Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 13


Page 13 of 36

Plastic biosensor finds sweet success

Researchers at KAUST have developed a plastic biosensor that can power itself using glucose, enabling continuous monitoring of key health indicators like blood sugar levels. The device uses an electron-transporting polymer and glucose oxidase enzyme to drive its circuitry, offering an ideal alternative to current implantable devices.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 16, 2019

Leptons help in tracking new physics

Researchers verified predictions of particles beyond standard physics, improving restrictions on theories explaining B meson decay anomalies. The analysis used artificial intelligence to eliminate background data and narrowed the area for searching for new physics.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 16, 2019

Oil-catching sponge could soak up residue from offshore drilling

Researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Toronto have developed a sponge that captures and removes oil microdroplets from wastewater, improving upon previous concepts. The new sponge works faster and over a wider pH range than its predecessor, making it suitable for industrial wastewater applications.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 16, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Women with a low desire to avoid pregnancy still use contraception

A new study from the University of California San Francisco and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health challenges assumptions about contraceptive use among women. Despite having a strong preference against pregnancy, over half of the women studied used a contraceptive method.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalContraception·DateDec 16, 2019

Asthma severity linked to microbiome of upper airway

Researchers found that children with mild to moderate asthma who experienced worsening symptoms had distinct bacterial groups in their upper airways, while those with well-controlled asthma had different bacteria. Altering the airway microbiome could potentially help patients with asthma.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2019

Zooming in on brain circuits allows researchers to stop seizure activity

Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered that a specific set of neurons in the brain can be targeted to stop seizure activity. The study's findings provide new hope for treating epilepsy, an incurable condition affecting millions worldwide.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Study exposes surprise billing by hospital physicians

Researchers found that out-of-network billing at in-network hospitals occurs in about 10% of cases involving anesthesiologists, pathologists, radiologists, and assistant surgeons. This practice can lead to unexpected and expensive medical bills for patients with private health insurance.

SourceYale University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 16, 2019

Immunotherapy: A promising alternative

Researchers at UCLouvain have made breakthroughs in understanding the immune system's role in cancer. They developed a new drug targeting immune system cells to stimulate anti-tumour responses, and are now testing it in human clinical trials.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·DateDec 16, 2019

Would a deep-Earth water cycle change our understanding of planetary evolution?

A deep-Earth water cycle is possible if a key mineral called stishovite can store and transport large amounts of water under extreme conditions. This discovery indicates that water could be present far into the lower mantle, altering our understanding of planetary evolution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

New CRISPR-based system targets amplified antibiotic-resistant genes

A new CRISPR-based gene-drive system, Pro-AG, has been developed to target antibiotic-resistant bacteria with increased efficiency. The system uses a self-amplifying editing mechanism to insert tailored genetic payloads into target sites with high precision.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 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.

Study finds flirting among coworkers can reduce stress

A new study from Washington State University found that employees who experience friendly and light-hearted flirtation at work tend to feel better about themselves and have lower stress levels. The research suggests that overly restrictive policies on workplace sexual behavior may be missing the mark and could even make situations worse.

SourceWashington State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateDec 16, 2019

PET/CT plays role in lung adenocarcinoma management

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that fluorodeoxyglucose PET, combined with high-resolution CT, can predict invasive histopathologic subtypes of early lung adenocarcinoma. The imaging technique also showed higher SUVmax values in invasive adenocarcinomas compared to non-invasive forms.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 16, 2019

Survey shows link between psychological safety and use of infection prevention practices

A survey of US acute care hospitals found that those with high psychological safety levels were more likely to adopt infection prevention practices requiring staff to speak up and challenge customs. This association suggests that creating a psychologically safe environment can enhance the effectiveness of infection control programs.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateDec 16, 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.

Super-resolution photoacoustic microscopy finds clogged blood vessels

A new photoacoustic microscopy system developed by researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) can image blood vessels with high resolution and speed. This system enables real-time monitoring of blood flow, which is significant for diagnosing and treating stroke and cardiovascular diseases.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·DateDec 16, 2019

The uncertain role of natural gas in the transition to clean energy

A new MIT study examines the opposing roles of natural gas in the battle against climate change, as a bridge toward a lower-emissions future and a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. To meet greenhouse gas reduction targets over the coming decade, present methods of controlling methane leakage would have to improve by 30-90 percent.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 16, 2019

The effect of taking antidepressants during pregnancy

Research on mice suggests that antidepressant exposure during pregnancy can lead to long-term changes in brain activity and sensory processing. The study found abnormal brain activity in sensory areas of fluoxetine-exposed mice when stimulated with their front paws.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateDec 16, 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.

Laser-based prototype probes cold atom dynamics

Researchers develop a new industrial laser system to study cold atom dynamics in space. By doubling the frequencies of widely used telecommunications lasers, their design enables accurate measurements of subtle variations in the Earth's gravitational field.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 16, 2019

A new gene therapy strategy, courtesy of Mother Nature

Scientists have developed a new gene-therapy technique using exosomes to communicate with other cells, which has shown promising results in slowing tumor growth and prolonging survival in mice with gliomas. The technology relies on patented technology that prompts human cells to produce nanocarriers containing a drug.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 16, 2019

All roads lead to migraine

A recent study published in Cephalalgia found that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and sildenafil both provoke migraine attacks in patients, with no differences in clinical characteristics. The study suggests that these drugs may act through a single molecular pathway, offering potential for new preventive therapeutics.

SourceInternational Headache Society·JournalCephalalgia·DateDec 16, 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.

Radiation breaks connections in the brain

Researchers found that radiation triggers an immune response that severs connections between nerve cells, leading to damage and cognitive problems. The study suggests two potential approaches to prevent this damage: blocking a receptor responsible for synapse removal or tamping down the brain's immune response.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 16, 2019

Cold infections may be less frequent in people with the flu

A new study by UK researchers found that people with one virus are less likely to catch another common cold-causing virus. The interaction is thought to occur both at an individual and population level, which could help improve forecasting models and disease control strategies.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

Planetary boundaries: Interactions in the Earth system amplify human impacts

The study reveals that interactions between planetary boundaries amplify human impacts, particularly in climate change and biosphere integrity. Reducing pressure on one boundary can lessen pressure on others, offering a win-win solution for sustainable development.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 16, 2019

Opioid overdose risk factors for teens, college-aged youth same as adults

Adolescents and young adults ages 12-21 are at similar risk for prescription opioid overdose as adults, with mental health or substance use disorders increasing overdose odds by three times. Safe prescribing practices include using short-acting opioids and avoiding concurrent prescriptions with benzodiazepines.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 16, 2019

How we transport water in our bodies inspires new water filtration method

A multidisciplinary team of researchers has developed a novel water filtration process that mimics the human body's efficient water transport system. The new membrane technology shows impressive desalination properties, exhibiting selective salt removal with higher efficiency than current processes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 16, 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.

Math equation predicts and detects liver cancer

Researchers developed a mathematical model that uses RNA sequencing and bioinformatics to identify sudden transcriptomic switches in healthy liver tissue, turning them cancerous. The tool can predict tumor stages and prognosis for patients with liver cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

Wayne State to enhance cybersecurity of chemical process control systems

A Wayne State University research team will develop algorithms to detect and prevent cyberattacks on chemical process control systems, enhancing production efficiency and safety. The three-year project aims to create stronger safeguards against automation system attacks.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateDec 16, 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.

Flashing lights may provide vital first test of MS drug success

A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that changes in VEP latency can accurately reflect remyelination in multiple sclerosis patients, providing a potential outcome measure for evaluating new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

Splice-altering mutations and human disease

Splice-altering mutations can contribute to inherited predisposition to cancer by altering RNA splicing patterns. The cBROCA method identifies altered transcripts and associated genes, revealing potential therapeutic targets.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019
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.

Cold-flu interactions

Researchers analyzed respiratory illness cases and found competition between respiratory viruses may explain declining common cold infections during winter. This finding can help improve forecasting and understanding of circulation trends and infection risks.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

Researchers discover when it's good to get the blues

Using dimmer, cooler lights in the evening and brighter, warmer lights during the day may be more beneficial to health than previously thought. The body clock uses a specialized protein to measure brightness, and blue colors have a weaker impact on the clock than white or yellow light of equivalent brightness.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 16, 2019

Carbon cocoons surround growing galaxies

Researchers discovered gigantic clouds of gaseous carbon spanning over 30,000 light-years around young galaxies using ALMA. The findings indicate that carbon atoms produced inside stars in the early Universe have spread beyond galaxies, challenging current understanding of cosmic evolution.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

How minds make meaning

The mind composes meanings from separate words through a dynamic interaction between brain regions, using multi-modal cues. Humans and artificial intelligence systems differ in representing meaning, with humans using contextual knowledge and emotional cues.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateDec 16, 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.

Opioid prescribing patterns, overdose risk in teens, young adults

Researchers found that opioid prescribing patterns were linked to an increased risk of overdose among adolescents and young adults without cancer. The study used a private insurance claims database to examine 2.7 million individuals, revealing significant associations between opioid use and overdose risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 16, 2019

Home hospital reduces costs, improves care

The home hospital model, where patients receive hospital-level care at home, has been shown to lower costs and improve care. The randomized controlled trial found that home hospital patients had 38% lower total direct costs, fewer lab orders, and lower readmission rates.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 16, 2019

Climate change and penguin diversification

Population genomic datasets reveal that Antarctic penguin species expanded rapidly after the Last Glacial Maximum, while those in ice-free habitats showed less expansion. Climate change may be driving similar demographic shifts again as global warming continues.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 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.

Orca predation and salmon body size

A study by Jan Ohlberger and colleagues found that orca predation contributes to more rapid growth, earlier maturation, and a 9% decrease in Chinook salmon body size. The impact is particularly pronounced on larger, older fish, highlighting the need for reconciling marine mammal conservation with management of Chinook salmon populations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

Creating a nanoscale on-off switch for heat

Researchers created a polymer thermal regulator that can switch between conducting and insulating states, allowing for precise control of heat flow. This breakthrough enables potential applications in fields such as refrigeration, computing, and waste heat scavenging.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 16, 2019

Free tool simplifies cancer research

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new tool that provides more reliable and precise results in identifying protein targets for cancer drugs. The tool uses a database of experimentally determined data to analyze the effects of different drugs on various types of cancer cells.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2019

Unveiling a new map that reveals the hidden personalities of jobs

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has created a data-driven 'vocation compass' that suggests different occupations tend to have distinct personality profiles. The research used Twitter data to group similar jobs together, revealing that software programmers and scientists are often open to exp...

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 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.

NSF awards UIC $1.5 million for new data science institute

A new data science institute will focus on the theory and application of data science at UIC, developing a curriculum and promoting interdisciplinary collaborations. The institute aims to train the next generation of data scientists, particularly underrepresented groups.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateDec 16, 2019

Fish consumption and mercury exposure in pregnant women in coastal Florida

A study conducted by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found that pregnant women in coastal Florida have higher mercury concentrations in their hair due to fish consumption, particularly from the Indian River Lagoon. The study also highlighted the importance of education on safe seafood sources and spe...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateDec 16, 2019

Hydrogels control inflammation to help healing

Researchers have developed injectable hydrogels that can tune the body's inflammatory response, promoting or reducing inflammation as needed. The study found that positively charged hydrogels triggered stronger responses for wound-healing and cancer treatment, while negatively charged gels were better suited for drug delivery.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials·DateDec 16, 2019

Spinning inequality

A study published in BMJ found that papers with male lead authors were up to 21% more likely to use positive framing in titles and abstracts, resulting in 13% more citations. This disparity affects not only research perception but also career advancement for female scientists.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 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 heat model may help electronic devices last longer

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new heat model that can help improve the thermal conductivity and reduce defects in gallium nitride semiconductors. This could lead to longer-lasting electronic devices with improved reliability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 16, 2019

What happens to gold nanoparticles in cells?

Researchers found gold nanoparticles undergo significant transformations after a few weeks in cellular environments. They revealed mechanisms of detoxification and cell protection, also seen in the degradation of other nanomaterials.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019