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Science News Archive December 2019


Page 16 of 36

Better studying superconductivity in single-layer graphene

Physicists have discovered that an existing technique is more accurate in explaining the 'critical temperature' of superconductivity in pure, single-layer graphene. This finding has significant implications for understanding graphene's diverse structural properties and potentially aiding the development of new technologies.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Historical look at US army suicides

This observational study examines US Army suicides from 1819 to 2017, revealing a significant increase in rates over time. The peak suicide rates occurred during the 1960s and 1970s, with a total of 4,000 deaths recorded during this period.

Problem drinkers have higher 'benzo' use, UCSF-Kaiser Permanente study shows

Researchers at UCSF-Kaiser Permanente found that primary care patients with 'unhealthy alcohol use' were 15% more likely to take benzodiazepines than moderate drinkers and nondrinkers. This increased risk was associated with a higher likelihood of overdose, accidents, falls, and exacerbation of psychiatric conditions.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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New study enhances knowledge about widespread diseases

A new study reveals that molecular chaperones play a crucial role in preventing the misfolding of alpha-synuclein protein, which is associated with diseases like Parkinson's. By inhibiting these chaperones, researchers found that alpha-synuclein aggregates can form at the amino acid level.

Study shows novel protein plays role in bacterial vaginosis

A study led by the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix found that elevated levels of IL-36y are associated with bacterial vaginosis. The researchers also discovered that infection with BV-associated bacteria induces IL-36y in a species-specific manner.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

City College leads new photonics breakthrough

A new approach to trapping light in artificial photonic materials could revolutionize data transfer speeds online. Researchers at City College of New York led by Alexander B. Khanikaev have made a significant breakthrough, enabling the design of new optical resonators that may impact devices used daily.

Wyss Academy for Nature founded at the University of Bern

The Wyss Academy for Nature tackles biodiversity losses, climate change, and land resource demands by bringing together experts from policy, business, and civil society. The initiative aims to develop forward-looking solutions on a global scale.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

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Researchers reconstruct spoken words as processed in nonhuman primate brains

A team of Brown University researchers used a brain-computer interface to reconstruct English words from neural signals recorded in the brains of nonhuman primates. The study showed that neural data produced high-fidelity reconstructions that were clear to a human listener, using multielectrode arrays for the first time.

Multi-omics approach offers new insights into peanut allergy severity

A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology identified over 300 genes and 200 CpG sites associated with reaction severity. The research suggests that neutrophil-mediated immunity plays a prominent role in peanut allergy reactions, offering potential new targets for treatment.

Unearthing the mystery of the meaning of Easter Island's Moai

A recent study published in Journal of Archaeological Science reveals that the Moai statues were believed to aid in agricultural fertility and production. The analysis of soil samples from two excavated Moai found high levels of essential nutrients, supporting the Rapanui people's practice of planting multiple crops together.

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Mongoose females compete over reproduction

Researchers found that female mongooses abort pregnancies more frequently during times of food scarcity and high competition. The study suggests that this adaptive strategy enables females to save energy for future breeding attempts.

Rapid tissue donation program offers feasible approach to improve research

A community-based program enables patients to donate tumor tissue and blood samples for research, allowing researchers to study genetic and molecular makeup of tumors after treatment failure. Analysis reveals similar DNA mutations and varying protein biomarker expression among samples from the same patient.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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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.

Freestanding microwire-array enables flexible solar window

Scientists developed flexible and efficient transparent solar cells with colour-neutrality using silicon microwires embedded in a polymer matrix. The devices demonstrate transparency of up to 55% and excellent flexibility, making them promising for future transparent solar cells.

Why are giant pandas born so tiny?

A Duke University study finds that baby pandas' bones mature at the same rate as other mammals, but are developed at an accelerated pace. The researchers used micro-CT scans to create 3D digital models of each baby's bony interior and discovered that giant panda skeletons are just like those of closely related animals, but smaller.

Breast cancer patients with government insurance at higher risk of death

A retrospective study found that women with government insurance had lower survival rates, increased risk of dying, and were more likely to stop treatment early in breast cancer clinical trials. The study also did not find a significant association between neighborhood socioeconomic status and trial outcomes.

Barrels of ancient Antarctic air aim to track history of rare gas

A team of researchers extracted large air samples from Antarctica's Law Dome site, dating back to the 1870s, to track the history of hydroxyl and its impact on climate models. The analysis aims to produce a concentration curve for carbon-14 monoxide and hydroxyl over the decades, shedding light on past and future climate changes.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

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NASA's NICER delivers best-ever pulsar measurements, 1st surface map

Scientists have obtained precise measurements of a pulsar's size and mass, as well as the first-ever map of hot spots on its surface using NASA's NICER telescope. The new data reveals that pulsars are not simple objects with powerful magnetic fields, but rather complex systems with multiple hot spots.

Veterans study suggest two sub-types of Gulf War illness

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center used fMRI to categorize Gulf War illness patients into two distinct groups based on brain activity changes after exercise. The study suggests that different brain regions are associated with two subtypes of GWI, leading to potential new diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Telehealth increases primary care physicians' accurate diagnosis of skin conditions

A recent study published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare found that a telehealth program increased primary care physicians' accurate diagnosis of skin conditions by nearly 84% for adult cases and 72% for pediatric cases. The program provided expert recommendations through videoconferencing sessions with dermatologists, redu...

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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A galactic dance

The NGC 5394/5 galaxies are engaging in a slow and intimate dance, fueled by their gravitational interactions. This process has already led to the coalescence of hydrogen gas into regions of star formation, resulting in the sparkling of new stars.

Virus multiplication in 3D

Researchers have successfully determined the three-dimensional structure of a vaccinia virus RNA polymerase at atomic resolution, providing key findings on virus multiplication. The complex is composed of various subunits and relies on host tRNA molecules to function, enabling an essential step in the pathogen's life cycle.

Insight into the neglected tropical disease sleeping sickness

The study identifies hundreds of proteins involved in the cell division cycle of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and rhodesiense parasites. This discovery holds promise for developing targeted drugs that can treat sleeping sickness without harming humans or animals.

Speech could be older than we thought

Researchers challenge the theory of a descended larynx, which proposes that speech can only emerge with the larynx in a low position. However, monkeys produce well-differentiated proto-vowels, suggesting control of articulators is key to vocalization. This finding opens up new perspectives on the emergence of articulated speech.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Is ivermectin safe during pregnancy?

A systematic review and meta-analysis found no conclusive evidence supporting the safety of ivermectin administration among pregnant women. The studies included in the analysis reported some adverse events, but the number of cases was too low to be conclusive.

Scandinavians' little linguistic hat trick

The study found that Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish languages use topicalization to move sentences elements to the front, making them stand out from other languages. This feature allows speakers to emphasize certain words without changing the overall meaning of the sentence.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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IQ test for artificial intelligence systems

Researchers are developing a framework to assess the 'intelligence' of AI systems by grading them on problem-solving skills and adaptability. The AIQ test will evaluate systems based on accuracy, time taken, and data requirements.

Running away from exercise: The curious case of migraine

A recent study published in Cephalalgia highlights an overlooked relationship between migraine and exercise. Anxiety sensitivity is found to be associated with physical activity avoidance in women with probable migraine, particularly with vigorous intensity.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

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Study pinpoints new drug targets to treat Nipah virus

Researchers have identified 150 possible inhibitors of the Nipah virus, a highly deadly disease with no licensed drugs against it. The study found that 13 proposed inhibitors showed high potential against all strains of the virus.

The mathematics of prey detection in spider orb-webs

Researchers have developed a theoretical mechanical model to study how spider orb-webs detect prey through vibrations. The model reveals that web dynamics are crucial in localizing prey, and it has potential applications for bioinspired materials.

Ghost imaging speeds up super-resolution microscopy

Researchers used ghost imaging to enhance the speed of super-resolution microscopy, achieving nano-scale resolution in just 10 image frames. The new approach resolves structures with spatial and temporal resolutions at which biological processes take place.

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.

Breast cancer patients to be evaluated for genetic testing

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommends evaluating breast cancer patients for genetic testing based on existing clinical criteria. Genetic testing should include full gene sequencing and be conducted in a lab certified by the College of American Pathologists or Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments.