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Science News Archive February 2019


Page 30 of 40

Study shows unusual microbes hold clues to early life

Researchers discovered a group of deep-sea microbes called Hydrothermarchaeota that thrive in extreme environments and have never been cultivated. These microbes use an unusual metabolic process to obtain energy from carbon monoxide and sulfate, which could provide insights into the evolution of life on Earth.

Bee dispersal ability may influence conservation measures

Research suggests that bees' dispersal ability influences their population genetic structure, which can impact their response to environmental changes. Larger-bodied bees with social behaviors exhibit lower genetic diversity than smaller-bodied solitary species.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High-risk sexually transmitted HPV virus associated with increased CVD risk

A new study found that high-risk HPV infection is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly among women with obesity or other cardiovascular risk factors. Women with high-risk HPV were 22% more likely to develop CVD, and those with obesity were nearly two-thirds more likely.

CPR can save lives in dialysis clinics, but it's underused

A recent study found that CPR initiated by dialysis staff can improve survival rates for patients experiencing cardiac arrest at outpatient facilities. However, this life-saving intervention is not always performed, with a rate of only 81% in cardiac arrest events.

Tune in and switch off

A recent study from the University of South Australia found that watching TV is strongly associated with obesity in children, even more so than other types of sitting. The research also revealed differences between boys' and girls' sedentary behaviors, with boys spending more time playing video games and having higher body fat.

Immigrant scientists lead charge in understanding human biology and disease

The Vilcek Foundation awards $250,000 Prizes to immigrant scientists Angelika Amon, Amit Choudhary, Jeanne T. Paz, and Mikhail G. Shapiro for their pioneering work in human biology and disease research. Their discoveries have significant implications for understanding cell growth, cancer, and neurological disorders.

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.

Circular RNA holds promise as cancer biomarker

Researchers have cataloged circular RNA in multiple cancers and identified it as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis. The stable structure of circRNA makes it an ideal candidate for detecting cancer in blood or urine samples.

Case study documents bone cancer in 240-million-year-old stem-turtle

A case study documents a highly malignant bone tumor in a 240-million-year-old stem-turtle from the Triassic period. The appearance of the tumor conforms with present-day periosteal osteosarcoma in humans, providing valuable insights into the history of cancer in tetrapod evolution.

New pill can deliver insulin

A new capsule has been developed to deliver oral doses of insulin, potentially replacing injections for people with type 2 diabetes. The capsule contains a small needle that releases insulin in the stomach, and its design allows it to orient itself to ensure contact with the stomach lining.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Normal brain aging patterns occur at a faster rate in people with psychosis

A new study finds that people with psychosis experience accelerated aging of brain networks important for general cognition, but at a faster rate than healthy individuals. This accelerated decline can be a promising target for early intervention and cognitive remediation strategies to improve functional outcomes.

Phthalates may impair fertility in female mice

A study found that phthalates, particularly DiNP and DEHP, can disrupt reproductive cycles and reduce fertility in female mice. The research suggests that these chemicals may impair fertility long after exposure has stopped.

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.

Two independent mechanisms are involved in tuberous sclerosis

A new study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers discovered two independent mechanisms contributing to tuberous sclerosis, a rare genetic disease. Glycogen accumulation is linked to mTORC1 hyperactivity in some cases, while other TSC2 mutations trigger defects in lysosome formation and glycogen digestion.

Unleashing perovskites' potential for solar cells

Researchers have discovered a 'sweet spot' where adding certain additives enhances perovskite solar cell performance, but beyond that point, further additions degrade it. The findings provide clues for improving the material's efficiency and longevity, which currently lags behind conventional silicon cells.

NASA finds a pinhole eye in Tropical Cyclone Funani

NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Funani revealing a small pinhole eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The storm rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 115 knots.

Hubble reveals dynamic atmospheres of Uranus, Neptune

The Hubble Space Telescope has uncovered new insights into the weather patterns of Uranus and Neptune, revealing dynamic atmospheres with mysterious dark storms. The observations suggest that these storms form in a similar way to Jupiter's Great Red Spot and are driven by seasonal changes.

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.

Smartphone use risks eye examination misdiagnosis

Research from Anglia Ruskin University found that calibrated smartphone cameras can significantly improve accuracy in eye examinations. The study used three smartphones and compared results to clinician diagnoses, highlighting the importance of camera calibration for telemedicine and AI applications.

Why forgetting at work can be a good thing

A new study by psychologists and information scientists found that the ability to forget information can lead to better economic decisions and reduced cognitive load. Participants who used an information system reported feeling less stressed and having more time to recall details of other products.

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.

At epicenter of Zika outbreak, dengue immunity provided protection

A new study from Yale University confirms that people with antibodies to dengue virus were less likely to become infected with Zika during the 2015 outbreak. This finding highlights the importance of dengue immunity in preventing Zika transmission and potentially reducing outbreaks in tropical regions.

Evidence for a new fundamental constant of the sun

A team at Northumbria University discovered a distinctive marker on magnetic waves in the Sun's corona, indicating that sound waves from inside the Sun excite these waves. This finding suggests a new fundamental constant of the Sun and has significant implications for our understanding of stellar atmospheres.

New materials for high-voltage supercapacitors

A research team at Tohoku University has created a new material for supercapacitors with exceptional stability under harsh conditions, exceeding conventional activated carbons by 2.7 times in voltage stability.

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.

Can healthier habits help preserve mental skills?

A nationwide clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of lifestyle interventions on brain health and cognitive function in older adults. The U.S. POINTER study, funded by a $35 million grant, will compare two lifestyle interventions focusing on healthy diet, physical activity, and social challenges.

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.

Simple drug combination creates new neurons from neighboring cells

Researchers at Penn State discovered a simple drug cocktail that converts glial cells into functional new neurons, which can survive for over seven months in a lab culture. The approach has promising implications for treating neurological disorders such as stroke and Alzheimer's disease, with the potential to be used in a pill form.

Mathematical biologist Erika Camacho receives 2019 AAAS Mentor Award

Erika Camacho, an associate professor at Arizona State University, received the 2019 AAAS Mentor Award for guiding hundreds of underrepresented Ph.D. students to completion. Her research focuses on mathematical modeling for biology and sociology, and she has also mentored over 600 undergraduates.

Scientists discover new type of self-healing material

Researchers create a new type of self-healing material that exhibits properties such as toughness and shape memory. The material autonomously heals under mechanical damage, including in water and aqueous acid and alkaline solutions, without the need for external energy or stimulus.

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.

Finally available in a bottle

Researchers from University of Freiburg successfully prepared the elusive chromium hexacarbonyl cation, a key compound for basic research and applications. The team used standard laboratory equipment and common solvents to fill the stable compound into bottles as a solution and crystals.

Sociologists study the impact religion has on child development

Researchers analyzed data from third-graders to find that religion positively correlates with social psychological development but negatively affects academic performance in math and science. The study suggests that religion is a mixed blessing for children's development.

Deep sea reveals linkage between earthquake and carbon cycle

An international team has quantified the entire trench-wide volume of marine sediments remobilized by the magnitude 9 Tohoku-oki earthquake in 2011, transporting over 1 Tg of carbon to ocean depths. The study highlights the importance of deep-sea trenches in the global carbon cycle.

Choosy amphipods

In a study by Goethe University Frankfurt researchers, male amphipods demonstrated choosiness in their mating behavior. The degree of choosiness was found to be influenced by population density in their natural environments.

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.

Dengue immunity may buffer against Zika, study finds

A study led by the Brazilian Ministry of Health found that dengue immunity can protect against Zika infection in human populations. In a cohort of 1,453 residents, those with dengue antibodies had a 9% reduction in risk of Zika infection for each doubling of antibody titers.

Promising results for new acute porphyria treatment

A new drug candidate, givosiran, has shown promising results in treating acute porphyria by preventing attacks and reducing hemin need by up to 83%, according to a recent clinical trial. The study's lead author notes that the treatment can effectively prevent acute attacks in seriously afflicted patients with limited options.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Engineered DNA vaccine protects against emerging Mayaro virus

Researchers have developed a novel DNA vaccine capable of inducing protective immunity against the Mayaro virus, which causes fever, rash, and joint pain. The vaccine demonstrated complete protection from death and clinical signs of infection in a mouse model, offering a promising solution for combating this emerging infectious disease.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis: High mortality rate due to inaccurate tests

A recent study found that many cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis remain undetected due to inaccurate tests, leading to incorrect treatment and higher mortality rates. The researchers recommend developing new, comprehensive point-of-care molecular tests that can deliver results within hours or days.

Defining the shape of cool

A team of researchers at Duke University has determined the structure of the TRPM8 protein, which is responsible for sensing cold and menthol. The findings suggest that PIP2 and cooling agents like menthol cooperate to control structural changes in TRPM8, potentially leading to new treatments for chronic pain and migraine.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Cancer cells' plasticity makes them harder to stop

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a direct connection between gene regulation and metabolic pathways in cancer cells, enabling them to adapt to hostile environments. The study's findings reveal three stable metabolic states that cancer cells can adopt to evade therapies.

Novel electrocatalyst outperforms platinum in alkaline hydrogen production

A novel ruthenium-based catalyst has shown markedly better performance than commercial platinum catalysts in alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production. The electrochemical splitting of water to produce hydrogen is a crucial step in the development of hydrogen as a clean, environmentally friendly fuel.

Scientists discover a better way to make plastics out of sulfur

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a new process to create polymers from sulfur, which could lead to more sustainable plastics. The discovery, published in Nature Communications, uses a catalytic process that reduces reaction times and temperatures, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.

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.

Viral communications hacking boosts Leishmania infections

A study from McGill University reveals that a virus infecting the Leishmania parasite exploits cell-to-cell communication to spread and evade detection. This discovery could lead to effective vaccines against leishmaniasis, a disease causing severe disfiguration in tropical areas.