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Science News Archive July 2019 - Page 13


Page 13 of 41

Cane toad testes smaller at the invasion front

Researchers found male cane toads have smaller testes at the invasion front due to prioritizing dispersal over sex. This leads to less investment in sperm production and more energy for traveling, allowing them to stay ahead of competitors.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 23, 2019

Researchers study effect of Mediterranean diet on pregnancy outcomes

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy may reduce weight gain and the risk of gestational diabetes, but has no overall impact on adverse maternal and offspring outcomes. The diet's high intake of nuts, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables was associated with these benefits.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 23, 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.

Keeping livestock in the yard just might help your baby's immune system

A study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that rural Amish babies had a more diverse and beneficial gut microbiome than urban babies, which led to a more robust development of the respiratory immune system. The researchers used fecal transplants from Amish babies to colonize the guts of newborn pigs, showing a connection betwe...

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJul 23, 2019

Monsoon rains have become more intense in the southwest in recent decades

Monsoon rain storms have become more intense in the southwestern United States, with a 6-11% increase in rainfall intensity since the 1970s. Climate change is attributed to these changes, as temperatures in the region have risen by 0.4 degrees F per decade.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 23, 2019

Study looks at stem cells for answers to how a type of autism develops

Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago discovered a previously unknown regulatory mechanism controlling stem cell differentiation into neurons in fragile X syndrome. This breakthrough offers novel targets for potential treatments for the condition.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 23, 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.

How to thrive when foreign competitors enter your market

A study by University of Texas researchers finds that incumbent companies can improve performance by intensifying distribution in response to liberalization. Companies with prior exposure to foreign markets and performance can also boost performance by increasing promotions.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 23, 2019

Garlic on broccoli: A smelly approach to repel a major pest

A new University of Vermont study reveals that certain essential oils, including garlic, spearmint, and thyme, can effectively repel the swede midge pest from broccoli crops. The study provides a novel framework for exploiting plant odors to manage invasive pests, offering a sustainable solution for organic farmers.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 23, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How stimulant treatment prevents serious outcomes of ADHD

Early treatment with stimulant medication has strong protective effects against mood disorders, conduct disorders, substance use disorders, driving impairments, and academic failure in children and young adults with ADHD. The study found that three participants needed to be treated to prevent one from developing serious outcomes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 23, 2019

White-tailed deer were predominant in pre-Columbian Panama feasts

Researchers discovered signs of 'feasting behavior' associated with white-tailed deer at the Sitio Sierra archaeological site. The findings suggest that deer hunting was restricted and consumption linked to important occasions, reinforcing social relations among Panamanian pre-Columbian populations.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·DateJul 23, 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.

Exposure to air pollution among women in Mozambique greatly intensified by the use of kerosene lamps

A study by ISGlobal found that women using kerosene lamps for lighting had significantly higher exposure to black carbon particles, leading to increased risk of tuberculosis, respiratory infections, and low birth weight. The study's findings highlight the need for alternative energy sources in rural areas.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateJul 23, 2019

For anemonefish, male-to-female sex change happens first in the brain

In a groundbreaking study, researchers discovered that anemonefish undergo male-to-female sex changes first in their brains before gonads are affected. The transition occurs independently of the gonads and can take months or years to complete.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateJul 23, 2019

Zhang group identifies gene that may make TNBC cells vulnerable to existing

A study by University of Notre Dame researcher Siyuan Zhang and collaborators identified a gene that makes triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells vulnerable to existing therapies. The discovery suggests that a targeted drug therapy may be effective for this aggressive type of breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 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.

Finding alternatives to diamonds for drilling

Researchers have created a predictive model to guide the synthesis of new materials that are tough enough for the mining and space industries. The 'Mendelevian search' algorithm considers all possible combinations of elements in the periodic table, resulting in highly accurate predictions of material properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 23, 2019

Scholars weigh in on new ideas about autism

A new paper proposes that behaviors common to autism, such as low eye contact and repetitive movements, may not be indicative of social aversion but rather a desire for social connection. Autistic individuals share their experiences, expressing frustration with misinterpreted stereotypes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalBehavioral and Brain Sciences·DateJul 23, 2019

Scientists identify new genetic interactions that may impact cancer outcomes

Researchers at the University of Maryland and National Cancer Institute identified 12 distinct gene-pair relationships in tumor cells that could be targeted for cancer therapy. These relationships were associated with varying levels of expression in the two genes and correlated with cancer patient survival.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 23, 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.

What motivates people to join -- and stick with -- citizen science projects?

A University of Washington study explores what motivates people to join and stick with citizen science projects like COASST. The analysis of survey responses from 310 new participants and 623 long-term contributors reveals that outdoor activities, a sense of place, and social interactions are key drivers of participation.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcology and Society·DateJul 23, 2019

Hidden dynamics detected in neuronal networks

Researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich and RWTH Aachen University have identified a second critical mode in neuronal networks, allowing for parallel information processing. This newly discovered dynamics permits the network to represent signals in numerous combinations of activated neurons.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2019

Study identifies cells required for the development of a healthy uterus

A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers reveals that Misr2+ cells play a critical role in forming a healthy uterus. The cells, which express the receptor for Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS), are found to continue expressing MIS past sexual differentiation, contributing to uterine development.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·DateJul 23, 2019

Ozone threat from climate change

A new study found that rising temperatures due to climate change will increase the number of days with high concentrations of ozone in the Mid-Atlantic region, posing significant health risks. The study, led by Cristina Archer, analyzed nearly 50 years' worth of data and found that near-ground ozone levels can exacerbate respiratory co...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateJul 23, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Hit your head, lose your sense of smell

A study published in Brain Injury found that patients with mild concussions experienced reduced sense of smell within 24 hours of their accident, which returned to normal after six months. However, anxiety persisted for a year after the injury, affecting approximately 65% of concussed patients.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBrain Injury·DateJul 23, 2019

Rise of Candida auris blamed on global warming

A new study suggests global warming may have played a pivotal role in the emergence of Candida auris, a serious public health threat. The fungus can grow at higher temperatures than its closely related species, adapting to climate change and breaking through human protective temperatures.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJul 23, 2019

Global warming will accelerate water cycle over global land monsoon regions

A study published in Journal of Climate reveals that global warming will accelerate the water cycle over global land monsoon regions, enlarging the wet-dry season contrast. This could lead to increased crop yields in some areas and food security threats due to depleted soil water.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJul 23, 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.

Study quantifies smoking's strong link to peripheral artery disease

A new study found that cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of peripheral artery disease, which can persist for up to 30 years after quitting. Compared to never-smokers, smokers had a fourfold increased risk of developing peripheral artery disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 23, 2019

Facebook can help college students with lower confidence build relationships

College students with lower social self-efficacy benefit from using Facebook to form new connections, while those with higher confidence rely on traditional media. The study found that Facebook can compensate for reduced face-to-face interaction with close friends and works best when supplementing traditional media in making new colleg...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateJul 23, 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.

Study shows new moms may be vulnerable to 'sharenting'

Research suggests that mothers are uniquely susceptible to social media marketing tactics, leading them to share their children's personally identifiable information online. The study highlights the need for enhanced government guidance and parental education on the consequences of sharing personal info about their kids.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateJul 23, 2019

Novel powdered milk method yields better frothing agent

Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel method to create skim milk powders with enhanced properties and functionality, offering a potential replacement for synthetic emulsifying agents. The new processing technology could lead to the creation of foaming agents that are recognizable on food labels.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Food Engineering·DateJul 23, 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.

Toxin responsible for Legionella growth identified

Researchers have discovered a key toxin in the Legionella bacteria that enables its growth and infection in human cells. The toxin, SidJ, targets innate immune pathways and has a kinase fold, making it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2019

Molecular 'clutch' puts infection-fighting cells into gear

Researchers discovered two proteins that act like a 'clutch' in cells to activate the immune response. These protein condensates guide the movement of contents inside cells, much like switching gears in a car. The study sheds light on control mechanisms for immune activation and could lead to designing T cells with specific functions.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·DateJul 22, 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.

Medicare for All unlikely to cause surge in hospital use: Harvard study

A new Harvard study contradicts the assumption that implementing universal coverage would lead to a sharp increase in hospital use. Instead, researchers found that past insurance expansions redistributed care, with increases in hospital care among newly insured individuals offset by small decreases among healthier and wealthier Americans.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 22, 2019

Early introduction of peanuts in babies to reduce allergy risk

Introducing peanut protein regularly can lower a baby's risk of developing a peanut allergy. Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends introducing peanut butter or powdered puff at home between 4-6 months for most babies.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 22, 2019

Molecular sensor scouts DNA damage and supervises repair

A protein called UV-DDB has been found to identify and supervise the repair of DNA damage, suggesting a key role in maintaining genome stability. The discovery sheds light on why some individuals with a rare genetic disorder are more susceptible to cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 22, 2019

Following a healthy plant-based diet may lower type 2 diabetes risk

A recent meta-analysis found that people with the highest adherence to predominantly plant-based diets had a 23% lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to those with weaker adherence. Healthy plant-based foods have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and blood pressure, reducing weight gain and inflammation.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 22, 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.

Genetic history of Nunavik Inuit

The Nunavik Inuit population has a homogenous genetic background distinct from other populations. Their genome shows evidence of adaptations in fatty acid metabolism and cellular adhesion, as well as a variant linked to increased intracranial aneurysm risk.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019

Maintaining shelf-stable drugs

A new mathematical model describes how highly concentrated antibody solutions separate into different phases, similar to an oil and water mixture. This separation can reduce the stability and shelf-life of some drugs that use monoclonal antibodies.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019

ASHG honors Stephen Montgomery with Early-Career Award

Stephen Montgomery, a Stanford University geneticist, receives ASHG's Early-Career Award for his innovative work on gene regulation, rare genetic variants, and exercise-induced molecular impacts. He has made significant contributions to the field, mentoring numerous students and postdoctoral researchers.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 22, 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.