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Science News Archive July 2019 - Page 14


Page 14 of 41

Testing corneal cell quality? Apply physics

Researchers in Kyoto have developed a 'quantitative biomarker' to assess the quality of corneal cells, allowing for prediction of their long-term efficacy through simple observation. This breakthrough has potential applications in preemptive medicine, enabling clinicians to intervene before severe symptoms appear.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 22, 2019

Multidrug-resistant malaria spreading in Asia

A study by the Wellcome Sanger Institute reveals that a multidrug-resistant malaria strain has spread aggressively across Southeast Asia, replacing local parasite populations in Vietnam, Laos, and northeastern Thailand. The resistant strain has picked up additional genetic changes, enhancing its resistance to treatment.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJul 22, 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.

Teacher incentive programs can improve student achievement

A hybrid teacher incentive program that combines mentorship, coaching, and performance-based compensation improved student test scores in math and social studies, but not in English and science. The program's benefits exceeded its costs, with estimated potential earnings of $945,000 per school year for math

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateJul 22, 2019

Stem cell therapy furthers research for infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome

A phase I clinical trial demonstrates the potential of regenerative therapy for hypoplastic left heart syndrome through collecting, processing and injecting an infant's own stem cells directly into the heart at the time of surgery. The study showed no deaths or significant safety concerns over six months following surgery.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateJul 22, 2019

Understanding the drivers of a shift to sustainable diets

Researchers identified social norms and self-efficacy as the primary drivers of population-wide dietary shifts towards sustainable diets. The study found that these factors, particularly in young populations and among females, play a crucial role in shaping behavior influencing diet changes.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 22, 2019

Drilling deeper

A new study reveals Americans are drilling deeper than ever to access freshwater, but this trend is not a long-term solution to groundwater depletion. Deeper well drilling can be expensive and requires more energy, and it may not address the root cause of water scarcity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Sustainability·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.

The role of racial discrimination in alcohol abuse

A University of Houston researcher is studying the impact of racial discrimination on moderate-to-heavy drinking adult Latinxs, revealing higher rates of anxiety and excessive drinking. The study aims to raise awareness about sociocultural experiences that increase risk for addiction.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 22, 2019

Development of cortical thickness in infants

Researchers studied cortical thickness in 43 infants over two years, finding it increases rapidly until 14 months. Each developmental region of thickness was functionally important, with some continuing to thicken beyond 2 years.

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

Solving the salt problem for seismic imaging

Researchers at KAUST have developed a computational method to model large accumulations of subsurface salt, a challenging material to derive accurately from seismic imaging data. This technique allows for the efficient extraction of oil and gas by pinpointing fossil fuel reservoirs with greater accuracy.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGeophysics·DateJul 22, 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.

Canned laughter works, finds UCL-led study of 'dad jokes'

A UCL-led study found that adding canned laughter to jokes increases their perceived funniness, while real laughter has a more significant effect. The research also discovered that autistic adults respond equally well to both types of laughter, suggesting comedy may be more accessible to individuals with autism.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 22, 2019

Laugh tracks make 'dad jokes' funnier

New evidence suggests that laugh tracks increase the perceived funniness of corny 'dad jokes'. The study found that spontaneous laughter has a greater effect on humor ratings than posed laughter, and this effect holds true for both neurotypical and autistic individuals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 22, 2019
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.

A torque on conventional magnetic wisdom

Researchers observe anomalous spin-orbit torque in ferromagnetic films without spin-orbit coupling, indicating a new competition between spin alignment and magnetization. This finding has implications for energy-efficient magnetic-memory technology.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 22, 2019

School psychologists develop intervention to reduce hallway disruptions

Researchers at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville developed a gamelike intervention that reduces hallway disruptions by up to 74 percent. The intervention rewards classes for quick transitions, leading to improved behavior and faster class changes.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalJournal of Positive Behavior Interventions·DateJul 22, 2019

Study finds Nunavik Inuit are genetically unique

A new study has found that the Nunavik Inuit population in Canada's Arctic have a distinct genetic profile, which may predispose them to brain aneurysms. Researchers analyzed the genetic characteristics of 170 Inuit volunteers and identified unique variants correlated with a higher risk of this condition.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 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.

Social isolation and gene expression

Short periods of social isolation can lead to significant changes in neuronal remodeling and gene expression in forebrain regions involved in higher-order cognition. These neurogenomic changes may influence brain health and the processing and perception of experience.

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

Parasitic plants use stolen genes to make them better parasites

Dodder parasitic plants have stolen over 100 functional genes from their host plants, contributing to their ability to latch onto and steal nutrients. The transferred genes also produce small segments of RNA that may act as weapons to silence host defense genes.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 22, 2019

Racial disparities in fatal police shootings

A comprehensive database of over 900 fatal police shootings reveals that White officers are not more likely to fatally shoot minority civilians. The study found that increasing racial diversity among police officers may not reduce disparities in fatalities.

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

College spending habits may predict when 'adulting' starts

A study found that fourth-year college students with good financial habits were more likely to see themselves as adults five years after graduating. Financial behaviors during this period continued to have a positive impact on emerging adults' adult identity formation, including lower symptoms of depression and higher relationship sati...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateJul 22, 2019

NIST physicists create record-setting quantum motion

Physicists at NIST developed a method to control ion motion and display exact quantities of quantum-level motion, up to 100 packets of energy. The technique enabled the creation of superpositions, allowing for more precise measurements and characterizing frequency.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2019

ASHG honors Rick Guidotti with ASHG Advocacy Award

Rick Guidotti, founder of POSITIVE EXPOSURE, receives ASHG Advocacy Award for his innovative use of visual arts to celebrate human diversity. He has promoted genetics awareness, funding for biomedical research, and integrating genetics into health systems.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 22, 2019

Air pollution and childhood asthma

A study found that reducing nitrogen dioxide levels can lower childhood asthma incidence rates by up to 27.6%. The analysis estimated benefits of fine particulate matter reduction were smaller but still significant, suggesting stricter air quality standards could lead to public health gains.

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

The early days of the Milky Way revealed

A study led by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias reveals the early days of the Milky Way's formation, identifying two distinct stellar components that merged to create our galaxy. The research uses accurate stellar ages and Gaia space telescope data to uncover the birth of the Milky Way with unprecedented detail.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 22, 2019

ASHG honors Charles Rotimi & Sarah Tishkoff with 2019 Curt Stern Award

Charles Rotimi and Sarah Tishkoff received the 2019 Curt Stern Award for their pioneering work on African genetics, genomics, and global health. Their research has significantly advanced our understanding of metabolic diseases, genetic diversity, and health disparities in African populations.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 22, 2019

Researchers unveil experimental compound to block therapeutic target in blood cancer

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a hyperactive cell signal contributing to tumor growth in aggressive blood cancer. They developed an experimental therapeutic compound, UNC3810A, that targeted and slowed tumor growth by blocking the hyperactive Tyro3 protein.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019

Adolescents who skip breakfast may develop obesity

Adolescents who skip breakfast tend to have higher waist circumference and body mass index, indicating an increased risk of weight gain. The study suggests that skipping breakfast can contribute to unhealthy habits and behaviors, potentially making adolescents more vulnerable to obesity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 22, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Learning to look

Researchers developed an algorithm that can identify a certain type of bacterial viruses called inoviruses, significantly expanding their known diversity. The tool was trained on a reference dataset and combed through over 70,000 microbial and metagenome datasets, ultimately identifying more than 10,000 inovirus-like sequences.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 22, 2019

New, high-resolution images reveal clues to improve anti-nausea drugs for cancer patients

A new study using a cryo-electron microscope provides critical information for developing anti-nausea drugs that are effective against cancer patients' vomiting side effects. The high-resolution images reveal the attachment site of widely-used setron drugs on serotonin receptors, offering insights into how their design might be improved.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2019

How fat prawns can save lives

Research by UC Berkeley scientists shows that raising prawns in aquaculture systems can minimize tradeoffs between profit and disease reduction. Prawns feed on snails that transmit the parasite, reducing its burden to nearly zero after 10 years.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 22, 2019

Social isolation stresses rodents

A new study found that social isolation in mice and rats causes higher stress and anxiety levels, leading to more severe seizures in epileptic rodents. This highlights the importance of housing conditions in experimental design and data analysis.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJul 22, 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.

Lots of lead in the water? Maybe manganese is to blame

Researchers found that manganese can increase the rate of conversion from lead carbonate to lead dioxide by two orders of magnitude. This process can occur when chlorine disinfectants are used in water treatment, and varying concentrations of manganese among public water systems may explain differences in lead dioxide presence.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 22, 2019

Plasticizer interaction with the heart

A preclinical study examines the role of plastic exposure on heart rhythm disruptions and arrhythmias. Exposure to mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), a metabolite from Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), slows atrioventricular conduction and increases the atrioventricular node effective refractory period.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateJul 22, 2019

More sensitive climates are more variable climates, research shows

Researchers found that sensitive climate models were more likely to experience short periods of cooling and display larger variations in warming over a decade. The study suggests that climate sensitivity plays a crucial role in understanding global warming trends and the potential for hyperwarming scenarios.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·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.

Living components

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have developed a system to control the dynamics of energy-consuming DNA structures using an artificial chemical approach. The researchers successfully programmed these dynamic systems, enabling them to adapt to different situations and respond to stimuli faster.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 22, 2019

Research shows high prices of healthy foods contribute to malnutrition worldwide

Research shows that high prices of healthy foods are a major factor in malnutrition worldwide, particularly in poorer countries where access to nutrient-dense foods is limited. The study finds that economic development tends to make healthy foods more affordable, but also makes unhealthy processed foods cheaper.

SourceInternational Food Policy Research Institute·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJul 22, 2019

Delay from breast cancer diagnosis to chemotherapy after an operation may shorten survival

A new study published in Annals of Surgical Oncology suggests that delaying chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery can lead to poorer overall survival. The research found that patients who received postoperative chemotherapy within four months of diagnosis had better survival rates than those whose treatment was delayed.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateJul 22, 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.

Encephalitis identified as rare toxicity of immunotherapy treatment

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center investigated a cancer patient's fatal encephalitis after immunotherapy treatment, revealing a rare viral infection trigger. The study found that a specific T cell population may play a major role in immune-related adverse events and anti-tumor responses.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 22, 2019

ORNL scientists make fundamental discovery to creating better crops

Researchers at ORNL discovered a specific gene that facilitates the symbiotic relationship between plants and soil fungi, enabling crops to withstand harsh growing conditions, resist pathogens, and require less fertilizer. The breakthrough could lead to the development of bioenergy and food crops that can thrive on marginal lands.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 22, 2019

ASHG honors Huda Zoghbi with Victor A. McKusick Leadership Award

Huda Zoghbi, MD, is recognized for her contributions to the field of human genetics, including discoveries of genes responsible for Rett syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, and other conditions. Her work has enriched the development of human genetics and its applications in science, medicine, and health.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 22, 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.

Hypothalamus pathway drives defense behaviors

Scientists have identified a previously unknown pathway connecting the hypothalamus and midbrain that drives defensive behaviors in mice. Further research on this pathway could increase understanding of anxiety disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJul 22, 2019

Strongman leaders make for weak economies, study finds

A study of dictators over 150 years shows they rarely promote strong economies and often weaken them. Autocratic leaders are found to have little influence in driving economic growth, but can significantly reduce it after taking power.

SourceRMIT University·JournalThe Leadership Quarterly·DateJul 22, 2019

UTSA reduces seizures by removing newborn neurons

Researchers at UTSA have successfully removed new neurons that developed after a brain injury to reduce seizures in mice. The study found a 65% reduction in seizures, but the effect was not permanent and may be due to underlying factors such as chronic inflammation or reactive astrocytes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateJul 22, 2019

Are plant-based eating habits associated with lower diabetes risk?

This systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant association between adherence to plant-based eating habits and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts was linked to lower diabetes risk in adults.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 22, 2019

Airborne lidar system poised to improve accuracy of climate change models

Researchers developed a laser-based airborne lidar system that measures atmospheric gases with high accuracy and resolution, helping scientists better understand their impact on the climate. The new system can provide detailed gas profiles, overcoming limitations of existing methods and enabling more accurate climate predictions.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateJul 22, 2019
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.

Allergy, asthma risk are increased by microbial compound found in infant gut

A study has identified a specific bacterial lipid that promotes immune dysfunction associated with allergic asthma in newborn infants. The researchers plan to develop screening protocols to identify newborns at high risk for asthma and allergy based on the presence of this microbial molecule.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 22, 2019

Gut microbes may affect the course of ALS

A study published in Nature suggests that certain strains of gut microbes, particularly Akkermansia muciniphila, may slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in mice. The researchers found that supplementing ALS-prone mice with this strain significantly improved their survival and reduced disease symptoms.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2019