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Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 33


Page 33 of 40

Certain characteristics linked with depression before and after giving birth

A study found associations between depression during pregnancy and postpartum periods with smoking, intimate partner violence, and pre-existing medical conditions like migraines or premenstrual syndrome. The findings suggest that different perinatal depression trajectories have distinct characteristics, paving the way for individualize...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateFeb 6, 2019

New oviraptorosaur species discovered in Mongolia

A new oviraptorosaur species, Gobiraptor minutus, was discovered in the Nemegt Formation of Mongolia. The specimen features unusual thickened jaws and histological analyses indicate that it likely belonged to a young individual.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 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.

New technology helps address big problems for small satellites

Purdue researchers develop a technology to address uncertainty in CubeSat ignition systems, enabling reliable propulsion for extended lifetimes. The innovation uses nanosecond-long pulses to initiate ignition, successfully testing over 1.5 million pulses without significant damage.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPlasma Research Express·DateFeb 6, 2019

Study shows that Vikings enjoyed a warmer Greenland

A Northwestern University team found that southern Greenland's climate was relatively warm when the Norse lived there between 985 and 1450 C.E., about 1.5-degrees Celsius warmer than surrounding cooling centuries.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGeology·DateFeb 6, 2019

Mega docking library poised to speed drug discovery

Researchers have launched an ultra-large virtual docking library with over 1 billion molecules, expanding the number of 'make-on-demand' compounds for chemical biology and drug discovery. The larger library improves its odds of weeding out inactive decoy molecules.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2019

Atomic-scale simulation of antiarrhythmic drug interaction with cardiac cells

Researchers at UC Davis developed a novel simulation that provides insights into vital atomic-scale drug-cardiac cell interactions. The study advances the development of new antiarrhythmic drugs targeting voltage-gated sodium channels, which can help predict individual patient responses to drug therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Climate change poses greater risk of mental health challenges for children born to depressed mothers

A new study finds that climate change increases the risk of mental health problems in children born to mothers with prenatal depression who experience natural disaster-related stress. Infants of depressed mothers displayed greater distress and fear, less smiling and laughter, and lower soothability.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalInfant Mental Health Journal Infancy and Early Childhood·DateFeb 6, 2019

What can worms tell us about human aging?

Researchers have developed a community-agreed model of worm metabolism, which has been re-optimised for relevance to metabolic changes during ageing. The model predicts that Oxaloacetate production becomes limiting in aged worms, potentially leading to extended lifespan by up to 20%.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·DateFeb 6, 2019

Scientists seeking to regrow kidneys make promising discovery

Researchers found blocked newborn kidneys can repair themselves after obstruction removal, shedding light on how kidney damage occurs and potentially leading to regeneration methods. They identified precursor cells playing critical roles in this process.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalClinical Science·DateFeb 6, 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.

Competent chimpanzee nutcrackers

In a study comparing chimpanzees and humans learning the same nut-cracking technique, chimpanzees acquired the skill more rapidly and reached adult efficiency earlier. The study found that teaching facilitated the acquisition of complex behaviors in both species, contradicting the assumption of human superiority in tool use.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2019

Microbial manufacturing

A team of Harvard researchers has unraveled the process by which bacteria manufacture streptozotocin, a key compound used to treat pancreatic cancer. The study reveals an iron-dependent enzyme with two domains that catalyze different steps in the production of nitrosamine compounds.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 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.

Male Y chromosomes not 'genetic wastelands'

Researchers sequenced a large portion of the fruit fly Y chromosome, discovering duplicated sequences and gene conversion mechanisms that enable genes to survive on the often-misunderstood Y chromosome. This new understanding challenges traditional views of the Y chromosome as a 'genetic wasteland',

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalGenetics·DateFeb 6, 2019

Massive collision in the planetary system Kepler 107

The Kepler 107 system's inner planets may have formed from a massive impact that stripped away their outer layers. This study uses seismic analysis to support the hypothesis that Kepler 107c, the densest planet, was created by such an event. The findings highlight the importance of stellar physics in understanding exoplanetary research.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 6, 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.

Children with diabetes perform well in school

A new study published in JAMA found that children with type 1 diabetes outperform their peers in math and reading tests. The research reviewed over 630,000 Danish students' test results and adjusted for socioeconomic status.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 6, 2019

New physical effect demonstrated by University of Bath scientists after 40 year search

Researchers at the University of Bath have successfully demonstrated a new physical effect that could lead to advancements in chemical manufacturing efficiency and quality control in personalized pharmaceuticals. The technique is 100,000 times more sensitive than standard methods used today, enabling precise measurements of chirality i...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPhysical Review X·DateFeb 6, 2019

Study confirms beaked whales' incredible diving abilities

A new study reveals Cuvier's beaked whales dive up to 1,400 meters, lasting about an hour, with brief recovery times. The findings provide a baseline for studying their reactions to sonar and offer insights into the species' remarkable diving capability.

SourceDuke University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 6, 2019

How does the Amazon rain forest cope with drought?

Researchers found that despite reports of big trees being more vulnerable to drought, small trees in open areas lost leaves, while shaded trees surprisingly added leaf area. This response is dependent on environmental conditions imposed by the rainforest's structure.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 6, 2019

First look: Chang'e lunar landing site

The Chang'e 4 spacecraft landed safely in the Von Kármán crater, a 186-kilometer-diameter impact basin. The LRO's spectacular view reveals the massive mountain range and the lander itself is barely visible due to its distance from the camera.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 6, 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.

Body building supplement could be bad for the brain

A study published in Toxicology in Vitro found that L-norvaline can make human cells unhealthy and eventually kill them, even at low concentrations. The amino acid is commonly used in body building supplements to boost workouts and aid recovery.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalToxicology in Vitro·DateFeb 6, 2019

Brain patterns indicative of consciousness, in unconscious individuals

Scientists have identified four distinct brain pattern profiles associated with conscious and unconscious states, shedding light on the neural dynamics underlying human consciousness. The findings hold potential for developing reliable biomarkers of consciousness and externally induced manipulations to restore awareness.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 6, 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.

Solving a mystery: A new model for understanding how certain nuclei split

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a new model to predict nuclear fission reaction products, resolving a long-standing mystery. The 4D Langevin equations model successfully accounts for the effects of fragment shapes on fission products and kinetic energy.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 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.

Electron-gun simulations explain the mechanisms of high-energy cosmic rays

Chinese physicists develop mathematical equations and computer simulations to model photodetachment of negative ions via photons, simulating cosmic rays' collisions with planets. The speed of a moving surface significantly affects the chances of photodetachment, with Chloride (Cl-) ions being less prone than hydrogen (H-) ions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 6, 2019

Micromotors deliver oral vaccines

Researchers create micromotors coated with red blood cell membranes and titanium dioxide that target the mucus layer of the intestine, stimulating a broader immune response. The oral vaccines successfully delivered in mice, producing ten times more IgA antibodies against Staphylococcal α-toxin than static particles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 6, 2019

Discovery may bolster chemotherapy potency while protecting the heart from side-effects

University of Alberta researchers have discovered a way to make chemotherapy more effective against cancer while blocking its harmful side effects on the heart. By stabilizing a specific metabolic protein, they were able to prevent heart damage and enhance tumor regression in preclinical mouse models.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalScience Translational Medicine·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.

Gastric bypass surgery causes type 2 diabetes to go into remission in most patients

A recent study published in Diabetologia found that three-quarters of individuals with type 2 diabetes who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery experienced diabetes remission within one year. The research also identified predictors for success, including lower glycated haemoglobin levels and male patients, as well as a reduced ri...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateFeb 6, 2019

Study examines association between birth weight, risk of developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood

A Swedish study involving over 500,000 siblings found that lower birth weight was associated with a small but significant increased risk for several psychiatric disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. After controlling for family-related factors, the study fo...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 6, 2019

When does noise become a meaningful message?

Bats use rain noise as a salient informational cue to inform their decision making about emerging from roosts. This study shows that noise can be beneficial for animals, providing important information about their environment and when it's safe to hunt.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 6, 2019

HIV drug could treat Alzheimer's, age-associated disorders

A new study found that an HIV drug reduces age-related inflammation and signs of aging in mice, holding promise for treating Alzheimer's and other diseases. The drug works by halting retrotransposon activity in old cells, which are linked to age-associated disorders.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·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.

Intuition and failure as valuable ingredients in chemical research

A new machine learning methodology was developed by researchers at NCCR MARVEL to capture chemical intuition from partially failed trials. This approach helps chemists improve their synthesis conditions and create novel materials with higher surface areas.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2019

Intense IV blood sugar control doesn't improve stroke outcomes

A multicenter trial of 1,151 patients found that IV insulin intensive glucose control did not improve functional outcomes at 90 days compared to standard subcutaneous insulin injections. Intense glucose therapy also increased the risk of hypoglycemia and required more resources.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 6, 2019

Symmetry, a resource that children spontaneously use to draw the plant world

Children spontaneously use symmetry in drawings of plant life between the ages of 4 and 7. The research found that girls use complex symmetries more frequently than boys and that complexity increases with education level. This study provides insight into children's geometrical thinking and its connection to graphical expression.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalSymmetry·DateFeb 6, 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.

More physical than chemical: Researchers show what really gets cells going

A team of researchers from Osaka University found that aggregated social amoebae require physical contact to induce migration, contradicting the long-held assumption that chemical signals play a crucial role. The study highlights the importance of examining cellular processes at all stages of development, particularly in understanding ...

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 6, 2019

The interplay between relationships, stress, and sleep

A new study found that positive relationship experiences in early adulthood reduce stressful life events, leading to better sleep quality later in life. The research suggests relationships play a crucial role in reducing stress, which in turn affects health behaviors.

SourceWiley·JournalPersonal Relationships·DateFeb 6, 2019

Expand the role of patients, the true experts, in neuromuscular disease research

A new position paper published in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases emphasizes the importance of patient-centered approach in neuromuscular disease research. The paper advocates for shared decision-making and patient involvement in research activities, including clinical trials, biobanks, and regulatory processes.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·DateFeb 6, 2019

Physicists take big step in nanolaser design

Researchers from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology developed a method to distinguish between true laser action and LED-like regime in nanolasers. The new technique allows for the calculation of a nanolaser's actual lasing threshold, which is crucial for its practical applications.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 6, 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.

Vitamin D helps treat lethal drug-resistant TB

A study of 1,850 patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis found that vitamin D supplementation accelerated TB clearance in those receiving antibiotic treatment. The findings suggest a potential host-directed therapy to improve outcomes for patients with drug-resistant bacterial infections.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateFeb 6, 2019

NASA catches development of Tropical Cyclone Gelena

Tropical Cyclone Gelena intensified rapidly after its formation as Tropical Depression 13S. The storm developed a cloud-filled eye and bands of thunderstorms wrapping into the low-level center, according to NASA's Aqua satellite imagery.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 6, 2019

Bees have brains for basic math: Study

Researchers found that bees can recognize colors as symbolic representations for basic math operations and use this information to solve problems. The study suggests that advanced numerical cognition may be found widely in nature among non-human animals.

SourceRMIT University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 6, 2019

Researchers find new treatment for Chlamydia

Researchers have developed a new gene therapy treatment for Chlamydia using nanotechnology, achieving a 65% success rate in preventing infection on a single dose. The treatment targets the PDGFR-beta gene to prevent Chlamydia bacteria from entering cells.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2019

Number of suicide deaths have risen globally to over 800,000 in 2016

A study published by The BMJ found that global suicide deaths increased by 6.7% between 1990 and 2016, but the age-adjusted mortality rate decreased by almost a third worldwide over the same period. Men had higher mortality rates than women, with higher rates linked to social and economic deprivation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 6, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Why your kid's strep throat keeps coming back

A study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology finds that recurrent group A strep tonsillitis is caused by a combination of genetic and immunological factors, including an insufficient antibody response against SpeA. This understanding may lead to the development of a vaccine to protect against strep throat.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2019