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Science News Archive January 2019


Page 1 of 37

Do all chemotherapies have equal long-term heart risk?

A study of 28,000 childhood cancer survivors found that exposure to different anthracycline chemotherapies results in variable long-term cardiovascular risk. Specifically, daunorubicin was associated with decreased cardiomyopathy risk compared to doxorubicin, while mitoxantrone appeared to have greater long-term cardiomyopathy risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJan 31, 2019

Evolution, illustrated

A team of researchers led by Professor Hopi Hoekstra conducted a years-long study on the survival of light- and dark-colored mice in different habitats. The results confirmed the intuition that light-colored mice survive better in light-colored habitats, and also pinpointed a mutation related to survival that affects pigmentation.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 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.

Salmon populations may adapt their eggs to survive in degraded rivers

A University of Southampton study reveals that salmon egg membranes adjust their structure to cope with reduced oxygen levels in rivers. This adaptation enables embryos to incubate successfully. The research found that membrane thickness, porosity, and permeability vary among different salmon populations.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 31, 2019

The 'stuff' of the universe keeps changing

Researchers reveal how stars contribute to the creation of elements, from hydrogen to heavier elements like lawrencium. The study highlights the dynamic nature of the periodic table, which has grown as new elements have been discovered or created in laboratories.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 2019

Short anti-rejection therapy protects transplants in diabetic animals

Researchers have found a short anti-rejection therapy that can protect transplanted pancreatic islets in diabetic animals, enabling long-term survival and function without the need for life-long immune suppression. This breakthrough could lead to an effective treatment of type 1 diabetes with fewer side effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalDiabetologia·DateJan 31, 2019

Effectively collecting tiny droplets for biomedical analysis and beyond

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong create innovative method to transport micro-droplets using capillary force on slippery surface, enabling detection of E. coli and S. aureus bacteria in biomedical analysis. This technology has potential applications in fog collection, water harvesting, heat exchangers, and other fields.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·DateJan 31, 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.

Male birth control for the malaria parasite

Researchers at Penn State have identified a complex of proteins crucial for the maturation of the malaria parasite's sexual stage, which is required for transmission to mosquitoes. Disrupting this complex inhibits the parasite's ability to mature and infect mosquitoes, offering a new tool in the fight against malaria.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 31, 2019

Plastic in Britain's seals, dolphins and whales

A new study reveals that microplastics have been ingested by every marine mammal examined, with synthetic fibers being the primary source. The findings suggest that while the number of particles is relatively low, more research is needed to understand the potential impacts on animal health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2019

Scientists shed light on processes behind age-related decline in brain structures

A new study by Cardiff University reveals that aging damages white matter cells, which can affect grey matter in the hippocampus and cognitive function. Researchers found that damage to support cells in white matter may lead to tissue health issues in the hippocampus, a region important for memory and involved in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 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.

The FASEB Journal: Molecular mechanisms behind AICAr drug; impact on ALL

A new study in The FASEB Journal reveals that AICAr inhibits cell proliferation and has cytotoxic potential for childhood ALL cells by regulating nucleotide metabolism. The researchers confirm that Acadesine's inhibition of cell proliferation is independent of AMPK activation, but dependent on P53.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 31, 2019

Medical experts restore movement and autonomic function in patients with complete paralysis

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School demonstrate spinal cord stimulation can immediately restore some voluntary movement and autonomic functions years after a paralyzing injury. The study expands inclusion guidelines for epidural stimulation, offering new hope for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJan 31, 2019

New 3D printer shapes objects with rays of light

A new 3D printer uses light to transform gooey liquids into complex solid objects in a matter of minutes, smoother and more flexible than traditional printers. The technology has the potential to mass-customize products, including prosthetics and eyeglass lenses.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Treatment for obesity and fatty liver disease may be in reach

Researchers discovered 27 new molecules with significant therapeutic potential for treating fatty liver disease and obesity by activating the PPAR-delta protein. These molecules are currently undergoing pharmaceutical evaluations and show promise in improving physical endurance and reducing waistlines.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2019

New computational method reduces risk of drug formulation

A new method developed by researchers at the University of Luxembourg and others can predict how drug molecules arrange themselves in different energetic conditions, reducing the risk of formulation failures. This approach could help pharmaceutical companies avoid costly development errors and ensure their drugs function properly.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 31, 2019

The development of brain stem cells into new nerve cells and why this can lead to cancer

Researchers at German Cancer Research Center discovered that stem cell genes remain active, allowing for reversible decision-making in becoming a neuron or reverting back to stem cell. Uncontrolled TOR activity can cause brain cancer, highlighting the importance of controlling this signal for future stem cell therapy developments

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2019

Scientists find 'new' science instrument on Mars rover Curiosity

Scientists have made the first surface gravity measurements on a planet other than Earth using NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars. The rover's accelerometers, used for navigation, were calibrated to measure subtle changes in gravitational acceleration, providing new information about the subsurface of Mars.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 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.

More die after surgery than from HIV, TB, and malaria combined -- study

A new study estimates that around 4.2 million people die within 30 days of surgery globally, with half of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The researchers project that expanding surgical services to address unmet need would add another 1.9 million post-operative deaths annually.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 31, 2019

Crossbreeding threatens conservation of endangered milky storks: NUS study

A NUS study reveals that crossbreeding between milky storks and their cousins is threatening the species' conservation. The research found that more than half of the stork population in Singapore is genetically influenced by Painted Storks, posing a major threat to the species' survival.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJan 31, 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.

Large, stable pieces of graphene produced with unique edge pattern

Researchers at FAU have successfully produced large, stable pieces of graphene with a zigzag edge pattern. This breakthrough enables the control of shape and periphery, which is crucial for investigating electronic properties in detail.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2019

Opposite effect: Protein widely known to fight tumors also boosts cancer growth

Researchers at University of California San Diego found evidence that p53 stimulates tumor growth by enhancing cancer metabolism, challenging the widely accepted idea that it suppresses cancer. The study suggests that drug therapies designed to enhance p53's function may inadvertently cause opposite effects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 31, 2019

Researchers breathe new life into COPD research using mouse models

Researchers used mouse models to explain the developmental process behind COPD, finding that immune cells called basophils induce airway degeneration by triggering a cascade of immune responses. The study's findings may lead to therapies targeting basophils or related immune cells to slow down emphysema progression.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 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.

How the immune system protects us against bowel cancer

Researchers found the immune system plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy intestinal stem cells and preventing bowel cancer by enhancing DNA repair mechanisms. The study discovered that cells of the innate immune system can recognize genotoxic environmental factors, such as glucosinolates, and send signals to epithelial stem cell...

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2019

New treatment target emerging for retinal damage

Scientists at MCG are studying a new treatment target for retinal damage, characterized by blood vessel disruption leading to vision loss. They believe the key lies in arginase 1, an enzyme that helps regulate inflammation, which can be either damaging or reparative.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJan 31, 2019

Survivors of a firearm injury at risk for subsequent hospitalizations

A recent study found that 10% of firearm injury survivors will be readmitted to the hospital within 90 days, highlighting a significant burden of morbidity. The researchers also discovered a 30% increased risk of readmission among those with firearm injuries compared to occupant motor vehicle injury patients.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Injury and Violence Research·DateJan 31, 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.

Fruit and vegetable consumption linked to lower risk of early death for dialysis patients

A new study found that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables may be associated with a lower risk of premature death in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The findings suggest that more studies are needed to fine-tune dietary recommendations for patients with kidney failure.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 31, 2019

Curiosity's first attempt at gravimetry advances martian geology

Researchers used Curiosity's repurposed inertial measurement units to detect subtle variations in gravitational fields, contradicting the theory of a buried rock layer. The study suggests that Mount Sharp formed largely in its current form as a free-standing mound within Gale crater.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 2019

Mean streets: Self-driving cars will 'cruise' to avoid paying to park

Self-driving cars will slow traffic by cruising at low speeds to avoid high downtown parking fees. Cities face challenges regulating autonomous vehicles, which can create havoc if not properly managed. Congestion pricing is proposed as a solution to reduce congestion and pollution.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalTransport Policy·DateJan 31, 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.

Adaptive models capture complexity of the brain and behavior

Scientists parse animal behavior into digestible chunks using an adaptive model, spotting subtleties that would have otherwise been missed. The study found that complex dynamics can be broken down into simple linear patterns, allowing for the quantification of brain states and movement behaviors in various organisms.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2019

Hurricane Katrina's aftermath included spike in heart disease hospitalizations

A study from Tufts University found that cardiovascular disease hospitalization rates rose precipitously after Hurricane Katrina's landfall, lasting more than a month. The increase was higher among the older black population compared to the older white population.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJan 31, 2019

Statin therapy reduces cardiovascular disease risk in older people

A Lancet study found that statin therapy reduced the risk of a major vascular event by about a quarter for each millimole per litre reduction in LDL cholesterol, even in older people. Statins also did not increase the risk of deaths from non-cardiovascular disease or cancer at any age.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 31, 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.

Rainfall extremes are connected across continents: Nature study

Researchers discovered a global pattern of extreme rainfall teleconnections linked to jetstreams, which could enhance weather forecasting and damage mitigation. The study's findings have practical relevance for improving predictions of extreme rainfall events.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2019

Graphene crinkles can be used as 'molecular zippers'

Researchers at Brown University have discovered that graphene crinkles can be used to assemble molecules into linear arrays, known as 'molecular zippers'. This phenomenon enables easier manipulation and study of molecules, which could have applications in studying biomolecules like DNA and RNA.

SourceBrown University·DateJan 31, 2019

Minority kidney transplants could increase with new option

A study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that African-American patients with blood type B can receive blood type A2 kidneys with similar outcomes. This new option has improved access to transplants for minority patients, increasing the number of available organs and reducing disparities in wait times.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 31, 2019

In prenatal testing, 'genomics' sometimes sees what genetic tests can't

A new prenatal genetic testing approach has been shown to improve the diagnosis of fetal anomalies, identifying a significant cause in nearly half of affected pregnancies. The technique, known as whole exome sequencing, offers a valuable addition to standard prenatal tests, providing clear diagnoses and easing parental fears.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 31, 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.

Stem cell growth accelerated by tropoelastin protein

A new method of growing stem cells has been discovered using the tropoelastin protein, which could lead to significant cost savings in treatment options. This breakthrough discovery, published in PNAS, uses a cost-effective approach to encourage the growth and recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2019

A new approach to peripheral nerve injury?

A new study published in Cell suggests that targeting immune cells called natural killer cells may help clear out damaged axons and promote healthy regrowth, potentially decreasing chronic neuropathic pain. The findings could lead to a greater understanding of the mechanisms behind neuropathic pain and improve treatment options.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateJan 31, 2019

Maximizing the potential of MXenes

MXenes' conductivity increases as intercalants and termination species are eliminated, making them suitable for applications like energy storage and wearable tech. Researchers developed a new electron microscopy technique to measure surface chemistry in real-time, paving the way for termination engineering.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2019

Identity crisis of satiety neurons leads to obesity

Scientists at Helmholtz Munich found a transcription factor called Tbx3 that plays a pivotal role in maintaining energy and sugar metabolism. Its absence leads to an identity crisis of satiety neurons, resulting in obesity.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 31, 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.

Endangered sharks being eaten in UK

Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered endangered hammerhead and dogfish species being sold as food in UK chip shops, highlighting a need for more accurate labelling. The study also found that consumers may unknowingly purchase threatened shark species, posing health risks and contributing to declining shark populations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2019

Discovery points to innovative new way to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers have restored muscle stem cell function in animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, leading to efficient muscle regeneration and preventing progressive loss of muscle strength. The study's findings suggest a new treatment approach may be effective in addressing this complex disease.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 31, 2019

Environmentally stable laser emits exceptionally pure light

Researchers developed a compact, environmentally stable laser with an ultra-narrow linewidth of 20 hertz, suitable for improving GPS accuracy and detecting gravitational waves. The laser's stability is maintained through self-referencing temperature sensing, allowing precise correction signals to be applied.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJan 31, 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.

Earth's largest extinction event likely took plants first

A study published in Nature Communications found that the Great Dying, a massive extinction event 252 million years ago, likely targeted plant life before animal species. The research team discovered high concentrations of nickel in Australian sediment, which may have been released from Siberian volcanoes and poisoned plant life.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2019

Estimation of technology level required for low-cost renewable hydrogen production

Researchers in Japan developed an integrated system combining photovoltaic power generation and rechargeable batteries to produce hydrogen at a globally competitive cost. The system can adjust the amount of battery charge/discharge and electrolysis hydrogen production in relation to solar power generated, enabling the production of hyd...

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJan 31, 2019

Educated migrants bring wages closer together in regions

A study by National Research University Higher School of Economics found that educated migrants contribute to the convergence of wages across Russian regions. Migrants with secondary or vocational education levels have a significant impact on increasing regional wages, while higher-education migrants have little effect.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalVoprosy Ekonomiki·DateJan 31, 2019

Blood runs deep: Lab blood vessel model sheds light on angiogenesis

Researchers created a lab model of a blood vessel to study angiogenesis, revealing how the molecule EGFL7 influences blood vessel sprouting and integrity. The study suggests EGFL7 as a potential therapeutic target for diseases like retinopathy and cancer.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalBiomaterials·DateJan 31, 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.