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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 30


Page 30 of 36

Respiration key to increase oxygen in the brain

Researchers discovered that exercise increases brain oxygenation by packing more oxygen into the bloodstream, contradicting the long-held assumption that blood is always completely saturated with oxygen. This breakthrough sheds new light on the dynamic relationship between respiration and cerebral oxygenation.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019

The wellbeing connection

Researchers found that Germany benefits from intangible ecosystem services in particularly threatened ecosystems in poor regions. The study identified the top six birds in Germany, with nearly 60% of species spending at least part of their lives in distant countries.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalAMBIO·DateDec 4, 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.

The gut may be involved in the development of multiple sclerosis

Research finds gut protein Smad7 mobilizes immune cells, triggering inflammation in the central nervous system of MS patients. Analyzing intestinal tissue samples from MS patients confirms results, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for this debilitating disease.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2019

Health care in baboons

A study on olive baboons found that females avoid mating if either the male or female shows visible signs of infection, while males do not change their behavior. The researchers aim to understand how sexually transmitted diseases impact non-human primate populations.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2019

U-M researchers discover stress in early life extends lifespan

Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that oxidative stress in early life increases subsequent stress resistance later in life. Oxidative stress, which occurs when cells produce more oxidants than they can deal with, is part of the aging process but can also arise from stressful conditions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

Patients' perspectives of clinical consultations related to weight

Patients with excess weight experience predominantly negative interactions during clinical consultations, often feeling judged and dismissively told to lose weight. Supportive language and approach are essential in these conversations to promote a positive experience and encourage healthy behavior change.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Obesity·DateDec 4, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Typhoid vaccine over 81% effective in tackling disease in Nepal

A new field study in Nepal shows the typhoid vaccine is safe, immunogenic and effective against the disease, with results showing 7 cases out of 20,000 children vaccinated. The study's findings are significant, especially with the recent spread of drug-resistant typhoid, which threatens child health in affected regions.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 4, 2019

Permanent hair dye and straighteners may increase breast cancer risk

A study published by NIH found that frequent use of permanent hair dye and chemical straighteners increases breast cancer risk, especially among African American women. Women who regularly used permanent dyes were 9% more likely to develop breast cancer than those who didn't use hair dye.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateDec 4, 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.

A new gene involved in strawberry fruiting time is identified

Researchers at the University of Córdoba discovered a new gene involved in strawberry fruiting duration, contradicting previous assumptions that only one gene controlled this trait. The study's findings provide valuable insights into genetic mechanisms and could lead to more efficient improvement programs for strawberry production.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateDec 4, 2019

Signs of life: New field guide aids astronomers' search

Astronomers can now use a high-resolution spectral field guide to detect signs of life on Proxima b and Trappist-1e, two potential habitable exoplanets. The guide, developed by Cornell University student Zifan Lin, will aid in the exploration of these worlds' atmospheres using next-generation telescopes like the Extremely Large Telescope.

SourceCornell University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 4, 2019

Deer and elk can help young Douglas-fir trees under some conditions

A five-year study by Oregon State University found that deer and elk can play a key role in controlling broadleaf vegetation that competes with Douglas-fir seedlings. In some cases, the presence of large herbivores promotes crop tree survival and growth.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateDec 4, 2019

New study provides insight into chronic kidney disease

Researchers discovered a link between uremic solutes and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) activation in CKD patients. This finding may lead to new clinical blood tests and medication development targeting AHR inhibitors for treating CKD complications.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalKidney International·DateDec 4, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Looking at tropical forests through new eyes

A University of Arizona-led team used air-based maps of plant chemistry to better understand tropical forest responses to climate change. By combining traditional on-the-ground measurements with aerial data, researchers improved carbon cycling models and gained insights into the role of forests in the global carbon cycle.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2019

Contamination by metals can increase metabolic stress in mussels

A study of six beaches in Brazil found a direct correlation between urbanization, metal contamination, and increased metabolic stress in mussels. The researchers suggest that this evidence should be used to inform public policy and mitigate the effects of human activities on marine ecosystems.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateDec 4, 2019

Liquid crystal polymer learns to move and grab objects

Researchers at Aalto University trained a liquid crystal polymer to move and stick to objects of a given color using light-based conditioning. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential for materials to 'learn' and adapt to their environment.

SourceAalto University·JournalMatter·DateDec 4, 2019

Atmospheric chemists move indoors

Atmospheric chemists are cataloging compounds in indoor air, which can react with others to form new molecules. Indoor emissions come from various sources, including stoves, cleaning products, and people's breath, skin, and personal care products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 4, 2019

Closest-ever approach to the sun gives new insights into the solar wind

The Parker Solar Probe has discovered new evidence on how the solar wind is accelerated away from the Sun's surface, finding that bursty 'spikes' originate in holes near the equator and are generated by magnetic reconnection. The probe also measured a sideways speed of the solar wind, which contradicts previous predictions.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 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.

Patient diaries reveal propensity for epileptic seizures

A new statistical tool has been validated for assessing epilepsy seizure risk, allowing for more accurate treatment decisions. The Epilepsy Seizure Assessment Tool (EpiSAT) correctly identified changes in seizure risk in over 87% of cases.

SourceRice University·JournalEpilepsia·DateDec 4, 2019

Freeze frame: Scientists capture atomic-scale snapshots of artificial proteins

Researchers at Berkeley Lab successfully image the atomic structure of peptoid nanosheets using cryo-EM, a breakthrough that could advance applications such as synthetic antibodies and self-repairing membranes. The study demonstrates unprecedented atomic precision and paves the way for designing soft materials at the atomic scale.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2019

Drug decreases gut leakiness associated with ulcerative colitis

Researchers at UC Riverside found that the drug tofacitinib repairs permeability defects in the gut's epithelium, reducing inflammation and improving mucosal healing. The study is the first to show the direct effect of tofacitinib on intestinal epithelial cell functions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·DateDec 4, 2019

New, non-hormonal target identified for advanced prostate cancer

A team of researchers identified a cell surface receptor, CXCR2, essential for hormone-resistant prostate cancer cells. They showed that targeting this receptor can halt tumor growth using a drug originally intended for lung diseases.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 4, 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.

Better wildfire and smoke predictions with new vegetation database

Researchers created the first comprehensive North American Wildland Fuel Database to improve wildfire and smoke predictions. The tool incorporates best available measurements of vegetation, allowing fire managers to see where fuel information is missing, ultimately informing more realistic smoke predictions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateDec 4, 2019

New tool to predict the global spread of dengue

Researchers developed a new tool to predict the global spread of dengue, analyzing travel data and dengue incidence rates. The tool identifies the country of origin for imported cases and forecasts absolute numbers of dengue importations at a global level.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2019

Less rice, more nutritious crops will enhance India's food supply

A new study from Columbia University suggests that planting less rice and more nutritious crops like finger millet, pearl millet, and sorghum can enhance India's food supply while reducing environmental impact. This diversification could increase protein by 1 to 5%, iron supply by 5 to 49% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2 to 13%.

SourceData Science Institute at Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 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.

Cellular repair response to treadmill test can predict cardiac outcomes

Researchers found that a decrease in CPC counts during an exercise test can predict high risk of heart attack or death over the next three years. Monitoring CPC response to exercise provides more information than nuclear imaging for cardiac ischemia, reducing radiation exposure.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateDec 4, 2019

Atmospheric river storms create $1 billion-a-year flood damage

A study by researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography found that atmospheric river storms (ARs) pose a significant flood risk in the West, causing nearly $51 billion in damages over 40 years. The majority of these damages were caused by just ten ARs, with some areas experiencing over 99% of flood damage from ARs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2019

Sales of recreational marijuana in Denver found to increase some nonviolent crime

A new study found that street segments with recreational dispensaries in Denver experienced an 18% increase in property crime, while those adjacent to dispensaries saw higher levels of drug and disorder crimes. However, the sales revenue generated by recreational dispensaries largely offset the costs of these crimes.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Evaluation Journal·DateDec 4, 2019

A new way to measure long-term firm performance and shareholder value

A new tool called Long-term Investor Value Appropriation (LIVA) has been introduced to measure long-term firm performance and shareholder value. LIVA uses stock price data to calculate a backward-looking net present value over a given period, providing a more accurate reflection of underlying economic performance.

SourceINSEAD·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateDec 4, 2019

Which exercise regimen protects bone health in older adults with obesity?

A recent study found that resistance exercise, alone or combined with aerobic exercise, effectively reduces weight loss-induced decreases in hip bone density. The study suggests that incorporating resistance exercise into weight loss regimens can help protect against bone loss in older adults with obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateDec 4, 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.

National Park Service scientists: Does aircraft noise make birds more vocal?

Researchers analyzed nearly 1 million audio recordings from national parks, discovering a small increase in bird sound detection when aircraft noise is detected. The odds of hearing a bird sound rise by 2%, with effects lasting up to three hours and being more pronounced for birds previously exposed to similar sounds.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 4, 2019

Differences in replacement level fertility point to inequalities

A new study calculates replacement level fertility based on actual rates, revealing countries with fertility levels above 2.1, often due to high mortality and gender inequality. The findings show that many countries have a higher replacement rate than commonly assumed, highlighting the need for policy adjustments.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2019

Sun's close-up reveals atmosphere hopping with highly energetic particles

New data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe reveals that energetic particles hurtling out of the sun are more varied and numerous than previously thought, according to results from the Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun instrument suite. This discovery could provide early warnings for solar storms and improve space weather forecasts.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

Once-a-month oral contraceptive pill in development

A team at Brigham and Women's Hospital has developed a new oral contraceptive that can be taken once a month to prevent pregnancy. The extended-release pill uses a slow-release mechanism to deliver the contraceptive drug levonorgestrel over time, improving adherence and reducing the risk of pregnancy.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 4, 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.

Finnish children's motor skills at the top in Europe

A study of over 3,300 children reveals Finnish kids excel in motor skills, with significant differences found between countries. Portuguese children have weak motor skills, especially between ages 6-10, while Finland and Belgium outperform in this area.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateDec 4, 2019

Atom music lets listeners experience atomic world through sound

Researchers created a system to convert light waves into sound waves by correlating bright lines within atomic spectra to audible tones. This allows for the creation of individual atom notes and even entire songs, enabling listeners to experience an 'atomic world' through sound.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 4, 2019

Social media use and disordered eating in young adolescents

Research found that social media use is associated with disordered eating behaviors and thoughts in young adolescents, especially girls. The study also identified strict exercise and meal skipping as common practices among adolescents with disordered eating.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 4, 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.

Online therapy helped cardiovascular disease patients with depression

A recent study published in JMIR Mental Health found that internet-based therapy significantly reduced depression in CVD patients, leading to improved quality of life. The treatment involved nine weeks of online cognitive behavioural therapy, with access to a nurse via the web, resulting in clinical improvements for one in five patients.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJMIR Mental Health·DateDec 4, 2019

Chip-based optical sensor detects cancer biomarker in urine

A new chip-based sensor can detect very low levels of a cancer protein biomarker in urine, paving the way for non-invasive and inexpensive disease diagnosis and monitoring. The sensor's high sensitivity enables detection of minute biomarker concentrations, making it a promising tool for personalized medicine.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateDec 4, 2019

A common insulin signaling pathway across cancer and diabetes

A common insulin signaling pathway has been found across cancer and diabetes, revealing the importance of protein TRAP-alpha in maintaining protein homeostasis. Deleting TRAP-alpha triggered a 90% reduction in insulin content in pancreatic beta cells, highlighting its role in insulin biogenesis.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 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.

Mindfulness training may help lower blood pressure, new study shows

A new study published in PLOS One suggests that mindfulness training can significantly reduce blood pressure readings and improve self-regulation skills. The nine-week customized Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction program was developed for participants with elevated blood pressure and showed positive effects, particularly for t...

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2019

Children with food allergies seen faster under new paediatric model

A new study by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute found that children with food allergies are seen 10 months sooner and experience fewer allergic reactions when treated by a paediatrician in their own community. This community-based approach delivered similar quality of allergy care to specialist hospital-based clinics.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·DateDec 4, 2019

Molecular bodyguards against Parkinson's disease

Chaperone proteins protect α-Synuclein from cell damage in healthy cells. Impaired chaperone binding leads to α-Synuclein accumulation and mitochondrial destruction, characteristic of Parkinson's disease. The study provides new insights into the role of molecular bodyguards in neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

Water was a winner in capturing CO2

Researchers at NTNU discovered that wetting a polymer membrane with water enhances its CO2 capture capabilities. The material, known as TESET, is now being explored for large-scale gas separation technologies aimed at reducing climate change. Graphene oxide membranes are also part of the group's promising candidates.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateDec 4, 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.

Dangerous skin tumor now has treatment guidelines

A new study from Northwestern Medicine reports the first guidelines for treating sebaceous carcinoma, a cancer of oil glands that can be found on the skin or in the eye. The guidelines provide clear direction for treating these tumors, which may result in fewer deaths.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 4, 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.

Beta blocker use identified as hospitalization risk factor in 'stiff heart' heart failure

Researchers found that beta-blockers increase the risk of hospitalizations for heart failure among patients with 'stiff heart' heart failure, characterized by a normal squeeze but impaired relaxation of the heart muscle. Beta-blocker use was associated with a 74% higher risk of hospitalizations in this patient population.

SourceLarner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 4, 2019

Brain diseases with molecular diversity

Researchers found structural diversity in alpha-synuclein protein deposits associated with Parkinson's and MSA, revealing potential starting points for medicines. The study suggests that the variability of Parkinson's disease could be related to differences in the folding of aggregated alpha-synuclein.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019