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Science News Archive July 2019 - Page 20


Page 20 of 41

Predators' fear of humans ripples through wildlife communities, emboldening rodents

A new study reveals that humans' presence creates a 'landscape of fear,' causing large carnivores to suppress their behavior and allowing rodents to forage more intensively. This shift has significant consequences for the entire food web, highlighting the need for ecologists to understand human-wildlife interactions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEcology Letters·DateJul 17, 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.

Plant viruses may be reshaping our world

Recent advances suggest that plant viruses are not just disease-causing entities, but can also play a significant role in the functioning of diverse ecosystems. Viruses have been found to be present in humans, with around 100,000 pieces of viral DNA elements making up 8% of our genome.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Reviews Microbiology·DateJul 17, 2019

How puffins catch food outside the breeding season

A study published in Journal of Avian Biology reveals that puffins, guillemots, and razorbills dive to varying depths during the non-breeding period. Contrary to expectations, puffins dive less deeply than closely related species, suggesting they catch different prey.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateJul 17, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Machine learning platform guides pancreatic cyst management in patients

Researchers created a comprehensive test using machine learning algorithms to better guide patient management for pancreatic cysts, a precursor of pancreatic cancer. The test, called CompCyst, outperformed the current standard-of-care in an international study, avoiding surgery in 60% of patients who underwent unnecessary removal.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 17, 2019

Body and mind need care in mental illness

A new study by University of Queensland researchers found that patients' physical health is often overlooked in pursuit of treating mental illness. Conditions like diabetes serve as a stark example, with rates twice as high in those with mental illness compared to the general population.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 17, 2019

Toward a better battery

Sodium-ion batteries have shorter lifetimes than lithium-based batteries due to the unintended presence of hydrogen. Hydrogen leads to degradation of the battery electrode. The study reveals that measures can be taken during fabrication and encapsulation to suppress incorporation of hydrogen, leading to better performance.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJul 17, 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.

Researchers put a new spin on molecular oxygen

A multinational team successfully alters oxygen atoms' charge states and achieves reversible conversion to molecular oxygen using Kelvin probe force spectroscopy. The researchers found that controlled bonding between adjacent oxygen atoms can be induced remotely via surface polarons.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 17, 2019

Making cancer stem cells visible to the immune system

Researchers discovered that leukemia stem cells suppress NKG2D-L proteins, evading the immune system. By inhibiting PARP1, these cells can be recognized and eliminated by NK cells.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 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.

Artificial snowfall could save the West Antarctic ice sheet, but with high costs and risks

A new study suggests that artificially pumping ocean water onto coastal regions surrounding the West Antarctic ice sheet could stabilize it, but at great cost. The approach would require a minimum of 7,400 gigatons of artificial snowfall over 10 years to achieve a two-to-five-centimeter sea level drop.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2019

Multiple injection safety violations found in New Jersey septic arthritis outbreak

A New Jersey outpatient facility experienced a severe outbreak of bacterial septic arthritis infections following tainted knee injections. The investigation identified multiple breaches of recommended infection prevention practices, including inadequate hand hygiene and unsafe injection techniques.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJul 17, 2019

Plant probe could help estimate bee exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides

Researchers developed a new method to monitor neonicotinoids in living plants, allowing for spatial and temporal tracking of the insecticides. This probe could help pinpoint where and when bees are exposed to pesticides, informing efforts to protect pollinator populations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 17, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Historian unearths solid evidence for the Armenian Genocide

A leading Turkish historian has analyzed signature analysis on letters from the Ottoman Archives, confirming Bahaettin Shakir's involvement in the genocide. Documents show initial decisions to exterminate Armenians were made by provincial governors in 1914.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Genocide Research·DateJul 17, 2019

Harvesting energy from the human knee

Researchers developed an energy harvester attached to the wearer's knee that generates 1.6 microwatts of power while walking without increased effort. The device captures biomechanical energy through natural human motion, offering a potential solution for self-powered wearable devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 17, 2019

Ants that defend plants receive sugar and protein

Researchers found that ants receiving protein from herbivorous arthropods increase their aggression in environments with scarce food supply. This discovery challenges the idea that only carbohydrates are offered by plants to protectants.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateJul 17, 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.

The loss of biodiversity comes at a price

Researchers estimated financial losses of €209,619 to €322,733 due to Doñana National Park fire impacting Iberian lynx habitat, and €634 to €3,258 for Segura fire. A tool will be created to assess forest fires' impact on biodiversity, leisure, and tourism.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 17, 2019

HIV vaccine nears clinical trial following new findings

A weakened form of a CMV-based vaccine has been shown to provide similar protection against SIV in 59% of vaccinated rhesus macaques, with long-lasting immunity observed. The vaccine's attenuated version is key for human testing due to safety concerns.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 17, 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.

Staging β-amyloid pathology with amyloid positron emission tomography

A new study uses amyloid positron emission tomography to track β-amyloid cerebrospinal fluid and monitor Alzheimer's disease progression over six years. The researchers found a significant correlation between β-amyloid levels and cognitive decline, providing valuable insights into the disease's progression.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 17, 2019

Shaky scaffold changes lung infrastructure

Lung scarring can lead to pulmonary fibrosis and life-threatening complications. Researchers found increased MMP activity in lung tissue affected by Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, suggesting a new link for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalOrphanet Journal of Rare Diseases·DateJul 17, 2019

Should obesity be recognized as a disease?

Obesity experts argue that it should be recognized as a chronic disease due to its strong biological influence and severe complications. They believe this approach can help reduce stigma and discrimination, but critics caution that labeling obesity as a disease may not lead to better outcomes for individuals or society.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 17, 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 graphene superconductor that plays more than one tune

Researchers developed a graphene device that can switch between superconducting and insulating states, allowing for the study of exotic quantum physics. The device, made of three atomically thin layers of graphene, exhibits unique properties such as high-temperature superconductivity and Mott insulator behavior.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2019

Test shown to improve accuracy in identifying precancerous pancreatic cysts

A new laboratory test using artificial intelligence tools has been shown to more accurately sort out which people with pancreatic cysts will go on to develop pancreatic cancers. The test, dubbed CompCyst, correctly identified patients who did not need surgery in over half of cases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 17, 2019

A new spin on DNA

The team, led by Xiaowei Zhuang, captured the first recorded rotational steps of a molecular motor as it moved from one DNA base pair to another. They used DNA origami to build molecule-sized propellers that allowed them to visualize the motor's movement.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 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.

Sea level rise requires extra management to maintain salt marshes

Research reveals that stronger waves due to sea level rise can hamper plant re-establishment on neighboring tidal flats, slowing down or blocking recovery. Effective management of tidal flats is crucial for preserving salt marshes' resilience to wave attacks.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateJul 17, 2019

IceCube: Antarctic neutrino detector to get $37 million upgrade

The IceCube neutrino detector is receiving a $37 million upgrade to expand its scientific capabilities. The new strings will enable more precise studies of neutrino oscillation properties and better characterization of the ice around detectors, helping to reveal additional sources of high-energy neutrinos.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateJul 17, 2019

The physiology of survival

Bacteria do not die randomly in hunger phases; their neighbors play a crucial role. The team identified two key factors: basic energy consumption and biomass recycling efficiency. Changes to these factors affect the mortality rate, which can arise from genetic or ecological perturbations.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Systems·DateJul 17, 2019

A new material for the battery of the future, made in UCLouvain

Researchers from UCLouvain have discovered a new material, LiTi2(PS4)3 or LTPS, which shows the highest lithium diffusion coefficient ever measured in a solid. This discovery is an important step towards developing all-solid-state batteries with improved performance.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalChem·DateJul 17, 2019

Crystalline 'artificial muscle' makes paper doll do sit-ups

Researchers created a 'polyCOF' material by adding polyethylene glycol to an existing COF structure, enabling the formation of flexible membranes. The resulting material allows for the creation of a paper doll with an artificial muscle that can perform sit-ups by expanding and contracting in response to ethanol vapors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJul 17, 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.

First ever state sepsis regulation in US tied to lower death rates

A study led by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that implementing a state-mandated sepsis regulation in New York resulted in a significant drop in death rates from sepsis, with a 4.3% decrease compared to control states. The policy requires hospitals to quickly implement certain protocols when sepsis is suspected.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA·DateJul 16, 2019

The Lancet Public Health: First scientific review of menstrual cups suggests they are safe and may be as effective as other sanitary products

A systematic review of menstrual cups suggests they are a safe option for menstruation management. The review found similar leakage levels to disposable pads or tampons, with some studies showing significant less leakage. Practice, peer support, and training are key to initiation and adoption.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateJul 16, 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.

UCI electrical engineering team develops 'beyond 5G' wireless transceiver

A new wireless transceiver invented by UCI engineers boosts radio frequencies to 100-gigahertz territory, quadrupling the speed of the upcoming 5G standard. The chip's unique digital-analog architecture enables faster data processing and less energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalIEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits·DateJul 16, 2019

'Ohi'a Challenge winner announced at Hawai'i Conservation Conference

Dr. Ryan Perroy's solution uses high-resolution cameras and sensors to improve early detection of Rapid 'Ohi'a Death across forests, giving managers precious time to respond to outbreaks. The innovative approach also involves collecting samples from suspect trees using drones for laboratory analysis.

SourceConservation X Labs·DateJul 16, 2019

Limitation exposed in promising quantum computing material

Researchers at the University of Utah discovered that as the insulating layers of a topological insulator get thinner, its metallic surfaces start influencing each other and losing their conductivity. The study found that this phenomenon occurs at an insulating layer thickness of around 16 quintuple atomic layers across.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 16, 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.

Backed in black: How to get people to buy more produce

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers found that presenting vegetables on a black background makes them more attractive to consumers. This is because the color black is associated with high quality and expensiveness, as seen in previous studies on computing products.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJul 16, 2019

Researchers ID mechanism that may drive obesity epidemic

Researchers identified a molecular mechanism that may be contributing to the global obesity epidemic. The study found that a protein called RAGE on the surface of fat cells can block fat burning when stressed, leading to weight gain. Removing RAGE from fat cells reduced weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 16, 2019

New measurement of universe's expansion rate is 'stuck in the middle'

A new method using red giant stars has measured the universe's expansion rate at 69.8 kilometers per second per megaparsec, settling between previous values of 74.0 km/s/Mpc and 67.4 km/s/Mpc. The result may indicate that the standard model of the universe is not yet complete.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 16, 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.

BU researcher receives NIH grant to study Down syndrome

Boston University School of Medicine researcher Tarik F. Haydar received a $453,750 NIH grant to develop human stem cell-derived cultures for studying white matter abnormality in Down syndrome. He aims to understand how neural stem cells generate the cerebral cortex.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJul 16, 2019

Research shows black plastics could create renewable energy

Researchers at Swansea University have developed a method to recycle black plastics into carbon nanotubes for use in high-value materials like conductive films and flexible electronics fabrics. This process could reduce plastic waste and help solve the problem of lost electricity during transmission and distribution.

SourceSwansea University·JournalC – Journal of Carbon Research·DateJul 16, 2019

$4.6 million award creates program to train cybersecurity professionals

The University of Arkansas has received a $4.6 million award to train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The program will provide education and job training for students, focusing on critical industries such as transportation and energy, and addressing a national shortage of skilled cybersecurity experts.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·DateJul 16, 2019