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Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 31


Page 31 of 40

Why Asian horses don't get sick with the flu

Researchers sequenced avian influenza viruses from wild birds in Mongolia and found that they replicate in horse respiratory tracts without causing tissue damage. The study suggests that equine infections by avian viruses are more common than thought, with the failure to acquire key genetic changes being the main barrier to disease eme...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 7, 2019

Report from prestigious NIH-funded conference looks to biological 'pillars of aging'

A recent NIH-funded conference aimed to better understand the biological 'pillars of aging', which are interconnected factors driving the aging process. The study focuses on disrupting these hallmarks to contribute to chronic disease and frailty, with potential applications in improving function and independence for older adults.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 7, 2019

USC scientists find a cheaper way to light up OLED screens

A new copper-based OLED screen technology has been developed by USC scientists, offering a cheaper alternative to current iridium-based screens. The copper complex outperforms prior attempts and demonstrates efficient light emission across various colors, including blue.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 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.

What happens when sand fleas burrow in your skin?

Researchers report five cases of severe tungiasis in traditional Amerindian communities, highlighting the disease's potential for life-threatening progression. Treatment with dimeticone oil has shown effectiveness in resolving inflammation and restoring mobility within a week.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 7, 2019

Study explores new way to help increase conservation impact

A new study maps animal traits across different regions to identify areas most at risk from losing biodiversity. The research reveals that some species play crucial, specialized roles in their ecosystems, making them crucial for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateFeb 7, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Duke-NUS study: Interaction between two immune cell types could be key to better dengue vaccines

A study by Duke-NUS Medical School researchers has identified a key player in the early fight against dengue virus infection: an interaction between two types of immune cells. The discovery sheds light on how the immune system recognizes viruses and could lead to the development of better vaccines for this and similar diseases.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 7, 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.

A better eyeshot of the makeup of ancient meteorites

Researchers have visualized meteorite components at unprecedented resolution using atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy. This breakthrough enables the analysis of organic matter distributions and associations with minerals in carbonaceous chondrites, crucial for understanding the formation of life and Solar System history.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2019

First identification of brain's preparation for action

Neuroscientists have identified the brain's preparation for complex actions, including speech, handwriting, sports, and music, by analyzing tiny magnetic fields outside participants' heads. This research reveals unique patterns that distinguish skilled from error-prone executions.

SourceBangor University·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 7, 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.

Who's listening? Mosquitos can hear up to 10 meters away

Researchers at Cornell University found that mosquitoes can detect sound waves from distances of up to 10 meters, including human speech and the buzzing of female mosquitoes in flight. This discovery could lead to the development of more sensitive directional microphones and hearing aids.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 7, 2019

Immunotherapy drug used as 1st-line therapy for Merkel cell carcinoma improved survival

Pembrolizumab, a new immunotherapy drug, shows lasting tumor control and improved overall survival in advanced Merkel cell carcinoma patients. The study reports generally manageable side effects and supports the use of immunotherapy as an effective treatment option for this aggressive form of skin cancer.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 7, 2019

Finding chemicals inside a cell

Researchers at Xiamen University have created a device that enables the direct detection and mapping of chemicals inside biological cells. This breakthrough technique, called near-field desorption postionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (NDPI-TOFMS), overcomes challenges in high-resolution imaging and provides undistorted chemi...

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 7, 2019

Keeping things moving

A team of researchers has developed a strategy to produce renewable lubricant base oils from non-food biomass and fatty acids, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lubricants. The new method uses catalysis to synthesize the base-oils with tunable properties, making them suitable for a wide r...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 7, 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.

Big data approach shown to be effective for evaluating autism treatments

Researchers developed a blood test to diagnose autism and applied a big data-based approach to evaluate potential treatments. They used machine-learning algorithms to analyze complex data sets, revealing correlations between metabolite concentrations and changes in behavior.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateFeb 7, 2019

Aggressive clearance key to best outcome after a brain hemorrhage

A new study found that removing at least 70% of the intracerebral clot is crucial for patients to make a meaningful recovery after a brain hemorrhage. The research, known as MISTIE III, involved 506 patients and showed that ideal outcomes were achieved when no more than 15 milliliters of clotted blood remained at the site of injury.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateFeb 7, 2019

First transport measurements reveal intriguing properties of germanene

Researchers at the University of Groningen have produced devices with stable Germanene, revealing its electronic properties. The material exhibits insulating, semiconducting, and metallic conducting behavior depending on heat treatment, making it suitable for spintronic device applications.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 7, 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 impacts of gut bacteria on drug metabolism

Research reveals how gut bacteria influence drug response and effectiveness through metabolization processes. The study provides a new framework to disentangle host and microbiome interactions, enabling the development of tailored medications.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 2019

Folliculin mutations disrupt embryo implantation

Researchers have identified a crucial role for the folliculin gene in embryo implantation. A deficiency in this gene can lead to infertility, as cells maintain their pluripotent state and fail to exit the pre-implantation stage. The study also highlights a connection between folliculin mutations and cancer, as well as its potential to ...

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2019

Improving the body's ability to fight cancer and intruders

Researchers at Caltech have developed two new methods to determine T cell targets, which are critical for designing personalized treatments for cancers. The methods use a signaling domain attached to MHCs or trogocytosis to identify the correct antigen.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 7, 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.

Relationship counseling encourages couples HIV testing

A new intervention has successfully encouraged couples in a rural South African area to undergo HIV testing. The Uthando Lwethu program improved communication skills and relationship dynamics, leading to higher HIV-testing rates compared to a control group.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateFeb 7, 2019

Zwicky Transient Facility nabs several supernovae a night

The Zwicky Transient Facility has discovered over 1,100 supernovae and 50 near-Earth asteroids in its first operations. The facility's advanced camera surveys the northern skies every three nights, capturing fleeting cosmic events previously impossible to detect.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateFeb 7, 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.

Milli-needle pill developed to deliver insulin

Researchers have created an oral formulation of insulin using a pill-sized device that can deliver a microinjection from within the stomach. The device, called SOMA, uses a spring and sugar disc to trigger the injection, and has shown promising results in animal trials with a marked decrease in blood glucose levels.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 2019

Prior dengue infection protects against Zika

A new study published in Science found that people with prior dengue infections have lower risks of contracting Zika. The research, conducted in a poor neighborhood in Brazil, suggests that cross-protective antibodies from dengue may provide protection against Zika.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 2019

Study finds HIV+ cancer patients benefit from immunotherapy

Researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center found that immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitors are both safe and effective in treating advanced cancer patients with HIV. The therapy offers similar objective response rates as non-infected patients, with benefit also seen in Kaposi's sarcoma treatment.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 7, 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.

Blood leukocytes mirror insufficient sleep

A study by the University of Helsinki found that insufficient sleep is associated with changes in DNA methylation in gene regulatory elements related to the nervous system development pathway. This indicates a potential link between chronic sleep deprivation and long-term health risks.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2019

Could omega-3 fatty acids help prevent miscarriages?

Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids can prevent pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and stillbirth, in mice infected with a common oral bacteria. The study suggests a new strategy for protecting pregnancy in women and may lead to the development of a prophylactic treatment.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 7, 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.

Big data approach shown to be effective for evaluating autism treatments

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have successfully applied their big data-based approach to evaluating possible treatments for autism. The findings have the potential to accelerate the development of successful medical interventions by analyzing correlations between metabolite concentrations and adaptive behavior.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateFeb 7, 2019

Blood cells could hold master clock behind aging

Researchers found blood cells retain intrinsic age nearly two decades after transplant, using epigenetic patterns to calculate cellular age. The study suggests blood cells could be the master clock of human aging, with implications for understanding age-associated diseases and developing new therapies.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalAging Cell·DateFeb 7, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Biologists answer fundamental question about cell size

MIT researchers found that excessive protein production leads to senescence and cell division impairment when cells grow too large. They discovered the limiting factor in cell growth is DNA amount, not chromosome number.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateFeb 7, 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.

Landslides triggered by Hurricane Maria

A new study published in GSA Today reveals that Hurricane Maria triggered more than 40,000 landslides in at least three-fourths of Puerto Rico's municipalities. The study assesses the factors contributing to these extreme events and aims to enhance landslide susceptibility analyses and risk management efforts.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateFeb 7, 2019

Immunotherapy appears better than chemotherapy for aggressive type of skin cancer

A study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab is more effective than traditional chemotherapy for patients with aggressive Merkel cell carcinoma. The treatment showed high response rates and durable progression-free survival in both virus-positive and virus-negative subtypes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 7, 2019

Could theatre be way forward in communicating conservation messages?

A study at Flamingo Land zoo in the UK found that puppet theatre performances increased knowledge of animals and conservation among children and adults by 22% and 18%, respectively. The research suggests that conventional zoos can achieve similar levels of learning through entertainment-driven settings.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEnvironmental Education·DateFeb 7, 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.

Periodic table still influencing today's research

A Michigan State University scientist highlights current research driven by Mendeleev's Periodic Table, focusing on light absorption and electron transfer in compounds from the transition block. The goal is to develop abundant elements for global scalability in solar energy production.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 2019

High rates of weight-based bullying found among LBGTQ adolescents

A study of 9,838 LGBTQ teens found that 44-70% reported weight-based teasing from family members and peers, while 1 in 4 teens experienced these experiences at school. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and addressing weight-based victimization in school settings.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateFeb 7, 2019