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Science News Archive January 2019 - Page 10


Page 10 of 37

Medications could fill treatment gap for adolescents with obesity

For adolescents with obesity, weight loss medications may be an effective option that hasn't improved with lifestyle modification or surgery. Researchers recommend evidence-based guidance on medication use, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and further research.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalObesity·DateJan 25, 2019

Do microbes control the formation of giant copper deposits?

A recent study by Fernando Tornos and colleagues reveals that microbes play a key role in the precipitation of metals in shallow environments. The researchers found evidence of anaerobic microbes controlling the formation of copper sulfides in the Las Cruces deposit, a high-grade copper ore site.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 25, 2019

Giving children the skills they need to tackle life's toughest challenges

Dr. Joyce Javier's innovative program, featuring a cost-effective video, significantly increased enrollment of Filipino parents in The Incredible Years parenting program. This study found that the program reduced parenting stress and promoted family connectedness, protecting against suicide rates among Asian American youth.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 25, 2019

New insight into unique sugar transport in plants

Researchers from Aarhus University have solved the structure of a Sugar Transport Protein (STP) and discovered a novel domain that plays a crucial role in the transport mechanism. The discovery provides valuable insights into how plants develop correctly and respond to fungal attacks.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A landscape unseen in over 40,000 years

Radiocarbon dating reveals ancient plants preserved on Baffin Island have been covered by ice for at least 40,000 years. The findings suggest the region may be experiencing its warmest century in 115,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2019

Genetically modified virus injection into tumor can treat metastatic melanoma

A genetically modified virus injection into tumor has effectively treated almost 40 percent of patients with metastatic melanoma. The treatment, talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC), stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells, leading to a complete local response rate of 39 percent in stage IIIB disease.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 25, 2019

Helmholtz scientists identify the causes of cortisone-induced side effects

Researchers have pinpointed a mechanism that leads to steroid diabetes in patients undergoing long-term cortisone treatment. The findings suggest that the E47 transcription factor plays a key role in the changes in gene expression, particularly in liver cells.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 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.

Listeria in the feed: A dangerous hygiene problem in fattening pigs

Listeria contamination in fattening pig feed can cause severe illness and death, researchers warn. A study found that anaerobic ensilaging conditions can suppress bacterial growth, highlighting the importance of proper feeding procedures.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalBMC Veterinary Research·DateJan 25, 2019

An integrative approach to studying lipid biology

Scientists have discovered how COQ9 binds to aromatic isoprene lipids, accessing membranes through an amphipathic helix. This finding presents new insights into the production of CoQ and may inform strategies to treat lipid deficiency disorders.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 25, 2019

MD Anderson study shows FGL2 protein may be an effective target for glioblastoma

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a link between FGL2 protein and glioblastoma progression. FGL2, known for suppressing the immune system, is highly expressed in GBM and can be eliminated by knocking it out, eliminating tumor progression in mice with intact immune systems.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 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.

Study suggests aspirin may help some patients survive head and neck cancer

A study suggests that regular use of aspirin or other NSAIDs can improve the survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who have mutations in the PIK3CA gene. This is due to the reduction of prostaglandin E2, an inflammatory molecule that promotes tumor growth.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 25, 2019

Harvard researchers report positive trial results with artificial pancreas smartphone app

The interoperable Artificial Pancreas System smartphone app has shown improved time in the target glucose range and a statistically significant reduction in time below 70mg/dL. The study suggests that this system could provide personalized care for patients with diabetes, offering flexibility and convenience.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateJan 25, 2019

Autism and theory of mind

Researchers developed a new test to examine theory of mind in people with autism. The study found that individuals with autism struggle with tracking Sally's beliefs about the environment and making logical conclusions about her behavior. This understanding can help develop treatments for autism in the future.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 25, 2019

Neanderthal hunting spears could kill at a distance

A new study reveals that Neanderthals had the technological capabilities to hunt at a distance using advanced wooden spears, contradicting previous theories that they only hunted at close range. The spears, dating back to 300,000 years ago, were found to be effective in hitting targets up to 20 meters away.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 25, 2019

Kansas State University awarded grant for juvenile justice initiatives

The project aims to build community capacity in data collection and analysis and foster community collaboration in support of youth and families. K-State JJC will work with stakeholders in 23 pre-selected Kansas counties to develop a comprehensive toolkit for local, sustainable systems that serve unique needs of youth.

SourceKansas State University·DateJan 25, 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.

Fish oil does not appear to improve asthma control in teens, young adults

A study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that four grams of fish oil per day for six months did not improve asthma control in adolescents and young adults with uncontrolled asthma. The researchers suggested that obesity may cause systemic inflammation, which reduces the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory t...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 25, 2019

Worms can process rice straw, scientists discover

Scientists discovered that earthworms efficiently process rice straw, increasing its fertility and preventing the burning of crop residues. This method reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves soil health, making it a more sustainable alternative to current practices.

SourceSechenov University·JournalEuropean Journal of Soil Biology·DateJan 24, 2019

Patenting a device for the random selection of people

Researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have patented a Kleroterion device made of methacrylate, ensuring randomness in the entire process. The new design offers advantages such as ease of transport and transparency, making it a simpler and more reliable method for selecting people.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateJan 24, 2019

How to escape a black hole: simulations provide new clues about powerful plasma jets

Researchers have combined decades-old theories to provide insight into the driving mechanisms of plasma jets in black holes. The simulations describe how twisting magnetic fields and 'negative-energy' particles produce these powerful displays, allowing black holes to steal energy and propel it far from their event horizons.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 24, 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.

Scientists explain formation of lunar dust clouds

A study published in JETP Letters reveals that a meteoroid's collision with the Moon creates two dusty plasma clouds due to regolith fragments and molten material interacting with electrons. The clouds' characteristics, such as speed and size, can be observed separately, providing crucial insights for ensuring space flight safety.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJETP Letters·DateJan 24, 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.

In life and death, Alzheimer's disease looks different among Hispanic patients

Researchers found that Hispanic patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease are less impaired on cognitive tests compared to non-Hispanic patients. The study suggests greater small blood vessel disease and increased amyloid angiopathy in Hispanic patients, highlighting the need for culturally adapted diagnostic protocols.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJan 24, 2019

New drug targets for BRCA-driven cancer uncovered

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered two new genetic targets, APEX2 and FEN1, which show promise as potential treatments for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. The study's findings suggest that inhibiting these enzymes could complement existing Parp inhibitors and address drug resistance in BRCA-driven cancer.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 24, 2019

The helix, of DNA fame, may have arisen with startling ease

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology discovered that RNA's chemical ancestors can spontaneously form spiral strands in plain water without catalysts or enzymes. The spiraling integrated another compound, forming a structure similar to RNA, and demonstrated the possibility of an early evolutionary path for RNA.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 24, 2019

Sleep deprivation accelerates Alzheimer's brain damage

A recent study published in Science has found that sleep deprivation increases levels of the key Alzheimer's protein tau, leading to accelerated brain damage and dementia. In mice and people, researchers discovered that disrupted sleep causes tau tangles to spread through the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 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.

NUS engineers develop novel strategy for designing tiny semiconductor particles for wide-ranging applications

The National University of Singapore engineers have developed a novel bottom-up synthesis strategy to consistently construct TMD QDs of specific size, offering a cheaper and more scalable method. The synthesized MoS2 QDs demonstrate potential biomedical applications, including photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2019

Lessons learned from the adult neurogenesis debate

University of British Columbia professor Jason Snyder reviews the conflicting reports on adult neurogenesis in humans, pointing to methodological differences as a major issue. He argues that there is evidence for low rates of neurogenesis in specific brain regions, particularly the hippocampus.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateJan 24, 2019

'Cascade of Care' framework aims to reduce opioid deaths

A new 'Cascade of Care' framework aims to address gaps in addiction care and monitor treatment outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder. The model identifies key stages through which people must progress to increase the chance of reaching remission, and emphasizes prevention services targeting populations by risk level.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateJan 24, 2019

Computer program aids food safety experts with pathogen testing

A new computer program, EnABLe, simulates the most likely locations of Listeria monocytogenes in processing facilities to inform pathogen testing. The model has potential for application to other microbes and environments, including hospital-acquired infections and fruit and vegetable processing plants.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 24, 2019
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.

Study: Natural disaster affects children's schooling years later

A new study found that children in regions affected by major bushfires demonstrated poorer academic outcomes in some subjects compared to those in less affected areas. The researchers tracked the academic performance of elementary-school children over a four-year period after the Black Saturday bushfires in Australia.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJan 24, 2019

Graphene can hear your brain whisper

Researchers have developed a graphene-based sensor that can detect brain activity below 0.1 Hz, unlocking new insights into epilepsy and brain function. This technology could lead to novel multiplexing strategies, enabling unprecedented mapping of low-frequency neural signals.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 24, 2019

Increasing murder rate is erasing gains in life expectancy among Mexican men

A study by UCLA researchers found that Mexico's murder rate increased dramatically between 2005 and 2015, offsetting gains in life expectancy among men. Life expectancy for men only increased by half a year during this period, largely due to an increase in homicides and deaths from heart disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 24, 2019

New kidney research sheds light on harms of certain drugs

Scientists identified an enzyme that regulates kidney function and found that excessive suppression can trigger renal failure. This research has implications for the use of existing drugs like lithium and the development of new pharmaceuticals.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2019
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.

Dopamine modulates the reward experiences elicited by music

Researchers found that dopamine precursor levodopa increased hedonic experience and motivational responses, while dopamine antagonist risperidone reduced both. These results suggest that dopamine modulates the reward experiences elicited by music, challenging previous evidence in animal models.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2019

First confirmed cases of rabbit virus found in UK hares

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have confirmed cases of RHDV2 in UK hares, contributing to a decline of over 80% in brown hare populations due to agricultural changes. The expanding dataset will help map reported mortalities over time and identify primary causes of the die-off.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalVeterinary Record·DateJan 24, 2019

Cancer drug development award given to Geoffrey Shapiro

Shapiro's comprehensive program in early cancer drug development has provided scientific and clinical direction for multiple investigational agents. His work has contributed to the advancement of several approved drugs, including CDK4/6 inhibitors.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateJan 24, 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.

HBOT showed improvement in Alzheimer's Disease

A 58-year-old female patient with advanced Alzheimer's disease showed significant improvement in brain metabolism and symptoms after undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The patient reported increased energy, mood, and cognitive function, and experienced reduced anxiety and disorientation.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalMedical Gas Research·DateJan 24, 2019

Do economic conditions affect pregnancy outcomes?

Researchers analyzed dataset of singleton births in Michigan from 1990-2012, finding a 3% increase in preterm birth odds with each one percentage point increase in state unemployment. This study suggests that broader socioeconomic factors, such as economic conditions, may contribute to pregnancy health disparities.

SourceWiley·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·DateJan 24, 2019

The builder and the regulator

Researchers studied mRNA and microRNA interactions in prenatal human brain cells to understand their role in cell type identification. They found that these interactions are highly cell-type specific, which can lead to overexpression of certain genes and uncontrolled cell production.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 24, 2019

What atoms do when liquids and gases meet

Researchers from UC3M and Imperial College London have developed a new theory that explains the behavior of liquids and gases at the microscopic scale. The study reveals that the arrangement of atoms exhibits certain mathematical properties called resonances, which provide a consistent description of liquid-gas fluctuations.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 24, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Discovery could advance blood pressure treatments

A team of researchers has discovered genetic associations with blood pressure that could guide future treatments for patients with hypertension. Over 250 new genetic variants and 400 new genes associated with blood pressure were identified, suggesting existing drugs may be used to lower blood pressure.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 24, 2019

Scientists discover Ebola virus in West African bat

Researchers found genetic material and antibodies from the virus in a Greater Long-fingered bat in Liberia's Nimba District. The discovery adds to evidence suggesting bats serve as natural wildlife reservoirs for Ebola and other related viruses, shedding light on how outbreaks occur.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateJan 24, 2019

Lower-carbon diets aren't just good for the planet, they're also healthier

A new study found that diets with lower carbon footprints are also healthier, consuming more poultry, whole grains, and plant-based proteins. Diets in the lowest-impact group had lower amounts of important nutrients, such as iron and calcium, due to lower intakes of meat and dairy.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 24, 2019

Yes please to yogurt and cheese: The new improved Mediterranean diet

Researchers found a dairy-supplemented Mediterranean diet significantly improved blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, mood, and cognitive function. The new MedDairy diet meets additional calcium requirements recommended by Australia's national health bodies.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 24, 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.

Stellar winds, the source material for the universe, are clumpy

Researchers led by Penn State astronomer Pragati Pradhan found that stellar winds, composed of protons, electrons, and metal atoms, contain dense clumps. The Chandra data revealed a 'Compton shoulder' indicating back scattering by surrounding matter, providing new insights into star environments.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 24, 2019

Research shows what it takes to be a giant shark

Researchers found that sharks can become giants by evolving two possible pathways: mesothermic adaptation for self-temperature control or filter-feeding pathway for plankton consumption. However, these giant sharks face risks such as prey scarcity and toxic microplastics threatening their extinction.

SourceSwansea University·JournalEvolution·DateJan 24, 2019