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Science News Archive July 2019


Page 1 of 41

Centimeter-long snail robot is powered with light

Scientists develop a soft snail robot that harnesses energy from a laser beam to crawl on horizontal surfaces and climb vertical walls. The robot's unique properties offer insights into micromechanics with smart materials, paving the way for future exploration in small-scale soft robotics.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateJul 31, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neuroimaging essential for Zika cases

A recent study found that 71% of Brazilian infants exposed to the Zika virus in the womb experienced brain abnormalities, including calcifications and malformations. The study highlights the importance of early neuroimaging for Zika-exposed infants, even those without congenital Zika syndrome.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 31, 2019

The urbanization of the beach

The urbanization of Southern California's beaches has led to a loss of biodiversity, with some beaches showing up to half of their natural inhabitants missing. The disturbance caused by grooming and filling with the wrong sand further exacerbates this issue, impacting the ecosystem health and coastal ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcological Indicators·DateJul 31, 2019

Finding weakness in bacterial protein to fight anti-biotic resistance

A team of scientists has discovered previously unknown binding sites on a bacterial enzyme that could guide novel approaches to antibiotic design. The researchers identified key sections of the MraY enzyme that can be targeted with new drugs to inhibit the spread of certain bacterial infections.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2019

Precision editing of gut bacteria reduces cancer in mice

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that precision editing the gut microbiome can reduce inflammation-associated colorectal cancer in mice. The study suggests targeting metabolic pathways specific to intestinal inflammation could prevent or reduce cancer risk.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 31, 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.

TESS satellite uncovers its ‘first nearby super-Earth’

Astronomers have characterized a super-Earth discovered by the TESS satellite, which orbits a dwarf star every 55.7 days and may support liquid water on its surface. The planet's conditions could provide insight into Earth's heavyweight planetary cousins.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 31, 2019

How to recognize where a volcano will erupt

Researchers developed a new method to predict vent location forecasts by combining physics and statistics, successfully testing it on the Campi Flegrei caldera in Italy. The approach improves accuracy for predicting future eruptions and expanding ash plumes, providing valuable insights for land usage planning in volcanic areas.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 31, 2019

'Sniff-cam' to detect disease

Scientists have developed a highly sensitive 'sniff-cam' that can detect low levels of disease biomarkers in breath, including diabetes, lung cancer, and Parkinson's disease. The device uses an ultraviolet ring light, filters, and a camera to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 31, 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.

Animal friendships 'change with the weather' in the Masai Mara

A University of Liverpool study reveals that wild animals adjust their social preferences with the weather, affecting extinction risk. The research found that species alter their grouping patterns between wet and dry seasons, influenced by factors like migration and feeding preferences.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJul 31, 2019

Neurocognitive basis for free will set out for the first time

A University of Warwick academic has answered the question of human free will for the first time, proposing a new framework for neurocognitive free will. The study identifies key features that satisfy design elements of free will, including adaptive access to unpredictability and conscious construction of the self.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateJul 31, 2019

Hidden chemistry in flowers shown to kill cancer cells

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have successfully extracted and modified a compound from feverfew to kill chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells in laboratory experiments. The compound, parthenolide, works by increasing reactive oxygen species levels in cancer cells, causing them to die.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalMedChemComm·DateJul 31, 2019

Overturning the truth on conservation tillage

A study by North Dakota State University researchers found that conservation tillage systems can reduce on-farm costs while preserving long-term productivity, dispelling concerns about lower yields.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateJul 31, 2019
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.

SUTD researchers developed a unique method of fabricating 3D porous structures

Researchers from SUTD's Soft Fluidics Lab developed a new 3D printing method, immersion precipitation 3D printing (ip3DP), which allows for the fabrication of 3D porous models in one step. The porosity of the printed objects can be easily controlled by adjusting polymer concentrations and solvent types. This novel approach enables the ...

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateJul 31, 2019

NASA finds tropical storm Wipha whipped up

Tropical Storm Wipha formed quickly in the South China Sea, with NASA's Aqua satellite detecting strong thunderstorms and cold cloud top temperatures. The storm is expected to move northwest towards southern China, making landfall near Hanoi, Vietnam.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 2019

One in 10 older adults currently binge drinks

A study by NYU School of Medicine found that over 10% of adults aged 65+ binge drink, with males and cannabis users more likely to engage in this behavior. Binge drinking increases the risk of health problems, particularly among older adults with chronic health issues.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 31, 2019

Researchers show how side hit to the head could damage brain, lead to concussion

Researchers from Stevens Institute of Technology have identified two brain regions vulnerable to side hits that lead to concussions. The study reveals how rotational accelerations cause mechanical vibrations in these regions, resulting in tissue and cell damage. This knowledge can help develop safer sports helmets.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 31, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

What the brains of people with excellent general knowledge look like

The brains of individuals with exceptional general knowledge exhibit efficient structural networking, allowing for better information integration and recall. This is evident in a recent study where participants with more efficient fibre networks scored higher on the Bochum Knowledge Test.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalEuropean Journal of Personality·DateJul 31, 2019

Optimizing structures within complex arrangements of bubbles

Researchers at Aberystwyth University used computer simulations to find optimal bubble arrangements within circular discs that minimize perimeter length. The study reveals that the number of possible structures increases as the number of bubbles grows, leading to a narrower range of area ratios for the smallest perimeter.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 31, 2019

Biodiversity highest on Indigenous-managed lands

A UBC-led study found that Indigenous-managed lands have the highest levels of biodiversity worldwide, with even protected areas coming in second. The research highlights the importance of collaborating with Indigenous communities to protect species and conserving biodiversity beyond traditional conservation boundaries.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateJul 31, 2019

Advance in understanding of all-solid-state batteries

Researchers identified a critical current density that prevents void formation and cell failure in all-solid-state batteries. This breakthrough could enable the development of commercial solid-state batteries for electric vehicles.

SourceThe Faraday Institution·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 31, 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.

New protein-sensing mechanism discovered

The nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC) identifies and sorts nascent polypeptide chains inside the ribosomal tunnel. NAC inserts its β-subunit into the tunnel to sense translation activity and regulate protein biogenesis.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 31, 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.

Higher vitamin A intake linked to lower skin cancer risk

Researchers from Brown University found that people with high vitamin A intake had a 17% reduced risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, the second-most-common type of skin cancer. The majority of vitamin A came from diets rich in fruits and vegetables.

SourceBrown University·DateJul 31, 2019

Physician leaders call for action to create a new generation of physician-scientists

Physician-scientist leaders propose a plan to revive the number of physicians conducting research, highlighting the importance of innovation in medicine due to an aging population and increasing communicable diseases. A nonprofit foundation is established to support the development of new physician-scientists.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 31, 2019

Uncovering secrets of bone marrow cells and how they differentiate

Researchers mapped distinct bone marrow niche populations and their differentiation paths for the production of bone, fat and cartilage. The study identified seven distinct cell states in two branching pathways and showed how transcription factors influence fate decisions to specific bone marrow lineages.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 31, 2019

Glowing cholesterol helps scientists fight heart disease

Scientists developed a technique to study heart disease in action, enabling them to identify ways to lower plaque-forming lipoproteins. The LipoGlo system allows researchers to measure lipoproteins in tiny droplets of blood, opening up new avenues for treating cardiovascular disease.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 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.

Chameleon-inspired structural color soft robot can interact with environment

A novel soft robot with color-changing capabilities has been developed by mimicking the chameleon's skin cells. The robot can sense its environment and exhibit dynamic color change in response. Its unique properties make it suitable for sensing, communication, and disguise in soft robotics.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMatter·DateJul 31, 2019

Actively swimming gold nanoparticles

Scientists have designed gold nanoparticles to mimic bacterial swarming behavior, creating a collective movement towards glucose gradients. The artificially created nanoswimmers exhibit chemotactic behavior, similar to bacteria, and demonstrate the potential for studying collective intelligence on the nanoscale.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 31, 2019

Faint foreshocks foretell California quakes

Researchers found nearly three-fourths of foreshocks preceded mainshocks by days to weeks, significantly higher than previously understood. Advanced signal processing techniques and computing capabilities enabled the detection of small foreshocks with magnitudes less than 1.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 31, 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.

Laser solitons: Theory, topology and potential applications

Researchers have developed a way to create stable laser solitons without external radiation, with potential applications in storing digital information. These solitons have complex internal structures and topologies, such as the 'apple' and 'trefoil' shapes, which can merge and potentially be used in digital storage systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJul 31, 2019

Magnetic 'springs' break down marine microplastic pollution

Researchers have developed a new approach to purging water sources of microplastics using tiny coil-shaped carbon-based magnets, known as magnetic nanosprings. These stable catalysts can remove a significant fraction of microplastics in just eight hours and are also magnetic, making them easy to collect for repeated use.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateJul 31, 2019

Quantum computers to clarify the connection between the quantum and classical worlds

Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists have developed a new quantum computing algorithm to investigate the quantum-to-classical transition in systems like biological proteins. The algorithm allows for the search for classicality in quantum systems, providing insights into how quantum mechanics applies to large-scale objects.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2019

I see the pattern under your skin

A team from Kyoto University found that collagen in the skin is organized in a mesh-like structure, with elastic fibers following the same orientation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding skin pliability and could lead to breakthroughs in skin grafts and transplantation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 31, 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.

Successful first trial for dizziness monitoring device

A new wearable device has been shown to detect eye flicker with high accuracy, helping diagnose the most common causes of dizziness. Researchers collected 9,000 hours of data from 17 participants, proving the technology's reliability and safety.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 31, 2019

You can't squash this roach-inspired robot

A new insect-sized robot created by UC Berkeley researchers can scurry across the floor at nearly the speed of a cockroach and withstand the weight of an average human. The robot's design allows it to 'leapfrog' forward using electric vibrations, enabling it to navigate through tight spaces.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 31, 2019

BU researcher asks, 'is it time for another contraception revolution?'

The article highlights the need for a new contraception revolution to provide options for populations not currently served by modern birth control. New concepts like male contraception and multipurpose prevention technology are being developed to fill the gap.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 31, 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.

NASA casts a double eye on hurricane Flossie

NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites analyzed Flossie's cloud top temperatures and structure as the storm strengthened. The strongest storms had colder cloud temperatures, indicating potential for heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 2019

Postpartum transfusions on the rise, carry greater risk of adverse events

A new study found that postpartum transfusions carry a greater risk of adverse events, particularly among women with preeclampsia. The number of postpartum transfusions increased by 40% over 20 years, and the risk was twice as high for pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateJul 31, 2019

Major class of viruses reveals complex origins

A new study reveals that circular Rep-encoding single-stranded DNA viruses have acquired their genetic components through complex evolutionary processes. The findings show that these viruses are 'obsessive borrowers', appropriating genetic material from various sources, including bacterial and eukaryotic cells.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2019

Experiments explore the mysteries of 'magic' angle superconductors

New experiments reveal that magic-angle twisted graphene's superconductivity arises from strong interactions between electrons, yielding insights into the rules governing superconductivity. The discovery provides a fundamentally different mechanism for superconductivity compared to traditional materials.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateJul 31, 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.

Excellence payments to hospitals improve hip fracture care

A study by University of Oxford researchers found that the Best Practice Tariff scheme saved up to 7,600 lives in England between 2010 and 2016. The scheme led to improved standards of care for hip fracture patients, including increased surgeries within 36 hours and reduced hospital readmissions.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Bone & Joint Journal·DateJul 31, 2019

'Promising' antibody therapy extends survival in mice with pancreatic cancer

Researchers have identified a key protein involved in pancreatic cancer cell growth and found an antibody therapy that targets it, reducing tumour growth and increasing survival time in mice. The treatment combines the antibody with gemcitabine and achieves up to a sixfold increase in survival time compared to controls.

SourcePancreatic Cancer Research Fund·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateJul 31, 2019

Study debunks 'July Effect' for heart surgery

Researchers analyzed over 470,000 cardiac procedures and found no differences in mortality, complications, or costs between July and other months. The study suggests that experienced multidisciplinary teams can provide high-quality care regardless of resident training status.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateJul 31, 2019

Aspirin improves liver function after embolization of hepatocellular carcinoma

A retrospective review of 304 patients found that aspirin therapy improved lab values and overall survival post-TAE for HCC, with lower bilirubin levels at 1 day, 1 month, and 1 year after embolization. Aspirin use was also associated with longer median overall survival period after TAE.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJul 31, 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.

Climate change alters tree demography in northern forests

A 38-year study found climate change affects conifer growth, while broad-leaved trees thrive, altering forest composition and ecosystem functions. Climate change accelerates, primeval mixed forests may shift to broad-leaved tree forests, impacting carbon storage, water provision, biodiversity, and wood supply.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateJul 31, 2019

Traded forest tree seeds pose a great risk of introducing harmful pests

A recent study found that non-native insect pests and fungal pathogens pose a significant threat to global tree and forest ecosystems. The research, led by CABI, highlights the need for improved phytosanitary measures in trading tree seeds to reduce the risk of introducing harmful organisms.

SourceCABI·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 31, 2019

Scientists take step toward more efficient fuel refinement processes

Researchers have developed a biochemical approach to control the conversion of natural gas into liquid fuel, overcoming challenges in selective hydroxylation of methane and propane. This method uses an artificial P450 system driven by hydrogen peroxide, showing comparable or better catalytic properties than known enzymes.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 31, 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.