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Science News Archive December 2019


Page 30 of 36

Respiration key to increase oxygen in the brain

Researchers discovered that exercise increases brain oxygenation by packing more oxygen into the bloodstream, contradicting the long-held assumption that blood is always completely saturated with oxygen. This breakthrough sheds new light on the dynamic relationship between respiration and cerebral oxygenation.

The wellbeing connection

Researchers found that Germany benefits from intangible ecosystem services in particularly threatened ecosystems in poor regions. The study identified the top six birds in Germany, with nearly 60% of species spending at least part of their lives in distant countries.

The gut may be involved in the development of multiple sclerosis

Research finds gut protein Smad7 mobilizes immune cells, triggering inflammation in the central nervous system of MS patients. Analyzing intestinal tissue samples from MS patients confirms results, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for this debilitating disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Health care in baboons

A study on olive baboons found that females avoid mating if either the male or female shows visible signs of infection, while males do not change their behavior. The researchers aim to understand how sexually transmitted diseases impact non-human primate populations.

U-M researchers discover stress in early life extends lifespan

Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that oxidative stress in early life increases subsequent stress resistance later in life. Oxidative stress, which occurs when cells produce more oxidants than they can deal with, is part of the aging process but can also arise from stressful conditions.

Patients' perspectives of clinical consultations related to weight

Patients with excess weight experience predominantly negative interactions during clinical consultations, often feeling judged and dismissively told to lose weight. Supportive language and approach are essential in these conversations to promote a positive experience and encourage healthy behavior change.

Typhoid vaccine over 81% effective in tackling disease in Nepal

A new field study in Nepal shows the typhoid vaccine is safe, immunogenic and effective against the disease, with results showing 7 cases out of 20,000 children vaccinated. The study's findings are significant, especially with the recent spread of drug-resistant typhoid, which threatens child health in affected regions.

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.

Permanent hair dye and straighteners may increase breast cancer risk

A study published by NIH found that frequent use of permanent hair dye and chemical straighteners increases breast cancer risk, especially among African American women. Women who regularly used permanent dyes were 9% more likely to develop breast cancer than those who didn't use hair dye.

A new gene involved in strawberry fruiting time is identified

Researchers at the University of Córdoba discovered a new gene involved in strawberry fruiting duration, contradicting previous assumptions that only one gene controlled this trait. The study's findings provide valuable insights into genetic mechanisms and could lead to more efficient improvement programs for strawberry production.

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.

Signs of life: New field guide aids astronomers' search

Astronomers can now use a high-resolution spectral field guide to detect signs of life on Proxima b and Trappist-1e, two potential habitable exoplanets. The guide, developed by Cornell University student Zifan Lin, will aid in the exploration of these worlds' atmospheres using next-generation telescopes like the Extremely Large Telescope.

New study provides insight into chronic kidney disease

Researchers discovered a link between uremic solutes and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) activation in CKD patients. This finding may lead to new clinical blood tests and medication development targeting AHR inhibitors for treating CKD complications.

Looking at tropical forests through new eyes

A University of Arizona-led team used air-based maps of plant chemistry to better understand tropical forest responses to climate change. By combining traditional on-the-ground measurements with aerial data, researchers improved carbon cycling models and gained insights into the role of forests in the global carbon cycle.

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.

Contamination by metals can increase metabolic stress in mussels

A study of six beaches in Brazil found a direct correlation between urbanization, metal contamination, and increased metabolic stress in mussels. The researchers suggest that this evidence should be used to inform public policy and mitigate the effects of human activities on marine ecosystems.

Liquid crystal polymer learns to move and grab objects

Researchers at Aalto University trained a liquid crystal polymer to move and stick to objects of a given color using light-based conditioning. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential for materials to 'learn' and adapt to their environment.

Atmospheric chemists move indoors

Atmospheric chemists are cataloging compounds in indoor air, which can react with others to form new molecules. Indoor emissions come from various sources, including stoves, cleaning products, and people's breath, skin, and personal care products.

Closest-ever approach to the sun gives new insights into the solar wind

The Parker Solar Probe has discovered new evidence on how the solar wind is accelerated away from the Sun's surface, finding that bursty 'spikes' originate in holes near the equator and are generated by magnetic reconnection. The probe also measured a sideways speed of the solar wind, which contradicts previous predictions.

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.

Patient diaries reveal propensity for epileptic seizures

A new statistical tool has been validated for assessing epilepsy seizure risk, allowing for more accurate treatment decisions. The Epilepsy Seizure Assessment Tool (EpiSAT) correctly identified changes in seizure risk in over 87% of cases.

Freeze frame: Scientists capture atomic-scale snapshots of artificial proteins

Researchers at Berkeley Lab successfully image the atomic structure of peptoid nanosheets using cryo-EM, a breakthrough that could advance applications such as synthetic antibodies and self-repairing membranes. The study demonstrates unprecedented atomic precision and paves the way for designing soft materials at the atomic scale.

Drug decreases gut leakiness associated with ulcerative colitis

Researchers at UC Riverside found that the drug tofacitinib repairs permeability defects in the gut's epithelium, reducing inflammation and improving mucosal healing. The study is the first to show the direct effect of tofacitinib on intestinal epithelial cell functions.

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.

Better wildfire and smoke predictions with new vegetation database

Researchers created the first comprehensive North American Wildland Fuel Database to improve wildfire and smoke predictions. The tool incorporates best available measurements of vegetation, allowing fire managers to see where fuel information is missing, ultimately informing more realistic smoke predictions.

New tool to predict the global spread of dengue

Researchers developed a new tool to predict the global spread of dengue, analyzing travel data and dengue incidence rates. The tool identifies the country of origin for imported cases and forecasts absolute numbers of dengue importations at a global level.

Less rice, more nutritious crops will enhance India's food supply

A new study from Columbia University suggests that planting less rice and more nutritious crops like finger millet, pearl millet, and sorghum can enhance India's food supply while reducing environmental impact. This diversification could increase protein by 1 to 5%, iron supply by 5 to 49% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2 to 13%.

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.

Atmospheric river storms create $1 billion-a-year flood damage

A study by researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography found that atmospheric river storms (ARs) pose a significant flood risk in the West, causing nearly $51 billion in damages over 40 years. The majority of these damages were caused by just ten ARs, with some areas experiencing over 99% of flood damage from ARs.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

A new way to measure long-term firm performance and shareholder value

A new tool called Long-term Investor Value Appropriation (LIVA) has been introduced to measure long-term firm performance and shareholder value. LIVA uses stock price data to calculate a backward-looking net present value over a given period, providing a more accurate reflection of underlying economic performance.

Which exercise regimen protects bone health in older adults with obesity?

A recent study found that resistance exercise, alone or combined with aerobic exercise, effectively reduces weight loss-induced decreases in hip bone density. The study suggests that incorporating resistance exercise into weight loss regimens can help protect against bone loss in older adults with obesity.

National Park Service scientists: Does aircraft noise make birds more vocal?

Researchers analyzed nearly 1 million audio recordings from national parks, discovering a small increase in bird sound detection when aircraft noise is detected. The odds of hearing a bird sound rise by 2%, with effects lasting up to three hours and being more pronounced for birds previously exposed to similar sounds.

Differences in replacement level fertility point to inequalities

A new study calculates replacement level fertility based on actual rates, revealing countries with fertility levels above 2.1, often due to high mortality and gender inequality. The findings show that many countries have a higher replacement rate than commonly assumed, highlighting the need for policy adjustments.

Sun's close-up reveals atmosphere hopping with highly energetic particles

New data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe reveals that energetic particles hurtling out of the sun are more varied and numerous than previously thought, according to results from the Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun instrument suite. This discovery could provide early warnings for solar storms and improve space weather forecasts.

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.

Once-a-month oral contraceptive pill in development

A team at Brigham and Women's Hospital has developed a new oral contraceptive that can be taken once a month to prevent pregnancy. The extended-release pill uses a slow-release mechanism to deliver the contraceptive drug levonorgestrel over time, improving adherence and reducing the risk of pregnancy.

Finnish children's motor skills at the top in Europe

A study of over 3,300 children reveals Finnish kids excel in motor skills, with significant differences found between countries. Portuguese children have weak motor skills, especially between ages 6-10, while Finland and Belgium outperform in this area.

Atom music lets listeners experience atomic world through sound

Researchers created a system to convert light waves into sound waves by correlating bright lines within atomic spectra to audible tones. This allows for the creation of individual atom notes and even entire songs, enabling listeners to experience an 'atomic world' through sound.

Social media use and disordered eating in young adolescents

Research found that social media use is associated with disordered eating behaviors and thoughts in young adolescents, especially girls. The study also identified strict exercise and meal skipping as common practices among adolescents with disordered eating.

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.

Online therapy helped cardiovascular disease patients with depression

A recent study published in JMIR Mental Health found that internet-based therapy significantly reduced depression in CVD patients, leading to improved quality of life. The treatment involved nine weeks of online cognitive behavioural therapy, with access to a nurse via the web, resulting in clinical improvements for one in five patients.

Chip-based optical sensor detects cancer biomarker in urine

A new chip-based sensor can detect very low levels of a cancer protein biomarker in urine, paving the way for non-invasive and inexpensive disease diagnosis and monitoring. The sensor's high sensitivity enables detection of minute biomarker concentrations, making it a promising tool for personalized medicine.

A common insulin signaling pathway across cancer and diabetes

A common insulin signaling pathway has been found across cancer and diabetes, revealing the importance of protein TRAP-alpha in maintaining protein homeostasis. Deleting TRAP-alpha triggered a 90% reduction in insulin content in pancreatic beta cells, highlighting its role in insulin biogenesis.

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.

Mindfulness training may help lower blood pressure, new study shows

A new study published in PLOS One suggests that mindfulness training can significantly reduce blood pressure readings and improve self-regulation skills. The nine-week customized Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction program was developed for participants with elevated blood pressure and showed positive effects, particularly for t...

Research center planned to help companies protect 'Internet of Things'

The University of Kansas is launching a center to improve IoT security, partnering with private firms to develop secure products and practices. The center aims to provide frameworks for companies to address IoT cybersecurity threats, with potential follow-on research on proprietary projects.

Children with food allergies seen faster under new paediatric model

A new study by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute found that children with food allergies are seen 10 months sooner and experience fewer allergic reactions when treated by a paediatrician in their own community. This community-based approach delivered similar quality of allergy care to specialist hospital-based clinics.

Molecular bodyguards against Parkinson's disease

Chaperone proteins protect α-Synuclein from cell damage in healthy cells. Impaired chaperone binding leads to α-Synuclein accumulation and mitochondrial destruction, characteristic of Parkinson's disease. The study provides new insights into the role of molecular bodyguards in neurodegenerative disorders.

Water was a winner in capturing CO2

Researchers at NTNU discovered that wetting a polymer membrane with water enhances its CO2 capture capabilities. The material, known as TESET, is now being explored for large-scale gas separation technologies aimed at reducing climate change. Graphene oxide membranes are also part of the group's promising candidates.

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.

Dangerous skin tumor now has treatment guidelines

A new study from Northwestern Medicine reports the first guidelines for treating sebaceous carcinoma, a cancer of oil glands that can be found on the skin or in the eye. The guidelines provide clear direction for treating these tumors, which may result in fewer deaths.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Brain diseases with molecular diversity

Researchers found structural diversity in alpha-synuclein protein deposits associated with Parkinson's and MSA, revealing potential starting points for medicines. The study suggests that the variability of Parkinson's disease could be related to differences in the folding of aggregated alpha-synuclein.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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