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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 9


Page 9 of 36

Solving the puzzle of IgG4-related disease, the elusive autoimmune disorder

A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science has made a breakthrough in understanding the inflammation mechanism in IgG4-related disease. They found that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and T follicular helper cells (Tfh cells) are necessary for pancreatic inflammation, and propose Janus kinase (JAK) as a suitable therapeutic t...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Immunology·DateDec 18, 2019

Vaping of marijuana on the rise among teens

The 2019 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey found that vaping of marijuana has more than doubled in the past two years, with past month use nearly tripling. Daily marijuana vaping also increased, reported at 3.5% among 12th graders. Overall, marijuana remains the most commonly used illicit drug by adolescents.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA·DateDec 18, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ice sheet melting: Estimates still uncertain, experts warn

Climate scientists continue to face uncertainties in predicting ice sheet melt rates, which directly impact sea-level rise projections. Recent research highlights the need for improved observations and computer models to refine these estimates and inform climate adaptation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateDec 18, 2019

Nanopores can identify the amino acids in proteins, the first step to sequencing

Scientists have developed a method to identify all 20 amino acids in proteins using nanopores, a major breakthrough towards protein sequencing. The technology allows for precise differentiation of modified forms of amino acids, potentially identifying hundreds of modifications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 18, 2019

Marijuana use in e-cigarettes increases among US students 2017-2018

The study found that the proportion of students reporting ever using marijuana in an e-cigarette increased from 11.1% to 14.7% between 2017 and 2018. This increase was seen among certain demographic groups, including males, females, adolescents, high-schoolers, non-Hispanic whites, and Hispanics.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 18, 2019

Pregnant women with HIV often not given recommended treatment

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that 30% of pregnant women with HIV were prescribed medications with insufficient evidence of safety in pregnancy. The study, led by Kathleen M. Powis, suggests that physicians may be prescribing ahead of recommended guidelines.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 18, 2019

Interfacial chemistry improves rechargeability of Zn batteries

Researchers have proposed new concepts for in situ formed and artificial SEIs to fundamentally modulate the electrochemical characteristics of zinc. The interfacial design enables reversible and dendrite-free Zn plating/stripping, resulting in excellent cycling stability with negligible capacity loss.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 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.

Children with HIV score below HIV-negative peers in cognitive, motor function tests

Researchers found that children with HIV performed poorly on neuropsychological tests, particularly in planning and reasoning abilities, compared to their HIV-negative peers. The disparity worsened over time, highlighting the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms of these cognitive challenges.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 18, 2019

Little reason for moral panicking after #MeToo

A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that most people agree on what is considered acceptable behavior at work, but emphasizes the importance of clarifying boundaries and addressing stereotypical thinking to effectively reduce sexual harassment.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalSexuality & Culture·DateDec 18, 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.

State of the climate over the Three Gorges Region of the Yangtze River in 2018

Researchers at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, published a report analyzing climate monitoring data for the Three Gorges area of the Yangtze River in 2018. The study provides basic climate monitoring facts and data to inform further research on extreme climatic events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 18, 2019

Getting a good night's sleep complicated by menopause

A new study found that postmenopausal women experience more sleep problems, including insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, compared to premenopausal and perimenopausal women. Researchers confirmed the increase in sleep disorders as women transition from perimenopause to postmenopause.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateDec 18, 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.

Saccharin derivatives give cancer cells a not-so-sweet surprise

Researchers have designed artificial sweetener derivatives that inhibit two tumor-associated enzymes, showing improved activity against cancer cells. These compounds selectively bind to enzymes CA IX and XII, making them potential anti-cancer drugs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2019

New coating hides temperature change from infrared cameras

Researchers at UW-Madison developed an ultrathin coating that decouples temperature and thermal light emission, allowing for temperature-independent thermal radiation. This technology has potential applications in heat transfer, camouflage, and infrared imaging protection.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2019

Battery-powered headgear could short-circuit joint pain

Researchers are developing a non-invasive device that uses transcranial direct current stimulation to desensitize areas tied to knee pain in the brain. Participants wear a cap powered by three AAA batteries and undergo 15, 20-minute sessions over three weeks.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateDec 18, 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.

New method captures real-time movement of millions of molecules in 3D

Researchers developed a new method using interferometry to visualize the movement of millions of molecules in 3D, providing insights into biological processes. The technique distinguishes between flow and diffusion movements, enabling the study of virus-cell interactions and cellular dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 18, 2019

Study shows risks for additional procedures after bariatric surgery

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that gastric bypass surgery is associated with a slightly higher risk of returning to the operating room or having other types of interventions. By four years out, researchers estimated that 26.5% of bypass patients had an endoscopy procedure compared to 18% of sleeve patients.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 18, 2019

The delicate water lily: A rose by another name?

A new study published in Nature reports the genome sequence of the blue-petal water lily, finding evidence of genetic innovations that may have led to the evolution of floral scent and other traits in early-diverged flowering plants. The research sheds light on the early evolution of all angiosperms.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 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.

Health impact of support between African American couples when dealing with racial discrimination

Racism-specific support from spouses significantly benefits African American husbands' and wives' physical and mental well-being. Despite this, Black women often bear the burden of supporting their male partners, highlighting a need for targeted resources and support networks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateDec 18, 2019

Study: Human management helps rare plants, butterflies survive hurricane

A new study from North Carolina State University shows that ongoing habitat management can help prevent hurricane-driven extinctions. The research found that a rare Florida plant, the pineland croton, weathered the damage from Hurricane Irma better in plots under human management than those left alone.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 18, 2019

Study finds racial/ethnic disparities in pain treatment by emergency responders

A new study by Portland State University researchers found racial and ethnic disparities in pain treatment by emergency responders, with Hispanic and Asian patients receiving lower quality care. The study analyzed 25,732 health records and found that odds of pain assessment were 21-31% lower for these groups compared to white patients.

SourcePortland State University·JournalMedical Care·DateDec 18, 2019

Different approaches to 'zero-sum' thinking, contribute to political divide

A study found that zero-sum thinking fuels political divisions in the US, with conservatives viewing policies as threats and liberals as opportunities. The research suggests that framing policies to emphasize or challenge the status quo can increase bipartisan support.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 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.

Switching cereals in India for improved nutrition, sustainability

A new study from the University of Delaware suggests that India can sustainably enhance its food supply and reduce environmental impacts by reducing reliance on rice and planting more nutritious crops like sorghum and finger millet. The traditional cereals have higher nutritional quality, use less water and energy, and emit fewer green...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2019

Forgetfulness might depend on time of day

Researchers identified a gene in mice that influences memory recall at different times of day, causing mice to be more forgetful just before waking up. The study found that the circadian clock regulates memory retrieval via dopamine and PKA-induced GluA1 phosphorylation.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2019

Researchers support new strategies for HIV control

Elite controllers, a subset of HIV-positive individuals, have distinct transcriptional profiles and enhanced ribosomal function in their lymphoid tissue CD8+ T cells. This allows them to suppress HIV replication through cytokine production, presenting an alternative approach to traditional viral eradication strategies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 18, 2019

Alzheimer's study shows promise in protecting brain from tau

Researchers have found that suppressing MSUT2, a gene involved in tau regulation, may protect against Alzheimer's disease. The study also highlights the importance of preserving PABPN1 activity to prevent brain degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 18, 2019

Grain traits traced to 'dark matter' of rice genome

Researchers found that key changes during rice domestication reflect selection on traits determined by a portion of the genome that does not transcribe proteins. Non-coding RNAs, suspected to play important roles in regulating growth and development, were also implicated.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 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.

Deprivation strongly linked to hospital admissions

Research from the University of Cambridge found that people living in deprived areas are more likely to be admitted to hospital, with manual workers and those with low educational attainment at highest risk. The study suggests that addressing environmental deprivation is crucial for reducing hospitalization rates.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBMJ Open·DateDec 18, 2019

National clinical trial provides mastectomy alternative for recurrent breast cancer

A phase 2 clinical trial has demonstrated an effective alternative to mastectomy for breast cancer patients experiencing recurrence after initial lumpectomy and whole-breast radiation. The treatment involved a second lumpectomy followed by partial breast reirradiation, resulting in long-term cancer control and low toxic side effects.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 18, 2019

'Like a video game with health points,' energy budgets explain evolutionary body size

A new model of animal energy budgets reveals that resource variation is a key mechanism driving evolutionary body size. By considering factors such as metabolism, reproduction costs, and offspring energy delivery, the model shows that larger bodies provide more room for energy storage, helping animals survive uncertain environments.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2019

Is targeting aging the future of medicine? Researchers make the case

Researchers argue that intervening on biological aging mechanisms can slow multiple age-related diseases, extending health span. Geroscience seeks to define the underlying causes of aging, aiming to delay or prevent diseases simultaneously.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalPublic Policy & Aging Report·DateDec 18, 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.

Using robots to inspect sewer pipes

The University of Texas at Arlington is collaborating with the city of Waxahachie on a pilot project to inspect several miles of sewer pipelines using robotic technology. This will allow for more accurate estimates of pipeline service life, reducing the need for costly replacements and enabling 'microsurgery' repairs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateDec 18, 2019

Quantum dot technology invisibly records vaccination history on skin

A research team developed a microneedle platform using fluorescent quantum dots to deliver vaccines and record vaccination history in the skin. The platform offers a dependable way for clinicians to keep accurate medical records, potentially saving millions of lives worldwide.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 18, 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.

Scientists discover a new mechanism in childhood kidney cancer

Researchers found that a problem in gene-regulatory process can cause normal cells to turn malignant and produce Wilms' tumor. The implicated reader protein causes problems by acquiring a new property and being too active, leading to abnormal gene expression and tumor formation.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 2019

Walking and cycling to work linked with fewer heart attacks

A new national study found that walking and cycling to work were associated with a significant reduction in heart attacks. For women who walked to work, there was an associated 1.7% reduction in heart attacks the following year, while men who cycled to work experienced the same decrease.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 18, 2019

A more intuitive online banking service would reinforce its use among the over-55s

Experts recommend developing more intuitive applications with signposting and instructions to help older adults feel comfortable navigating online banking. Self-sufficiency and technological anxiety influence behavior, making it essential to increase confidence and reduce anxiety through clear communication and usability guarantees.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalUniversal Access in the Information Society·DateDec 18, 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.

Pregnancy hypertension risk increased by traffic-related air pollution

Traffic-related air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnant women, with exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) associated with a 50% higher likelihood of developing preeclampsia. The study highlights the need for further research into the impact of environmental exposures during pregnancy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateDec 18, 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.

Solar power from 'the dark side' unlocked by a new formula

A new thermodynamic formula reveals bifacial cells can generate 15-20% more sunlight to electricity than monofacial cells, taking into consideration different terrain and surfaces. The formula helps companies design more efficient next-generation solar cells.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2019

New space image reveals cosmic 'candy cane'

A new image of the Milky Way's center captures a colorful composite of giant molecular clouds, with details on radio filaments and star factories. Scientists use GISMO data to observe microwaves at large scales, making detailed observations for the first time.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateDec 18, 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.

Stevia remains the most discussed low/zero-calorie sweetener

The International Stevia Council's 2019 Online Conversation & Trends Analysis reveals stevia as the most discussed low-calorie sweetener, with doubled mentions in both English- and Spanish-speaking countries. Positive sentiment around stevia remains high, increasing by 5% in English-speaking countries.

SourceKellen Communications - NY·DateDec 18, 2019