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Science News Archive July 2019


Page 23 of 41

Ancient Roman port history unveiled

A team of researchers successfully reconstructed anthropic influences on sedimentation in the ancient harbour of Portus, a complex of harbour basins and canals that formed the hub of commerce in the Roman Empire. The findings suggest that the Romans were proactively managing their river systems earlier than previously thought.

Wearing hearing aid may help protect brain in later life

A new study found that people who wear a hearing aid for age-related hearing problems maintain better brain function over time. The research suggests that wearing a hearing aid may mitigate the risk of dementia, with benefits seen in measures assessing working memory and attention.

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.

High-performance sodium ion batteries using copper sulfide

Researchers have discovered a new strategy to extend sodium ion battery cyclability using copper sulfide as the electrode material. This leads to high-performance conversion reactions and is expected to improve the commercialization of sodium ion batteries.

Researchers describe new ALS biomarkers, potential new drug targets

Researchers have identified unique populations of neurons and associated cells in the spinal cords of patients with ALS, which could serve as useful biomarkers for earlier diagnosis. The study found different types of motor neurons and microglia present in less affected regions of patients with focal-onset ALS.

NIH and partners to launch HIV vaccine efficacy trial in the Americas and Europe

The NIH is launching a Phase 3 HIV vaccine efficacy trial called Mosaico, which will assess the safety and effectiveness of an investigational vaccine regimen designed to prevent HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men and transgender people. The trial will enroll 3,800 participants in North America, South America, and Europe.

OSU researcher expands research into deadly muscle-wasting syndrome

A researcher at Oregon State University has received a $2.3 million grant to develop an effective treatment for cachexia, a muscle-wasting syndrome that kills up to 30% of cancer patients. The new research aims to preserve muscle mass and reduce death and suffering among patients with various cancers.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lower than expected risk of bone density decline with Truvada PrEP

Researchers found a 1% average decrease in bone mineral density in the spine and 0.5% decline in hip among Truvada PrEP users with daily adherence. This lower-than-expected risk suggests that young, healthy individuals on Truvada for PrEP have only a minimal risk of decreased bone density.

New NSF grant awarded to study Earth's 'flat slabs'

A $2.7 million NSF grant will study an active flat slab in Colombia, investigating its effects on the continental crust and volcanism. The research will compare two parts of the flat slab, allowing scientists to understand the initial migration and cessation of volcanism, as well as the formation of ore deposits.

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.

Unlocking chemo-resistance in cancer

Researchers have discovered the precise mechanism behind 5-Fluorouracil resistance in cancer, revealing a previously unknown protein called BOK as the key to understanding this phenomenon. Without BOK, cancer cells become dormant and can survive chemotherapy treatment before mutating into more aggressive forms.

Coupled exploration of light and matter

Researchers from ETH Zurich have discovered a way to boost polariton-polariton interaction, enabling strong coupling between matter and light. This breakthrough opens up new perspectives for photonics and many-body physics.

'Racist police officer' stereotype may become a self-fulfilling prophecy

A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that officers worried about appearing racist report lower confidence and increased support for coercive policing. The research suggests a vicious cycle where officers' concerns about stereotype threats lead to decreased moral authority and more aggressive policing tactics.

DNA analysis of Gibraltar Neanderthals

Researchers analyzed DNA from Gibraltar Neanderthal remains found in 1848 and 1926, finding that some sequences were deaminated due to damage, while others showed significant human DNA contamination. The study suggests it is possible to analyze ancient DNA in highly contaminated specimens using a specific preparation method.

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.

Curbing indoor air pollution in India

The program has fast-tracked LPG consumer enrolments by about 16 months, with consumption estimates half that of average rural consumers. However, to fully realize health and environmental benefits, incentives are needed for sustained LPG use.

Can videogames promote emotional intelligence in teenagers?

A new study found that videogames, as part of an emotional intelligence training program, can enhance teenagers' evaluation and expression of emotions. The game, EmotivaMente, was designed to promote emotional intelligence among adolescents and showed promising results in this area.

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.

Cannabis treatment counters addiction: First study of its kind

A large-scale clinical trial has demonstrated that cannabis-based medication can effectively reduce the rate of relapse in individuals with cannabis dependency. Participants treated with nabiximols used significantly less illicit cannabis and showed improvements in physical and psychological well-being.

Engineering faculty member receives grants totaling $1.5 million for bioprinting

Ibrahim Tarik Ozbolat has received $1.5 million in grants to explore ways to bioprint biological tissues like bone, lungs and other organs for use as models in various studies. The projects will investigate current questions about bioprinting of cell spheroids and develop 3D printed models of the lung and upper respiratory environment.

Hope for restoring sight in acid attack victims

A clinical trial is underway to treat acid attack victims with a revolutionary new approach using collagenase enzyme. The treatment aims to restore sight by softening the underlying tissue and allowing stem cells to repair damage.

Alternative material for superconducting radio-frequency cavity

A new coating of niobium-tin (Nb3Sn) has shown promise for reducing the cost of operating superconducting radio-frequency cavity resonators. The material could allow for operation at lower temperatures and withstand higher electromagnetic fields, saving millions in construction and electricity costs.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

HIV: Holes in the immune system left unrepaired despite drug therapy

A study published in Nature Immunology reveals that HIV drug therapy leaves 'holes' in the immune system, which may contribute to the lack of viral control. The researchers identified key differences in gene expression between HIV patients with and without effective immune responses.

Algae as a resource: Chemical tricks from the sea

Researchers have deciphered how marine bacteria degrade algae biomass, unlocking potential for sustainable chemistry and bioplastics. The study reveals complex biochemical pathways and identifies new enzymes for targeted use in fermentations and product synthesis.

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.

Baby blue-tongues are born smart

Researchers found baby eastern blue-tongue lizards learn at adult levels from a young age, outperforming their adults in cognitive tasks.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Comparative advantage and STEM gender gap

Female students with high math proficiency tend to excel in reading, closing the gender gap in math-related fields. The study suggests that comparative advantage in math over reading contributes up to 80% of the gender gap in math studies and careers.

Fluorine speeds up two-dimensional materials growth

Researchers find that introducing a controlled amount of fluorine enhances the growth rate of 2D materials like graphene, h-BN, and WS2. This allows for faster production of high-quality films, reducing synthesis time by up to 70%. The study demonstrates a promising approach to controlling the growth of 2D materials.

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.

Reducing seizures by removing newborn neurons

Researchers found that removing new neurons born after a brain injury reduced seizures in mice, with a 65% decrease observed. This approach may potentially prevent post-injury epilepsy if implemented within a specific time frame.

HIV may affect the brain despite ongoing antiretroviral therapy

A new study has found that HIV can be detected in the central nervous system of patients on long-term antiretroviral therapy, linked to poorer cognitive performance. The discovery highlights the need to address viral mechanisms of cognitive decline in cART-treated patients.

Study shows advantages for stress urinary incontinence surgery

A study of over 1,800 cases found that the need for additional surgery was twice as high after transobturator sling surgery compared to retropubic sling. The study also revealed lower reoperation rates and fewer complications with the retropubic procedure.

Combined breast and gynecologic surgery: Study says not so fast

Researchers found that patients undergoing combined breast and gynecologic surgeries had significantly longer hospital stays and higher complication rates compared to those with single-site surgery. The study highlights the importance of separating these procedures for better patient outcomes.

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.

Investigation into fungal infection reveals genetic vulnerability in Hmong

A new study identifies a genetic vulnerability in Hmong people that makes them more susceptible to blastomycosis. The research found that Hmong individuals produce less interleukin-6 (IL-6), an essential immune response, leading to reduced Type 17 cytokine T helper cells and increased disease severity.

Intravenous anesthetic with reduced side effects

A new class of drug lead derived from N-arylpyrrole exhibits potent anesthetic activity with minimal blood pressure suppression, suggesting a safer alternative to traditional anesthetics. The compound shows promise in tadpoles and rats, providing hope for improved patient safety.

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.

A material way to make Mars habitable

Silica aerogel could warm the Martian surface, increasing atmospheric pressure and temperatures similar to Earth's greenhouse effect. This regional approach to making Mars habitable offers a more achievable solution than global atmospheric modification.

Infants attribute agency using sound variability

Researchers found that infants as young as 10.5 months can recognize communication through variable sound sequences, leading to increased attention towards target shapes in interactions with agents. This ability may play a crucial role in language acquisition and social-cognitive development.

Out of Africa and into an archaic human melting pot

Researchers found evidence of interbreeding between modern humans and Neandertals, Denisovans, and two unnamed archaic groups in Island Southeast Asia and East Asia. The ancestors of modern humans mixed with these groups before they became extinct.

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.

New biomarker-guided strategy has potential for liver cancer treatment

Researchers discovered a cellular pathway linked to cancer that may benefit patients with hepatocellular carcinoma by reducing side effects and extending immunotherapy duration. The study found that blocking the IL-6/JAK1 pathway could resolve immunotherapy side effects and improve treatment outcomes.

Improving heat recycling with the thermodiffusion effect

Numerical simulations reveal that thin films with negative thermodiffusion coefficients increase the absorption of vapour, improving heat recycling. The study offers valuable new insights into enhancing the performance of falling film absorbers.

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.

'Artificial intelligence' fit to monitor volcanoes

A new volcano monitoring platform, MOUNTS, analyzes satellite images using artificial intelligence to detect precursory signals and provide early warnings for volcanic eruptions. The platform, which integrates multiple sets of diverse data types, has been successfully tested on recent events and currently monitors 17 volcanoes worldwide.

Association of blood extracellular vesicle biomarkers with Alzheimer's disease

Researchers analyzed blood samples from cognitively normal participants who developed Alzheimer's and found an association between neuronal-enriched extracellular vesicles and the disease. The study suggests these biomarkers may play a role in Alzheimer's progression, potentially serving as diagnostic or monitoring tools.