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Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 32


Page 32 of 40

Scientists discover new type of magnet

Researchers at New York University have discovered a new type of magnet that exhibits unique properties, including sudden transitions and strong coupling with electric currents. This discovery has the potential to enhance data storage technologies and improve performance bottlenecks.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2019

Research details sticky situations at the nanoscale

Researchers detail sticky situations at the nanoscale, finding that miniscule differences in surface roughness can cause significant changes in adhesion. Their theory predicts an increase in interface toughness as roughness increases, with potential applications in micro-electro-mechanical systems and nanoscale patterning.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2019

Engineered DNA vaccine protects against emerging Mayaro virus infection

A novel synthetic DNA vaccine targeting the Mayaro virus envelope protein provides complete protection from disease in preclinical studies. The vaccine induces potent protective and virus-specific immune responses, including neutralizing antibodies and cellular responses.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·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.

Reversal agent decreases life-threatening bleeding

A new reversal agent, andexanet alfa, effectively stopped acute life-threatening bleeding in patients taking factor Xa inhibitor blood thinners. Researchers found that good or excellent hemostasis occurred in 81.7% of patients after administering the reversal agent.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 7, 2019

Researchers chart path to cheaper flexible solar cells

Perovskite-based solar cells have shown promise in recent years due to their simplicity, flexibility, and energy efficiency approaching those of traditional silicon-based cells. Researchers at Georgia Tech, UC San Diego, and MIT have reported new findings that could lead to devices with improved performance and longer lifetimes.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·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.

Do fish recognize themselves in the mirror?

Researchers tested cleaner wrasse for self-awareness using a mirror test, finding that fish respond to their reflection and attempt to remove marks. The study raises questions about how to assess animal intelligence and challenges previous assumptions about self-awareness in non-human animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 7, 2019

How do metastatic tumor cells grow in lymph nodes?

Researchers discovered that cancer cells growing in lymph nodes prefer to use fatty acids rather than glucose as an energy source. The metabolic adaptation was found to be triggered by the activation of yes-associated protein (YAP), which stimulates fatty acid oxidation in metastatic tumor cells.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 2019

Scientists develop metal-free photocatalyst to purify pathogen-rich water in minutes

Researchers from Yangzhou University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences create a metal-free photocatalyst that can purify pathogen-rich water in 30 minutes with over 99.9999% disinfection efficiency under visible light irradiation. The catalyst's high activity and low ecotoxicity make it a promising approach for global clean water sca...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalChem·DateFeb 7, 2019

Stalled fertility declines linked to disruptions in women's education in Africa

A new study found that disruptions in women's education in sub-Saharan Africa are partly responsible for the stall in declining fertility rates. The research used detailed data on over two million births and found that cohorts affected by educational discontinuities in the 1980s tend to have higher levels of fertility.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

This is a neuron on nicotine

A team of scientists has developed a protein sensor that allows them to visualize where nicotine collects inside cells, revealing its effects on neural cells and the nature of nicotine addiction. The sensor, composed of a special protein, detects nicotine molecules and activates fluorescent proteins to glow brightly.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateFeb 7, 2019

Game behavior can give a hint about player gender

Game behavior can be analyzed to predict a person's personality features, including gender. Researchers used machine learning on large amounts of game data from the Steam gaming platform to make accurate predictions. The study shows that even limited information about gameplay and achievements can provide good predictive values.

SourceITMO University·DateFeb 7, 2019

An adaptive textile keeps cool by self-regulating its thermal properties

Researchers developed an adaptive textile that self-regulates its thermal properties based on the wearer's body temperature and humidity. The textile, made from infrared-sensitive yarn, can passively cool the body through radiative cooling and alter heat radiation by up to 35%.

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

67 percent of bankruptcy filers cite illness and medical bills as contributors to financial ruin

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that medical problems contributed to 66.5% of all bankruptcies, with 530,000 families affected annually. The study suggests that health insurance offers little protection to middle-class Americans and that private health insurance is a defective product.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·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.

New technique pinpoints milestones in the evolution of bacteria

Researchers use genetic analysis to determine when certain groups of bacteria evolved, providing insight into early environments and animal life. They found that three major groups of soil bacteria diversified around 450-350 million years ago, likely in response to changes in the environment.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateFeb 7, 2019

All the data in the sky, alerted via UW eyes

The Zwicky Transient Facility has identified thousands of new objects in the night sky, including binary star systems and black holes. The facility's automated alert system has successfully generated over 1.2 million alerts each night, sharing data with survey partners who are experimenting with machine-learning classification systems.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateFeb 7, 2019

Finding clues to a functional HIV cure

Scientists at George Mason University have identified a measurable indicator of cofilin dysfunction, a key protein regulating cell migration. This discovery may lead to new therapies to repair immune damages and potentially achieve a functional cure for HIV.

SourceGeorge Mason University·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.

Tak Mak lab discovers how the immune system 'thinks'

Researchers have discovered that immune cells produce brain chemicals like acetylcholine to fight off infections and control chronic virus infections. This breakthrough, published in Science, solves a puzzle scientists have pondered for over a century.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 2019

Evolution: Larger datasets unravel deep roots

Researchers introduce a new approach to analyzing genome content in animals, resolving long-standing debates about the origin and development of tissues and organ systems. The method yields consistent results with classical views of animal phylogeny, shedding light on early evolutionary history.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 7, 2019

Thirdhand smoke residue exposes children to chemicals

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati found significant levels of nicotine on children's hands, even when caregivers did not smoke in their presence. The study suggests that indoor smoking bans may not fully protect children from exposure to tobacco smoke residue.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalTobacco Use Insights·DateFeb 7, 2019

The physics underlying complex biological architectures

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a theoretical framework that describes how pollen patterns form through phase separation. This discovery provides new insights into the intricate structures found in nature and could lead to the development of innovative materials.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCell·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.

New 'Trojan horse' cancer treatment shows early promise in multiple tumor types

A new cancer drug called tisotumab vedotin has shown significant promise in treating various types of cancer, with a response rate of up to 27% in patients with advanced, drug-resistant cancers. The treatment works by releasing a toxic substance to kill cancer cells from within and has manageable side effects.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateFeb 7, 2019

NASA satellite shows Tropical Cyclone Gelena near Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Gelena is strengthening off Madagascar's northeastern coast, with forecasters predicting rapid intensification and a close passage to Mauritius. The storm will reach peak winds of 120 knots on Feb 9 as it approaches Rodrigues Island.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 7, 2019

Safe to use hands-free devices in the car? Yes, according to research

Research from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that drivers using hands-free electronic devices are less likely to get into a crash. The study analyzed data from over 3,400 drivers and found that hands-free cell phone use was associated with a lower crash rate in some cases.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalSafety Science·DateFeb 7, 2019

Studies lend support to 'grandmother hypothesis,' but there are limits

Recent studies lending support to the 'grandmother hypothesis' suggest that post-reproductive lifespan is linked to grandmotherly help, which declines with age. The research found that maternal grandmothers aged 50-75 increased grandchild survival, but paternal grandparents over 75 had a detrimental effect.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 7, 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.

New measurements of exotic form of magnesium suggest surprising shape-shift

Researchers have reproduced an exotic form of magnesium, magnesium-40, which has led to unexpected findings about its nuclear structure. The study suggests that Mg-40 may be football-shaped, with the added neutrons forming a halo nucleus, and this discovery challenges current theories.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 7, 2019

Do microplastics harm humans?

Researchers are unsure if microplastics cause harm to people as they accumulate in the body and organs, with varying effects depending on composition and additives. Microplastics have been identified in human feces, raising concerns about potential health risks.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 6, 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.

Study links adult fibromyalgia to childhood sexual abuse

A Tel Aviv University study finds a link between chronic pain syndrome fibromyalgia and post-traumatic physical and psychological distress from childhood sexual abuse. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions are shown to be an effective treatment for survivors, improving quality of life and brain functionality.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 6, 2019

Study estimates misuse of prescribed opioids in the United States

A new study estimates that 3.9 million US adults misused prescription opioids annually, with risk factors including co-occurring substance use disorders and psychological distress. Prescribers should be vigilant about potential misuse among patients prescribed potent opioid medications for long-term use.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·DateFeb 6, 2019

Simpler parts make for a more efficient system

Researchers at George Washington University found that decentralized systems perform better when individual parts are less capable, as overly smart components lead to overcorrections and mistakes. This discovery has potential applications in company structure, autonomous vehicles, AI algorithms, and even biological evolution.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 6, 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.

Bubbles of brand new stars

Researchers have spotted a massive young stellar object with a jet emitted by a fledgling star, shedding light on the early lives of stars. The observations were made possible by ESO's MUSE instrument, which has been improved by the addition of Adaptive Optics Facility.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 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.

Researchers investigate a billion years of coexistence between plants and fungi

A team of researchers studied the evolution of plants and fungi over 1 billion years to find that their coexistence played a key role in shaping their biodiversities. The study found that fungal colonization of land was associated with the emergence of terrestrial green algae, which preceded the origin of land plants.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2019

Mental illness not to blame for gun violence study finds

A new study by researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that individuals with access to guns were approximately 18 times more likely to have threatened someone with a gun, while most mental health symptoms were unrelated to gun violence. Limiting access to guns is key to reducing gun violence.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2019

Impact of acne relapses on quality of life and productivity

Acne relapses are associated with impaired quality of life and significant productivity loss, affecting millions of people worldwide. In Metropolitan France, acne relapses result in 350,000 lost days per year.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·DateFeb 6, 2019

Tracking down a feat of nature

A palaeontologist is researching the evolution of a mineralised vertebrate skeleton, which led to an explosion in species diversity around 500 million years ago. The unique nanocrystal structure allows for flexibility and stability, enabling species to conquer new habitats and ecosystems.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateFeb 6, 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.

An elegant mechanism

Mitochondrial researchers at the University of Freiburg discovered a critical role for the metabolite channel porin/VDAC in protein import into mitochondria. The study shows that porin/VDAC stimulates carrier protein import independently of its channel activity, forming an 'elegant mechanism' to regulate mitochondrial function.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 6, 2019

Do differences in gait predict the risk of developing depression in later life?

A recent study found that older adults with depression have slower walking speeds and shorter step lengths compared to those without depression. Gait problems may represent a modifiable risk factor for depression, highlighting the importance of identifying individuals at higher risk for earlier intervention.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 6, 2019

Hibernating hamsters could provide new clues to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers studied Syrian hamster brain changes during hibernation and found that phosphorylated tau, a protein implicated in AD, is rapidly reversed upon waking. Hibernating animals show high levels of long-chain ceramides, which may help protect neurons from oxidative damage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateFeb 6, 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.

Research explains how snakes lost their limbs

Researchers studied genome sequences of various species to understand the genetic factors behind limb loss in snakes. By analyzing gene regulatory elements, they found that only one gene was lost in snakes, but not its associated regulatory element, suggesting a more complex process.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2019

Female manakins use male mating call when implanted with male hormones

Researchers found that female manakins can produce a male-specific 'chee-poo' vocalization when implanted with testosterone, while untreated females cannot. In contrast, juvenile males who received testosterone exhibited vocalizations closer to those of treated females than adult males in the wild.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateFeb 6, 2019