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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 2


Page 2 of 36

A fragile balance

Researchers found that changes in deep-water circulation occurred around 7,000 years ago, influencing CO2 levels in the atmosphere. This discovery highlights the importance of studying past climate change and suggests future climate change could lead to increased CO2 release from Southern Ocean.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019

Fin-to-limb transition in vertebrate evolution

A study on pectoral fin rays of ancient fish species uncovers key structural changes enabling fins to give rise to limbs. The transformation is marked by the appearance of digits, reducing dermal fin rays and fin webs.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019

Buried impact crater in southern Laos

Researchers have identified a possible buried impact crater in southern Laos as the origin of ancient tektites found across one-tenth of Earth's surface. The crater is believed to have formed approximately 790,000 years ago, with geochemical analysis and dating techniques supporting this claim.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 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.

NASA finds heavy rain potential in tropical storm Sarai

NASA analyzed Tropical Storm Sarai's cloud top temperatures to determine its strength and identify areas of heavy rain potential. The analysis showed coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as -81 degrees Celsius, indicating strong storms capable of creating heavy rain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 27, 2019

Severity of autism symptoms varies greatly among identical twins

A recent NIH-funded study analyzing data from 366 identical twin pairs found significant variability in autism symptom severity among those with ASD. The researchers estimated that only 9% of the cause of trait variation was attributed to genetic factors.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalBehavior Genetics·DateDec 27, 2019

Using deep learning to predict disease-associated mutations

A research team from HKU developed a novel deep learning approach to predict disease-associated mutations in metal-binding sites. The approach uses spatial features and physicochemical sequential features to train a model, achieving an AUC of 0.90 and accuracy of 0.82.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateDec 27, 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 single dose of HPV vaccine gain similar protection as multiple doses

A new study reveals that one dose of the HPV vaccine may prevent infection from the potential cancer-causing virus, with implications for reducing global cancer burden. The current two- or three-dose series may be replaced by a single dose regimen if ongoing clinical trials provide sustained benefits.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 27, 2019

Diet has rapid effects on sperm quality

A new study by researchers at Linköping University found that a diet rich in sugar can rapidly affect sperm motility and quality. After two weeks of consumption, the sperm motility of all participants became normal, suggesting a close link between diet and fertility.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 27, 2019

On nitroglycerin, cardiovascular homeostasis and...bam, migraine!

A study found that nitroglycerin infusion triggers abnormal cardiovascular responses in migraine patients, including higher heart rates and reduced stroke volume. The findings suggest a systemic susceptibility to the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin, possibly due to enhanced sensitivity to nitric oxide.

SourceInternational Headache Society·JournalCephalalgia·DateDec 27, 2019

Evolution: Revelatory relationship

A new study supports the idea that hydrogen played a crucial role in the emergence of eukaryotes, the first nucleated cells. The research suggests that the Lokiarchaeota, an enigmatic group of microorganisms, use hydrogen for metabolism, providing evidence for the 'hydrogen hypothesis' of eukaryote evolution.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Microbiology·DateDec 27, 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.

Children born preterm are more likely to be placed outside the home

A population study by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare found that preterm children are at least one and a half times more likely to be placed outside the home than full-term counterparts. The likelihood of placement is highest during early childhood, with no difference observed after age 5.

SourceFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·DateDec 27, 2019

Progressive gender beliefs in teen boys may be protective against violence

A study by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that teenage boys who witness their peers abusing women and girls are more likely to bully and fight with others. In contrast, those with equitable gender attitudes had lower odds of reporting violent behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 27, 2019

Researchers identify new therapeutic target for colorectal cancer

Researchers have identified a key protein, Importin-11, that transports the cancer-causing protein βcatenin into the nucleus of colon cancer cells. Inhibiting this transport step could block the growth of most colorectal cancers caused by elevated βcatenin levels.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 27, 2019

New insights into the earliest events of seed germination

Researchers discovered that thiol redox switches play a central role in enabling energy release efficiently during seed germination. These molecular switches kick-start mitochondrial energy metabolism, allowing seeds to conserve stored energy reserves for years or even centuries.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 27, 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.

Gender norms affect attitudes towards gay men and lesbian women globally

A global study found that attitudes towards gay men and lesbian women vary greatly across countries, with gay men consistently rated more negatively. The researchers identified three exceptions where negative attitudes were not correlated with gender norms, including China, India, and South Korea.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateDec 26, 2019

In vivo imaging of CREB dynamics: Coupling sensory experience to activity

Scientists at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience have developed novel biosensors to study CREB dynamics in living brains. They found that sensory experiences shape CREB activity over hours to days after a stimulus, and this effect can be observed even when visual stimuli are absent.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNeuron·DateDec 26, 2019

Transcendental Meditation prevents abnormal enlargement of the heart, reduces chronic heart failure

A randomized controlled study found that Transcendental Meditation prevents abnormal enlargement of the heart and reduces chronic heart failure in African Americans. The study tested 85 hypertensive participants who practiced TM or received health education controls, with significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalEthnicity & Disease·DateDec 26, 2019

Proton therapy lowers risk of side effects in cancer compared to traditional radiation

Researchers found proton therapy significantly lowers the risk of severe side effects such as hospitalization, while maintaining similar cure rates and effectiveness compared to traditional photon radiation. The study suggests proton therapy offers a way to reduce serious side effects without sacrificing treatment efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 26, 2019
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.

Eye changes from spaceflight compared to simulated weightlessness

A study investigated eye changes in astronauts during long space missions and those experiencing simulated weightlessness from 30 days of bed rest. The results showed similarities between the two conditions, providing new insights into spaceflight's effects on vision.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 26, 2019

Paving the way for spintronic RAMs: A deeper look into a powerful spin phenomenon

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel strategy to exploit spin-related phenomena in topological materials, achieving a giant unidirectional spin Hall magnetoresistance ratio of over 1%. This breakthrough could lead to the development of spintronics and outperform current storage devices with improved power cons...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 26, 2019

Finally, machine learning interprets gene regulation clearly

Researchers have developed a custom artificial neural network that can analyze molecular signals controlling gene function, enabling biologists to understand complex mechanisms of gene regulation. This breakthrough enables the creation of machine learning algorithms that reflect common concepts in biology.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·DateDec 26, 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.

High BMI may improve cancer survival

Researchers found that patients with high body mass index (BMI) responded better to atezolizumab, a common immunotherapy treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This unexpected result may lead to further investigation into the potential link between BMI and inflammation in cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 26, 2019

Russia's physical culture scene

Despite a slight increase in physical activity among Russian men and women, the country's working population remains under European health standards. Most people engage in exercise or sports for less than 30 minutes, three times a week, with financial constraints and laziness being major barriers. The study also found that city dweller...

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalVoprosy statistiki·DateDec 26, 2019

Seeing the new Star Wars? Be careful what you wish for

A new study found that people who went into the movie with low expectations actually had lower overall enjoyment, contrary to those who expected less but were pleasantly surprised. Researchers surveyed 441 participants before and after seeing The Last Jedi and found that negative bias can drag down even positive reactions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Media Psychology Theories Methods and Applications·DateDec 26, 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.

NASA-NOAA satellite finds development of Tropical Cyclone Sarai

Tropical Storm Sarai has formed near Fiji, with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots (40 mph/65 kph) and a band of thunderstorms wrapping into its low-level center. The cyclone is expected to intensify as it passes southwest of Fiji, with the Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicting steady intensification to 65 knots.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 26, 2019

Imaging to examine brain architecture association with mood, attentional symptoms

Researchers found that specific patterns of brain connectivity were associated with the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and major depressive disorder. By examining brain architecture at age 7, the study identified potential links between brain development and later mental health symptoms in children.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 26, 2019

Hematopoietic stem cell marker: A key player in the ontogeny of hematopoiesis

Researchers at Osaka University discovered that ESAM, a surface marker for hematopoietic stem cells and vascular endothelial cells, is crucial for the development of definitive hematopoiesis, especially adult-type erythropoiesis. The study found that ESAM-deficient mice had impaired hematopoiesis-supporting ability.

SourceOsaka University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateDec 26, 2019

Report links recommended physical activity levels to lower risk of seven cancers

A pooled analysis of nine studies involving over 750,000 adults found that recommended amounts of leisure-time physical activity were linked to a lower risk for seven cancers. The study suggests that people should aim for moderate- or vigorous-intensity activities for at least 2.5 to 5 hours/week to reduce cancer risk.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 26, 2019
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.

How can groups apologize sincerely? It's going to cost them

A study by Kobe University found that group apologies perceived as more genuine when costly to the organization, similar to individual apologies. The research used fMRI brain scans and participant ratings to determine that costly apologies activated key brain regions associated with cognitive empathy and intention processing.

SourceKobe University·JournalSocial Neuroscience·DateDec 25, 2019

A better testing method for patients with Parkinson's disease

Researchers propose a new computational analysis method that uses keystroke time series data to detect early stages of Parkinson's disease. The method, based on fuzzy recurrence plots, is less physically demanding than traditional testing methods and shows encouraging results.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateDec 25, 2019

Inputs to the motor cortex make dexterous movements possible in mice

Research in mice reveals the motor cortex needs continuous feedback to generate dexterous movements, unlike other neural circuits that can operate with sustained input. The study found blocking incoming signals or disrupting rhythmic patterns impaired grasping skills, highlighting the importance of precise timing and signal processing.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 25, 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.

Researchers map malaria parasites proliferate in human blood cells

A comprehensive interaction network map reveals how Plasmodium falciparum traffics between human host cells, transforming red blood cells into rigid forms that hinder oxygen transportation. This understanding paves the way for further study and discussion on the molecular mechanism of severe malaria.

SourceTohoku University·JournaliScience·DateDec 25, 2019

Intermittent fasting: live 'fast,' live longer?

A review article published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that intermittent fasting can improve blood sugar regulation, increase resistance to stress, and suppress inflammation. Studies have shown that this adaptation may trigger a slower metabolic process, which can lead to weight loss and reduced belly fat.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 25, 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.

Brain-like functions emerging in a metallic nanowire network

A research team created a neuromorphic network composed of metallic nanowires, exhibiting electrical characteristics similar to human brain functions. The team found that the network's fluctuation-based functionalities mimic memorization, learning, and forgetting processes.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 25, 2019

First sighting of Larsonella pumilus fish in Japan

Researchers have discovered a new species of goby, Larsonella pumilus, off the coast of Okinawa, revealing insights into its habitat and relationships with other deep-sea fish. The discovery was made at a depth of 214 meters, making it the deepest recorded finding of the species.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalZootaxa·DateDec 24, 2019

Bacteria can 'outsmart' programmed cell death

Certain bacteria, such as Shigella, use lipopolysaccharides to block caspases and prevent apoptosis, allowing them to multiply intracellularly. This strategy is essential for their survival and spread within the human body.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Microbiology·DateDec 24, 2019

Why isn't there a vaccine for staph?

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that T cells play a critical role in protecting against staph infections. The study suggests activating untapped immune cells and immunizing infants before birth to block toxin effects. This new approach shows promise for developing an effective staph vaccine.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 24, 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.

Preoperative levels of heart proteins may help predict death or cardiac complications in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery

A cohort study found that preoperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations were independently associated with vascular death or myocardial injury at 30 days after surgery. Preoperative NT-proBNP thresholds improved discrimination and risk stratification for patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 24, 2019

New technology allows control of gene therapy doses

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have developed a molecular switch that enables precise control of gene therapy doses. The technique involves embedding an RNA molecule called a hammerhead ribozyme into the genes used in gene therapies, allowing doctors to regulate the dosing level.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 24, 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.

Full noncontact laser ultrasound: First human data

Researchers have developed a noncontact laser ultrasound technique that generates and detects sound waves on the skin surface using eye- and skin-safe lasers. This method produces images with centimeter depths, comparable to clinical ultrasound, and shows sensitivity to tissue features currently detected by conventional ultrasound.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateDec 24, 2019

A molecular map of the brain's decision-making area

Researchers created a molecular 3D-map of nerve cells targeted by opioids in striatum, dividing it into subregions with spatiomolecular code. This knowledge may contribute to an increased understanding of normal reward processes and the effects of addictive substances on decision-making.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 24, 2019

Lasers learn to accurately spot space junk

Researchers developed a system to accurately detect space debris in Earth's orbit using laser ranging telescopes and neural networks. The new algorithm significantly improves the success rate of space debris detection, allowing for safer spacecraft maneuvers.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Laser Applications·DateDec 24, 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.