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Science News Archive July 2019 - Page 18


Page 18 of 41

Ultra-soft, liquid magnetic droplets could vault technology forward

Scientists at UMass Amherst and Beijing University have developed a way to transform paramagnetic ferrofluids into ferromagnetic liquid droplets, opening up new research areas such as liquid actuators and active-matter delivery. The resulting ultra-soft droplets can be controlled using an external magnetic field.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2019

BU researchers use Twitter and AI to see who is hitting the gym

A new study found that lower-income communities tend to lack access to resources encouraging a healthy lifestyle, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The research used social media data to show how different populations feel about various physical activities.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·DateJul 18, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Higher kidney function at dialysis start linked with greater risk of death in children

A recent analysis of US data over 20 years shows that children with kidney failure are being started on dialysis with higher levels of kidney function. Initiating dialysis at these higher levels is linked to lower patient survival, suggesting that asymptomatic children may benefit from delaying treatment.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 18, 2019

UM School of Medicine awarded HRSA grant to establish rural residency program

The University of Maryland School of Medicine has been awarded a $750,000 grant to establish a rural residency program in Maryland's Eastern shore communities. The program aims to develop a sustainable pipeline for primary care physicians in rural areas, addressing the growing shortage of providers in the region.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·DateJul 18, 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.

Some pharmacists missing mark on therapeutic guidelines: QUT study

A QUT study found that only 57.6% of pharmacies in Brisbane followed dispensing behavior compliant with therapeutic guidelines, while 31.3% oversold or over-treated medication. The study highlights the need for better guidance and training for pharmacists to ensure effective treatment outcomes.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 18, 2019

Sperm may offer the uterus a 'secret handshake'

Researchers discovered an endometrial receptor that recognizes sperm molecules, allowing them to survive and potentially increasing fertility rates. This 'secret handshake' interaction may adjust the female's immune response and help sperm overcome the leukocytic reaction.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 18, 2019

Cleaning our water with groundbreaking 'bioinspired' chemistry

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Institute for Green Science unveiled a new field of sustainable chemistry using bioinspired oxidation catalysts. The catalysts, called NewTAMLs, can eliminate pharmaceutical micropollutants from water in under five minutes and have major cost savings over current water treatment techniques.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 18, 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.

New laws of attraction: Scientists print magnetic liquid droplets

Researchers have created a new material that is both liquid and magnetic, allowing for the creation of printable liquid devices with potential applications in artificial cells and flexible electronics. The droplets can change shape to adapt to their surroundings and are preserved even when divided into smaller droplets.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2019

Jumbo squid mystery solved

A Stanford-led study identifies shifting weather patterns and ocean conditions as contributing factors to the collapse of Mexico's jumbo squid fishery. The research found that warmer waters led to smaller, less profitable squid, shutting down the entire industry in the Gulf of California.

SourceStanford University·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateJul 18, 2019

BU faculty member receives Doris Duke Clinical Scientist Development Award

Michelle Long, MD, MSc, assistant professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded a three-year, $495,000 Doris Duke Clinical Scientist Development Award to investigate the relationship between physical activity and NAFLD. The study aims to identify biomarkers of early disease and risk for progression.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJul 18, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Deciphering brain somatic mutations associated with Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have identified non-inherited somatic mutations in the brain that could contribute to Alzheimer's disease progression. These mutations were found to be associated with hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins, a hallmark of AD.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2019

Strong storms also play big role in Antarctic ice shelf collapse

A recent study published in Frontiers in Earth Science suggests that intense storms may contribute to the breakup of Antarctic ice sheets. Researchers deployed underwater sensors to record 'icequakes' indicating fracturing of the Nansen Ice Shelf, which calved into two giant icebergs during a massive storm system.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateJul 18, 2019

Simulations fix the cracks in magnetic mirrors

Physicists have found that by fine-tuning the electromagnet configurations and initial plasma properties, magnetic mirrors can achieve longer confinement times and lower loss rates. This could make them ideal for new particle physics experiments.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJul 18, 2019

Early mammal fossil reveals the evolutionary origins of having a loose tongue

A new study discovers complex hyoid bones in a 165-million-year-old mammaliaform species, suggesting the evolution of a loose tongue in early mammals. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of hyolingual structures, which enable advanced food and liquid swallowing in modern mammals.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience & Justice·DateJul 18, 2019

Depressed by Facebook and the like

Researchers found a positive correlation between passive Facebook use and depressive symptoms in individuals with an increased need for social comparisons. Long-term use of social networks can also lead to lower self-esteem and greater depressive tendencies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBehaviour and Information Technology·DateJul 18, 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.

Adding a polymer stabilizes collapsing metal-organic frameworks

Researchers have developed a new method to stabilize collapsing metal-organic frameworks by adding small amounts of polymer, resulting in significant increases in surface area. This breakthrough enables the creation of mesoporous MOFs that were previously inaccessible due to pore collapse.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateJul 18, 2019

Survival of the zebrafish: Mate, or flee?

Researchers at Harvard University discovered zebrafish choose mating over fleeing a threat when exposed to pheromone cues. This decision is controlled by specific brain regions responding to reproductive hormones.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 18, 2019

Emotion-detection applications built on outdated science, report warns

A comprehensive report finds that facial movements are inexact gauges of emotions and behaviors, challenging current technology's reliance on these signals. The study proposes a new model for studying complex emotional responses by measuring multiple indicators beyond facial cues.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateJul 18, 2019

Species on the move

A study by Zoological Society of London reveals 55 UK animal species have been displaced due to climate change, with invertebrates most affected. The research highlights the need for a centralized platform to track and mitigate the impacts of climate-driven species movement.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 18, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Diversity on teams leads to positive outcomes, but not for all

Research by University of Michigan and Michigan State University researchers found that diversity in science teams surprisingly does not lead to positive outcomes for the diverse individuals themselves. Participants with underrepresented demographic characteristics experienced negative team climate and lower satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 18, 2019

How mammals' brains evolved to distinguish odors is nothing to sniff at

Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that mammals use a similar 'distributed circuit' approach to distinguish odors, with the size of brain components scaling across species. This finding may have implications for understanding other parts of the brain and developing more efficient machine learning systems.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 18, 2019

Stimulating life-like perceptual experiences in brains of mice

Researchers developed a new optogenetic technique to control brain activity in mice, recreating natural perception and guiding behavior. The method revealed new insights into neuronal dynamics and the neurobiology of mammalian behavior.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 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.

Greater prevalence of congenital heart defects in high intensity oil and gas areas

A new study found mothers living near intense oil and gas development have a 40-70% higher chance of having children with congenital heart defects. The study analyzed 3,324 infants born in Colorado from 2005-2011, estimating monthly intensity of well activity to confirm positive associations between maternal exposure and CHDs.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalEnvironment International·DateJul 18, 2019

Study finds key metabolic changes in patients with chemotherapy-associated cardiotoxicity

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that metabolites associated with energy powerhouse mitochondria changed differently in patients who developed heart dysfunction compared to those who did not. Citric acid and aconitic acid levels differentiated the two groups of patients.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Translational Research·DateJul 18, 2019
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.

A sharper focus: New computational technique resolves compressed X-ray data

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a novel method to overcome limitations of high-energy X-rays, enabling sharper imaging of complex materials. This breakthrough allows scientists to gain better information about material interfaces and control the behavior of new materials.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review A·DateJul 18, 2019

TGen-led study finds link between gene and severe liver damage

A recent study published in PLoS One found a link between the gene AEBP1 and severe liver damage, specifically nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The research suggests that AEBP1 regulates a network of genes related to fibrosis, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating liver disease.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 18, 2019
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.

Scientists discover how and when a subterranean ocean emerged

Researchers found that a global cycle of matter underpins modern plate tectonics, with excess water in the transition zone of the mantle originating from an ancient ocean on Earth's surface. Komatiitic magma samples revealed significant quantities of water and chlorine in minerals, indicating a 'pumping' of water into the planet's inte...

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalNature·DateJul 18, 2019

Canada's high school curricula not giving students full picture of climate change

A new study found that Canada's high school curricula often fail to provide a comprehensive understanding of climate change, including its causes and consequences. The research highlights the need for accurate and scientifically-based climate education to prepare the next generation of Canadians to address this pressing issue.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 18, 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.

Algae-killing viruses spur nutrient recycling in oceans

A Rutgers-led study confirms the crucial role of viruses in controlling diatom populations, which produce 20% of Earth's oxygen and store carbon dioxide. Low silicon levels accelerate viral infection, releasing nutrients for recycling by other algae.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 18, 2019

Megakaryocytes act as 'bouncers' restraining cell migration in the bone marrow

Researchers discovered that megakaryocytes influence the migration of hematopoietic stem cells and neutrophils in the bone marrow. The study found that large megakaryocytes act as passive obstacles, reducing neutrophil mobility. This new understanding highlights the importance of biomechanical properties in regulating cell motility.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalHaematologica·DateJul 17, 2019

Modeling tool addresses uncertainty in military logistics planning

A new model, called the Military Logistics Network Planning System (MLNPS), draws on logistical data and operational information to assess risk and forecast logistical outcomes. The MLNPS can help military leaders identify efficient means of meeting logistical needs and account for uncertainty during expeditionary operations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation Applications Methodology Technology·DateJul 17, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Marijuana use may not make parents more 'chill'

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that marijuana users administered more discipline techniques to their children than non-users, including timeouts and physical abuse. This contradicts the popular belief that marijuana use leads to a more relaxed parenting style.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions·DateJul 17, 2019

Your spending data may reveal aspects of your personality

A study analyzing over 2 million spending records found correlations between spending categories and specific personality traits. For example, those who were more open to experience tended to spend more on flights, while those with greater self-control spent less on bank charges.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 17, 2019

Protecting a forgotten treasure trove of biodiversity

The Cerrado, a global biodiversity hotspot, faces significant threats from soybean cultivation. A study suggests expanding the Amazon Soy Moratorium to the Cerrado could prevent 3.6 million hectares of native vegetation conversion between 2020 and 2050. This would require only a 2% reduction in soybean cultivation area nationally.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2019
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.

Improving the odds of synthetic chemistry success

University of Utah chemists developed an algorithm that analyzes previous chemical reaction data to predict hypothetical reactions, narrowing the range of conditions needed for successful synthesis. The model successfully predicted outcomes for various reactions, offering a time-saving solution for pharmaceutical and materials research.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2019

Around one in 20 patients are affected by preventable harm

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that around 6% of patients are affected by preventable harm, which accounts for significant financial costs and can lead to permanent disability or death. The study highlights the need for strategies targeting preventable patient harm to improve medical care and reduce healthcare costs.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 17, 2019

New HIV program increased viral suppression, decreased new infections in Botswana

A new study found that a HIV program in Botswana increased population viral suppression to high levels, resulting in a nearly one-third reduction in new infections. The intervention included universal HIV testing and counseling, support for accessing care, and expanded ART initiation.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 17, 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.

Illinois study advances possibility of genetic control for major agricultural weeds

Researchers at the University of Illinois identified genetic signatures that distinguish male from female waterhemp and Palmer amaranth plants, a crucial step in developing genetic control. The discovery aims to introduce genetically modified male plants that would contain a gene drive to control the damaging weeds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateJul 17, 2019

Do marine protected areas work?

A new study published in Journal of Applied Ecology provides a method for verifying the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) by comparing data collected before and after their implementation. This approach helps scientists determine whether adjustments are needed to improve the impact of MPAs on fish populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 17, 2019

Japanese scientists embrace creepy-crawlies

Researchers in Japan are utilizing creepy-crawlies to study human disease, develop diagnostic kits and create sustainable fertilizers. Genome Pharmaceuticals Institute uses silkworms to identify compounds for treating infections and boosting immune systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 17, 2019