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Science News Archive January 2019 - Page 33


Page 33 of 37

Stem cell signal drives new bone building

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a cellular protein signal that drives both bone and fat formation in stem cells. Harnessing this signal, WISP-1, could help fractures heal faster, speed surgical recovery and prevent bone loss due to aging or injury.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 7, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Suicide risk increases significantly following a cancer diagnosis

A new study published in CANCER found that suicide risk increases significantly in the first year following a cancer diagnosis, with the highest increase seen for pancreatic and lung cancers. The study's authors emphasize the importance of screening for suicide risk and providing social and emotional support to newly diagnosed patients.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJan 7, 2019

'Flipped' metal oxide cage can sort CO2 from CO

Scientists at Kanazawa University develop a spherical vanadium oxide cluster that selectively traps carbon dioxide over carbon monoxide. The 'flipped' structure allows for efficient separation of the two gases.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 7, 2019

Green catalysts with Earth-abundant metals accelerate production of bio-based plastic

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel catalyst using manganese dioxide (MnO2) that accelerates the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, generating new raw materials for bio-based plastics. The team found that the crystal structure of MnO2 is crucial for catalytic activity.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 7, 2019

A century and half of reconstructed ocean warming offers clues for the future

A century and a half of reconstructed ocean warming offers insights into the Earth system's energy balance. The study suggests that global warming of the oceans has occurred over the past 150 years, with comparable warming patterns observed in the 1920s-1940s and 1990s-2015.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 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.

Adults with autism can read complex emotions in others

Researchers found that adults with autism can quickly recognize regret and relief emotions in characters, even outperforming neurotypical individuals. The study used eye-tracking technology to monitor participants' responses to stories, revealing a previously overlooked strength in adults with ASD.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalAutism Research·DateJan 7, 2019

A little squid sheds light on evolution with bacteria

A recent study sequenced the genome of the Hawaiian bobtail squid, revealing unique evolutionary footprints in symbiotic organs that house beneficial bacteria. The research provides clues about how these partnerships are maintained and lays the groundwork for furthering knowledge of human microbiome relationships.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

TESS discovers its third new planet, with longest orbit yet

Scientists have discovered a new planet, HD 21749b, with the longest orbital period of three planets so far identified by TESS. The planet, about three times the size of Earth and 23 times as massive, is likely a dense, gaseous 'sub-Neptune' world.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 7, 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.

Intermittent fasting could improve obese women's health

A study published in Obesity found that obese women who followed a diet with intermittent fasting lost more weight and improved their health compared to those who only restricted their diet or fasted intermittently. This research suggests that intermittent fasting may be an effective approach for improving obesity-related health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalObesity·DateJan 7, 2019

Why people reject city trees

A study by University of Vermont researcher Christine Carmichael found that nearly 25% of eligible Detroit residents rejected the city's tree planting program due to negative past experiences with street trees. The opposition was primarily driven by concerns over maintenance responsibilities and lack of decision-making power. The resea...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalSociety & Natural Resources·DateJan 7, 2019

Meaningful life tied to healthy aging

Researchers found that high ratings for engagement in worthwhile activities are associated with strong personal relationships, healthy lifestyles, sound mental and physical health. High ratings predict healthy lifestyles, increased relationships and socializing, and reduced loneliness, depression, and health issues.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 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.

PAC1R mutation may be linked to severity of social deficits in autism

A study suggests that a PAC1R mutation may be associated with more severe social problems and disrupted brain connectivity in individuals with autism. The research found high levels of PAC1R expression in key brain regions, particularly in male brains during fetal development and female brains during childhood.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalAutism Research·DateJan 7, 2019

How game theory can bring humans and robots closer together

Researchers used game theory to programme robots that can anticipate human movements and respond safely. The breakthrough could aid robots in sports training, physical rehabilitation, or shared driving, complementing human capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJan 7, 2019

How the brain decides whether to hold 'em or fold 'em

A Johns Hopkins study found that the brain's push-pull dynamic between hemispheres contributes to risk-taking behavior, with cumulative feelings from past bets influencing decisions. Researchers used stereoelectroencephalography to analyze neural signals and developed a mathematical equation to calculate each patient's bias.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

Racial differences in Alzheimer's disease unveiled

Researchers identified racial disparities in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and progression among African-American participants, who had lower levels of brain protein tau. This may lead to under-recognition of the disease in African-Americans, as they often have lower tau levels than Caucasians, according to a new study.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJan 7, 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.

Risk-taking bias in the brain

Researchers discovered that individuals with epilepsy exhibit increased high-frequency brain activity in the right hemisphere when making risky bets and the left hemisphere when avoiding risks. The findings suggest a brain-based mechanism for risk-taking biases, which can be influenced by past behaviors.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

New bat-borne virus related to Ebola discovered by Singapore team

Researchers have identified a new genus of filovirus from fruit bats in China, which shares similarities with Ebola and Marburg viruses. The Mengla virus has been found in different geographic locations than other filoviruses and poses a potential risk of interspecies transmission.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateJan 7, 2019

Monitoring stress response in rats

Researchers developed a flexible electrode to monitor adrenal gland activity in real-time, providing potential continuous tracking of acute and chronic stress responses. This method could aid in diagnosis and treatment of stress disorders.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 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.

Scientists call for more diversity in genomic research

A University of Oxford study reveals that genomic research has been limited by a lack of diversity, with most subjects from the UK, US, and Iceland. The study analyzed nearly 4,000 scientific studies between 2005 and 2018, finding that ancestral diversity has stalled and non-white groups are under-represented.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 7, 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.

Future research in aerosol geoengineering

Researchers emphasize the need for prioritized uncertainty identification in aerosol geoengineering to address climate change. The article suggests a model-based approach with potential small-scale field experimentation once global consensus is achieved.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

US health care spending highest among developed countries

The US has the highest per capita health care spending among developed countries, largely attributed to higher prices. A study found that despite efforts to control spending, the US continues to outspend other countries on healthcare, with a significant gap between public and private insurer payments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 7, 2019

Scientists identify new fuel-delivery route for cells

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a protein responsible for transporting nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) into cells, where it can be used to produce energy. This finding has implications for understanding the process of aging and developing therapies to boost cellular energy levels.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 7, 2019

Evolution used same genetic formula to turn animals monogamous

Researchers found that a specific set of genes and brain activity changes occurred in all species undergoing evolutionary transitions to monogamy, suggesting a universal formula for complex social behaviors. The study covers 450 million years of evolution, spanning multiple species, including mammals, birds, frogs, and fish.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 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.

Senescent cell research moves into human trials

Researchers have conducted a safety and feasibility clinical trial on removing senescent cells from patients with pulmonary fibrosis, showing clinically meaningful improvement in physical function. The study used a drug to clear senescent cells and found benefits in gait speed, walking speed, chair rise test, and physical function tests.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJan 7, 2019

New approach may curb treatment-related skin fibrosis in cancer patients

A team of researchers has discovered a potential method to treat radiation-induced skin fibrosis by manipulating metabolism. They found that metabolic abnormalities are a key factor in the development of this condition, and identified several compounds and cell therapy techniques that may help alleviate its symptoms.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 7, 2019

Exposure to sugary breakfast cereal advertising directly influences children's diets

A Dartmouth-led study reveals that exposure to sugary breakfast cereal advertising directly influences children's diets, leading to increased intake of those cereals. The research suggests a concerning link between child-directed high-sugar cereal TV advertising and brand-specific cereal consumption among preschoolers.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 7, 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.

Female penguins are getting stranded along the South American coast

Researchers found that female Magellanic penguins are more likely to be stranded along the South American coast due to their northward migration. The study suggests that females are at greater risk of encountering threats such as water pollution and marine transport hazards, leading to increased stranding.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 7, 2019

Climate model uncertainties ripe to be squeezed

New evaluation tools and global climate models will enable a more complete comparison of models to ground-based and satellite measurements. This combination can significantly reduce uncertainties in key aspects of future climate change, according to a study published in Nature Climate Change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 7, 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.

New complex carbohydrate discovered in barley

A new complex carbohydrate was discovered in barley by University of Adelaide researchers, which has the potential to be exploited for various uses. The polysaccharide is a mix of glucose and xylose and could behave as a structural component or a viscous gel.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 7, 2019

'DeepSqueak' helps researchers decode rodent chatter

DeepSqueak uses deep artificial neural networks to analyze ultrasonic vocalizations, providing a new tool for studying social behavior in rodents. The researchers found that male mice have distinct songs for different stages of courtship, and that they are more complex when sensing a female mouse nearby.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJan 7, 2019

Prefrontal cortex development and mental illness

A mouse study reveals that abnormal brain development and maternal stress interact to produce schizophrenia, bipolar, and depressive disorders. Disrupting a specific molecule in the prefrontal cortex during embryonic development can lead to similar cognitive impairments.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJan 7, 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.

New reference values for cancer patients' quality of life

Researchers have determined general population quality of life normative data for 15 individual countries, allowing for regional comparisons and valid QLQ-C30 score interpretation. National differences in quality of life scores were found, with respondents from Austria and the Netherlands reporting higher scores.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateJan 7, 2019

Insect biological control shields tropical forests

A study reveals that introducing a parasitic wasp to control the cassava mealybug can reduce crop losses, restore farm profitability, and slow deforestation. The approach provides a sustainable solution for tackling invasive species, promoting biodiversity conservation and profitable farming.

SourceCirad·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 7, 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.

USC science races against tick-borne virus

USC scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about a tick-borne virus, including its molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. The research could lead to the development of medications and a vaccine to prevent or treat hemorrhagic fever.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 7, 2019

Prescribed opioids raise risk of pneumonia in patients with and without HIV

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that prescribed opioids increase the risk of pneumonia in individuals with and without HIV. Patients taking medium or high doses of opioid painkillers were at greater risk for pneumonia, particularly those with immunosuppressive properties.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 7, 2019

Enhancing human-machine interactions

Researchers discovered that simulating human cooperation with machine-actors can significantly enhance human-machine interactions. The study involved over 100 volunteers and showed improved performance comparable to human-human collaborations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019
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.

Satellite images reveal global poverty

Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a method to map economic living conditions using high-resolution satellite data, capturing household-level information with 62% accuracy. This approach makes space-based monitoring a promising technology for effective poverty tracking and achieving the UN's sustainable development goals.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

Should researchers engineer a spicy tomato?

Gene-editing techniques may enable mass-producing capsaicinoids in tomatoes, which have nutritional and antibiotic properties. Researchers aim to develop commercial applications for these compounds.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateJan 7, 2019

Stroke produces dysfunctional brain cells

New research published in JNeurosci finds that stroke generates dysfunctional brain cells that fail to develop properly, leading to memory impairments. Intervening in the production of these cells may help mitigate stroke-induced memory loss.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJan 7, 2019

Putative signature of monogamy

Researchers identified 24 candidate genes associated with monogamy in vertebrates, including heightened expressions of those involved in neural development, synaptic activity, learning, and memory. This suggests a putative gene expression signature common to some vertebrate species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 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.