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Science News Archive July 2019 - Page 2


Page 2 of 41

Expectant mothers can mitigate the impact of marijuana on baby's brain development

A recent study found that higher maternal Choline levels during pregnancy can prevent fetal brain developmental problems caused by marijuana use. Infants exposed to prenatal marijuana had decreased cerebral nervous system inhibition and lower 'regulation' scores, leading to attention and social function problems later in life.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 31, 2019

Finnish people's unique genetic makeup offers clues to disease

A study of Finns with their similar DNA identified 26 potentially harmful genetic variations relevant to cardiovascular and metabolic health. These variations are more common in Finland than elsewhere in Europe, making them a valuable resource for understanding disease risk.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 31, 2019

Another trick up the immune system's sleeve: Regrowing blood vessels

A new approach from Harvard researchers uses a biomaterial scaffold and childhood vaccines to attract and activate T cells that promote revascularization of ischemic tissues. The technique increases the concentration of T cells at the ischemic site and stimulates angiogenesis, blood flow, and muscle fiber regeneration.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 31, 2019

Families of children with rare diseases open to advanced care plans with caregiver support

A new palliative care intervention at Children's National Hospital has shown success in helping families discuss potentially challenging medical decisions before a crisis occurs. The tool, which includes two evidence-based modules and caregiver needs assessments, aims to strike the right balance of relatability and knowledge for families.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalBMJ Supportive & Palliative Care·DateJul 31, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Snake fang-like patch quickly delivers liquid medicines in rodents

Scientists have created a microneedle patch based on snake fangs that can deliver therapeutic liquids and vaccines through the skin of rodents in under 15 seconds. The device uses capillary action to bypass pumping systems, making it an attractive alternative for simple and pain-free drug delivery.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 31, 2019

Krypton reveals ancient water beneath the Israeli desert

Researchers have used radiokrypton dating to analyze groundwater in the Negev desert, revealing two distinct sources of ancient water that date back 400,000 years. The study suggests that moisture was delivered from the Atlantic Ocean during cooler climates, providing a unique insight into the region's past hydro-climates.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2019

Confirmation of toasty TESS planet leads to surprising find of promising world

Researchers confirm a 'hot Earth' exoplanet, GJ 357 b, and discover two additional worlds orbiting the same star, including one potentially habitable planet, GJ 357 d. The newly discovered planets are located in the habitable zone of their star, which receives about the same amount of stellar energy as Mars does from the Sun.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 2019

Colorectal cancer rates in Canada

The incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults in Canada has increased over the past few decades. The study found that men under 50 had an average annual percentage change of 3.47% and women under 50 had a 4.45% increase from 2006 to 2015.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 31, 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.

Walkability is key: A look at greenspace use

A new study from University of Arizona researchers finds that walkability and traffic safety are crucial factors in determining how often people visit community greenspaces. Residents who live in areas with high levels of perceived traffic safety and surveillance are more likely to visit parks frequently, while those who travel by walk...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateJul 31, 2019

Going green? Not so easy for mainstream brands

A recent study found that when mainstream brands use visual cues suggesting their products are environmentally friendly, consumers tend to perceive them as less effective and switch to more eco-friendly alternatives. The research involved a survey of over 500 consumers across the US, who were shown different product labels with varying...

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Advertising Research·DateJul 31, 2019

Multi-state switchable stationary phase opens new doors in chiral separation

Researchers from Kanazawa University have developed a three-state switchable chiral stationary phase that can be controlled using metal ions, enabling efficient separation of enantiomers. The phase's stability and separation performance were demonstrated over multiple cycles, opening new doors for drug discovery and other research areas.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 31, 2019

Tracking baby fish for better reef management

The study confirms the importance of fish larvae produced in no-take zones for the health of fish populations within nearby fishing zones. The accuracy of the model was tested with field data, validating its predictions and providing valuable insights for reef managers.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 31, 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.

Encapsulated Indian medicinal herb shows anti-diabetic properties in mice

Researchers have developed a delivery system that increases insulin secretion by mouse pancreatic cells and reduces blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. The system, based on natural components, delays the release of herbal extract under acidic conditions, leading to a significant reduction in blood glucose levels.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateJul 31, 2019

Drug combo heralds major shift in chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment

A phase-3 trial shows that combining rituximab with ibrutinib keeps patients disease-free for nearly three years and improves overall survival rates. The new treatment is more effective and better tolerated than traditional chemotherapy, revolutionizing the standard of care for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 31, 2019

Vaccinations not a risk factor for multiple sclerosis

A large-scale analysis of over 200,000 individuals found no positive correlation between vaccinations and the development of multiple sclerosis. MS patients were statistically less likely to receive vaccinations before diagnosis than comparator groups.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNeurology·DateJul 31, 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.

Warmer winters could lead to longer blue crab season in Chesapeake Bay

Researchers predict that warmer winters in the Chesapeake Bay will lead to longer and more productive blue crab seasons. As water temperatures rise, blue crabs' overwinter survival is expected to increase by at least 20%, potentially extending their season year-round.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 31, 2019

Both low and high levels of hemoglobin linked to increased risk of dementia

A recent study published in Neurology found that both low and high levels of hemoglobin are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. The study involved over 12,000 participants and followed them for an average of 12 years, revealing a significant link between hemoglobin levels and dementia risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 31, 2019

What compulsive dating-app users have in common

Researchers at Ohio State University found that people with loneliness and social anxiety are more likely to experience negative outcomes from using dating apps. They tend to compulsively use the apps, even in social situations, leading to missed classes, work trouble, or social anxiety.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJul 31, 2019

New insights into the early stages of creep deformation

Computer simulations reveal that creep deformation can modify material properties, altering the chances of certain events occurring within the material. The researchers also found patterns in intervals between deformation events conforming to Omori law.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 31, 2019

Low muscle mass in arms and legs can heighten the mortality risk in older men and women

A study of individuals over 65 years old found that low appendicular muscle mass significantly increased all-cause mortality risk nearly 63-fold in women and 11.4-fold in men. The researchers used DXA body composition analysis to determine the correlation between body composition factors and mortality risk.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJul 31, 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.

Mastering metabolism for shark and ray survival

A new study investigates the bioenergetics of sharks and rays, revealing how climate change affects their populations. The research suggests that these ocean giants will face compounding climate pressures, including warmer oceans and reduced prey availability.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 31, 2019

UNH research finds shale natural gas development impacting recreationists

Researchers found that 12.3% of Pennsylvania outdoor recreationists were substantially impacted by shale natural gas development activities, while 13.8% changed their plans or avoided certain areas due to perceived conflicts between SGD and parks. The study highlights the need for lawmakers, managers, and industry representatives to co...

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism·DateJul 31, 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.

Stop! OX40-positive follicular helper T cells control rheumatoid arthritis

A University of Tsukuba-led study found that OX40-expressing follicular helper T cells control rheumatoid arthritis by promoting inflammation through autoantibody sialylation. The interaction between OX40 on T cells and OX40L on antibody-producing B cells led to reduced sialylation, increasing autoimmune inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJul 31, 2019

NASA finds heavy rain in hurricane Erick

NASA used satellite data to analyze Hurricane Erick's rainfall rates and cloud temperatures, revealing coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The heaviest rainfall was found near the northern eyewall of the storm's center, with rates exceeding 40 mm per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 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.

A new choice for young women with pre-cancerous cervical disease

A new DNA methylation test has been shown to accurately predict which cases of precancerous cervical disease will become more serious, helping women decide on treatment options. Most women with moderate dysplasia can be safely followed without surgery until their disease resolves.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJul 31, 2019

First pictures of enzyme that drives new class of antibiotics

Scientists have solved the X-ray crystal structure of an enzyme that produces a broad-spectrum antibiotic called obafluorin. This breakthrough provides a detailed molecular structure of the enzyme's three-dimensional space and sheds light on its mechanism, which could lead to the creation of new antibiotics with novel structural classes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2019

Tiny bubbles hold clue to better performing industrial technologies

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh used supercomputer calculations to study the growth and collapse of tiny bubbles, known as nanobubbles. The findings suggest that these bubbles can burst to release powerful jets of liquid, causing damage to industrial structures.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalLangmuir·DateJul 31, 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.

Baby spiders really are watching you

Researchers found that baby spiders have the same number of photoreceptors as adults but packed differently to fit in a smaller space. This allows them to maintain high visual acuity and distinguish objects at a distance, even when they're small.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalVision Research·DateJul 31, 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.

Older adults should be regularly screened for heart disease, diabetes risk

The Endocrine Society recommends regularly screening older adults for heart disease and diabetes risk, prioritizing lifestyle modification as the first-line therapy. Patients with at least three metabolic risk factors should be screened annually, while those with one or two risk factors should be screened every three years.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 31, 2019

Poisonous grasses: new study provides reassurance

A new study by University of Würzburg researchers found that five out of 13 German grass species contain poisonous toxins produced by fungal endophytes. The risk of mass poisoning for grazing animals is low, but farmers are advised to increase pasture diversity and avoid monocultures, especially of perennial ryegrass.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 31, 2019

Novel discovery of links between liver dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease

Researchers discovered an association between liver function and Alzheimer's disease, finding evidence of metabolic disturbance and altered liver enzymes linked to cognitive impairment. The study used blood-based biochemical markers of liver function to uncover connections with established Alzheimer's biomarkers.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 31, 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.

Goal-oriented rehab improves recovery in older adults

Researchers found that enhanced medical rehabilitation, which incorporates motivation during therapy sessions, leads to a 25% improvement in functional recovery among patients. The approach focuses on specific goals important to individual patients, resulting in better outcomes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 31, 2019

Hearing loss, dementia risk in population of Taiwan

A population-based study in Taiwan found hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of dementia, particularly among those aged 45-64. Coexisting conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease also contributed to the dementia risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 31, 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.

NASA team builds CubeSat-compatible aerosol-detecting instrument

A NASA team has built a miniaturized aerosol-detecting instrument called MASTAR to measure airborne particles comprehensively. The instrument will be flown on a high-altitude balloon and later on a constellation of small CubeSats, providing global measurements that can help mitigate climate change and improve human health.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 2019

Ketamine isn't an opioid and treats depression in a unique way

Researchers at Johns Hopkins clarify ketamine's antidepressant properties, stating it binds to NMDA receptors rather than opioid receptors. This mechanism allows ketamine to turn off the master control switch mTOR, enabling its therapeutic effects. The FDA has approved ketamine as a nasal spray for depression treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 31, 2019

Many North American indigenous youth experience symptoms of depression during adolescence

A new study found that many Indigenous North American youth experience depressive symptoms during adolescence, with risk factors including discrimination and early puberty. The study identified four developmental patterns of depressive symptoms, with nearly 33% of participants meeting criteria for alcohol-use disorder.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 31, 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.

A chemical clue to how life started on Earth

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute find that proteinaceous amino acids react more efficiently, leading to the formation of complex life forms. The study suggests a possible explanation for the selection of positively charged amino acids in proteins.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2019

OSC paper earns honors at research computing conference

A new framework for software management was recognized for its potential impact on computation-based science, enabling the Ohio Supercomputer Center to efficiently install and test applications for a wide range of users. The framework leverages automated tools and continuous integration to streamline the process.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·DateJul 30, 2019

Weight stigma in men associated with harmful health consequences

A recent study from the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity found that weight stigma in men is associated with harmful health consequences, including depressive symptoms and dieting behaviors. Men who experienced or internalized weight stigma had higher rates of binge eating and lower self-rated health.

SourceUConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity·JournalObesity·DateJul 30, 2019

Leap toward robust binder-less metal phosphide electrodes for Li-ion batteries

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have successfully fabricated a binder-less tin phosphide/carbon composite film electrode for lithium-ion batteries via aerosol deposition. The electrode exhibits improved charging and discharging cycling stabilities, enabling advanced Li-ion batteries with higher capacity.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalNanomaterials·DateJul 30, 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.

Conservation or construction? Deciding waterbird hotspots

Researchers at Michigan State University studied four different hotspot analysis methods for Great Lakes waterbirds, finding that no single method produced consistent results. A combination of data-driven approaches may be the best way to inform conservation management decisions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateJul 30, 2019