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Science News Archive January 2019


Page 2 of 37

Climate change and infertility -- a ticking time bomb?

Scientists warn that rising temperatures could make some species sterile and lead to earlier extinction than thought. The Thermal Fertility Limit, a new measure of how organisms function at extreme temperatures, may help predict which species are most vulnerable.

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.

New knowledge could help predict and prevent depression

Researchers found people with highest genetic propensity are over two and a half times more likely to be treated for depression. The study followed 34,500 Danes for up to 20 years, measuring their genetic risk for developing depression.

'More work needed' for new IVF technique

A randomised controlled trial involving over 2,700 couples found that the new IVF technique PICSI did not significantly improve success rates for male infertility, with a success rate of around one in four couples. However, it did reduce miscarriages by 39% compared to standard ICSI treatment.

Atari master: New AI smashes Google DeepMind in video game challenge

A new breed of algorithms has mastered Atari video games 10 times faster than state-of-the-art AI, using a combination of reinforcement learning and intrinsic motivation. This method autonomously identifies sub-goals and exhibits relatively human-like behavior, making it competitive with Google DeepMind in the game Montezuma's Revenge.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers discover method to 'turn off' mutated melanoma

Researchers have discovered a method to 'turn off' mutated melanoma, developing a promising therapeutic option for NRAS mutant cancer. A specific inhibitor targeting the STK19 gene has been designed to prevent NRAS activation and development of NRAS mutant melanoma in an experimental model.

Persistent low body weight in young kids increases risk for anorexia nervosa later

A new study found that persistent low body mass index (BMI) in children starting as young as age 2 for boys and 4 for girls may increase the risk of developing anorexia nervosa later. Persistent high BMI in childhood also increases the risk of other eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and purging disorder.

Can the eye help achieve islet transplant tolerance in type 1 diabetes?

Researchers at the Diabetes Research Institute have successfully transplanted islets into the eye of experimental recipients, achieving long-term immunosuppression-free survival. This approach also shows promise for inducing peripheral immune tolerance, allowing for reduced or eliminated anti-rejection therapy.

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.

Mindfulness promising option for easing chronic pain

A pooled analysis of clinical trials suggests mindfulness can lessen chronic pain severity and associated distress, improving physical functioning. The results indicate that both CBT and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques show promise in treating chronic pain.

Self-growing materials that strengthen in response to force

Hokkaido University researchers have developed a strategy to fabricate materials that become stronger in response to mechanical stress. By employing 'double-network hydrogels,' they were able to create soft, yet tough materials that can adapt and strengthen based on surrounding conditions.

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.

Climate change could make corals go it alone

Research suggests that coral species living alone may survive climate change better than those in reef communities. However, these isolated lifestyles could lead to bleak future ecosystems without reefs.

Connective tissue on the wrong road -- When organs start to scar

In connective tissue diseases, excessive activation of connective tissue cells leads to hardening and scarring within organs. The discovery of the protein PU.1 reveals a molecular mechanism responsible for ongoing activation of these cells, leading to fibrotic diseases.

How whipworms wreak havoc on the gut

A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that whipworms disrupt the balance between gut immune cells and microbiota, leading to uncontrolled inflammation and tissue damage. The researchers discovered that a specific receptor, IL-10R?, plays a critical role in regulating these interactions.

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.

Medical cannabis relieves symptoms in children with autism

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that cannabis treatment showed significant improvement in symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in over 80% of patients. The treatment was well-tolerated and improved quality of life, mood, and ability to perform daily activities.

Bitter rapeseed

Researchers at TUM identified kaempferol 3-O-(2'''-O-sinapoyl-β-sophoroside) as the bitter compound causing rapeseed protein's unpleasant taste. This discovery paves the way for developing tasty, protein-rich foods from rapeseed.

Iguana-sized dinosaur cousin discovered in Antarctica

Scientists have discovered an iguana-sized reptile, named Antarctanax shackletoni, with unique adaptations to the extreme Antarctic environment. The ancient creature, a carnivore that hunted early mammals and amphibians, provides insights into prehistoric Antarctica's rapid evolution and diversification after mass extinction events.

Iguana-sized dinosaur cousin discovered in Antarctica

Researchers uncover fossilized remains of Antarctanax shackletoni, an iguana-sized reptile with unique adaptations for hunting and survival. The discovery provides insights into prehistoric Antarctica's rapid evolution and diversification following a mass extinction event.

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.

Leipzig researchers on Spanish Antarctic expedition

Researchers from Leipzig's TROPOS Institute are part of a Spanish Antarctic expedition investigating the influence of sugar compounds on cloud formation above the ocean. The team aims to understand feedback mechanisms that influence climate change, with implications for ecosystems in polar regions.

Pinpointing the cells that control the brain's memory flow

Researchers have pinpointed a type of cell that helps the brain navigate and remember important locations, providing insight into psychiatric disorders. The discovery focuses on VIP-expressing cells in the hippocampus, which play a key role in directing flexibility in brain activity.

Ancient pandas weren't exclusive bamboo eaters, bone evidence suggests

New evidence from stable isotopes in ancient panda bones indicates they likely had a varied diet, similar to that of other mammalian species. The researchers found that ancient pandas were isotopically distinct from modern giant pandas, suggesting differences in their dietary habits and a wider niche than previously thought.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Looking to choose a healthy post-workout snack? Decide early, study says

A recent study found that participants who decided on a post-exercise snack before exercising were more likely to choose a healthier option. The researchers suggest that making the decision early can help individuals resist temptation and make better food choices. The study's findings support the idea that planning ahead can lead to he...

Cells find their identity using a mathematically optimal strategy

A team of researchers has found that the four gap genes in Drosophila embryos can be jointly decoded into an optimal specification of position, suggesting that cell identities are established close to optimally. The study challenges the traditional textbook model of how positional information is conveyed in the embryo.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

5TONIC lab develops open platform for multi-site NFV experimentation

The 5TONIC MANO platform enables industry partners to deploy trials and experiments across multiple sites in a functional production-like NFV environment. The platform is designed using open-source technologies and has made contributions to EU-backed 5G projects and the OSM community.

Bacteria promote lung tumor development, study suggests

Researchers found that lung tumors exploit altered bacterial populations to create an inflammatory environment that promotes their survival. Treating mice with antibiotics or blocking immune cells significantly reduced tumor size.

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.

Rigs to reefs

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have published a comprehensive study on the history, ecology, and pragmatics of rigs-to-reefs efforts. The study finds that these human-made reefs provide a productive habitat for marine life, with some platforms being more productive than coral reefs or Chesapeake Bay.

Learning new vocabulary during deep sleep

A study published in Current Biology found that participants could reactivate associations formed between foreign words and their translations during a midday nap. The brain's active states supported the retrieval of these sleep-formed associations, suggesting that learning can occur independently of consciousness.

An unexpected mode of action for an antibody

Researchers discovered that a neutralizing antibody from SARS survivors can activate coronavirus membrane fusion by mimicking receptor-attachment. This breakthrough provides new insights into understanding the mechanisms of coronavirus infection and potentially lead to vaccine design.

Tweaking of hormone-producing cells in the intestine

Scientists discovered rare enteroendocrine cells in the intestine that produce hormones like ghrelin and GLP1, which can be tweaked to treat diseases like diabetes and obesity. By studying these cells using single-cell sequencing, researchers hope to develop new therapies.

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.

How new species emerge

Researchers reconstructed the phylogenetic tree of six African baboon species, revealing that genes were exchanged between species, leading to new species emergence. This study sheds light on fundamental biological processes producing new species and provides an analogous model for understanding human evolutionary history.

New research uses Curiosity rover to measure gravity on Mars

Researchers repurposed data from NASA's Curiosity rover to measure the gravitational tug of Martian rocks, finding that lower slopes of Mount Sharp have lower density rock layers than predicted. This challenges a competing theory suggesting Gale Crater was once completely filled with sediment and excavated by erosion.

A new 'twist' on 3D printing renders 'The Thinker,' and other objects

Researchers have developed a new 3D printing method that allows for the rapid rendering of complex objects by rotating photosensitive material in an evolving light field. This approach enables printing times of under two minutes and has potential applications in fields such as patient-specific medical devices, optics, and aerospace.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Carbon-capture technology scrubs CO2 from power plants like scuba-diving gear

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a process to scrub CO2 from coal-burning power plant emissions using an organic sorbent similar to soda lime. This alternative technology requires 24% less energy and can be regenerated at lower temperatures, making it more cost-effective for carbon capture.

Cooking chemistry minus heat equals new non-toxic adhesive

A new soy-based adhesive, created using Maillard chemistry, shows promise as a non-toxic alternative for food packaging. The adhesive, made from natural proteins and sugars, is stronger than Gorilla Glue on wood and has the potential to replace toxic petroleum-based adhesives.

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.

Scientists develop new recycling technology

Russian scientists propose a new recycling method that produces liquid products from organic waste, eliminating the need for specialized plants and reducing oil consumption. The process also generates no environmental emissions, making it compatible with circular economy principles.

Feeding tubes shouldn't be on POLST forms: JAGS opinion paper

The American Geriatrics Society recommends excluding feeding tube preference from Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms due to research showing that they harm patients with dementia. PEG tubes can increase discomfort and agitation, leading to restraints and bedsores.

NUS study: Nanoparticles may promote cancer metastasis

Researchers from NUS discovered that certain nanoparticles can widen the gap between blood vessel cells, making it easier for cancer cells to spread. This phenomenon, named NanoEL, accelerates tumor growth and causes circulating cancer cells to escape from blood circulation.

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.

Imperceptible movements guide juvenile zebra finch song development

Researchers discovered that adult females guide juvenile zebra finch song development through wing gestures and 'fluff ups', encouraging the baby birds to mimic their favorite versions. The study, published in Current Biology, reveals socially-guided vocal learning in zebra finches, similar to human babies.

European waters drive ocean overturning, key for regulating climate

A new international study reveals that the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation is primarily driven by cooling waters west of Europe, with significant implications for predicting future climate impacts. The study found that the overturning variability in this region was seven times greater than in the Labrador Sea.