Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 17


Page 17 of 40

Lupus strongly linked to imbalances in gut microbiome

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have found a strong link between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and an abnormal mix of bacteria in the gut. The study showed that patients with SLE had significantly higher levels of Ruminococcus gnavus bacteria in their guts, which triggered immune reactions and disease flares.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateFeb 19, 2019

Dose of vitamin C helps gold nanowires grow

Rice University scientists have developed a method to produce valuable gold nanowires from short particles using vitamin C. The process, which is fully controllable and reversible, allows for the production of nanowires of any desired length, making them suitable for sensing, diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 19, 2019

20-million-year-old tusked sea cow is Central America's oldest marine mammal

A 20-million-year-old tusked sea cow, Culebratherium alemani, has been discovered in Central America, shedding light on the region's ancient marine ecosystem. The fossilized skeleton, found near the Panama Canal, provides evidence of seagrass presence in the area during that time period.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateFeb 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.

Jobs vs. death toll: Calculating corporate death penalties

A new study calculates the number of deaths attributed to coal and tobacco industries, finding surprising results. The study sets a minimum bar for industry existence, with coal and tobacco industries warranting corporate death penalties.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalSocial Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2019

Fluorescing urine signals organ transplant rejection, could replace needle biopsies

A new screening method using sensor particles and a urine test can catch organ rejection earlier and more comprehensively than traditional biopsies. The test detects T cell attacks on transplanted organs through fluorescent signals in the urine, allowing for early detection and potential adjustments to immunosuppressant medications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 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.

Scientists create new map of brain's immune system

Researchers created a high-resolution map of the brain's immune system, showing that all microglia have the same core signature but adapt differently depending on their function. This discovery is significant for understanding brain diseases like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature·DateFeb 19, 2019

Gene therapy durably reverses congenital deafness in mice

Scientists have successfully restored auditory synapse function and hearing thresholds to a near-normal level in adult mice with DFNB9 deafness. The breakthrough uses an AAV-based gene therapy approach that can be used to produce otoferlin and durably correct the profound deafness phenotype in mice.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2019

Quarrying of Stonehenge 'bluestones' dated to 3000 BC

A new UCL-led study has pinpointed the exact locations of two quarries in Wales that supplied the bluestones to Stonehenge. The discovery reveals how the stones were quarried and transported, challenging a popular theory about their transportation method.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAntiquity·DateFeb 19, 2019

GraphON: Conductive coatings and materials breakthrough

GraphON is a conductive coating that can be manufactured cheaper and easier than comparable products, with greater control over performance. It has potential uses in electrostatically dissipative coatings, electromagnetic interference shielding, electrical heating and conductive coatings.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateFeb 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.

Bringing delivery forward to collect the 'baby check' posed a risk to babies

A study by Libertad González and colleagues found that children born prematurely due to the scrapping of the 'baby cheque' subsidy weighed less at birth and had more hospitalizations, mainly respiratory issues. However, no long-term effects were observed on their health.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of the European Economic Association·DateFeb 19, 2019

Graphene 'sandwich' key to new electronics

Researchers from Graphene Flagship partner DTU developed a graphene 'sandwich' by encasing graphene with insulating hexagonal boron nitride, allowing them to achieve higher electrical currents and control the material's properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of nano-electronics with small dimensions.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 19, 2019

UA researcher: Great disparities exist in how news media cover terror attacks

A recent study found that terror attacks carried out by Muslims receive significantly more media coverage than those committed by other groups. The research highlights the disparity in how news media cover attacks perpetrated by both Muslim and domestic terrorists, which may shape people's perceptions of threats.

SourceUniversity of Alabama in Tuscaloosa·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateFeb 19, 2019

Travelers use hotels' loyalty programs to get instant perks and rewards

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that hotel loyalty programs cater to different traveler types, with frequent business travelers prioritizing convenience and good customer reviews over room level. Leisure travelers, on the other hand, seek instant rewards through these programs.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalTourism Management·DateFeb 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.

New project seeks enhanced lung disease care in Appalachia

The UVA Health System is launching a program that uses telehealth to connect primary care providers in Appalachia with specialists to improve lung disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Residents in the region have higher-than-average rates of lung cancer and COPD, and limited access to subspecialty physicians.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateFeb 19, 2019

In the blink of an eye: Team uses quantum of light to create new quantum simulator

A team led by Professor Ebrahim Karimi creates a new quantum simulator that uses the properties of light to simulate periodic and closed structures in nature. The experiment reveals fundamentally different physics between ring-shaped and line-shaped systems, opening opportunities for developing efficient photonic-based quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalOptica·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.

How to make the push-up work for you

A modified push-up exercise called 'push-up plus' strengthens the serratus anterior muscle, which connects the rib cage to the shoulder blade. This study found that different hand positions and orientations activated various muscle groups, making it an effective exercise for athletes and individuals with specific needs.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Electromyography and Kinesiology·DateFeb 19, 2019

Micro-control of liver metabolism

Researchers at TIFR have identified molecular mechanisms that allow the liver to adapt to nutrient intake after fasting. These 'fed-microRNAs' inhibit protein synthesis, maintaining blood glucose levels. The study's findings offer potential therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 19, 2019

Study finds inadequate FDA oversight of prescribing of fentanyl products

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that the FDA and manufacturers failed to review prescribing records to prevent inappropriate use of potentially lethal fentanyl products. Despite a monitoring program in place, widespread misuse was discovered among cancer patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 19, 2019

Investigators figure out how to block new antibiotic resistance gene

Researchers have discovered a way to block the VCC-1 enzyme, which disables a new antibiotic resistance gene found in benign Vibrio cholerae strains. The discovery uses Avibactam, a US FDA-approved combination drug, to effectively combat the resistant bacteria.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateFeb 19, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

NIST 'Astrocomb' opens new horizons for planet-hunting telescope

The NIST Astrocomb allows the detection of Earth-mass planets orbiting M dwarf stars, which comprise 70% of stars in the galaxy. The precision provided by the comb enables astronomers to find habitable planets around the most ubiquitous stars near Earth.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptica·DateFeb 19, 2019

New protocol could ease diagnosis of bacterial infections in infants

Researchers developed a new protocol to rule out life-threatening bacterial infections in infants with fevers, avoiding spinal taps and antibiotics. The study found accuracy rates of 97% in ruling out serious bacterial infections.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 18, 2019

The global impact of coal power

Research reveals that power plants in India take the highest toll on human health due to particulate matter and sulfur dioxide emissions. The study also highlights the need for upgrading or shutting down outdated coal power plants to mitigate global warming and air pollution.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 18, 2019

Study says attacks on infrastructure in Gaza and West Bank exact human cost

A new report by Duke University researchers highlights the dire impacts of Israel's targeting of agricultural, water, and energy infrastructures in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on human welfare and livelihoods. The study shows that these attacks often result in significant degradation of civilian infrastructure and economy.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Affairs·DateFeb 18, 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.

Brain represents optical illusion as delayed reality

Researchers confirm that the human brain and monkeys perceive the Pinna-Brelstaff figure's rotating rings similarly, with a delay of around 15 milliseconds. This finding supports Jan Purkinje's theory that illusions contain visual truth and sheds light on how our brains handle perception vs reality.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateFeb 18, 2019

CRISPR gene editing makes stem cells 'invisible' to immune system

Scientists have developed a new technique using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to create pluripotent stem cells that can avoid rejection by the immune system. These 'universal' stem cells can be manufactured more efficiently than individualized cells and bring promise to regenerative medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 18, 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.

A shared past for East Africa's hunter-gatherers

Genomic analysis reveals East Africa's hunter-gatherers diverged from a shared ancestry around 20,000 years ago, driven by infectious disease and dietary adaptations. This study provides insight into the genetic diversity of African populations, shedding light on the role of diet and disease in shaping human evolution.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Hot great white sharks could motor but prefer to swim slow

A team of researchers found that hot great white sharks can swim at high speeds when commuting between islands, but prefer slower speeds when hunting for fat seal snacks. The study suggests that the warm-blooded lifestyle of these sharks allows them to conserve energy by using a 'sit-and-wait' strategy.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 18, 2019

Parenthood contributes to gender imbalance in STEM employment, but it's not just an issue for mother

A new study reveals that nearly half of new mothers and a quarter of new fathers leave their full-time STEM jobs within four to seven years of having their first child. This trend is attributed to cultural expectations and workplace obstacles, with women being more likely than men to switch to part-time work or leave the workforce alto...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 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.

More primary care physicians leads to longer life spans, Stanford researcher says

A study led by Stanford researchers found that every 10 additional primary care physicians per 100,000 people was associated with a 51.5-day increase in life expectancy during the decade from 2005 to 2015. The researchers also found that an increase of 10 specialists per 100,000 corresponded to only a 19.2-day increase.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2019

Grasses can acquire genes from neighboring plants

A recent study found that grasses can acquire genes from at least nine donor species, including those involved in photosynthesis and disease resistance. This mechanism allows certain plants to adapt quickly to environmental changes.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

The secret life of batteries

Researchers are working on developing faster-charging batteries for electric vehicles by understanding how lithium ions distribute within the electrode. They used X-rays to create a micron-scale movie of lithium distribution, revealing inhomogeneous movement similar to people spreading out in a room.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateFeb 18, 2019

Has screen time increased for young children and on what screen?

Screen time in young children has significantly increased since a 1997 study, with most of it spent watching TV. The study tracked daily screen time among American children under 6 years old and found that total screen time among toddlers increased by nearly 2 hours per day.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 18, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Heavy smoking can damage vision, Rutgers researcher finds

Researchers found significant changes in smokers' ability to discriminate contrast levels and colors compared to non-smokers. The study suggests that cigarette smoke's neurotoxic chemicals may cause overall color vision loss and visual processing impairments.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateFeb 18, 2019

International research collaboration computes climate past, present, and future

Researchers from Canada and Germany used a supercomputer to simulate climate trends in Quebec and Bavaria from 1950 to 2100, providing insights into severe flooding dynamics under changing climate conditions. The study's results showed good agreement with historical climate data, confirming the predictive power of the simulations.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateFeb 18, 2019

Great white shark genome decoded

The study found that the great white shark's genome contains a plethora of genetic changes indicating molecular adaptation in genes with important roles in maintaining genome stability, DNA repair, and DNA damage tolerance. These adaptations could be behind the evolutionary success of large-bodied and long-lived sharks.

SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Primary care physician supply and life expectancy

A study analyzing U.S. population data from 2005 to 2015 found that a higher number of primary care physicians is associated with better life expectancy. The total number of primary care physicians increased, but their distribution across counties decreased, particularly in rural areas, leading to lower per capita supplies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 18, 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.

Mouse study reveals how chronic stress promotes cancer, identifies vitamin C as therapy

A new study reveals that chronic stress promotes breast cancer growth and spread by activating a biochemical pathway involving the stress hormone epinephrine. Vitamin C has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent to target this pathway, potentially offering new hope for patients undergoing chronic stress.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 18, 2019

Inflammation: Study explains loss of protective abilities of T cells

A team of scientists discovered that Blimp1 prevents the loss of identity in regulatory T cells, a type of immune cell that controls inflammation. This finding has implications for therapies against inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 18, 2019

Microalgae as natural detector of environmental safety

Scientists propose using microalgae biomarkers to detect environmental pollution, which is triggered by oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species. The use of microalgae as an indicator can provide early warnings of environmental problems.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalCurrent Opinion in Toxicology·DateFeb 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.

Mapping brain circuits in newborns may aid early detection of autism

Researchers have developed a new map of newborn babies' brains that could provide a reference tool for studying typical brain development and neurological disorders. The study used noninvasive MRI scans to reveal complex brain architecture, offering potential biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder at birth.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Tuberculosis: Commandeering a bacterial 'suicide' mechanism

Researchers have identified a toxin in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that kills the bacteria if not neutralized by an antidote protein. This 'suicide' mechanism can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes to combat tuberculosis, which is a major cause of death worldwide.

SourceCNRS·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 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.