Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 21


Page 21 of 40

UTSA study: Stress in crops points to surprising benefits

Research at UTSA finds that stressed plants can release compounds to defend against herbivores, halting growth but allowing recovery after threats subside. This adaptation enables plants to invest metabolic energy in growth again.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalPlants·DateFeb 14, 2019

Better red than dread: Barrier keeps batteries safe

Rice University researchers have created a new method to detect and mitigate lithium dendrite growth, which can cause battery failure. A layer of red phosphorus acts as a signal to shut down charging when dendrites approach the separator.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 14, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Merging neutron stars

Research groups calculate the signature of a phase transition in gravitational waves emitted by merging neutron stars, which could reveal the presence of quark matter. A phase transition may occur when densities exceed atomic nuclei and temperatures reach 10,000 times those in the Sun's core.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 14, 2019

US-UK-Australia funding to improve global gravitational wave network

The $US30 million Advanced LIGO Plus project will improve the two existing Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatories (LIGO) in the United States and include a new LIGO India facility. This upgrade is expected to significantly increase the number and strength of gravitational wave detections.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·DateFeb 14, 2019

NASA's Aqua Satellite eyes Tropical Cyclone Oma near Vanuatu

Tropical Cyclone Oma has been located northwest of the island of Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean, prompting heavy rainfall and flash flooding warnings for several provinces. The satellite imagery revealed a large area of powerful thunderstorms wrapping into the low-level center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 14, 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.

Companies with more financial analysts produce more and better-quality patents

Researchers from UC3M and UAB found that companies with more financial analysts are more likely to acquire innovative companies, make corporate venture capital investments, and reduce internal R&D expenses. This leads to a better allocation of R&D resources, an increase in the number of patents, and improvement in their quality.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateFeb 14, 2019

Personal and social factors impact return to work after ill-health

A review of research found that personal and social factors, such as support from line managers and co-workers, positive attitudes, and self-efficacy, are crucial for a sustainable return to work. Younger employees with higher levels of education were also more likely to recover.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Occupational Rehabilitation·DateFeb 14, 2019

SDSU researchers find new way to measure nicotine exposure in children

Researchers at SDSU have developed wearable wristbands to track nicotine exposure in children, which were compared to traditional urine samples and found to be equivalent. The wristbands may become a useful tool for studying tobacco product exposure in both children and adults.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateFeb 14, 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.

Carbonaceous chondrites provide clues about the delivery of water to Earth

A study led by CSIC reveals that carbonaceous chondrites transported hydrated minerals and organic material from the protoplanetary disk to Earth, enriching its water supply. The findings provide valuable insights into the accretion phases of early planetary bodies and the origin of water on our planet.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalSpace Science Reviews·DateFeb 14, 2019

Kidney failure patients face higher risk of cancer death

A new study found that kidney failure patients on dialysis and transplants have significantly higher risks of dying from cancer than the general population. Cancer deaths were mainly driven by cancers present prior to dialysis or arising after transplantation, particularly those related to immune deficiency and viral infection.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 14, 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.

To tool or not to tool?

Researchers studied tool-related decision-making in orangutans and found they carefully considered factors like tool functionality and food quality. The apes chose the tool when it worked with the apparatus, but prioritized immediate food rewards if the tool was non-functional.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 14, 2019

Darwin's rabbit helps to explain the fightback against myxomatosis

Scientists sequenced DNA from nearly 200 rabbits spanning 150 years and found that modern rabbits in Australia, the UK, and France have acquired resistance to myxomatosis through cumulative genetic changes. The team also discovered that this resistance relies on multiple mutations of different genes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateFeb 14, 2019

Gravitational waves will settle cosmic conundrum

Researchers from UCL and Flatiron Institute develop technique to calculate gravitational wave data, enabling accurate measurement of Hubble constant. By observing 50 binary neutron stars over the next decade, scientists can resolve the long-standing debate on the universe's expansion rate.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 14, 2019

Neuroendocrine tumors: Choosing the best treatment

Researchers conducted an extensive comparison of all drugs used in neuroendocrine tumor treatment, guiding physicians through available options. Combination therapies showed high efficacy, but were often underrepresented in international guidelines.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 14, 2019

'Old' sperm produces healthier offspring

Researchers found that longer-lived sperm in a male's ejaculate produce offspring with longer and healthier lifespans. This study has important implications for evolutionary biology and assisted fertilization technologies, such as IVF in humans.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEvolution Letters·DateFeb 14, 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.

Study affirms self-reported sleep duration as a useful health measure in children

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that self-reported sleep parameters reported by children and their parents are relatively accurate compared to objective measures. Children overestimated their sleep duration by a median of 32 minutes, while parents overestimated it by 36 minutes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2019

On the origin of B1 cells

Researchers at Max Delbrück Center found that B1-typical B-cell receptor can reprogram B2 cells into B1 cells, suggesting a new origin for B1 cells. This discovery provides clear evidence for the validity of the second hypothesis on the origin of B cells.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateFeb 14, 2019

Super-light, super-insulating ceramic aerogel keeps the hottest temperatures at bay

Researchers developed a near-weightless material with exceptional structural stability and superinsulation, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. The unique ceramic aerogel features unusual double-negative-index properties, demonstrating robustness against high-temperature exposure and rapid temperature swings.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 14, 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.

Statins could protect against motor neurone disease

A large study of genetic data suggests that statins could prevent the onset of motor neurone disease, as higher levels of LDL cholesterol were causally linked with a greater risk. The condition affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK and is projected to nearly double by 2040 due to ageing of the global population.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateFeb 14, 2019

US older women three times as likely to be treated for osteoporosis as men

Research published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found that US older women are three times more likely to receive treatment for osteoporosis than men of similar age. Men aged 80+ were particularly under-screened and undertreated, with only 10-13% having a bone density scan and fewer than 1 in 10 treated with bisphosphonates.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2019

Finding suggests ways to promote adult heart tissue regeneration

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have made a groundbreaking finding that enables the reprogramming of adult cardiomyocytes to promote heart tissue regeneration. By manipulating the genetic mechanisms that prevent cardiomyocyte proliferation, scientists have successfully opened up possibilities for treating heart disease.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 14, 2019

The ways of wisdom in schizophrenia

Researchers found that nearly one-third of persons with schizophrenia had 'normal' wisdom scores, which correlated with fewer psychotic symptoms, improved cognitive performance, and enhanced everyday functioning. Assessing and enhancing wisdom may help improve the quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateFeb 14, 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.

EarthScope announces top 10 discoveries list

The EarthScope National Office has compiled a list of the program's top 10 discoveries, showcasing revolutionary findings in North America's structure and evolution. These breakthroughs include insights into earthquakes, volcanoes, and groundwater, highlighting the continent's dynamic geological history.

SourceEarthScope National Office·DateFeb 14, 2019

Aloe sanguinalis, a new red Aloe from Somaliland

A new species of Aloe, Aloe sanguinalis, has been discovered in Somaliland with distinctive bright red sap and large clump formations. The discovery was made possible by Ahmed Awale's sighting of the plant while driving through the country.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateFeb 14, 2019

Giving keener 'electric eyesight' to autonomous vehicles

MIT researchers develop a two-dimensional, sub-terahertz receiving array on a chip that's orders of magnitude more sensitive than existing sensors. This can help steer driverless cars through fog and dust by detecting signals at sub-terahertz wavelengths with ease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits·DateFeb 14, 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.

New molecular blueprint advances our understanding of photosynthesis

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have revealed the structure of the NADH dehydrogenase-like complex (NDH), a crucial protein in photosynthesis. This breakthrough will allow scientists to explore how the complex functions and could lead to improvements in sustainable bioproducts, including plastic alternatives and biofuels.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateFeb 14, 2019

Animal venoms are sources in the search for new medicines

Researchers are studying animal venoms to identify molecular targets for diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. The study found promising antitumoral effects and potential new compounds that can be used as medicines.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateFeb 14, 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.

'Lack of cleaning' in brain cells is central to Alzheimer's disease

A new study suggests that impaired mitophagy, the process of removing defective mitochondria from brain cells, is a key contributor to Alzheimer's disease. By boosting mitophagy, researchers were able to slow down the accumulation of toxic proteins and reverse cognitive deficits in animal models.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 14, 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.

New tool for documenting injuries may provide better evidence for elder abuse cases

Experts developed a standardized framework to document physical findings on older patients, which includes diagrams and a questionnaire. The Geriatric Injury Documentation Tool aims to improve documentation of geriatric injuries and ultimately result in better medical care for older adults.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 14, 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.

From vibrations alone, acacia ants can tell nibbles from the wind

Researchers found that acacia ants can sense vibrations caused by mammalian browsers and respond accordingly. The ants patrol the branches more actively when they detect these vibrations, allowing them to navigate towards the source of the threat and defend their tree.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 14, 2019

NRL, AFRL develop direct-write quantum calligraphy in monolayer semiconductors

Scientists have developed a method to directly write quantum light sources into monolayer semiconductors, enabling precise placement and real-time design of arbitrary patterns of single photon emitters. This breakthrough paves the way for emerging applications in secure communications, sensing, and quantum computation.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 14, 2019

Virus promoting love and kindness created for Valentine's day

Artist Heather Dewey-Hagborg collaborated with scientists to create a custom virus that increases oxytocin production, associated with feelings of love and empathy. The 'Lovesick' virus is a harmless, non-replicating vector that expresses the hormone oxytocin and a fluorescent protein, allowing cells to glow bright red.

SourceIntegral Molecular·DateFeb 14, 2019

Making better embryos

Researchers at CRCHUM successfully reduced chromosome abnormalities in mouse embryos by half, a major cause of infertility. The discovery could improve infertile couples' chances of giving birth if applied to humans in the future.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 14, 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.

Blockchain can strengthen the credibility of meta-analyses

A proposed blockchain-based platform can record researchers' workflows and track analysts' decisions in meta-analyses, facilitating transparency and reproducibility. This approach aims to identify inconsistencies between contradictory results by pinpointing individual timestamps of analytic decisions.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateFeb 14, 2019

Novel software offers possible reduction in arrhythmic heart disease

Researchers have developed an innovative new software that measures electrical activity in the heart, which may help identify potentially lethal arrhythmia. The open-source ElectroMap software can detect, map, and analyze arrhythmic phenomena for various data types, leading to a deeper understanding of heart diseases.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 14, 2019

When research participation pays, some people lie, Penn study suggests

A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that between 10-23% of respondents lied about their eligibility to participate in a survey when offered payment for flu vaccination status. The study suggests that offering money can encourage deception, and that lower payments may not prevent it.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 14, 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.

Spintronics by 'straintronics'

Scientists from France, Spain, and Germany show that applying an electric field can induce superferromagnetism in iron nanograins on a BaTiO3 substrate. This 'straintronics' approach offers a scalable, fast, and energy-efficient alternative to traditional magnetic memories.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateFeb 14, 2019

Moffitt researchers characterize mechanism of action of CAR T cells

Researchers discovered that second-generation CARs stimulate CD3 signaling more effectively than third-generation receptors and activate downstream signaling messengers. This may contribute to superior antitumor efficacy. The study aims to improve CAR designs and lead to better understanding of immunotherapy.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 14, 2019

NASA to advance unique 3D printed sensor technology

NASA technologist Mahmooda Sultana is advancing a revolutionary nanomaterial-based detector platform capable of sensing gases, atmospheric pressure, and temperature. The technology enables miniaturization of sensors, simplifying integration and packaging, with potential applications in space exploration and human health.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 14, 2019