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Science News Archive December 2019


Page 17 of 36

Martian aurora offers climate change clues, Embry-Riddle reports

Researchers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University present findings that a type of Martian aurora is the most common on the Red Planet, offering insights into water loss and climate change. The study uses data from NASA's MAVEN spacecraft to track hydrogen escape and understand how Mars' atmosphere has changed over time.

Team finds bovine kobuvirus in US

A new study has confirmed that bovine kobuvirus is the causative agent for calf diarrhea in US cattle. The virus was found in four of nine samples tested at the University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Breakthrough in Zika virus vaccine

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have made significant progress in developing a novel Zika virus vaccine that prevents infection in pre-clinical models. The vaccine's effectiveness has been demonstrated in mouse models, offering a promising solution to prevent congenital effects in infants born to infected mothers.

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.

Short-lived light sources discovered in the sky

A team of international researchers has discovered approximately 100 red transients in publicly available sky data from the 1950s to the present, which could be attributed to natural astrophysical phenomena or rare events. The findings have potential implications for our understanding of stellar evolution and active galactic nuclei.

Carolina parakeet extinction was driven by human causes, DNA sequencing reveals

The study reveals the Carolina parakeet's rapid extinction was mainly a human-mediated process, with no signs of inbreeding or population decline found on its genome. The genomic analysis suggests that the bird's unique diet may have contributed to its demise, and experts wonder if de-extinguishing the species could be possible.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

People willing to risk near-certain death for an HIV cure

A new study found that nearly one-quarter of people living with HIV are willing to participate in clinical trials that carry significant risks, including near-certain death, in exchange for the potential of an HIV cure. The study highlights the need for additional ethical safeguards when enrolling individuals in such high-risk research.

The danger behind certain biologics

A research team discovered that dendritic cells play a crucial role in the immune system's response to disease-causing pathogens, which may explain why TNF inhibitors carry a risk of serious infections and cancer. The study suggests that programming dendritic cells could lead to better treatments for persistent infections and cancer.

Study highlights high cost of fossil fuel pollution on children's health

A new study by Columbia University researchers estimates the per-case costs of six childhood health conditions linked to air pollution, including preterm birth and asthma. The study suggests that policies to clean the air and address climate change will yield numerous benefits for children's health.

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.

To the brain, straight from the vein: IV treatment for TBI

Researchers at the University of Georgia developed a new cell-to-cell messaging technology using bio-manufactured exosomes to treat traumatic brain injuries. The treatment, called IV treatment, showed improved functional recovery in rats after TBI.

Innovative research seeks to improve walking for children with CP

Researchers aim to determine if short bursts of vigorous-intensity locomotor treadmill training can optimize motor learning and improve walking capacity, mobility, and performance for children with cerebral palsy. The study will enroll 72 participants aged 6-10 and assess the immediate and retention effects of the intervention.

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.

First-ever quality measures aim to reduce diabetes complications

The Endocrine Society and Avalere Health introduced quality measures to assess healthcare providers' ability to identify and care for older adults at risk of hypoglycemia. The measures focus on outpatient treatment for adults aged 65 and older with type 2 diabetes, highlighting key risk factors and emphasizing education to prevent futu...

Combining science and design to measure our exposure to light

Researchers developed a wearable light sensor concept to measure exposure to different light spectrums, filling a gap in current technology. The Spectrace sensor aims to improve our understanding of the physiological effects of light on our bodies, particularly in relation to circadian rhythms and health.

Knee-jerk vaping bans will fail public health, experts argue

A group of experts argue that knee-jerk vaping bans could do more harm than good, citing evidence supporting the use of nicotine vaping products as a harm-reduction tool. They call for regulatory measures to balance access with youth protection and surveillance systems to detect unanticipated harm.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New drugs more likely to be approved if backed up by genetics

A new analysis confirms human genomic data can predict success in clinical trials, with genetically supported drug targets twice as likely to be approved. Historically, drugs targeting proteins with amino acid sequence changes linked to the disease have the best chance of approval.

Can artificial intelligence help prevent suicides?

Researchers have developed an algorithm capable of identifying who in a social group would be the best persons to be trained as 'gatekeepers' capable of recognizing warning signs of suicide. The tool aims to improve efficiency of suicide prevention trainings for vulnerable populations, such as homeless youth.

Interstellar comet 2I -- Borisov swings past sun

The first identified interstellar comet, 2I -- Borisov, is being tracked by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope as it passes close to the Sun. The comet's nucleus is estimated to be smaller than half a kilometer in diameter and has a chemical composition similar to comets found within our solar system.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Do summer holidays undo the good work of school?

Researchers are examining changes in children's diets and time use over the summer holidays to better understand factors affecting childhood obesity. The study aims to find effective ways to address the serious issue of childhood obesity by tracking the behavior of 300 Grade four students over three years.

Tiny insects become 'visible' to bats when they swarm

Researchers discovered small insects like mosquitoes become visible to bats in large swarms due to Quasi Constant Frequency signals. This finding sheds light on the evolution of bat echolocation and its potential applications for detecting drone swarms.

Achieving optimal collaboration when goals conflict

New research reveals that knowing more about a partner's actions accelerates joint physical task collaboration. Game theory insights inform the development of robots that can interact with humans in a natural, human-like fashion.

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.

Novel study underscores microbial individuality

A recent study analyzing over 12,000 microbial genomes found that every cell is genetically unique, defying conventional species definitions. The Global Ocean Reference Genomes Tropics database provides insights into global distribution patterns and energy sources of ocean microbes.

Study finds differences in energy use by immune cells in ME/CFS

Researchers discovered that specific immune T cells from people with ME/CFS exhibit disruptions in energy production, suggesting changes in the immune system. The study found decreased levels of glycolysis and mitochondrial function in affected cells, potentially providing clues to understanding the mechanisms underlying ME/CFS.

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.

Daylight saving time does not misalign human cycles

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that Daylight Saving Time (DST) regulations do not disrupt human cycles, including sleep and labor patterns. The report highlights the impact of latitude on seasonal adaptation of human activity.

Scientists say you can change your personality

A review of recent research in personality science suggests that personality traits can change through persistent intervention and major life events. Researchers identify neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness as key targets for policy interventions.

Ultrasound blasts potent glioblastoma drug into brain tumor

Scientists successfully deliver powerful glioblastoma drug paclitaxel into brain tumors in mice using an implantable ultrasound. The new formulation uses albumin instead of toxic cremophor, reducing brain toxicity. This technology has shown to increase drug concentrations by five-fold and prolong survival of brain tumor-bearing mice.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

When flowers reached Australia

New research reveals that Australia's oldest flowering plants are 126 million years old and resemble modern magnolias, buttercups, and laurels. Climate change may have prevented their expansion into Australasia due to cold temperatures.

Herpes's Achilles heel

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to disrupt both latent and active herpes virus in human cells. The findings offer a model system for using gene editing in a localized way to disrupt active replication, but the challenge of delivering gene-editing therapy to neurons remains unsolved.

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.

Older adults with hypothyroidism face elevated risk of death

Research published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that older adults with hypothyroidism are 26% more likely to die from all causes than their peers without the condition. However, this increased risk was not observed in individuals with milder forms of thyroid disease.

To help protect research, experts agree on a definition of predatory publishing

A consensus definition has been reached by leading scholars and publishers to track and combat predatory journals, which prioritize self-interest over scholarship. The definition highlights false or misleading information, deviation from best practices, lack of transparency, and aggressive solicitation as key characteristics.

New potential cancer players revealed by extensive tumor protein analysis

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine classified over 500 cancers into 10 subtypes based on protein analysis, revealing novel molecular pathways and potential new players in cancer. Four subtypes were found to be linked to the tumor microenvironment, while three others were associated with previously unknown cellular components.

Why whales are so big, but not bigger

Larger whales consume more prey and have higher energy efficiency due to their size. Filter-feeding whales, however, exhibit rapid increases in energy from food, potentially driving evolutionary pathways to gigantism.

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.

How humans learnt to dance; from the Chimpanzee Conga

Two female chimpanzees exhibit synchronized bipedalism, displaying near-perfect precision in whole-body tempo synchronization. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of human dance and highlights conjoined full-body rhythmic entrainment in great apes.

10-year results of NRG Oncology/NSABP B-42 trial

The NRG Oncology/NSABP B-42 trial found that extending letrozole therapy for five additional years improved disease-free survival in postmenopausal women with HR+ breast cancer. The study showed a 26% decrease in the risk of breast-cancer-free interval events and a 29% reduction in distant recurrence rates.

Rare algae enzyme to convert cooking oil into ready-to-use biofuel

Researchers have discovered an unusual light-dependent enzyme in microalgae that can convert organic waste oils and fats into sustainable biofuels. The goal is to develop a system that can produce drop-in fuels from waste oils and fats, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

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.

Chemists' calculations may advance cancer prediction

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding cancer prediction by developing a new method to evaluate cell dynamics and tumor initiation. Their calculations reveal that fixation times are a more important metric than lifetime risks, and that some mutated cells may fix tumors faster than expected.

Students do better in school when they can understand, manage emotions

A comprehensive meta-analysis of over 160 studies involving 42,000 students from 27 countries reveals that emotionally intelligent students tend to achieve better academic performance. Higher emotional intelligence is linked to improved grades, achievement test scores, and social relationships with teachers, peers, and family.

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.

Hydration may affect cognitive function in some older adults

A Penn State study found that hydration levels among women are associated with lower scores on tests measuring motor speed, sustained attention, and working memory. The researchers suggest that being 'in the sweet spot' of hydration is best for cognitive function, particularly for tasks requiring sustained attention.

Deadly 'superbugs' destroyed by molecular drills

Researchers at Rice University and Texas A&M University developed molecular drills that target and kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The drills, which can be activated with light, increase the effectiveness of existing antibiotics, offering a potential solution to superbug infections.