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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 25


Page 25 of 36

Nanowire detects Abrikosov vortices

Researchers have demonstrated the detection of Abrikosov vortices penetrating through a superconductor-ferromagnet interface using a ferromagnetic nanowire with superconducting electrodes. The device shows unusual sawtooth magnetic resistance curves and can detect vortex penetration.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 9, 2019

New function for plant enzyme could lead to green chemistry

Scientists have discovered a new function in a plant enzyme that can initiate a crucial chemical reaction, producing diols used in lubricants and plastics. The enzyme's unique dioxygenase chemistry has implications for designing greener industrial catalysts with less waste and toxic chemicals.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·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.

Tackling air pollution: researchers present emissions inventory for Nepal

A new emissions inventory for Nepal reveals that air pollution is growing at a much faster rate than the economy. The study found that private households account for a larger share of fuel consumption and emissions in Nepal compared to industrial nations.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateDec 9, 2019

Inflammatory marker linked to dementia

A study of over 4,700 participants found a strong link between elevated sCD14 levels and increased risk of dementia, as well as brain atrophy and decline in executive functions. The researchers hope that sCD14 could serve as a useful biomarker for assessing cognitive decline and dementia risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNeurology·DateDec 9, 2019

Liquid flow is influenced by a quantum effect in water

Researchers found that charged polymers increase viscosity by altering water-water interactions, which is influenced by a nuclear quantum effect. This discovery has fundamental implications for developing new technologies in health, biosciences, materials science, and environmental science.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·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.

Bioaccumulation of liquid crystal monomers

87 LCMs show potential for persistent and bioaccumulative properties, affecting gene expression in embryonic chicken cells. Several LCMs found in indoor dust samples, highlighting environmental concerns.

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

$1 million will help mend a broken heart

A $1 million international study aims to develop a new therapeutic treatment for people who have suffered heart attacks with extensive cardiac damage. The project, led by UniSA Professor Janna Morrison, explores whether changing the expression of a specific molecule can repair cardiac damage.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateDec 9, 2019

Sport-related concussions

A study by Dr. Ingo Helmich and his team found significant differences in non-verbal gestures and behavior between athletes with and without concussion, providing a new tool for improving diagnosis. These findings suggest that motion quality presentation gestures can offer insight into post-concussion motor sensory experience.

SourceGerman Sport University·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·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.

Eating more ketones may fight against Alzheimer's disease

A ketone-supplemented diet has been shown to restore protective protein levels and decrease mortality rates in mice with Alzheimer's disease. By consuming a diet rich in ketones, the mice experienced fewer seizures and were less likely to die, suggesting that this intervention may help protect interneurons from damage.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateDec 9, 2019

Lighting up cardiovascular problems using nanoparticles

Researchers at USC Viterbi's Department of Biomedical Engineering have developed a nanoparticle that lights up calcification, allowing for more effective detection of blocked arteries. This innovation has the potential to improve cardiovascular disease diagnosis and treatment by identifying unstable calcifications.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·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.

'Safety signals' may help slow down anxiety

Researchers at Yale University discovered that safety signals, such as symbols or sounds not associated with danger, can relieve anxiety. This approach differs from behavioral therapy and may be an effective way to augment current therapies for anxiety-related disorders.

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

Biomarker may aid in determining treatment for cancer patients

A study found that glioblastoma patients with a history of Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection had a significantly shorter survival rate, highlighting the potential use of HCMV testing to predict treatment outcomes. The presence of HCMV antibodies was linked to a four-month reduction in life expectancy.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNeuro-Oncology Advances·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.

Scientists show thin metal mesh loaded with T cells shrinks solid tumors

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have successfully shrunk solid tumors using a thin metal mesh loaded with CAR T cells in preclinical models of ovarian cancer. The approach showed promising results, clearing tumors in 70% of treated mice within 20 days.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 9, 2019

Creating switchable plasmons in plastics

Scientists at Linköping University develop optical nanoantennas made from a conducting polymer, allowing for controllable nano-optical components. The antennas react to light and can be switched on and off, making them suitable for applications such as smart windows.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 9, 2019

Detours may make batteries better

Scientists at Rice University have discovered that placing specific defects in the crystalline lattice of lithium iron phosphate-based cathodes can broaden the avenues through which lithium ions travel. This could improve performance by up to two orders of magnitude and potentially lead to similar improvements in other types of batteries.

SourceRice University·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateDec 9, 2019

A person's perception of risk can tell us about their chances of opioid relapse

A study by Rutgers University found that individuals in opioid addiction treatment are more likely to relapse when they exhibit a strong tolerance for risks, especially in situations with unknown outcomes. This knowledge can help clinicians predict and monitor vulnerable patients for changes that may affect their relapse risk.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 8, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Too few hospitals have clinical decision support tools to calculate nutrition in NICU

Most NICUs lack fully automated clinical decision support tools to calculate nutrition for premature infants, leading to manual calculations and potential errors. The study's findings emphasize the importance of developing standardized computerized solutions to monitor and improve caloric intake delivery.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of Perinatology·DateDec 8, 2019

International ocean experts kick-off COP25 Oceans Actions Day

Key findings from COP25 Oceans Actions Day highlight the importance of protecting Blue Carbon Ecosystems, including mangroves and seagrasses. The event emphasizes the crucial role of oceans in achieving sustainable development goals and reducing climate change vulnerability.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·DateDec 8, 2019

Corals survive to tell the tale of Earth's newest island eruption

A recent volcanic eruption created a new island in the South Pacific, and coral reefs have shown incredible resilience and recovery. The study found that one section of the island supported diverse coral reefs largely unaffected by the eruption, which provided a source of larvae to repopulate reefs around the rest of the island.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalCoral Reefs·DateDec 8, 2019

Computer game may help to predict reuse of opioids

Researchers developed a computer betting game to predict opioid reuse in addiction patients. The game measures comfort with risk-taking and finds sharp increases in scores are associated with high likelihood of reuse within the next week.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 8, 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.

Metal-organic sponge can convert CO2 into fuel

Associate Professor Nina Lock's project aims to create a metal-organic sponge that can convert CO2 into useful products such as fuel or building blocks. The research team plans to develop scalable catalysts using cheap elements, investigating the atomic level process of electro-catalysis.

SourceAarhus University·DateDec 7, 2019

Women, exercise and longevity

A study of 4,714 adult women found that those with good exercise capacity were at lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other causes. Women with poor exercise capacity had nearly four times higher annual rates of death from these causes compared to those with good exercise capacity.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateDec 7, 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.

Dendrites filtering neuron's excitement

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that Purkinje cell dendrites can filter and modulate incoming signals, enabling new learning mechanisms in the cerebellum. This finding provides insight into the brain's ability to modify itself and change signaling properties.

SourceKyoto University·DateDec 6, 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.

Novel way to ID disease-resistance genes in chocolate-producing trees found

A new study has discovered a way to identify disease-resistance genes in cacao trees, which could lead to the development of more sustainable farming systems and improved crop yields. The method uses genome sequencing to rapidly identify resistant genotypes and provides insights into the genetic diversity of cacao trees.

SourcePenn State·JournalTree Genetics & Genomes·DateDec 6, 2019

Why people buy, trade, donate medications on the black market

A study by University of Utah Health found that people with chronic illnesses turn to underground exchanges for medicines and supplies due to affordability and accessibility issues. Many participants donated or traded goods with family, friends, or strangers who couldn't get them through traditional channels.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology·DateDec 6, 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.

Siberian researchers contribute to global monitoring of the Earth's Green Lungs

Researchers from Siberian Federal University participated in a global project to collect data on forest composition, distribution, and carbon stocks. They found that Siberian forests will experience changes due to climate change, including increased growth and thicker vegetation, but also threats from pests and soil erosion.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2019

Scientists have spotted new compounds with herbicidal potential from sea fungus

Researchers have isolated six new biologically active compounds from a previously unknown strain of sea fungus Penicillium piltunense. The compounds have shown pronounced anti-inflammatory and herbicidal activity, which could lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs and weed control chemicals. Fungi of the genus Penicilli...

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalMarine Drugs·DateDec 6, 2019

Clinical trial explores new therapeutic for type 1 diabetes

A clinical trial is underway to study the efficacy of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells as a potential therapeutic for new onset type 1 diabetes. The trial, funded by the NIH, aims to determine if systemic administration of these cells can reduce disease progression and preserve insulin secretion.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateDec 6, 2019

Improved pH probes may help towards cancer treatments

Researchers have developed a nanopipette pH biosensor that can detect changes in extracellular pH with high sensitivity and spatial resolution. The device uses a zwitterionic membrane to enable faster responses and has been tested on live cancer cells, showing its potential for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapies.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 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.

Synthesizing an artificial synapse for artificial intelligence

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed an artificial synapse that mimics the human brain's ability to create neuronal connections. This breakthrough technology could revolutionize AI and cognitive computing, enabling faster and more efficient processing of complex tasks.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateDec 6, 2019

'Conductor' gene found in plant root stem cell 'orchestra'

A new study finds the 'conductor' gene TCX2 in plant root stem cells coordinates division of different types, ensuring harmonic communication for plant growth. The researchers used mathematical modeling and machine learning to identify TCX2's role in regulating stem cell networks.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2019

Empowering mucosal healing with an engineered probiotic

Researchers developed an engineered probiotic that promotes mucosal healing and reduces inflammation in IBD patients. The 'Probiotic Associated Therapeutic Curli Hybrids' (PATCH) approach uses genetically programmed bacteria to create a biocompatible, mucoadhesive coating that facilitates healing.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2019

Leukemia, lymphoma squarely in sights of new class of drugs

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have discovered a new class of drugs called PROTACs that target the BCL-XL protein in cancer cells. These drugs show safe and potent antitumor activity, potentially treating T-cell malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 6, 2019

Nanocontainer ships titan-size gene therapies and drugs into cells

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a nanosize container made of biodegradable polymer to deliver protein-based medicines and gene therapies, including CRISPR, into specifically selected target cells. The invention could offer a way to efficiently ferry larger medical compounds into cells with fewer side effects.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 6, 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.

Discovery of genes involved in the biosynthesis of antidepressant

Scientists have uncovered key regulatory candidate genes for hypericin biosynthesis in St. John's Wort, a plant with medicinal properties. The study provides unprecedented insight into the development of dark glands and associated biosynthetic pathways.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateDec 6, 2019

Lack of psychological support for those dealing with infertility in the UK

A new UK study found that nearly half of those dealing with infertility and its treatment lack access to psychological support. The survey, which received over 800 responses, also revealed a 'postcode lottery' in the funding of IVF treatments, with some areas offering more support than others.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHuman Fertility·DateDec 6, 2019