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Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 15


Page 15 of 40

New insight on potent HIV antibody could improve vaccine design

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have made a breakthrough in understanding how HIV antibodies adapt to viral changes, identifying a crucial mutation that enables them to target diverse virus strains. This finding has significant implications for developing effective HIV vaccines.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 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.

Establishing the molecular blueprint of early embryo development

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have generated a comprehensive molecular map of gastrulation in mice, revealing the genetic activity of over 100,000 embryonic cells. This discovery provides critical information on how mammalian embryos develop during gastrulation and paves the way for new understanding of organ formation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 2019

Russian researchers made gold nano-stars for intracellular delivery

Russian researchers created star-shaped nanoparticles with sharp spikes using laser irradiation for intracellular delivery. The method achieved efficiency rates of over 95% and minimal toxicity, making it a potential alternative to existing technologies.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·DateFeb 20, 2019

Lesbian and bi women at increased risk of being overweight

New research from the University of East Anglia found that lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to be overweight or obese compared to heterosexual women. Gay men, on the other hand, are less likely to be overweight but at risk of being underweight, which is linked to various health problems.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateFeb 20, 2019

Understanding peppers and chilis from around the world

A multinational review of peppers/chilis (Capsicum species) explores various aspects, including taxonomy, genetic resources, cytogenetic studies, and capsaicinoid biosynthesis. The crop's global production, cultivation, and economic value are also examined.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateFeb 20, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dietary fiber helps clump material in your gut

A new study from Caltech reveals that dietary fiber plays a role in clumping gut particles, which may affect drug absorption and microbial populations. Longer fibers promote physical aggregation of particles, providing a potential mechanism for controlling particle behavior in the gut.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 20, 2019

Ecosystem responses to dam removal complex, but predictable

A recent study suggests that dam removals can be anticipated by understanding the unique environmental conditions at each site and their impact on aquatic species recolonization, sediment flow, and water quality changes.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 20, 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.

Keeping heavy metals out of beer and wine

Researchers tested three types of food-grade diatomaceous earth used to filter beer and wine, finding that all contained arsenic and smaller amounts of lead and cadmium. Altering filtering conditions or washing the DE before use reduced arsenic transfer.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 20, 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.

'Butterfly-shaped' palladium subnano cluster built in 3-D

Researchers build a 2D nanosheet and link it together to form a stable 3D 'butterfly-shaped' palladium cluster with potential industrial applications. The cluster's unique shape is stabilized by chemical linkers, enabling precise control of its function.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateFeb 20, 2019

Exercise in morning or afternoon to shift your body clock forward

A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that exercising at 7 am or between 1 and 4 pm advances the body clock to an earlier time, while exercising between 7 and 10 pm delays it. This research has implications for counteracting jet lag and shift work.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 19, 2019

Renewable energy generation with kites and drones

A new software tool has been developed to analyze Airborne Wind Energy Systems (AWES) that utilize lightweight kites or large drones. This innovation offers a cost-effective way to harness wind energy at high altitudes, where traditional wind turbines are not feasible.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalApplied Mathematical Modelling·DateFeb 19, 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.

Citizen scientist finds ancient white dwarf star with enigmatic dust rings

A volunteer astronomer has found an ancient white dwarf star with multiple dust rings, forcing researchers to reconsider planetary system models. The discovery challenges current understanding of how planetary systems evolve and could provide insights into the distant future of our solar system.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 19, 2019

Plants can skip the middlemen to directly recognize disease-causing fungi

Researchers found that multiple variants of the same resistance gene can bind dissimilar pathogen proteins in distantly related plant species, enabling direct recognition of disease-causing fungi. This discovery has significant implications for generating disease-resistant crops and could lead to rationally designed synthetic receptors.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·DateFeb 19, 2019

Ancient 'night' marsupial faced four months of winter darkness

Paleontologists discovered a new species of marsupial, Unnuakomys hutchisoni, which lived during the Late Cretaceous Period about 69 million years ago. The tiny creature, weighing less than an ounce, adapted to survive four months of winter darkness in the Arctic Circle.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateFeb 19, 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.

Visualizing mental valuation processes

A new computer model has been developed to map mental valuation processes in the brain, enabling accurate predictions of food choices. The model takes into account individual valuations and efficiency principles, allowing for the prediction of decision behavior.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 19, 2019

Food allergies and multiple sclerosis: study reveals a new link

A new study found that multiple sclerosis patients with food allergies experienced a higher rate of disease activity and increased likelihood of new lesions compared to those without food allergies. The association highlights the potential role of the gut in MS immune dysregulation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateFeb 19, 2019

Research shows structural barriers are the biggest reason for low participation in clinical trials

Research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that patients face structural and clinical barriers to participating in clinical trials, with nearly 22% deemed ineligible. The team calls for policy changes such as expanding trial locations and proactively discussing options with patients to increase access and participation.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 19, 2019

Mount Sinai and UC San Diego Health announce framework to promote innovation in EMS

The Mount Sinai Health System, in collaboration with UC San Diego Health, has released a national framework report that identifies regulatory, financial, and technological obstacles to improving local and state EMS systems. The report provides recommendations to create a more dynamic system responsive to society's needs.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2019

Beyond the bulkheterojunction

A novel concept proposes a lateral alternating multilayered junction for organic solar cells, enabling long-distance carrier transport and extraction. The structure shows promising results with high exciton-collection efficiency, paving the way to exceed conversion efficiency of 20%.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateFeb 19, 2019
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.

Prenatal forest fire exposure stunts children's growth

Research from Duke University and National University of Singapore reveals pre-natal exposure to forest fire haze leads to a 1.3-inch decrease in expected height at age 17, resulting in long-term human capital losses and permanent stunting effects on children's growth.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 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.

New model mimics persistent interneuron loss seen in prematurity

Research at Children's National Hospital created a novel preclinical model that mimics persistent interneuron loss in preterm human infants. The study identified specific interneuron subtypes as potential therapeutic targets to prevent or lessen neurodevelopmental risks.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournaleNeuro·DateFeb 19, 2019

Revealed: How the 'Iron Man' of immune cells helps T cells fight infection

A Monash University study reveals how helper T cells aid memory T cells in optimal functioning and generate a robust response against infection. The research sheds light on the mechanisms behind immunological memory and its potential applications in creating new vaccines and treatments for diseases.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2019

Potential link between vitamin D deficiency and loss of brain plasticity

Research at University of Queensland suggests a connection between vitamin D levels and brain structure, finding that low levels disrupt perineuronal nets in the hippocampus. This disruption leads to reduced cognitive function and potentially contributes to disorders like depression and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateFeb 19, 2019

LOFAR radio telescope reveals secrets of solar storms

A team of scientists used LOFAR data to study a massive solar storm on September 10, 2017, revealing that particles accelerate simultaneously in multiple locations. This discovery may help improve space weather forecasting and mitigate potential effects on communication, navigation, and power grids.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 19, 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.

NASA set to demonstrate X-ray communications in space

X-rays have shorter wavelengths than infrared and radio waves, enabling tighter beams and less energy consumption. The demonstration aims to increase interest in the technology, which could enable more efficient data transfer rates for deep space missions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 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.

Polymer twin: New implant imitates bone structure

Scientists developed a new hybrid bone implant combining the properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The implant's unique structure allows for improved strength, elasticity, and affordability.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalMaterials Letters·DateFeb 19, 2019

Fibers from old tires can improve fire resistance of concrete

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a new method to protect concrete from fire damage using recycled tire fibers. The fibers reduce spalling and strengthen steel reinforcements, preventing collapse and structural failure.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalFire Technology·DateFeb 19, 2019

Putting the brakes on aging

A new gene therapy using CRISPR/Cas9 targets the accumulation of toxic proteins in progeria syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The therapy improves health and life span in mice, providing insight into molecular pathways involved in accelerated aging.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2019

Common acid reflux medications linked to increased kidney disease risk

Researchers found patients taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were 28.4 times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease compared to those taking histamine-2 receptor antagonists. PPIs were also linked to higher rates of acute kidney injury, end-stage renal disease, and unspecified kidney impairment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 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.

Climate goals of the Paris Agreement: Impact of land use

A recent study by KIT and University of Edinburgh finds that previous measures to reduce greenhouse gases through land use change are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement's climate goals. The study suggests that countries must find quick, yet realistic solutions to sustainably change human land use to mitigate climate change.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 19, 2019

The monkey hunters: Humans colonize South Asian rainforest by hunting primates

A new study reveals that Homo sapiens colonized the South Asian rainforest by hunting primates and other small mammals 45,000 years ago. The researchers found remains with cut-marks and burning at the oldest human archaeological site in Sri Lanka, alongside sophisticated bone and stone tools.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2019

Ocean acidification harms cod larvae more than previously thought

A new study published in Global Change Biology reveals that high CO2 concentrations cause significant harm to Atlantic cod larvae, leading to underdeveloped gills and developmental delays. The findings contradict previous assumptions that larvae could adapt to acidic conditions through acclimation of parental generations.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 19, 2019

Children with autism, co-occurring ADHD symptoms lag in key measures of independence

New studies provide insight into the struggles of children on the autism spectrum with co-occurring ADHD symptoms, highlighting difficulties with adaptive behavior and brain connectivity. Researchers found a strong relationship between ADHD symptoms and adaptive behavior scores in both home and school settings.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 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.

Untangling the where and when of walking in the brain

Scientists used a split-belt treadmill to study mouse locomotor learning and found that the brain separates spatial and temporal components of movement. The findings show similarities with human learning and suggest potential therapeutic approaches for people with asymmetric walking patterns.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 19, 2019

Robots track moving objects with unprecedented precision

A novel system developed at MIT uses RFID tags to help robots home in on moving objects with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The system, called TurboTrack, can locate tagged objects within 7.5 milliseconds, on average, and with an error of less than a centimeter.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 19, 2019

Citizen scientists invited to join quest for new worlds

The Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 project re-launches with a call to volunteer citizen scientists to discover planets and brown dwarfs in the outer reaches of the Solar System. Citizen scientists have already discovered over 1,000 cold nearby brown dwarfs using images from NASA's WISE mission.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·DateFeb 19, 2019

The Lancet Oncology: Rapid scale-up of HPV vaccine and screening could prevent up to 13 million cases of cervical cancer by 2050

A modelling study predicts that combining high uptake of HPV vaccine and high HPV-based cervical screening rates can prevent up to 13.4 million cases of cervical cancer within 50 years. Cervical cancer elimination is expected in most countries by the end of the century, with average rates falling to less than 4 cases per 100,000 women.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateFeb 19, 2019

Women more likely to take Bible literally, but that may be tied to intimacy, not gender

A recent study from Baylor University found that women are more likely to believe the Bible is literally true than men. However, this may be because they report higher levels of closeness to God, which increases with prayer and Bible study. The study suggests that intimacy with God plays a key role in literalism, rather than gender.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal for the Scientific Study of Religion·DateFeb 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.

Seeing the unseeable

Scientists at Cardiff University used x-ray crystallography and computer simulation to study the binding of viruses to cells. They found that adenoviruses can bind weakly to a different entry receptor called CAR, previously undiscovered mechanism.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2019

New nurses work overtime, long shifts, and sometimes a second job

A new study found that nearly half of newly licensed nurses work overtime, while over 1 in 10 have a side job. The researchers analyzed surveys from over 4,500 nurses and found that they work an average of 39.4 hours a week, predominantly in 12-hour shifts.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateFeb 19, 2019