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Science News Archive July 2019


Page 29 of 41

How the mosquito immune system fights off the malaria parasite

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that mosquitoes employ a multi-stage immune response to combat malaria parasites, involving a complement-like pathway and phenoloxidases. This understanding could lead to opportunities to eliminate malaria parasites in the mosquito, reducing human cases.

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.

Food may have been scarce in Chaco Canyon

Researchers found that the soil in Chaco Canyon could not support farming due to scarce rainfall and destructive flash floods. The team calculated that only 100 acres of farmland would have been sufficient to feed a maximum of 1,000 people.

Beat the heat

Researchers have discovered a way to produce more electricity from heat than thought possible by creating a silicon chip that converts thermal radiation into electricity. The chip can generate electricity even closer two silicon surfaces are together, potentially increasing battery life by up to 50%.

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.

Modeling early meteorite impacts on the moon

A team of researchers has reconstructed the late accretion history of the moon, resolving a long-standing problem about the source of highly siderophile elements. By modeling millions of meteor impacts, they found that less material was retained on the moon than on Earth due to its smaller size and shallow impact angles.

Are doctors treating more thyroid cancer patients than necessary?

A study led by Dr. Alliric Willis found that over 25% of low-risk thyroid cancer patients receive unnecessary radioactive iodine ablation treatment, carrying potential long-term risks and financial burdens. Younger patients, men, Hispanic, and Asian individuals are more at risk of overtreatment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Flash mob' study puts clinical decision rules for ACS to the test

A nationwide flash-mob study found that acute coronary syndrome cannot be safely ruled out using the Marburg Heart Score or family physicians' clinical assessment in emergency care. The study identified 45 patients with ACS among 243 receiving a final diagnosis, with sensitivity for FP rating and MHS being 86.7% and 94.4%, respectively.

A human liver cell atlas

A comprehensive cell atlas of the human liver reveals previously unknown subtypes of liver cells, including hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and macrophages. The study provides unprecedented resolution into liver cell diversity and how it changes during development or upon disease progression.

Impaired learning linked to family history of Alzheimer's

A large internet-based study found adults with a close relative with Alzheimer's disease exhibit impaired learning and memory, exacerbated by diabetes or genetic variations. Higher education levels and women appear to protect against cognitive decline.

Study explores how social movements can use virtual worlds

A new study by Dr. Brad McKenna found that online virtual worlds can be used by social movements to create safe spaces for members, such as an LGBT group in World of Warcraft. The research showed how the group utilized game features and virtual environment to achieve their objectives.

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.

Epic research endeavor reveals cause of deadly digestive disease in children

Scientists from Israel and the US have discovered the genetic explanation for intractable diarrhea of infancy syndrome (IDIS), a rare inherited disease causing extreme diarrhea in children. The study found that deletions in a previously unstudied noncoding region on chromosome 16 prevent the expression of a nearby gene called Percc1.

Study: Minimum wage 'an effective tool' for increasing incomes of older workers

A new study by University of Illinois researchers finds that the minimum wage has no discernible 'disemployment' effects on older workers and may even delay retirements. The study suggests that higher minimum wages increase earnings and financial resources for older households, offsetting any potential negative unemployment effects.

Many still uninsured after Affordable Care Act implementation

A study found that 21% of uninsured patients in Medicaid expansion states continued to lack health insurance post-ACA implementation, primarily due to language and legal barriers. These patients still sought frequent healthcare visits and had underlying health conditions requiring ongoing care.

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.

New filter enhances robot vision on 6D pose estimation

A new filter has been developed to improve robot vision in 6D pose estimation, allowing robots to perceive objects more accurately in complex environments. The filter uses a particle-based approach to estimate the full distribution of an object's orientation, enabling robots to track objects with arbitrary symmetries.

'Traffic light' food labels reduce calories purchased in hospital cafeteria

A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that labeling food choices with simple 'traffic-light' symbols reduced the number of calories purchased by employees in the hospital cafeteria. The intervention was associated with a sustained reduction in calories over two years, with estimated weight loss ranging from 1-2 kg per year.

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.

Understanding how the mTOR complex comes together

A team at Brigham Young University studied how the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex is assembled, revealing its importance in regulating cell growth and survival. The researchers believe that understanding mTOR's assembly process could lead to new cancer therapies and treatments for diabetes.

A moderate dose of novel form of stress promotes longevity

Researchers discover that moderate chromatin stress triggers a response that promotes longevity in various organisms, including yeast and C. elegans. The study suggests that this process may be conserved in other organisms, opening new possibilities for intervening in human aging.

Getting to zero malaria cases in zanzibar

Researchers suggest targeting men who work outside at night and travelers/seasonal workers to prevent lingering malaria cases. Despite widespread use of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying, Zanzibar struggles to eliminate the disease due to residual cases. Human behavior is key to addressing this issue.

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.

Are physical examinations really necessary?

Family physicians value physical exams for their diagnostic and empathetic benefits, promoting a healing relationship with patients. The research highlights the importance of physical exams in today's clinical practice, where emerging technology is changing the way doctors interact with patients.

Anaphylactic shock: IgG antibodies and neutrophils play an unexpected role

A recent study has discovered that IgG antibodies can contribute to drug-induced anaphylactic shock by activating neutrophils, leading to high doses of vasodilating mediators. This finding explains up to 10-20% of previously unexplained cases and may help improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with this condition.

Study contributes to the production of flexible electronic devices

Brazilian and Italian scientists developed a method to pattern polythiophene, an electrically conductive polymer, to improve its optical and electronic properties. The resulting device is highly selective in emitting and absorbing light, making it suitable for optoelectronic applications.

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.

Origin of life insight: peptides can form without amino acids

A UCL study reveals that aminonitriles, the precursors to amino acids, can be easily turned into peptides in water, bypassing traditional formation methods. This discovery sheds light on how life first formed and has implications for synthetic chemistry.

New Zealand study unlocks secrets of sex change in fish

A University of Otago-led study has discovered the genetic mechanisms behind sex change in fish, revealing a complete rewiring of the gonad and changes in cellular memory. The research has implications for understanding human sex development and potential applications in tissue engineering and aquaculture.

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.

A structured approach to detecting and treating depression in primary care

A structured management algorithm for major depressive disorder has been implemented in primary care clinics with a significant number of patients screened positive for depression. The study found that stronger patient education and additional approaches can help reduce attrition rates among those who fail to return for follow-up care.

Nitrogen from biosolids can help urban soils and plant growth

Researchers found that biosolids with low organic matter content yield more bioavailable nitrogen when applied to urban soils, making them a valuable resource for restoring degraded soils. The study highlights the importance of adjusting biosolid application rates based on soil degradation levels.

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.

Holes in the universe sharpen cosmic measurements

A new study has developed a method to measure the cosmic expansion with greater precision, utilizing galaxy voids and accounting for distortions caused by dark energy and curvature. The results agree with the simplest model of a flat universe and tighten constraints on alternative theories.

In UK's third largest city intervention program helps reduce childhood obesity

A recent study published in Pediatric Obesity found that Leeds, England has bucked the global trend by reducing childhood obesity by 6.4%. The decline coincided with a strategy targeting families with preschool children in poor areas, utilizing the Health Exercise Nutrition for the Really Young (HENRY) intervention program.

Mattresses could emit higher levels of VOCs during sleep

Researchers measured VOC emissions from polyurethane mattresses under simulated sleeping conditions, finding elevated levels of some compounds that could cause eye irritation, headaches, and even cancer. The study emphasizes the need for further research on possible health effects of chronic exposure to VOCs.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

No evidence of added benefit for most new drugs, say researchers

Researchers argue that international drug development processes and policies are responsible for the lack of evidence supporting added benefits for most new drugs. Only 54 out of 216 assessed drugs showed considerable or major added benefits, with many more lacking clear evidence of benefit over standard care.

Cells synchronize to release toxins in unison

Researchers at Stanford University discovered a new form of cell communication, where individual cells coordinate their ultrafast contractions to release paralyzing toxins in sync. The phenomenon was found to occur through hydrodynamic flows, allowing cells to sense and respond to their environment.

Awareness of product transformation increases recycling

A study by Penn State researchers found that when consumers are reminded of the products that their recyclables can be turned into, they are more likely to recycle. The team conducted a series of studies where participants were shown advertisements featuring product transformation, and results showed a significant increase in recycling...

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.

On the way to printable organic light emitting diodes

Scientists at Max Planck Institute create a single-layer OLED that outperforms traditional designs in terms of brightness and efficiency. The new technology achieves record-high luminosity and long lifetimes, making it suitable for industrial purposes.

Carbon nanotube tape stays sticky in extreme temperatures

Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial tape that can function over a wide temperature range, from -321 F to 1,832 F. The tape adheres to various materials and surfaces, with no noticeable residues, making it suitable for electronic components and extreme environments.

It's not an antibody, it's a frankenbody: A new tool for live-cell imaging

A new frankenbody tool has been developed to enable live-cell imaging, using a genetically encoded probe that binds to specific targets. This probe offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional fluorescent protein tags, allowing for real-time visualization of protein dynamics and RNA translation in living cells.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Secrets of a sex-changing fish revealed

Researchers discovered that specific genes are turned off and on in the brain and gonad to facilitate sex change, a process linked to cellular memory and epigenetic reprogramming. The study sheds light on how environmental factors influence gene expression in animals, including humans.

Addicted to Ran, ovarian cancer cells stop moving when deprived

Researchers at CRCHUM found that Ran protein is essential for ovarian cancer cells to migrate and invade healthy tissues. Inhibiting Ran expression can break down RhoA, a protein necessary for cell migration, leading to a loss of cancer cells' ability to move.