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Science News Archive July 2019 - Page 10


Page 10 of 41

Independent, private firms pollute less than public firms, study shows

Research from the University of Notre Dame finds that private, independent firms have lower carbon emissions and incur fewer EPA penalties than public and private equity-owned firms. The study suggests that increased oversight within public firms may decrease pollution.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalReview of Financial Studies·DateJul 24, 2019

Waist size is a forgotten factor in defining obesity

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that women with normal weight but high waist circumference were 31% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and obesity-related cancer. Waist size is a forgotten factor in defining obesity, and its inclusion could lead to better risk evaluation and intervention programs.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 24, 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.

How to consider nature's impact on mental health in city plans

An international team developed a framework for cities to quantify and incorporate nature's benefits on mental health, considering elements of nature, contact, interactions, and benefits. This tool aims to address environmental justice and health disparities in underserved communities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 2019

Active pharmaceutical ingredients can persist in the environment

Research reveals that active pharmaceutical ingredients can persist in groundwater due to sorption potential and biodegradability. Medicines like ofloxacin and naproxen were detected in groundwater samples, with varying levels of risk to human health.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJul 24, 2019

Penn engineers' 'LADL' uses light to serve up on-demand genome folding

Researchers have created a new technique called LADL that uses light to serve up on-demand genome folding, allowing for the manipulation of specific DNA loops on command. This technique combines CRISPR/Cas9 and optogenetics and has the potential to study the relationships between long-range loops and mechanisms determining gene express...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 24, 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.

Researchers find evidence a cancer drug may be extended to many more patients

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a new molecular mechanism that indicates PARP inhibitors could be effective in treating all cancers where the drugs are used, including ovarian and prostate cancers. A potential biomarker has been identified, which may indicate when patients can benefit from these drugs.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 24, 2019

Sisters improve chances of reproduction in Asian elephants

Young Asian elephant females are more likely to reproduce when living near a maternal sister, according to a study by the University of Turku. The presence of a maternal sister also improves annual female reproduction rates.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJul 24, 2019

Alaska researchers will apply hibernation insights to human health

Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks will study the metabolic changes in hibernating animals to develop new treatments for human health problems. The five-year grant will support research into hibernation-inspired therapies for conditions like muscle loss, obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateJul 24, 2019

Worrisome increase in some medical scans during pregnancy

A new study has found a significant increase in the use of computed tomography (CT) scans during pregnancy in the United States over the last two decades, exposing mothers and fetuses to ionizing radiation. The study suggests that alternative methods without radiation should be considered whenever possible.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 24, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hydration sensor could improve dialysis

Researchers at MIT have developed a portable sensor that can accurately measure patients' hydration levels using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry. The device has the potential to improve dialysis treatment for patients with kidney disease and could also benefit people with congestive heart failure, athletes, and elderly ind...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 24, 2019

Scientists pinpoint new mechanism that impacts HIV infection

A team of scientists has pinpointed a long noncoding RNA molecule that influences a key receptor involved in HIV infection. This discovery may lead to new targets for therapy and increase understanding of how genetic variations affect disease progression.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 24, 2019

High blood pressure treatment and nursing home residents

Research suggests that intensive high blood pressure treatment in nursing home residents with dementia does not provide significant benefits, and may even lead to increased hospitalization rates. The study's findings recommend reducing medication doses or discontinuing use in residents with dementia, aligning with their goals of care.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 24, 2019

Seismologists monitor Ridgecrest aftershocks using novel fiber optic network

A team of seismologists from Caltech is tracking thousands of tiny aftershocks in the Ridgecrest region using a novel fiber optic network. This technique involves shooting light down unused fiber optic cables, which act as individual seismometers, allowing for unprecedented detail on the evolution of earthquake sequences.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateJul 24, 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.

To understand a childhood brain tumor, researchers turn to single-cell analysis

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital has revealed the cells of origin for four known subtypes of medulloblastoma, a malignant pediatric brain tumor. The researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to shed light on the relationship between the subtypes and provided new insights into Group 4...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateJul 24, 2019

Medical imaging rates during pregnancy

Researchers examined medical imaging practices among nearly 3.5 million pregnant women in the US and Canada between 1996 and 2016, revealing declining trends in some procedures. The study found that imaging rates decreased over time, with a notable drop in conventional x-rays, angiography, and fluoroscopy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 24, 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.

New study identifies causes of multidecadal climate changes

A new reconstruction of global average surface temperature change over the past 2,000 years identified the main causes for decade-scale climate changes. The researchers found that airborne particles from volcanic eruptions were primarily responsible for several brief episodes of global cooling prior to the Industrial Revolution.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 24, 2019

How nature builds hydrogen-producing enzymes

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and University of Oxford reveal the mechanism behind activating hydrogenases, complex enzymes that produce hydrogen efficiently. The discovery sheds light on the process of introducing a chemical cofactor into the enzyme's active center.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 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.

Reach out and touch someone

Researchers have created a prosthetic arm called the LUKE Arm, which can mimic human hand sensations, allowing amputees to pick up objects with greater precision. The arm uses a system of mathematical calculations and modeling to send biologically realistic signals to the brain, enabling users to feel touch, texture, and pressure.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 24, 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.

Expanding the limits of personalized medicine with high-performance computing

A team of researchers has developed a high-performance computing framework to simulate cancer treatment combinations, aiming to improve personalized medicine. The tool, called EMEWS, uses agent-based modeling and machine learning to identify optimal treatment parameters for various types of cancer.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalMolecular Systems Design & Engineering·DateJul 24, 2019

Artificial intelligence solution improves clinical trial recruitment

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center designed an AI-powered system to streamline clinical trial recruitment. The Automated Clinical Trial Eligibility Screener (ACTES) reduces patient screening time by 34 percent and improves enrollment by 11.1 percent compared to manual screening.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJMIR Medical Informatics·DateJul 24, 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.

Developing technologies that run on light

Researchers at Stanford University have designed a photon diode that can only flow in one direction, enabling faster solutions to scientific, mathematical and economic problems. The device uses nanostructures and metasurfaces to manipulate light and break time-reversal symmetry.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2019

Outcompeting cancer

Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown discovered a cell-competition mechanism called fitness fingerprints that allows cancer cells to disguise themselves as healthy cells. By blocking this mechanism, they found that tumour growth can be slowed down, but not eliminated.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature·DateJul 24, 2019

A peek at the birth of the universe

Researchers examine SKA-MPG telescope prototype for its ability to investigate cosmic background radiation with ultra precision. The study provides new insights into the origin of the Universe and explores potential applications in gravitational wave detection and dark energy research.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 24, 2019
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.

Multiple concurrent central lines increases risk for bloodstream infection

A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that using the number of central lines as a denominator decreased Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) rates by 25%. The presence of multiple concurrent central lines may indicate severity of illness, posing a risk for bloodstream infections.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJul 24, 2019

Visits to the dentist decline in old age, especially among minorities

A recent study found that visits to the dentist drop substantially after adults turn 80, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. The research highlights disparities in adult dental care by race and immigration status, with immigrants and minority groups facing barriers to accessing quality dental care.

SourceNew York University·JournalResearch on Aging·DateJul 24, 2019

America's packaged food supply is ultra-processed

A Northwestern University study found that 80% of Americans' calorie consumption comes from store-bought foods, highlighting the need for healthier options. The food supply plays a central role in obesity and cardiovascular disease development.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNutrients·DateJul 24, 2019

Unlocking therapies for hard-to-treat lung cancers

A new study published in Science Advances reveals that a cellular switch called CREB plays a key role in directing tumor growth in non-small-cell lung cancer. Researchers found that blocking this switch could have therapeutic benefits for patients with this deadly type of cancer.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 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.

Mouse, not just tick: New genome heralds change in Lyme disease fight

Researchers at UCI have sequenced the genome of the white-footed mouse, which carries the bacteria causing Lyme disease. The study provides a roadmap for fresh approaches to preventing disease transmission, including developing an environmentally-safe vaccine method.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 2019

Elephant extinction will raise carbon dioxide levels in atmosphere

Research suggests that forest elephant extinction will lead to an increase in fast-growing tree species, which store less carbon than slow-growing species. This shift will reduce the forest's ability to sequester carbon, releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 24, 2019

Surprising insight into Legionnaires' disease

Scientists at Goethe University have elucidated the interaction of bacterial effectors, revealing how regulator SidJ controls virulence factors. The discovery sheds light on Legionella's ability to multiply in immune cells and offers potential strategies for inhibiting its spread.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature·DateJul 24, 2019

Viral HIV vaccine gives durable protection against 'death star' strain

A new viral HIV vaccine has successfully protected rhesus macaques from high-dose SIVmac239 challenges, a notoriously difficult-to-defeat strain. The vaccine uses a gene-therapy inspired approach and durable protection is achieved with a single inoculation.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 24, 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.

How climate change disrupts relationships

A study by University of Würzburg scientists found that climate change accelerates the flowering of pasque flowers, outpacing the emergence of solitary bees, which rely on these plants for food. This disruption can lead to reduced seed production and reproductive success in plants, while negatively affecting bee populations.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 24, 2019

Screen time no child's play

A University of Queensland study found that some young children are spending an average of 50 minutes per day on screens, exceeding the national guideline of zero screen time in children under two. The guidelines aim to provide a healthy start for children and limit screen time to promote development and growth.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateJul 24, 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.

Smaller class size means more success for women in STEM

A new study at Cornell University found that smaller class sizes lead to more equitable participation in STEM classrooms, particularly for women. The research highlights the importance of diverse teaching strategies and evidence-based active-learning techniques to create a small classroom climate.

SourceCornell University·JournalBioScience·DateJul 24, 2019

Does one size does fit all? A new model for organic semiconductors

Researchers at Osaka University have demonstrated a new mechanism for charge mobility in organic single crystals, challenging previous assumptions. The study's findings show that molecular vibrations caused by flexibility limit the performance of organic semiconductors.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 24, 2019

Opioid prescribing rates higher in US compared with other countries

A recent study found that US physicians prescribe opioids more frequently to patients during hospitalization and at discharge compared to peers in other countries. The study adjusted for pain severity and patient illness, but still observed a significant difference.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateJul 24, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

High blood sugar increases pancreatic cancer rate

A nationwide study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that high blood sugar levels significantly increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. The study suggests that early detection of hyperglycemia and lifestyle modifications to improve glucose profiles may help lower this risk.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 24, 2019

Quenching scientific curiosity with single-molecule imaging

A new study from KAUST has improved the efficiency of protein-induced fluorescence enhancement (PIFE) by identifying conditions that lead to either enhanced or quenched fluorescence. By understanding these conditions, researchers can better interpret laboratory results and gain more precise insights into molecular events.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2019

Hospital-acquired C. diff associated with substantial costs

A population-based study in Alberta, Canada, found that hospital-acquired C. diff is associated with significant attributable cost and length of stay among adult inpatients. The analysis used micro-costing data and a propensity score-based design to determine the economic burden of HA-CDI.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJul 24, 2019