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Science News Archive January 2019


Page 13 of 37

Tasmanian devil cancer unlikely to cause extinction, say experts

A new study by Swansea University suggests that Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) is unlikely to cause the extinction of the iconic species. The researchers found that the disease is more likely to fade out or coexist with devils in future, providing much-needed hope for the species' survival.

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.

Birth of massive black holes in the early universe revealed

Massive black holes may have formed in rare, densely populated areas of the early universe, a new study suggests. The team used simulations to model the growth of dark matter halos and found that rapid assembly prevented normal star formation, leading to black hole formation instead.

Stars shrouded in iron dust

A study discovered a group of massive stars with high iron dust and low metal content in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The stars have unique spectral properties, and their environment allows for the formation of large quantities of iron dust.

Mice transmit acquired adaptability to their offspring

Research at the University of Göttingen found that mice growing up in stimulating environments transmit increased brain plasticity to their offspring, even if the young mice were raised in less enriching conditions. This transgenerational transmission affects primary sensory areas of the cerebral cortex.

What makes the deadly pufferfish so delectable

Scientists reproduce pufferfish flavor using key taste-active compounds, revealing strong umami and kokumi components. The study contributes to a better understanding of the unique taste of pufferfish without the toxic effects.

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.

NC State researchers create 3D-printed soft mesh robots

Researchers at NC State University have created 3D-printed flexible mesh structures that can be controlled with applied magnetic fields while floating on water. The structures can also mimic the properties of water striders and have potential applications as soft robots or tissue scaffolds.

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.

Flu vaccination keeps COPD patients out of the hospital

A recent study published in CHEST reveals that influenza vaccination can reduce hospitalizations among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by up to 38%. The study found that nearly two-thirds of COPD patients were not vaccinated, highlighting the need for improved vaccination rates and timely antiviral medication...

Report: Funding for neglected disease research hits record high

Funding for neglected diseases reached a record high of $3.5 billion in 2017, driven mainly by increased investments from the UK, European Commission, Germany, and India. Despite progress, overall funding falls short of global targets, with many countries struggling to meet even 50% of the recommended 0.01% of GDP allocation.

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.

Chemists warm up to preprint servers

Two chemistry preprint servers, ChemRxiv and ChemRN, have gained traction since their launch in 2017, allowing chemists to share discoveries freely before peer review. The sites provide a platform for quick sharing of results, feedback from peers, and increased access to research, especially for scientists in developing countries.

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.

Gene-edited disease monkeys cloned in China

A team of scientists has successfully cloned gene-edited monkeys with disease phenotypes using somatic cell nuclear transfer. The monkeys, which exhibit circadian disorder phenotypes, can be used to study the pathogenesis and therapeutic treatments for human diseases such as sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

Scientists reconstruct ancient lost plates under Andes mountains

Researchers have reconstructed ancient lost plates under the Andes mountains, offering a glimpse of the Earth's surface millions of years ago. The study reveals that the formation of the mountain range was more complex than previously thought, with evidence of volcanic activity and plate tectonics.

How friendly mice can affect their lonely cagemates

A novel video-based behavioral analysis system, MAPS, shows that group-housed mice form stronger social relationships and are closer in proximity to isolated mice than those reared separately. This study provides insight into the effects of early social experience on adult social behavior.

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.

Targeted treatment shrinks deadly pediatric brain tumors

A targeted therapy that blocks the protein LSD1 has been shown to shrink tumors in mice with a form of pediatric brain cancer known as medulloblastoma. The treatment, which is currently being tested in clinical trials for other cancers, may offer new hope for children with this devastating disease.

Virus-based therapy targets a pediatric eye cancer

Researchers developed a virus-based therapy VCN-01 that targets retinoblastoma, a tumor affecting mainly children, by infecting cancer cells with a dysfunctional RB1 pathway. The treatment successfully replicated in tumor cells without causing systemic inflammation and extended time to enucleation compared to chemotherapy.

Conservation efforts help some rare birds more than others, study finds

A new study found that conservation programs in Illinois have helped some rare birds increase their populations to historic levels. The Bell's vireo, one of four species studied, has bounced back from historic declines and is now more than double its last estimated abundance. In contrast, other bird species with wider geographic ranges...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How gender inequality is reproduced on social media

Researchers found that social media posts about sons receive 1.5 times more likes than those about daughters, perpetuating a gender imbalance. Posts featuring sons also tend to be liked more by both men and women, reinforcing the notion that boys are more important.

Completing physics Ph.D. does not stem from scoring high on GRE

A new study challenges typical admissions criteria for physics Ph.D. programs by finding that GRE scores don't predict successful completion of doctoral degrees. Undergraduate GPA is the only robust predictor of Ph.D. completion, with no correlation between GRE test scores and completion rates across various demographics.

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.

Cancer has a biological clock and this drug may keep it from ticking

Researchers have discovered a promising new drug that targets the biological clock of cancer cells, slowing their growth and halting their spread. By disrupting the circadian rhythm of cancer cells, this drug may provide an effective new treatment option for various types of cancer.

Fried food linked to heightened risk of death among older US women

A large US study found that eating fried foods, especially fried chicken and fish, increases the risk of death from any cause and heart-related death. Regular consumption was associated with a higher risk of 8% compared to non-fried food eaters. Reducing fried food intake may have a positive public health impact.

Ocean drilling project seeks clues to future sea level rise

A team of researchers, led by Julia Wellner and Karsten Gohl, will drill into the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to study its history and potential impact on sea level rise. The expedition aims to understand the past interplay between seawater and air temperature, which could provide insights into possible future behavior.

Study finds unique form of chronic sinusitis in older patients

Researchers found that older patients with chronic sinusitis have a distinct inflammatory signature characterized by innate immune function and age-dependent cytokine elevations. This may render them less responsive to traditional steroid treatments, which are often ineffective for these patients.

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.

Your smartphone now knows if you smoke and may help you quit

A study from Gero longevity company shows that quitting smoking can lead to rejuvenation that can be monitored by a mobile phone app. The app uses AI algorithm trained on physical activity signals to estimate biological age and track its reversion after smoking cessation.

Fidget spinner as centrifuge separates blood plasma (video)

Researchers used fidget spinners to separate blood plasma with high purity in just four to seven minutes, setting up a potential solution for resource-limited regions. The method, which uses the spinner's centrifugal force, can detect clinically relevant concentrations of viral proteins in only a drop of blood.

Copy cats: When is a bobcat not a bobcat?

A recent study reveals that wildlife classification, particularly for similar species like bobcats and lynx, is a challenging task. Even experts had difficulty agreeing on the species in images, leading to potential errors in conservation and management efforts.

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.

Cannabis use disorder: The policy climate matters

A new study found that adolescents and young adults in liberal states reported higher past-year cannabis use rates than those in conservative states. However, the rates of cannabis use disorder were significantly lower in liberal states compared to conservative states for ages 12-17 and marginally lower for ages 26 and older.

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 tumor test could guide personalized treatment for children with cancer

A new test for pediatric tumour analysis has been developed that may provide faster diagnosis times and more accurate genetic mutation detection. The test uses DNA sequencing technology to identify weaknesses in tumor cells that can be targeted with drugs, offering potential improvements in treatment options for children with cancer.

Identifying factors that influence mercury levels in tuna

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that body size and sea-surface temperature are primary factors affecting methylmercury levels in tuna. The researchers developed a model to predict mercury levels, which worked well for most regions but underestimated levels in certain areas.

Advances in 3D and organoid cell culture

This special collection showcases the potential of 3D cell culture technology in accelerating basic research, drug discovery, and drug development. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide optimized systems for disease modeling, compound pharmacology, and toxicology.

Researchers create road map of care for children with severe head trauma

Researchers developed a comprehensive care model, PEGASUS, to treat pediatric patients with severe head trauma. The protocol showed improved outcomes, including reduced disability and death, by adhering to key performance indicators such as maintaining cerebral perfusion pressure and early initiation of nutrition.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Laser physics: A new home for optical solitons

Researchers at LMU Munich have successfully generated dissipative solitons in passive free-space resonators, a breakthrough that enables the compression of laser pulses while increasing their peak power. This technique opens up new avenues for exploring ultrafast dynamics and precision spectroscopy.

Where is Earth's submoon?

Large moons in stable orbits around their parent planets are thought to be capable of hosting satellite submoons, with four bodies in our Solar System potentially fitting this description. However, the lack of observed submoons may offer insights into planetary formation and evolution.

Prolonged spaceflight could weaken astronauts' immune systems

A new study found that prolonged spaceflights can impair natural killer cell function in astronauts, increasing the risk of cancer and viral reactivation. The effects are more pronounced in first-time astronauts, suggesting stress or age may play a role.

Needle and syringe programs cost-effectively prevent hepatitis C transmission

A recent study found that needle and syringe programs are a cost-effective way to prevent hepatitis C (HCV) transmission among people who inject drugs. The research, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, estimated that these programs would save millions of pounds in infection treatment costs in the UK. In addition to re...

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.