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Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 2


Page 2 of 40

Hybrid material may outperform graphene in several applications

Researchers have developed a hybrid material combining molybdenum disulfide and azobenzene that exhibits unique optical and transport properties. The structure makes the material attractive for building compactable and malleable quasi-two-dimensional transistors powered by light.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhysical Review B·DateFeb 28, 2019

Layering titanium oxide's different mineral forms for better solar cells

A team of researchers from Kanazawa University has made a breakthrough in improving the efficiency of metal halide perovskite-type solar cells by layering different mineral forms of titanium oxide. The new approach, which combines anatase and brookite layers, enhances electron transport and reduces recombination, leading to increased s...

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 28, 2019

Immigrant Asian American women may be at higher risk for breast cancer

A recent study published in Preventing Chronic Disease found that immigrant Asian American women are at a higher risk for breast cancer compared to their U.S.-born counterparts. The researchers discovered that those who had immigrated and lived in the U.S. for more than 50% of their lives were three times as likely to have breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateFeb 28, 2019

The songs of singing mice suggest how human brain achieves conversation

Researchers discovered areas within the motor cortex responsible for muscle control and rapid sensorimotor transformations required for vocal interactions in Alston's singing mice. The study's findings suggest that effective vocal communication may rely on functional separation of sound generation and timing functions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 28, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Endangered eel located using DNA from one liter of water

Researchers used environmental DNA to track Japanese eel populations in 10 rivers, detecting 91.8% of confirmed locations and providing insights into abundance and biomass estimation. This non-lethal method is ideal for monitoring endangered species, including invasive foreign eels.

SourceKobe University·DateFeb 28, 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.

Digital breast tomosynthesis vs digital mammography screening outcomes

A study comparing 3D digital breast tomosynthesis and 2D digital mammography screening found that DBT was associated with improved detection of invasive cancers, particularly among younger women. The findings suggest a potential benefit of DBT in reducing false positives and improving overall cancer detection rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 28, 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.

Team clinic: empowering youth to take back their healthcare

Children's Hospital Los Angeles has been awarded a grant to adapt a patient-driven model of care that increases treatment compliance among difficult-to-reach populations, particularly adolescents with diabetes. The goal is to improve the quality of life and manage diabetes effectively in young adults.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·DateFeb 28, 2019

Ability to control stress reduces negative impact

Researchers found that controlled stress in adolescence attenuates HPA axis activation in adulthood, reducing motor impulsivity and increasing dopamine type 2 receptors. Uncontrollable stress, however, increases impulsivity and cognitive inflexibility.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2019

UMMS scientists develop technology to give night vision to mammals

Researchers at UMass Medical School have developed a technology that allows mammals to see infrared light using nanoantennae injections. The temporary vision enhancement enables animals to perceive near-infrared patterns and shapes without interfering with their visible light ability.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell·DateFeb 28, 2019

Moving munitions

UD researchers study how unexploded munitions move in muddy estuaries, discovering they don't move horizontally despite intense storms. The team used fabricated munition surrogates with sensors to track movement, finding smaller munitions were buried or stuck in scour pits.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateFeb 28, 2019

Nanotechnology makes it possible for mice to see in infrared

Scientists have developed a nanotechnology that enables mice to see infrared light, opening the door for potential applications in civilian encryption, security, and military operations. The technology involves injecting nanoparticles into the mouse's eyes, which capture infrared wavelengths and emit shorter visible light wavelengths.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 28, 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.

ESA tipsheet for March 4,5, 2019

The Ecological Society of America's Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment journal publishes research on parasites hidden in museum specimens that can teach us about past and present diseases. A review reveals non-native species contribute to more plant and animal extinctions than native species.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 28, 2019

Research identifies mechanism that helps plants fight bacterial infection

Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a regulatory genetic mechanism in plants that enables them to fight bacterial infections. The Argonaute protein is controlled by post-translational modification during bacterial infection, allowing plants to regulate their immune response.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 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.

Tracking food leads to losing pounds

A new Duke University study reveals that overweight individuals who tracked their daily food intake using a free smartphone app lost a significant amount of weight. The results showed that participants who consistently tracked their food and weight lost the most weight, highlighting the importance of compliance in successful weight loss.

SourceDuke University·DateFeb 28, 2019

In-depth insights into glass corrosion

Scientists use confocal Raman spectroscopy to study silicate glass corrosion in real time, discovering that silica molecules form aggregates near the surface, forming an opal-like layer. This layer does not provide perfect protection against water, allowing the corrosion process to continue.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 28, 2019

New sanitation system halves healthcare associated infections and cuts costs by 75 percent

A study by Bocconi University found that a new sanitation system reduced healthcare-associated infections by 52% and drug consumption by 60.3%, resulting in a 75.4% decrease in related costs. The system, which uses ecologically sustainable probiotic-based detergents, also led to an 83% decrease in detected pathogens on hospital surfaces.

SourceBocconi University·JournalInfection and Drug Resistance·DateFeb 28, 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.

2018's biggest volcanic eruption of sulfur dioxide

The Manaro Voui volcano in Vanuatu released the largest amount of sulfur dioxide in 2018, with 400k tons during its most active phase in July. The eruption had devastating effects, including acid rain and destruction of homes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 28, 2019

Pluto and Charon's ancient scars reveal a dearth of small Kuiper Belt objects

Researchers mapped scars on Pluto and Charon to determine size distribution of small Kuiper belt objects, revealing a lack of craters smaller than 13 km in diameter. This finding suggests that constituent objects may have survived intact since the Solar System's earliest days.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 28, 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.

New lipid shape atlas holds key to early disease detection

A Vanderbilt University team developed an atlas of lipid structures using ion mobility-mass spectrometry, narrowing the possibilities for identifying lipids. The atlas holds key to early diagnosis of many disorders by mapping out lipid shapes.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 2019

Study shows economic burden of dengue fever

A study of dengue fever's economic burden in Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Cambodia found high costs for patients in African countries. The average cost of inpatient care was $26 in Burkina Faso and $134 in Cambodia.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 28, 2019

Protein content as a marker for response to therapy in brain cancer

A study using high-resolution MRI scans found that protein content in glioma tumors is associated with treatment response and patient survival. The research suggests that assessing tumor protein levels could help choose the best possible treatment strategy for patients.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalEuropean Radiology·DateFeb 28, 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.

Mindfulness could promote positive body image

A new study published in Body Image found that higher interoceptive awareness, as measured through mindfulness practices, is associated with more positive body image. The research suggests that individuals who can better tune into their internal bodily signals are less likely to experience negative self-image.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateFeb 28, 2019

Sleeping in on the weekend won't repay your sleep debt

Research found that sleeping in on weekends doesn't lastingly improve health measures, and even short-term recovery is disrupted by returning to poor sleep habits. The study suggests that consistency matters for getting sufficient sleep and minimizing the risk of obesity and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 28, 2019

Lipid-filled particle may work with immune system to keep fat healthy

Researchers discovered lipid-filled particles (AdExos) released by adipocytes in mice that activate immune function and regulate metabolism. AdExos control the development of immune cells, inducing bone marrow cells to develop into macrophages that digest lipids.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience·DateFeb 28, 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.

For the fisheries of the future, some species are in hot water

A new study forecasts changes in fisheries productivity due to ocean warming, with some species expected to thrive and others decline. The research evaluated 235 marine species and found that temperature-driven changes will affect different species differently.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 28, 2019

Professor Ugur Sahin receives German Cancer Award 2019

Ugur Sahin received the 2019 German Cancer Award for his pioneering research on individualized cancer immunotherapies. He is developing technologies to identify and exploit unique cancer characteristics to guide the immune system against specific tumors.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateFeb 28, 2019

Despite export bans global seahorse trade continues

A new study reveals that despite export bans and international regulations, the global seahorse trade continues to thrive through illegal channels. The research found that 95% of dried seahorses sold in Hong Kong's large market came from source countries with export bans in place.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMarine Policy·DateFeb 28, 2019

Psychiatry: Case notes indicate impending seclusion

Case notes made by healthcare professionals can predict impending seclusion in psychiatric patients, according to a new study. The research found that longer and more emotional notes were associated with increased risk of seclusion, highlighting the importance of integrating subjective perceptions into electronic documentation.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateFeb 28, 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.

Researchers use health data tools to rapidly detect sepsis in newborns

A study found that automated programs can identify sepsis in sick infants hours before clinicians recognize it, offering potential for improved clinical outcomes. Machine-learning models analyzed patient data from electronic health records to predict which infants had sepsis.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 28, 2019

Brain processes concrete and abstract words differently

Research reveals distinct brain regions process concrete and abstract word meanings separately, with a network of areas working together in different languages. The findings provide new insights into how our brains represent word-meaning structure.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateFeb 28, 2019

Engineer to develop drug-filled gel to heart damage

Researchers are developing a new material that delivers drugs directly to damaged heart tissue, preserving the structural support network and preventing further damage. The gel will slowly release the drugs over four weeks, promoting blood vessel creation and enzyme inhibition.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateFeb 28, 2019

Is alcohol consumption more helpful than harmful? It depends on your age

A new study suggests that moderate alcohol consumption has health benefits, particularly for older adults. Researchers found that younger people are more likely to die from alcohol-related causes than they are to benefit from drinking, while older individuals tend to experience the health benefits often mentioned in news stories.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateFeb 28, 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.

A clearer view of past climate from tree rings

A new technique uses Liebig's Law to improve estimates of historical temperature and rainfall from tree rings. The method selects trees that were growing well, linking their growth to the climate they experienced, resulting in more precise measurements.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalPaleoceanography and Paleoclimatology·DateFeb 28, 2019

New study uses big data to analyze the international food trade

A recent study published in BioScience analyzed international food trade data from 1986 to 2010 to assess its impact on equitable access to food. The researchers found that trade plays a significant role in distributing food more equitably across the planet.

SourceData Science Institute at Columbia·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 28, 2019

Higher hospital readmission rates for cardiac patients in Northern vs. Southern Ontario: Importance

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that patients in Northern Ontario had higher hospital readmission rates for heart conditions, despite similar survival rates at 30 days. The researchers suggest providing timely transitional care and improving access to specialist care as key strategies to reduce readmissions.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateFeb 28, 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.

Ant societies' arms race: Gene activity in defenders depends on invading slavemaking ants

Gene activity in defenders reflects origin of attacking slavemakers, with successful invaders triggering weaker defenses. Researchers found that host ants react aggressively to rare slave-makers and not to common ones, highlighting the complex co-evolutionary relationship between parasites and their hosts.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 28, 2019

Large-scale initiative linked to reductions in maternal and newborn deaths in Indonesia

A US-funded program aimed at reducing childbirth complications in Indonesia has prompted more efficient care, leading to significant reductions in maternal and newborn mortality. The Expanding Maternal and Neonatal Survival (EMAS) initiative improved quality of emergency obstetric and newborn care and referrals, resulting in a 50% decr...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·DateFeb 28, 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.

Exiled planet linked to stellar flyby 3 million years ago

Researchers have found a smoking gun linking a young exoplanet's misaligned orbit to a close stellar flyby. The study, published in the Astronomical Journal, suggests that such encounters can reshape planetary systems and determine their ability to harbor stable orbits.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateFeb 28, 2019

Reduced salinity of seawater wreaks havoc on coral chemistry

New research confirms that drastic changes in ocean salinity can cause 'freshwater bleaching' of coral reefs, leading to cell function collapse. The study found corals sensitive to slight changes, with nearshore reefs exposed to half normal ocean salinity causing a shock response preventing normal cell function.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalBMC Genomics·DateFeb 28, 2019