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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 23


Page 23 of 36

New bone healing mechanism has potential therapeutic applications

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a new mechanism that contributes to adult bone maintenance and repair. Periosteal stem cells, previously poorly understood, play a major role in bone healing and respond to mechanical injury and inflammatory molecules, offering potential therapeutic applications for conditions l...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 9, 2019

Proteoglycan regulates experience-dependent synaptic and behavioral plasticity

A proteoglycan, glypican (Dlp), negatively regulates type I synaptic bouton formation, postsynaptic GluRIIA expression, and larval locomotor speed. Decreases in Dlp expression increase non-canonical BMP signaling, leading to increases in GluRIIA expression, type I bouton number, and locomotion.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 9, 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.

Rice, Amazon report breakthrough in 'distributed deep learning'

Researchers have developed a new approach called MACH, which reduces the training resources required for large-scale machine learning models. By dividing data into smaller buckets and using compressed sensing, the system can process 70 million queries and 49 million products in minutes, compared to hours or days with traditional methods.

SourceRice University·DateDec 9, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MMR vaccine-eligible children traveling abroad fail to get vaccinated

A study found that almost 60% of eligible young travelers were not vaccinated due to clinician decision or guardian refusal, despite recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The researchers emphasize the urgent need for greater awareness of MMR vaccination benefits for international travelers.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 9, 2019

Reducing the side-effects of prostate hormone therapy with exercise

A new study published in BJU International found that short-term exercise can reduce the adverse effects of hormone therapy on cardiovascular fitness and fatigue. Patients who underwent supervised aerobic and resistance training experienced improved cardiopulmonary fitness, reduced fatigue, and enhanced quality of life.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBJU International·DateDec 9, 2019

New York makes plant-based hospital meals the law

The new law guarantees hospital patients a healthful plant-based option at every meal, nutritionally equivalent to other menu items. Research shows that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans can help fight various diseases.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·DateDec 9, 2019

CAR T-cell therapy effective for relapsed mantle cell lymphoma patients

A one-year follow-up study of CAR T-cell therapy for relapsed mantle cell lymphoma found that 93% of patients responded to the treatment, with 67% achieving a complete response. The therapy was shown to be effective and viable option for patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 9, 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.

How playing the drums changes the brain

Researchers found that professional drummers have fewer but thicker fibres in the corpus callosum, a brain structure responsible for motor planning. This leads to more efficient brain organisation and better performance in drumming tasks. The study also revealed that drummers' brains are less active in motor tasks.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateDec 9, 2019

In a split second, clothes make the man more competent in the eyes of others

A study by Princeton University found that people perceive a person's competence partly based on subtle economic cues from their clothing. In nine studies, participants rated faces wearing different upper-body clothing as more or less competent depending on the perceived wealth of the clothes.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateDec 9, 2019

Researchers identify top ways to stop projected 142% rise in Latino cancer

A new book published by international cancer experts offers promising research findings on Latino cancer and strategies for reducing health disparities. The book provides recommendations for creating studies based on subgroups and moving towards precision medicine to address the projected 142% rise in Latino cancer cases by 2030.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateDec 9, 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.

New England fishermen losing jobs due to climate

Researchers found that fluctuations in the North Atlantic Oscillation have cost New England fishermen their jobs, with an average loss of 16% of fishing jobs in coastal counties. This effect is distinct from other factors affecting the industry.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2019

Navigating navigating land and water

Researchers at Tohoku University have cracked the code of centipedes' flexible motor control mechanism, enabling them to walk on land and swim in water. The study's findings will aid in developing robots that can adapt to various environments.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 9, 2019

The genetic signature of memory

A recent study identified distinct gene signatures associated with memory creation, found in cortical and subcortical regions of the brain. These genes play crucial roles in memory processes, immune signaling, neuronal generation, and mRNA production.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateDec 9, 2019

Medicaid expansion doubled access to primary care, increased attention to health risks

The Michigan Medicaid expansion program successfully doubled access to primary care and increased the discussion of healthy behaviors among low-income residents. According to new studies, nearly 90% of enrollees reported reduced stress and worry due to HMP coverage, with many going without dental care they needed before enrollment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 9, 2019

Secret behind diabetes drug's benefits revealed

Researchers at McMaster University found that metformin induces the expression and secretion of protein GDF15, which suppresses appetite and may contribute to weight loss. The study opens new avenues for research into the potential effects of metformin on aging and diseases.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Metabolism·DateDec 9, 2019
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.

When penguins ruled after dinosaurs died

A newly discovered penguin species, Kupoupou stilwelli, found on Chatham Island has proportions close to its modern relatives, indicating it waddled on land. The 62.5-60 million-year-old fossil provides insight into the evolution of early penguins and their adaptation to subtropical seas.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateDec 9, 2019

Microplastic to be mapped in the North Atlantic Ocean

A new European research project, HOTMIC, aims to investigate the fate of microplastic in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study's lead researcher suggests that microplastic particles may be transported by microorganisms or marine animals, which could have a significant impact on the marine ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·DateDec 9, 2019

Play sports for a healthier brain

A new Northwestern University study found that athletes across various sports have healthier brains due to enhanced processing of external sounds. Athlete brains minimize background noise, allowing for better sound recognition.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateDec 9, 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.

New study finds a shortage of therapists to treat children with autism

A new study found a significant shortage of therapists to treat children with autism, with substantial variation across states and regions. The study suggests that higher public education spending and median household income are associated with more certified Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) providers per capita.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateDec 9, 2019

Storing data in everyday objects

Scientists create 'DNA of Things' technology, storing 3D-printing instructions and other data in everyday objects like plastic rabbits. The method uses DNA molecules, allowing for secure information transfer and hiding in everyday items like glasses or construction materials.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 9, 2019

Finding support outside the clinic -- the intersection of Instagram and miscarriage

A study on Instagram users' experiences of miscarriage reveals rich descriptions of medical and physical aspects, as well as emotional spectrum, social aspect, and family identity. The findings inform patient care by highlighting the need for clinicians to address emotional needs and redefine recurrent pregnancy loss.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateDec 9, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Asian water towers are world's most important and most threatened

The study ranked Asian Water Towers as the most important and most threatened globally, with the Indus water tower being the most relied-upon and vulnerable. Climate change and geopolitical factors pose significant risks to these systems, threatening the water supply for 1.9 billion people.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateDec 9, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Vaccine candidate for emerging virus

A study in ferrets demonstrates a protective humoral immune response to a weakened form of SFTSV after a single inoculation, and no clinical disease or mortality. The findings suggest potential for this live-attenuated vaccine candidate to provide cross-genotype protection against the emerging virus.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2019

Calculating genetic links between diseases, without the genetic data

A new study estimates heritability and maps relationships among thousands of diseases using electronic health record data. Disease prevalence curves show early onset vs late onset patterns, revealing genetic links between diseases. The team identifies new patterns, including parasitic infections aligning with noninfectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2019

Women in Nepal still forced to sleep outside in 'menstruation huts'

A new study found that 77% of girls in mid-Western Nepal still sleep outside in menstruation huts, despite the practice being criminalized in 2018. The tradition, rooted in ancient Hindu customs, exposes women to harsh conditions, including animal bites and smoke inhalation.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalSexual and Reproductive Health Matters·DateDec 9, 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.

Data Science Institute researcher designs headphones that warn pedestrians of dangers

Researchers at the Data Science Institute, Columbia, are designing intelligent headphones that detect sounds of approaching vehicles and send audio alerts to pedestrians. The system aims to counter growing public safety concerns caused by twalking, which has tripled in US injuries and deaths over seven years.

SourceData Science Institute at Columbia·JournalIEEE Internet of Things Journal·DateDec 9, 2019

Separating drugs with MagLev

The MagLev method uses magneto-Archimedes levitation to separate and isolate different drugs from sample mixtures, allowing for precise identification. The technique can distinguish between up to seven substances simultaneously and has the potential to complement or replace existing portable drug identification techniques.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 9, 2019

NASA examines Tropical Cyclone Belna's water vapor concentration

NASA used its Aqua satellite to gather water vapor data on Tropical Cyclone Belna, finding highest concentrations of water vapor and coldest cloud top temperatures. This analysis helps forecasters understand the storm's potential for heavy rainfall and track its movement towards Madagascar.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 9, 2019

Rhythmic perception in humans has strong evolutionary roots

A study by Alexandre Celma-Miralles and Juan Manuel Toro found that humans can detect isochronous beats, regardless of other irrelevant features, similar to rats. The researchers suggest that this ability has ancient evolutionary roots and may rely on timing mechanisms present in mammals.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of Comparative Psychology·DateDec 9, 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.

Scientists accidentally discover a new water mold threatening Christmas trees

Researchers accidentally isolate a new species of Phytophthora infecting Fraser fir Christmas trees, highlighting potential biodiversity among the genus. The discovery emphasizes the importance of identifying and understanding plant disease species to protect natural environments and agricultural industries.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateDec 9, 2019

Genomic cut and paste using a Class 1 CRISPR system

Japanese researchers have developed a Class 1 CRISPR gene editing system that enables efficient DNA repairs in human cells with minimal off-target effects. The Cas3 protein-based approach achieves superior genome editing efficiency compared to traditional Class 2 systems, opening doors for new therapeutic applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2019

You create your own false information, study finds

A new study from Ohio State University found that people tend to misremember numerical statistics on controversial issues to align with their existing beliefs. When presented with accurate data, participants often flip or distort the numbers to match their preconceptions, even when they're correct.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateDec 9, 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.

Last remaining glaciers in the Pacific will soon melt away

A new study warns that the world's remaining tropical glaciers will melt away in the next decade, with others following soon after. The glaciers, located between the Himalayas and Andes, are already showing rapid melting, with some losing up to 75% of their surface area since 2010.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2019

Newly identified jet-stream pattern could imperil global food supplies, says study

Scientists have identified a previously unquantified threat to global food production: systematic meanders in the northern jet stream that cause simultaneous crop-damaging heat waves in widely separated regions. These events can lead to reduced harvests, food-price spikes and kill crops, especially in breadbasket regions.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 9, 2019

Gene-edited stem cells help treat skin disorder in mice

Researchers used gene editing and stem cell reprogramming to correct mutations in a human genetic skin disorder, RDEB, in mice. The corrected skin grafts exhibited significant collagen VII deposition and integration, similar to wild-type skin.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 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.

NTU scientists uncover structure of key pneumonia virus enzyme

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have elucidated the structure of a key component of respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus, two closely related viruses causing severe respiratory diseases. The team's findings provide new targets for designing antiviral molecules.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature·DateDec 9, 2019

Finding the smallest genes could yield outsized benefits

A study from the Salk Institute identified over 2,000 previously unknown small open reading frames (smORFs) in human cell lines, expanding the number of human genes by 10%. These tiny genetic sequences may hold key to understanding human biology and developing new treatments for diseases like cancer and diabetes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 9, 2019

Identification of a key protein linked to ageing

Scientists from Institut Pasteur have identified a key protein associated with ageing, which is progressively depleted in cells leading to senescence. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of senescence and its link to cellular ageing, paving the way for potential therapeutic targets.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2019
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.

Aspirin's health benefits under scrutiny

A new study suggests that taking aspirin daily to prevent a heart attack or stroke may no longer be recommended for adults without a history of these events. The study found that the potential benefits of aspirin are similar to its potential harms for most people, highlighting the need for personalized advice from doctors.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalFamily Practice·DateDec 9, 2019

Urban growth causes more biodiversity loss outside of cities

Researchers found that direct urban expansion leads to significant habitat destruction, but the broader environmental impacts of urbanization are much greater, with climate change and land-use change driving global biodiversity loss. The study highlights the need for more research on indirect effects in developing countries.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 9, 2019

Volcano F is the origin of the floating stones

Researchers at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel identify Volcano F as the origin of a large pumice raft drifting towards Australia. The team used satellite images and seismic data to confirm the connection between the volcano and the floating rocks.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·DateDec 9, 2019

Motion detection in praying mantises

Praying mantises use stereoscopic vision to track objects, but also rely on second-order motion detection for prey capture. This ability helps them locate camouflaged prey and enables target tracking.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 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.