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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 6


Page 6 of 36

New algorithm could mean more efficient, accurate equipment for Army

Researchers have created an algorithm to simulate electromagnetic wave interactions with materials, reducing simulation time from months to hours. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and accurate equipment in fields like biology, astronomy, and telecommunications.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalSIAM Journal on Scientific Computing·DateDec 19, 2019

Science's 2019 breakthrough of the year: The first image of a black hole

The Event Horizon Telescope's image reveals a silhouette of the massive black hole at the center of M87, a galaxy nearly 55 million light-years from Earth. The image is the result of over 200 scientists' collaborative efforts and has captured the minds of people worldwide.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 2019

Research shows increased sediment flux in the Yangtze river headwater

A new study finds significant increases in sediment flux in the Tuotuo River, a key headwater of the Yangtze River. The research attributes these changes to warming temperatures and enhanced precipitation and discharge capacity. The findings provide valuable insights for water and soil management on the Tibetan Plateau.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Bulletin·DateDec 19, 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.

Watermelon supplements bring health benefits to obese mice

A new study from Oregon State University found that watermelon supplements significantly improved blood glucose levels and increased beneficial bacteria in high-fat-fed mice. The researchers recorded a 10-week diet and supplement regimen to observe these effects.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateDec 19, 2019

Artificial 'inclusion bodies' created for controlled drug release

Scientists at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed artificial protein granules that can sustainably release therapeutic proteins in lab animals. These 'artificial inclusion bodies' mimic natural bacterial structures and hold great potential for vaccines and controlled-release drug delivery systems.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 19, 2019

Fibroblasts involved in healing spur tumor growth in cancer

Fibroblasts play a crucial role in wound healing but also facilitate tumor growth and metastases in breast cancer. Inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways may prevent metastatic relapse, say researchers from Tel Aviv University.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 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.

Improving efficiency, effectiveness of security X-ray technology

Researchers propose a novel technique for efficient security detection using a spiral array of X-ray detectors, increasing detection depth and accuracy. The system can distinguish individual items within a suitcase, addressing limitations of traditional X-ray imaging.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateDec 19, 2019

NIH-developed Zika vaccine improves fetal outcomes in animal model

A new study found that a Zika vaccine developed by NIH improved fetal outcomes in pregnant monkeys and rhesus macaques infected with congenital Zika virus. The vaccine reduced virus levels and prevented fetal infection, suggesting sterilizing immunity may not be required for protection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 19, 2019

NASA's Fermi Mission links nearby pulsar's gamma-ray 'halo' to antimatter puzzle

The discovery of a faint gamma-ray 'halo' around Geminga, a nearby pulsar, may hold the solution to a long-standing mystery about the amount of antimatter in our neighborhood. The halo's size and energy suggest that it could be responsible for as much as 20% of high-energy positrons detected by NASA's Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalPhysical Review D·DateDec 19, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Skin and mucous membrane lesions as complication of pneumonia

Researchers developed a new ELISpot blood test to diagnose bacterial infections, including Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which can trigger skin and mucous membrane lesions in children. The test detects specific immune cells targeted against M. pneumoniae, allowing for more specific treatment and prognosis.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateDec 19, 2019

Light pollution can suppress melatonin production in humans and animals

Research found that even low levels of urban skyglow can suppress melatonin production in humans and vertebrates. The sensitivity threshold for humans is 6 lux, while fish and rodents require much lower levels. Artificial light at night can disrupt nocturnal melatonin production.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalSustainability·DateDec 19, 2019

When it's story time, animated books are better for learning

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that digital storybooks with animated content enhance recall and language skills in children. The study used a contingent responsiveness approach, where the book's animation responds to the child's vocalization, providing positive reinforcement and improving learning outcomes.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateDec 19, 2019

Bochum team wins second place in machine-learning competition

The Ruhr-University Bochum team used a combination of data analytics and physical models to predict material properties, winning second place in an international machine learning competition. Their algorithm was published in NPJ Computational Materials and has been shown to be transferable to different material classes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateDec 19, 2019

Advanced imaging tips T cell target recognition on its head

Scientists have discovered a new population of gamma delta T cells that recognize an MHC-like molecule called MR1. Using advanced imaging techniques, researchers found that these T cells bind to MR1 from underneath the molecule, rather than sitting atop it as previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 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.

Adulthood with autism

A recent study by MU researcher Nancy Cheak-Zamora found that many young adults with autism struggle to achieve independence due to a disconnect between caregiver support and individual efforts. The research recommends shifting the perception towards strengths and skill sets, providing opportunities for mastery of tasks like cooking an...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAutism·DateDec 19, 2019

A new role for a triple-negative breast cancer target

Researchers have discovered that the protein deltaNp63 plays a vital role in supplying energy to the mammary gland during puberty, while also being implicated in aggressive forms of cancer. The findings suggest that targeting this protein could be a viable approach for treating triple-negative breast cancer without affecting normal dev...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalFEBS Letters·DateDec 19, 2019

Discovered the first intrinsic magnetic topological insulator

An international team of researchers has predicted and observed the first topological insulator with intrinsic magnetic properties, MnBi2Te4. This discovery opens possibilities for applications in electronics, including faster and low-energy consumption devices.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature·DateDec 19, 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.

Mining metagenomics: A faster and more efficient method to compare metagenomes

A team of researchers in China has developed a new algorithm to compare metagenomes, allowing for more accurate understanding of microbiome diversity. The Dynamic Meta-Storms (DMS) algorithm compares metagenomes at the species level, considering physical and genetic details, as well as evolutionary relationships.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalBioinformatics·DateDec 19, 2019

MAGIC system allows researchers to modulate the activity of genes acting in concert

Researchers have developed a new functional genomics system, MAGIC, which allows them to modulate the activity of multiple genes in concert. By combining individual gene edits with custom DNA sequences, scientists can explore synergistic effects and better understand complex traits.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2019

Ultrashort x-ray technique will probe conditions found at the heart of planets

Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new technique using powerful lasers and bright x-rays to capture information about extremely dense and hot matter. This breakthrough allows for unprecedented resolution and efficiency in studying warm dense matter, crucial for fusion power and astrophysics.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 19, 2019

Rapid diagnostic tests accurately diagnose Chagas disease

Researchers report that two commercially-available rapid diagnostic tests can be combined for conclusive diagnosis of Chagas disease. The tests provided a sensitivity of 97.7% and specificity of 96.1%, outperforming the conventional serological method.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 19, 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.

Watching TV makes us prefer thinner women

A comprehensive study by Durham University found that TV exposure can have a causal effect on people's perceptions of body ideals, leading to the preference for thinner female bodies. The researchers are advocating for a shift towards a 'health at every size' attitude and media representation of diverse body types.

SourceDurham University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 19, 2019

Study examines safety-net care for US patients on maintenance dialysis

A new study reveals that non-profit and hospital-based dialysis facilities are disproportionately caring for uninsured patients with kidney failure and those who only qualify for Medicaid. These facilities have a higher relative risk of starting dialysis compared to other types of facilities.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 19, 2019

Structures in seaweed shed light on sustainability

Researchers have discovered a new alginate lyase in a heat-loving bacterium that can directly utilize brown algae and ferment its components into ethanol with high-yield. The study has identified previously unknown enzymatic families contributing to bioconversion, shedding light on sustainable seaweed-based biofuel production.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 19, 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.

Understanding the mechanisms of seemingly chaotic synchronization in trees

A team of scientists at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a method to model the synchronization behaviors of different tree species using control parameters. They found that two populations of Zelkova serrata trees 20 kilometers apart were completely synchronized in a '3-year cycle', demonstrating the Period...

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 19, 2019

Healing rays: Whoopi's quick to mend

Researchers studied manta ray 'Whoopi' who suffered significant propeller cuts in 2015 and found she healed by 50% in just 46 days. The study reveals a unique adaptive immune system likely behind the high healing capacity of sharks and rays.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 19, 2019

No storm in a teacup -- it's a cyclone on a silicon chip

University of Queensland researchers combined quantum liquids with silicon-chip technology to study turbulence for the first time. This breakthrough allows observation of nanoscale quantum turbulence, mirroring cyclone behavior, and provides a new way to understand turbulent dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 2019

Study busts 9 to 5 model for academic work

A recent study published in The BMJ found significant variations in how researchers worldwide manage their work-life balance. Chinese academics were shown to be the most prolific during weekends and late at night, while Scandinavian countries took a more balanced approach. This highlights the presence of a 'culture of overwork' across ...

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 19, 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.

Tweaks behind the rebirth of nearly discarded organic solar technologies

Researchers have improved the efficiency of organic solar technologies by tweaking the underlying chemistry, boosting power output from 1% to 18%. The new approach uses non-fullerene acceptors, which can be shaped, colored, and semi-transparent, offering advantages over traditional silicon-based solar cells.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalMatter·DateDec 19, 2019

Conservation's hidden costs take bite out of benefits

A recent study found that conservation programs like China's Grain-to-Green Program can increase crop raiding by 64% on remaining cropland, resulting in significant economic losses. The hidden costs of conservation are being borne by poor farmers, who are also receiving lower yields and farming smaller areas.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcological Economics·DateDec 19, 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.

Many pregnant women with HIV prescribed treatment that does not meet federal guidelines

A study led by NIH-funded researchers analyzed data on pregnant women with HIV and found that nearly 20% received treatment regimens not aligned with federal guidelines for use during pregnancy. The study highlights the need for further research into prescribing practices for pregnant women living with HIV.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 19, 2019

Marine biology: Acidified oceans may corrode shark scales

A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that prolonged exposure to high carbon dioxide seawater may corrode tooth-like scales covering the skin of puffadder shysharks. The research found that 25% of denticles were damaged in acidified water, compared to 9.2% in a control group.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 19, 2019

Glutamine may decrease obesity-linked inflammation

A new study suggests that glutamine supplementation could help people with obesity reduce inflammation of fat tissue and reduce fat mass. Glutamine levels were found to alter gene expression in several different cell types, leading to anti-inflammatory effects on white blood cells and T-cells.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 19, 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.

Which is more effective for treating PTSD: Medication, or psychotherapy?

A systematic review and meta-analysis found insufficient evidence to determine whether serotonin reuptake inhibitors or trauma-focused psychotherapy are more effective in treating PTSD. The study concludes that clinicians should make shared decisions with patients based on patient preferences regarding treatment characteristics.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateDec 19, 2019

How microbes reflect the health of coral reefs

A study by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution compared seawater from protected and impacted reefs in Cuba and Florida Keys, finding that protected reefs have higher microbial diversity and lower nutrient concentrations. This suggests that offshore and highly-protected reefs are healthier than nearshore reefs with less protection ...

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateDec 19, 2019

Scientists uncover world's oldest forest

Scientists have uncovered fossils of trees from the world's oldest forest, dating back 386 million years, in a sandstone quarry in Cairo, New York. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution of trees and their role in shaping the world we live in today.

SourceCardiff University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 19, 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.

Honey, I shrunk Michelangelo's David

Scientists from ETH Zurich have successfully created a miniature copper statue of Michelangelo's famous sculpture using 3D printing technology. The technique allows for the creation of metal structures at the nanometer and micrometer scale, enabling the production of complex geometries with high precision.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMicromachines·DateDec 19, 2019

Guidelines for clinicians to address youth vaping

Clinicians are advised to screen, counsel and treat youth for vaping using well-studied models and youth-friendly terminology. The guidelines emphasize the importance of identifying relapse, providing positive reinforcement and revisiting treatment plans for effective cessation.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 19, 2019

Understanding why songbirds choose their homes

A new study by University of Alberta biologists found that birds of the same species do not use the same habitats in different parts of the Canadian boreal forest. This phenomenon, known as differential habitat selection, has significant implications for conservation planning and management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateDec 19, 2019

Researchers investigate factors influencing visceral leishmaniasis death

A study found that premature deaths from visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil were faster in urban areas and among younger patients, while those with HIV had slower survival times. The median time between symptom onset and death was around 9 days, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 19, 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.

A surprising new source of attention in the brain

Research at Rockefeller University discovered a new brain area, PITd, that steers attention and challenges the long-held concept of attention control. The finding suggests a rethinking of old concepts about attentional control and highlights the complexity of the brain's attention mechanisms.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2019

Number of youth who start vaping at 14 or before has tripled

The number of e-cigarette users who began vaping at age 14 or younger has more than tripled in the last five years, according to a University of Michigan study. This increase is alarming as early e-cigarette use is linked to later risk for cigarette smoking and nicotine exposure can confer particular risk.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 19, 2019

Scientists discover first antiferromagnetic topological quantum material

Researchers have successfully developed the first crystal-growing technique for manganese-bismuth telluride (MnBi2Te4), a new antiferromagnetic topological insulator. The discovery has significant implications for technological advances in information processing, sensors, and computing.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature·DateDec 19, 2019

Caffeine may offset some health risks of diets high in fat, sugar

A new study in rats suggests that caffeine may offset some of the negative effects of an obesogenic diet by reducing lipid storage and limiting weight gain. Caffeine decreased lipids in adipose cells by 20%-41% and downregulated genes associated with obesity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateDec 19, 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.

Novel 3D microscopy technique reveals new phenomena in living cells

A novel 3D microscopy technique allows researchers to quantify previously unseen or unexplained cell behavior. The technique has been applied to study the dynamics of organelles and fat droplets within living cells, revealing new aspects of their behavior such as synchronization of swelling among droplets.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 19, 2019