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Science News Archive July 2019


Page 33 of 41

Structure of brain networks is not fixed, study finds

Researchers found that brain networks are spatially and functionally fluid, with rapid changes in network activity over time. This challenges the long-held assumption that brain regions contribute to each network in a fixed way.

Life is tough but so are worms -- thanks to mom

A Duke University study found that worm offspring of mothers who experienced nutrient stress during pregnancy were better equipped to handle starvation later on. This is due to changes in insulin signaling transmitted via eggs, which helped the larvae develop normally and avoid reproductive abnormalities.

Academic conferences lack tools to prevent sexual misconduct, discrimination

A new study found that over three-quarters of biology conferences lack codes of conduct, while those that do often fail to address key issues like sexual misconduct. The authors recommend improving codes by making them apparent, centering marginalized groups' experiences, and establishing clear reporting channels.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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High rates of opioid prescriptions for osteoarthritis

Researchers found that every fourth osteoarthritis patient was prescribed opioids, with codeine and tramadol being the most commonly used. Despite not being recommended as a first-line treatment, opioids were still given to nearly a quarter of patients, highlighting a significant challenge in addressing osteoarthritis pain management.

Simple 'smart' glass reveals the future of artificial vision

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a method to create pieces of 'smart' glass that can recognize images using optics and artificial intelligence. The glass uses tiny bubbles and impurities to bend light in specific ways, enabling real-time image recognition without power or sensors.

Uncovering possible role of polyphosphate in dialysis-related amyloidosis

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that polyphosphate induces the formation of amyloid fibrils from beta-2 microglobulin proteins in dialysis patients. High levels of polyphosphate promote the formation of thicker, more stable amyloid fibrils under normal pH conditions.

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.

How do older adults fare after hip fracture?

Research suggests that older adults who experience cognitive impairment, dementia, or delirium after a hip fracture are more likely to experience functional decline and disability. Despite this, some older adults can recover and regain mobility after surgery.

Human waste an asset to economy, environment, study finds

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that sanitation systems can recover resources such as nutrients, water, and organic material, which can be used to improve ecosystem services. These services include water purification, nutrient cycling, food provisioning, and climate regulation, among others.

Snowball the dancing cockatoo has many moves

Researchers found Snowball's movement diversity is not limited to humans, suggesting an innate ability to respond to music with intentional movements. The study proposes five traits that may explain the shared natural ability to dance in humans and parrots.

On the way to nanotheranostics

A new nanotheranostic system uses silica-coated bismuth-ferrite harmonic nanoparticles to combine diagnostic imaging with targeted drug delivery, overcoming limitations of previous approaches. The system allows for medically safe release of therapeutics upon near-infrared light activation.

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.

Arctic lead pollution and economic history

A study on Arctic lead pollution reveals a significant increase in emissions from European industries during the Middle Ages, coinciding with technological advancements and economic growth. The pollution level declined substantially after pollution abatement policies were enacted, but still remains much higher than historical levels.

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.

Want to boost creativity? Try playing Minecraft

Research from Iowa State University found that playing Minecraft fosters creative freedom and increases creativity. Players given the freedom to play Minecraft without instruction were most creative, suggesting that autonomy is crucial for unlocking creative potential.

Two laureates for this year's Bertarelli Foundation Catalyst Fund

The Bertarelli Foundation has awarded two grants to researchers at EPFL, focusing on developing smart upper limb prostheses that can provide sensory feedback to patients. Additionally, a non-invasive brain stimulation system is being developed to improve cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment or brain injury.

Moffitt researchers identify effective drug combination against uveal melanoma

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified a new drug combination that is effective against metastatic uveal melanoma cells. The combination of an MEK inhibitor and a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, such as panobinostat, has been shown to prevent resistance to the MEK inhibitor and enhance its anti-tumor properties.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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NASA catches Post Tropical Cyclone Cosme fading

Tropical Storm Cosme formed over the weekend of July 6 and 7, weakening to a remnant low pressure area within days. NASA's Aqua satellite captured the storm's decline, revealing a wispy ring of clouds devoid of strong thunderstorms.

Using an embryonic pause to save the date

Date palms employ a method of remote germination, pausing their development until conditions are right. When soil temperature increases, the plant emerges with a fully developed leaf and root system.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Biology conferences and codes of conduct

Researchers found that 24% of conferences have codes of conduct, but many lack consequences for violations. The authors recommend that all conferences adopt codes addressing race and gender discrimination and maintain transparent enforcement.

NASA satellites find biggest seaweed bloom in the world

Scientists have discovered a massive seaweed bloom stretching from West Africa to the Gulf of Mexico, dubbed the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt. The belt of brown algae is likely here to stay due to ocean currents and changing chemistry, potentially leading to ecosystem shifts.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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Researchers discover semiconducting nanotubes that form spontaneously

Scientists have discovered semiconducting nanotubes with precise cylindrical structures, which can be used as fluorescent markers in medical research or catalysts in photoreduction reactions. The researchers' accidental discovery reveals the spontaneous formation of these nanostructures using metallic nanocrystals and certain ligands.

Snow algae thrive in high-elevation ice spires, an unlikely oasis for life

Researchers have discovered thriving microbial communities in high-elevation ice spires in the Andes Mountains, offering insights into the limits of life on Earth. Snow algae were found to be present in these formations for the first time at an extreme elevation, providing a possible analogue for life on other planets.

Tracing the roots: Mapping a vegetable family tree for better food

Researchers create a genetic map of three vegetables, revealing new insights into their origins and potential for improvement. By tracing the evolutionary history of canola, rutabaga, and Siberian kale, scientists identify genes that could lead to more nutritious and resilient crops.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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WHO mental health guidelines could better capture 'lived experience'

A new study by UK and US researchers found that WHO mental health diagnostic descriptions often focus on external symptoms, leading to alienation and misunderstanding among patients. The research recommends incorporating more information about the felt-experience into the guidelines to improve understanding and empathy for service users.

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.

Quitting alcohol may improve mental well-being, health-related quality of life

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that quitting alcohol can lead to improved mental well-being and health-related quality of life, particularly among women. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 participants and suggested that moderate drinking may not have the same benefits as previously thought.

One-molecule-thick coating to help improve disease and drug testing

A new breakthrough in sensor technology uses a one-molecule-thick coating to improve detection of diseases and detect doping in sports. The coating, based on beta-cyclodextrin, produces sensors around ten times more sensitive than existing ones, allowing for earlier diagnosis and detection at lower concentrations.

'You all look alike to me' is hard-wired in us, UCR research finds

A new study led by UC Riverside psychologist Brent Hughes found that the tendency to recognize differences in own-race faces is greater than in other-race faces, a phenomenon known as the 'other-race effect.' This bias occurs even at early stages of sensory perception and can affect downstream beliefs and behaviors.

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.

Scientists discover origin of cell mask that hides stomach cancer

Researchers at Hiroshima University discover that a layer of cells resembling normal stomach lining is produced by stomach cancer tissue itself, making it difficult to spot after Helicobacter pylori infection treatment. This finding highlights the need for continued check-ups even after H. pylori eradication.

Bacteria associated with hospital infections are found in raw meat

A study by ISGlobal reveals that Acinetobacter bacteria commonly acquired in hospitals can also be transmitted through contaminated food, specifically raw meat. The research analyzed 138 meat samples and identified 12 isolates of the ACB complex, suggesting that raw meat may serve as a reservoir for these pathogenic bacteria.

Istanbul: Seafloor study proves earthquake risk for the first time

Researchers at GEOMAR have directly measured tectonic strain build-up on the North Anatolian fault in the Marmara Sea, posing a significant threat to Istanbul's metropolitan region. The study suggests an earthquake with magnitudes between 7.1 and 7.4 could trigger catastrophic consequences similar to the 1999 Izmit earthquake.

Study confirms disparities in triple-negative breast cancer diagnoses

A new study published in the Journal of Cancer reveals significant disparities in triple-negative breast cancer diagnoses among women of color and younger women. The research found that non-Hispanic black women had a 2.3-times higher odds of being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women.

Ignoring cues for alcohol and fast food is hard -- but is it out of our control?

Researchers have shown that people's general inability to ignore reward cues is not just a lack of control, but rather a limitation of their executive control processes. In an experiment, participants struggled to resist fast food and alcohol cues when under cognitive pressure or high memory load. The findings suggest strengthening exe...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study: Poor women are more hopeful than poor men

A new study by Finnish researchers found that poor men experience more profound worthlessness and social exclusion compared to poor women. Women have more means to attain a sense of worth outside the economic realm.

A common gut virus that maps our travels

A study by San Diego State University researcher Rob Edwards found a country-specific biomarker for the crAssphage virus in humans, which rapidly changes with travel. The research analyzed over 32,000 sequences from 65 countries and revealed the phage's global distribution.

Nanoparticle therapeutics for spinal cord injury

Researchers used nanoparticles to intercept immune cells in mice with spinal cord injuries, reprogramming them before they reached the injured site. This led to reduced inflammation, scarring, and a more regenerative healing environment.

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.

X-rays reveal monolayer phase in organic semiconductor

Researchers discovered a 'third phase' that does not occur in bulk material and corresponds to a monomolecular layer of the semiconductor. This structure is favorable for charge transport across the films, which could lead to improved performance in microelectronics applications.

Global survey shows crAssphage gut virus in the world's sewage

A global survey has found crAssphage viruses in people's sewage across the world, with a history dating back to millions of years. The viruses are naturally occurring and not associated with health outcomes, but may help scientists target harmful gut bacteria.

Retina restructures itself after cell death

Researchers found that the retina can rebuild itself after treatment, recovering normal light responses and connections to other neurons. Gene therapy successfully restored rod photoreceptors' function in a mouse model with genetically defective rods.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Instability in Antarctic ice projected to make sea level rise rapidly

A study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers suggests that instability within Antarctic ice will accelerate its flow into the ocean and push sea levels up at a more rapid pace than previously expected. This 'instability' makes forecasting more uncertain, particularly relevant to engineering against flood dangers.

Molecular energy machine as a movie star

The study reveals the largest real-time structural changes in a molecule ever, showing how bacteriorhodopsin pumps protons from inside to outside through the cell membrane. This process creates a concentration gradient that the cell uses to gain energy for its metabolism.

Indian Ocean causes drought and heatwaves in South America

A record-breaking South American drought and marine heatwave in 2013/14 were caused by strong atmospheric convection over the Indian Ocean. The event displaced normal atmospheric circulation over South America, leading to extreme weather conditions and severe impacts on agriculture, public health, and fisheries.

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.