Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 19


Page 19 of 36

Study sheds light on 'overlooked' bee species

The study found that solitary bees can tolerate a range of environmental conditions and have distinct preferences for nesting sites. The project's results could help inform land management to better protect ground-nesting bees.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEcosphere·DateDec 11, 2019

Stanford scientists pry apart party drug's therapeutic, addictive qualities

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a specific brain chemical, serotonin, responsible for the social behavior-enhancing effects of MDMA. The study suggests that novel treatments targeting this pathway may alleviate symptoms of psychiatric disorders marked by social awkwardness and withdrawal.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 11, 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.

Illinois team develops first of a kind in-vitro 3D neural tissue model

Researchers created living biohybrid nerve tissue using stem cells to develop 3D models of neural networks, enabling better understanding of brain function and disease development. The 3D models can be controlled with optogenetics and used for drug testing and studying complex behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2019

The songwriter is creative -- the singer, not so much

Researchers found that country music songwriters employ two strategies to co-write songs with less talented but more famous artists: bespoke facilitation, where they take a backseat, and the manipulation dance, where they pre-write most of the song. This approach helps create good songs while avoiding alienating their partner.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychology·DateDec 11, 2019

Scientists link decline of Baltic cod to hypoxia -- and climate change

A recent study by Dr. Karin Limburg and Michele Casini reveals that hypoxia caused by climate change is responsible for the declining condition of Baltic cod. The researchers analyzed otoliths, or earstones, found in the fish's hearing and balance system, which showed a clear link between hypoxia and the decline of the species.

SourceSUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 11, 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.

Earth was stressed before dinosaur extinction

Fossilized seashells from Antarctica reveal that the Earth's oceans were undergoing significant changes in response to increased carbon dioxide from volcanic eruptions. These findings provide new insights into the causes of the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction event, which led to the demise of the dinosaurs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGeology·DateDec 11, 2019

ER visits did not rise with Medicaid expansion under Affordable Care Act

Patient visits to primary care physicians increased by 3.6% after Medicaid expansion, but ER department visits remained unchanged. The study found that factors such as data quality and state policies may limit the accuracy of findings.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 11, 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.

Study finds association between poor diet, age-related macular degeneration

A study from the University at Buffalo found an association between poor diets high in red and processed meat, fried food, refined grains, and high-fat dairy, which increase the risk of developing late-stage age-related macular degeneration. The study suggests that limiting intake of these foods may help preserve vision over time.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateDec 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tropical flower offers potential new route for treating pancreatic cancer

Researchers have developed drug-like molecules from a tropical flower that kill pancreatic cancer cells, offering a potential new route for treatment. The findings suggest these 'anti-austerity' agents could remove the ability of cancer cells to tolerate starvation conditions, leading to cell death.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalChemMedChem·DateDec 11, 2019

There's a new squid in town

Researchers have identified a new species of bobtail squid in Okinawa's waters, named Euprymna brenneri, which is the eleventh known in the Euprymna genus. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of cephalopods off the coast of Okinawa and may shed light on their genes, behavior, and development.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateDec 11, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Cheers! Maxwell's electromagnetism extended to smaller scales

Researchers at MIT have extended Maxwell's electromagnetism to smaller scales, bridging the gap between macroscopic and nanoscale phenomena. The new model incorporates electronic length scales, enabling nonclassical effects such as nonlocality and surface-enabled Landau damping.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies·JournalNature·DateDec 11, 2019

(Noise-) less is more

Researchers at Osaka University developed a high precision 3D circuit simulator to quantify electromagnetic (EM) noise and its origin. The simulator allows for the visualization of EM noise generation and propagation, enabling intuitive understanding of why and where noise occurs, leading to noiseless circuit design.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 11, 2019

Single-cell analysis of the earliest cell fate decisions in development

The study reveals how embryonic cells may be deviated from a default state and awoken to new developmental possibilities during gastrulation. Researchers used scNMT-seq and MOFA computational methods to analyze gene expression, DNA methylation, and chromatin accessibility in single cells from mouse embryos.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 11, 2019
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.

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.

Researchers discover brain circuit linked to food impulsivity

A team of researchers has identified a specific brain circuit linked to food impulsivity, which could lead to the development of therapeutics for overeating. The study found that activating this circuit, involving melanin-concentrating hormone, increases impulsive behavior around food without affecting motivation or enjoyment.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2019

Training middle-school educators to identify suicide warning signs

Case Western Reserve University researchers found that virtual training increased middle-school educators' ability to recognize suicidal behavior. The training, Kognito At-Risk simulation, also covers bullying and other topics, highlighting the importance of comprehensive mental health education.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalHealth Behavior and Policy Review·DateDec 11, 2019

New spray gel could help take the bite out of frostbite

Researchers developed a cold-stable spray gel containing heparin and ibuprofen to treat frostbite injuries, showing improved healing rates compared to conventional treatments. The treatment reduced inflammation and accelerated healing, potentially preventing gangrene and amputation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateDec 11, 2019

Deciphering the equations of life

Researchers developed equations to study life's diversity and predict specific traits, including reproduction timing and lifespan. The new theory refines old understandings about life history tradeoffs and has implications for ecosystem models and management decisions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 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.

Azteca ant colonies move the same way leopards' spots form

A study by University of Michigan researchers reveals that Azteca ant colonies in Mexican coffee farms exhibit a Turing pattern, similar to leopard spots and zebras' stripes. This finding highlights the complexity of agroecological systems and challenges simplistic pest management approaches.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBioScience·DateDec 11, 2019

Groups work better when stakes are gradually increased

A new study found that gradualism, increasing project stakes step-by-step, significantly improves group coordination. The research showed that teams with gradually increasing stakes outperformed those with consistently high or low stakes.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalManagement Science·DateDec 11, 2019

Increasing transparency in the healthcare sector: More might not be better

A new study suggests that increasing quality transparency in healthcare can improve social welfare in the short-term, but may have negative effects in the long-term. Policymakers should target specific patient populations, such as younger or urban patients, and incentivize hospitals to make socially optimal investments.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOperations Research·DateDec 11, 2019

All age groups worldwide 'at high risk' of drop in children's physical activity

A global review of over 50 studies covering 22,000 children found that daily physical activity declined by 3-4 minutes per year, starting from ages 4 or 5. The study indicates that all age groups and genders face a high risk of declining physical activity, emphasizing the need for early promotion and parental involvement.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalObesity Reviews·DateDec 11, 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.

Helping plant nurseries reduce runoff

Researchers found that additives like dolomite and micronutrient fertilizer can reduce phosphorus concentrations in drainage water by an average of 70%. These amendments help keep phosphorus in the pot, addressing a major environmental concern. The study aims to explore the long-term retention of retained phosphorus in containers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateDec 11, 2019

A research team develop biotransistors able to hear small beats of live

A research team has developed biotransistors that can record small beats of live cells and micro-tissues, paving the way for drug development and screening. The transistors, made of organic material on a flexible substrate, are biocompatible and offer intrinsic signal amplification, reducing the need for external amplifiers.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateDec 11, 2019

Immune outposts inside kidney tumors predict post-surgery outcomes

Researchers discovered immune cells inside tumor samples can predict progression-free survival after surgery for kidney cancer. Patients with well-supported immune cells have longer disease control, leading to improved treatment options and potential adjuvant therapy trials.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateDec 11, 2019

Study supports long-term benefits of non-drug therapies for pain

A study based on over 140,000 VA health records found that non-drug therapies for chronic pain reduced the risk of alcohol and drug disorders, opioid poisoning, and suicidal thoughts. Non-drug treatments like acupuncture and massage were linked to lower risks of these adverse outcomes.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 11, 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 reveals rapid increases in cannabis use among individuals with depression

Research suggests a significant increase in cannabis use among individuals with depression over the past decade. The prevalence of cannabis use was approximately twice as common among those with depression compared to those without it. Daily cannabis use was also more common among those with depression, particularly young adults.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAddiction·DateDec 11, 2019

Isotope analysis points to prisoners of war

Researchers from the University of Bonn used strontium isotope analysis to determine the origins of victims in a 1,400-year-old Maya mass grave. The study found that most victims grew up at least 95 miles from Uxul, with some showing signs of high social status.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·DateDec 11, 2019

Importance of breastfeeding in preventing diabetes reaffirmed in rat study

A new study confirms breastfeeding is crucial for preventing diabetes, as early weaning increases insulin secretion and susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that not breastfed rat pups are more likely to develop insulin resistance and the adult form of the disease.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateDec 11, 2019

One-third of recent global methane increase comes from tropical Africa

A study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics reveals that one-third of the recent global methane increase comes from tropical Africa's tropics. The research used satellite data to examine trends in atmospheric methane between 26° N and 26° S, highlighting the importance of individual wetlands like the Sudd in South Sudan.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateDec 11, 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.

BU finds concerns about other painkillers contributed to opioid crisis

A new Boston University School of Public Health study found that the decline in prescriptions of non-opioid analgesics coincided with a marked increase in opioid prescribing. The study suggests that health risks associated with NSAIDs were one factor that led to increased prescribing of opioids.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 11, 2019

Low-dose aspirin may not help African-Americans prevent heart attack

A study published by the American Heart Association found that low-dose aspirin did not reduce the risk of a fatal heart attack among African Americans, unlike in white populations. The study used data from over 65,000 participants and suggested genetic differences and poor control of other risk factors may contribute to this result.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateDec 11, 2019

A machine learning approach to identify functional human phosphosites

Researchers at EMBL-EBI have created the largest reference phosphoproteome of almost 120,000 human phosphosites using a machine learning approach. This freely-accessible resource enables scientists to identify critical phosphosites relevant for various biological processes and diseases.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 11, 2019

High doses of vitamin D for critically ill patients yield minimal benefit

A large study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that high doses of vitamin D do not reduce mortality or improve non-fatal outcomes in critically ill patients. The Vitamin D to Improve Outcomes by Leveraging Early Treatment (VIOLET) study included over 200 researchers and showed no difference in mortality rates, hos...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 11, 2019
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.

Unique data confirms why water turns brown

A 79-year study confirms that increased coniferous forests are the primary cause of water browning in lakes and rivers. Organic soil leaching into lakes and streams also contributes to this process.

SourceLund University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 11, 2019

Focus on food security and sustainability

The researchers highlight the urgent need for investment in research infrastructure to provide reliable data on population health, nutrition, and agricultural practices. An international body is proposed to address pressing nutritional and agricultural issues and prepare policy decisions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 11, 2019

Study to help manage shark populations in Pacific Panama

A recent study highlights the alarming exploitation of shark populations in Pacific Panama, with many species caught immature and vulnerable to intensive fishing. The research recommends implementing seasonal fishing bans and monitoring programs to improve conservation strategies.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateDec 11, 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 insights to major disease pathways

Australian researchers have discovered a further 148 previously unknown proteins affected by oxidative stress in the human body, linked to major diseases such as heart disease and cancer. The new chemical tool developed at Flinders University's Chalker Lab has mapped over 1000 proteins modified under oxidative stress.

SourceFlinders University·JournalChemBioChem·DateDec 11, 2019