research suggests that miR322 regulates the enzyme FBXW7, which tags cells for elimination, and its overexpression can protect the heart from damage.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateAug 26, 2019

Graphene shield shows promise in blocking mosquito bites

A new graphene-based film has shown promise in blocking mosquito bites by interfering with their ability to sense skin and sweat. The dry film provides a strong mechanical barrier that prevents mosquitoes from landing and biting.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

Universal algorithm set to boost microscopes

A team of scientists at EPFL developed an algorithm that can estimate a microscope's resolution from a single image, boosting image quality and enabling optimized imaging conditions. The algorithm has been made available as an open-source plugin, allowing researchers to directly obtain the estimate and optimize their microscopes.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Methods·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.

Flame retardants -- from plants

Researchers have identified potentially less toxic and biodegradable flame retardants from plants, which could replace hazardous organohalogen compounds. The new substances, derived from gallic acid and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, perform as well as many existing flame retardants on the market.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 26, 2019

Optical neural network could lead to intelligent cameras

The UCLA researchers have significantly increased the system's accuracy by adding a second set of detectors to the system, representing each object type with two detectors rather than one. The new design takes advantage of parallelization and scalability of optical-based computational systems.

SourceUCLA Samueli School of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 26, 2019

Dangerous wild grass will be used in batteries

Researchers from NUST MISIS have successfully turned hogweed into a material for supercapacitors, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable alternative for energy storage. The processing technology involves treating the plant stems with hydrochloric acid and carbon dioxide to create a porous structure suitable for electrodes.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalRussian Journal of Electrochemistry·DateAug 26, 2019

Saving sage-grouse by relocation

Researchers relocated sage-grouse from Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada to Washington state to boost populations. However, it took about a year for the birds to settle in and reproduce effectively. The study shows that relocation can be a viable tool in conserving threatened species like sage-grouse.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateAug 26, 2019

Effectiveness of a new bladder cancer treatment demonstrated

A new drug, TAK-228, has demonstrated effectiveness in treating metastatic bladder cancer, slowing tumor growth and progression. The study found that four of seven patients showed a positive response to the treatment.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·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.

Beaver reintroduction key to solving freshwater biodiversity crisis

A recent study published in Diversity and Distributions found that beaver-built ponds have a higher biodiversity than other wetlands in the same region, with 50% more species. This research suggests that reintroducing beavers to their native habitat could benefit wider biodiversity and help solve the freshwater biodiversity crisis.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateAug 26, 2019

From cradle to grave: postnatal overnutrition linked to aging

Researchers found that postnatal overnutrition in mice leads to premature epigenetic aging in pancreatic islets, increasing the risk of diabetes. Early life overnutrition accelerates DNA methylation changes, resembling those of middle-aged mice, and contributes to impaired glucose regulation.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Epigenetics·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.

Elderly have poor prognosis after recovery in long-term acute care hospitals

A study by UCSF and UT Southwestern Medical Center found that elderly patients in LTACHs have a worse prognosis than terminal illnesses, with most dying within 5 years. The researchers recommend considering palliative care interventions to improve quality of life for these patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 26, 2019

Hi-tech bacteria gene tool could prove productive, study finds

Researchers developed a new gene activation method that targets previously difficult-to-activate genes in bacteria, including those involved in infections and industrial applications. This technique has the potential to revolutionize the production of useful products with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2019

Transcriptional landscape of neonatal heart regeneration

A study identified genes associated with heart regeneration in neonatal mouse hearts. Genes related to immunity and developmental programs were found to promote regeneration. Enhanced post-MI regeneration was observed in mouse hearts overexpressing the RNA-binding protein IGF2BP3.

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

Runaway mitochondria cause telomere damage in cells

A new study found that damaged mitochondria can pollute cells with reactive oxygen species, causing telomere damage and genetic instability. The researchers developed a technology to trigger this reaction, which ultimately led to the discovery of telomere fragility and breakage.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Researchers propose method to balance user experience and cloud cost

A new algorithm assesses cloudlet placement to achieve an optimal balance between cost and service performance. The proposed method uses cloudlets, tiny versions of the cloud, to improve network service performance for a limited number of users.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 25, 2019

Australian researchers reveal new insights into retina's genetic code

A team of Australian scientists has created the world's most detailed gene map of the human retina, providing unprecedented insights into its genetic signals. This will help future research understand the factors that enable cells to function normally and identify the genetic 'mistakes' causing vision loss and blindness.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateAug 25, 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.

How diabetes can increase cancer risk

Researchers found that high blood sugar levels in diabetes can cause DNA damage and reduce its repair, increasing the risk of certain cancers. The study suggests that controlling blood sugar levels could be an effective way to reduce cancer risk in diabetics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 25, 2019

Chocolate muddles cannabis potency testing

Researchers found that altering sample preparation conditions in chocolate samples can significantly impact cannabis potency test results. They discovered that the matrix effect of chocolate's fat content is suppressing the signal for Δ9-THC, which could have major implications for producers and consumers of cannabis-infused edibles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 25, 2019