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Science News Archive January 2019 - Page 13


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.

SourceSwansea University·JournalEcology·DateJan 23, 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.

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 23, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournaleNeuro·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 23, 2019

When species compete, physical structures and ecological relationships matter

Researchers found that physical structures in an environment can influence species coexistence, with certain structures stabilizing interactions between species. The study used supercomputer simulations to explore relationships between biodiversity and environmental physical structure.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateJan 23, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cortexyme announces publication of foundational data for groundbreaking approach to treating Alzheimer's disease in Science Advances

Researchers identify Porphyromonas gingivalis as a key driver of Alzheimer's disease pathology and demonstrate potential for small molecule inhibitors to block the pathogen. The discovery paves the way for Cortexyme's lead compound COR388, which shows promising results in preclinical experiments.

SourceTorch Communications·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 23, 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.

New detector fails to confirm would-be evidence of dark matter

Researchers at COSINE-100 failed to confirm the existence of dark matter using sodium iodide crystals, unlike previous DAMA/LIBRA experiment. The detection is considered crucial due to the similarity in experimental setup and material used.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 2019

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...

SourceElsevier·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceGlobal Health Strategies·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 23, 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.

More than ruffled feathers: Mockingbirds show heightened aggression after lead exposure

Researchers found mockingbirds exposed to low levels of lead in urban New Orleans neighborhoods displayed significantly increased aggression, attacking intruders and ripping out their feathers. The study suggests sub-lethal lead exposure may be common among urban wildlife and warrants further investigation into its effects.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 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.

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.

SourceWaseda University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2019

Final verdict on finasteride: Safe, effective prevention for prostate cancer

Finasteride has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 25 percent, with no significant increase in mortality rates. The study's findings have eliminated concerns over initial reports of potential risks, and doctors are now recommending finasteride as a preventive strategy for prostate cancer.

SourceSWOG·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 23, 2019
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 23, 2019

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...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEcosphere·DateJan 23, 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.

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.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 23, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJan 23, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

SwRI scientist sheds light on Titan's mysterious atmosphere

A new study suggests that the 'cooking' of ancient organic material created Titan's thick nitrogen atmosphere. The research, led by Dr. Kelly Miller, proposes that approximately half of the nitrogen atmosphere could result from this process.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJan 23, 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.

Normal variations in thyroid function may be linked to atrial fibrillation risk

A recent study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center has established a link between normal variations in thyroid function and increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study found that even within a physiologically acceptable range, genetically determined variation in thyroid function can increase AF risk.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS TECHNOLOGY·DateJan 23, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateJan 23, 2019

High-tech tools, teamwork were key to separating infant girls joined at the head

Researchers report on successful separation surgery using advanced technologies and multidisciplinary team, showcasing improved outcomes for infants with craniopagus conjoined twins. The Delaney twins are thriving two-year-olds, exceeding expectations with their development and growth after the 11-hour separation surgery.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 23, 2019

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 23, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJan 23, 2019

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...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAddiction·DateJan 23, 2019

New water splitting catalyst could make it easier to generate solar fuel

Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new water splitting catalyst that enables efficient hydrogen gas production from solar energy. The catalyst, which uses doped vanadium pentoxide nanowires, shows a ten-fold increase in solar-harvested hydrogen compared to undoped materials.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 23, 2019