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Science News Archive July 2019 - Page 33


Page 33 of 41

Structure of brain networks is not fixed, study finds

Researchers found that brain networks are spatially and functionally fluid, with rapid changes in network activity over time. This challenges the long-held assumption that brain regions contribute to each network in a fixed way.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateJul 8, 2019

Life is tough but so are worms -- thanks to mom

A Duke University study found that worm offspring of mothers who experienced nutrient stress during pregnancy were better equipped to handle starvation later on. This is due to changes in insulin signaling transmitted via eggs, which helped the larvae develop normally and avoid reproductive abnormalities.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 8, 2019

Academic conferences lack tools to prevent sexual misconduct, discrimination

A new study found that over three-quarters of biology conferences lack codes of conduct, while those that do often fail to address key issues like sexual misconduct. The authors recommend improving codes by making them apparent, centering marginalized groups' experiences, and establishing clear reporting channels.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 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.

High rates of opioid prescriptions for osteoarthritis

Researchers found that every fourth osteoarthritis patient was prescribed opioids, with codeine and tramadol being the most commonly used. Despite not being recommended as a first-line treatment, opioids were still given to nearly a quarter of patients, highlighting a significant challenge in addressing osteoarthritis pain management.

SourceLund University·JournalOsteoarthritis and Cartilage·DateJul 8, 2019

Simple 'smart' glass reveals the future of artificial vision

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a method to create pieces of 'smart' glass that can recognize images using optics and artificial intelligence. The glass uses tiny bubbles and impurities to bend light in specific ways, enabling real-time image recognition without power or sensors.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPhotonics Research·DateJul 8, 2019

Uncovering possible role of polyphosphate in dialysis-related amyloidosis

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that polyphosphate induces the formation of amyloid fibrils from beta-2 microglobulin proteins in dialysis patients. High levels of polyphosphate promote the formation of thicker, more stable amyloid fibrils under normal pH conditions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 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.

How do older adults fare after hip fracture?

Research suggests that older adults who experience cognitive impairment, dementia, or delirium after a hip fracture are more likely to experience functional decline and disability. Despite this, some older adults can recover and regain mobility after surgery.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 8, 2019

Human waste an asset to economy, environment, study finds

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that sanitation systems can recover resources such as nutrients, water, and organic material, which can be used to improve ecosystem services. These services include water purification, nutrient cycling, food provisioning, and climate regulation, among others.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 8, 2019

Snowball the dancing cockatoo has many moves

Researchers found Snowball's movement diversity is not limited to humans, suggesting an innate ability to respond to music with intentional movements. The study proposes five traits that may explain the shared natural ability to dance in humans and parrots.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 8, 2019

On the way to nanotheranostics

A new nanotheranostic system uses silica-coated bismuth-ferrite harmonic nanoparticles to combine diagnostic imaging with targeted drug delivery, overcoming limitations of previous approaches. The system allows for medically safe release of therapeutics upon near-infrared light activation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 8, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Highway medians are a source of food for wildlife, study shows

Small mammals use roadside vegetation foraging in Canada, contrary to assumptions that wildlife passages are only for crossing. The study suggests maintaining habitat between highways could attract animals to roads, increasing the risk of collisions.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·DateJul 8, 2019

Arctic lead pollution and economic history

A study on Arctic lead pollution reveals a significant increase in emissions from European industries during the Middle Ages, coinciding with technological advancements and economic growth. The pollution level declined substantially after pollution abatement policies were enacted, but still remains much higher than historical levels.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

Development of 3D particle model for single particles in battery electrodes

A team of researchers has developed a 3D electrochemical model to estimate the properties of single particles of electrode active materials. This model can analyze micrometer-sized particles in a cell and is expected to improve cell efficiency and increase energy density.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNano Energy·DateJul 8, 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.

Want to boost creativity? Try playing Minecraft

Research from Iowa State University found that playing Minecraft fosters creative freedom and increases creativity. Players given the freedom to play Minecraft without instruction were most creative, suggesting that autonomy is crucial for unlocking creative potential.

SourceIowa State University·JournalCreativity Research Journal·DateJul 8, 2019

Two laureates for this year's Bertarelli Foundation Catalyst Fund

The Bertarelli Foundation has awarded two grants to researchers at EPFL, focusing on developing smart upper limb prostheses that can provide sensory feedback to patients. Additionally, a non-invasive brain stimulation system is being developed to improve cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment or brain injury.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateJul 8, 2019

Moffitt researchers identify effective drug combination against uveal melanoma

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified a new drug combination that is effective against metastatic uveal melanoma cells. The combination of an MEK inhibitor and a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, such as panobinostat, has been shown to prevent resistance to the MEK inhibitor and enhance its anti-tumor properties.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 8, 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.

NASA catches Post Tropical Cyclone Cosme fading

Tropical Storm Cosme formed over the weekend of July 6 and 7, weakening to a remnant low pressure area within days. NASA's Aqua satellite captured the storm's decline, revealing a wispy ring of clouds devoid of strong thunderstorms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 8, 2019

Using an embryonic pause to save the date

Date palms employ a method of remote germination, pausing their development until conditions are right. When soil temperature increases, the plant emerges with a fully developed leaf and root system.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 8, 2019

A tale of two proteins: The best and worst of metabolic adaptation

Two metabolic pathways, NAD+–SIRT1 and FAD–LSD1, play a role in regulating energy metabolism and tissue development. These pathways are controlled by dietary vitamins and hormones, leading to the induction of fat accumulation and obesity.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateJul 8, 2019

Biology conferences and codes of conduct

Researchers found that 24% of conferences have codes of conduct, but many lack consequences for violations. The authors recommend that all conferences adopt codes addressing race and gender discrimination and maintain transparent enforcement.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

CNIC scientists identify an essential protein for correct heart contraction and survival

A team of CNIC scientists identified SRSF3 as crucial for proper heart function and found that its loss leads to reduced expression of genes involved in contraction. Further research revealed that SRSF3 controls the alternative processing of mTOR, a major regulator of cell metabolism, which is essential for heart health.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·DateJul 8, 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 is marijuana legalization associated with teen use?

A study of over 1.4 million high school students found no association between medical marijuana laws and teen marijuana use, but recreational laws were associated with a decrease in both past 30-day and frequent marijuana use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 8, 2019

NASA satellites find biggest seaweed bloom in the world

Scientists have discovered a massive seaweed bloom stretching from West Africa to the Gulf of Mexico, dubbed the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt. The belt of brown algae is likely here to stay due to ocean currents and changing chemistry, potentially leading to ecosystem shifts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 8, 2019

Researchers discover semiconducting nanotubes that form spontaneously

Scientists have discovered semiconducting nanotubes with precise cylindrical structures, which can be used as fluorescent markers in medical research or catalysts in photoreduction reactions. The researchers' accidental discovery reveals the spontaneous formation of these nanostructures using metallic nanocrystals and certain ligands.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalACS Central Science·DateJul 8, 2019

Snow algae thrive in high-elevation ice spires, an unlikely oasis for life

Researchers have discovered thriving microbial communities in high-elevation ice spires in the Andes Mountains, offering insights into the limits of life on Earth. Snow algae were found to be present in these formations for the first time at an extreme elevation, providing a possible analogue for life on other planets.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJul 8, 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.

Massive stars grow same way as light stars, just bigger

Astronomers observed a massive protostar's gaseous disk for the first time, finding it shares common features with lighter baby stars. The discovery suggests that star formation is the same process, regardless of final mass.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 8, 2019

Tracing the roots: Mapping a vegetable family tree for better food

Researchers create a genetic map of three vegetables, revealing new insights into their origins and potential for improvement. By tracing the evolutionary history of canola, rutabaga, and Siberian kale, scientists identify genes that could lead to more nutritious and resilient crops.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2019

WHO mental health guidelines could better capture 'lived experience'

A new study by UK and US researchers found that WHO mental health diagnostic descriptions often focus on external symptoms, leading to alienation and misunderstanding among patients. The research recommends incorporating more information about the felt-experience into the guidelines to improve understanding and empathy for service users.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 8, 2019

UBC scientists find high mutation rates within huge, old-growth trees

A recent study published in Evolution Letters found that a single old-growth tree can have up to 100,000 genetic differences between its base and tip. This suggests that these massive trees are capable of accumulating significant genetic variation over time.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEvolution Letters·DateJul 8, 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.

Research shows that drinking Matcha tea can reduce anxiety

A Kumamoto University study found that drinking Matcha tea can reduce anxiety by activating dopamine D1 and serotonin receptors. The anxiolytic effects were stronger with extracts derived using 80% ethanol than those using hot water.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateJul 8, 2019

Quitting alcohol may improve mental well-being, health-related quality of life

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that quitting alcohol can lead to improved mental well-being and health-related quality of life, particularly among women. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 participants and suggested that moderate drinking may not have the same benefits as previously thought.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateJul 8, 2019

One-molecule-thick coating to help improve disease and drug testing

A new breakthrough in sensor technology uses a one-molecule-thick coating to improve detection of diseases and detect doping in sports. The coating, based on beta-cyclodextrin, produces sensors around ten times more sensitive than existing ones, allowing for earlier diagnosis and detection at lower concentrations.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 8, 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.

'You all look alike to me' is hard-wired in us, UCR research finds

A new study led by UC Riverside psychologist Brent Hughes found that the tendency to recognize differences in own-race faces is greater than in other-race faces, a phenomenon known as the 'other-race effect.' This bias occurs even at early stages of sensory perception and can affect downstream beliefs and behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

Scientists discover origin of cell mask that hides stomach cancer

Researchers at Hiroshima University discover that a layer of cells resembling normal stomach lining is produced by stomach cancer tissue itself, making it difficult to spot after Helicobacter pylori infection treatment. This finding highlights the need for continued check-ups even after H. pylori eradication.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 8, 2019

Bacteria associated with hospital infections are found in raw meat

A study by ISGlobal reveals that Acinetobacter bacteria commonly acquired in hospitals can also be transmitted through contaminated food, specifically raw meat. The research analyzed 138 meat samples and identified 12 isolates of the ACB complex, suggesting that raw meat may serve as a reservoir for these pathogenic bacteria.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateJul 8, 2019

Istanbul: Seafloor study proves earthquake risk for the first time

Researchers at GEOMAR have directly measured tectonic strain build-up on the North Anatolian fault in the Marmara Sea, posing a significant threat to Istanbul's metropolitan region. The study suggests an earthquake with magnitudes between 7.1 and 7.4 could trigger catastrophic consequences similar to the 1999 Izmit earthquake.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2019

Study confirms disparities in triple-negative breast cancer diagnoses

A new study published in the Journal of Cancer reveals significant disparities in triple-negative breast cancer diagnoses among women of color and younger women. The research found that non-Hispanic black women had a 2.3-times higher odds of being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 8, 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.

Ignoring cues for alcohol and fast food is hard -- but is it out of our control?

Researchers have shown that people's general inability to ignore reward cues is not just a lack of control, but rather a limitation of their executive control processes. In an experiment, participants struggled to resist fast food and alcohol cues when under cognitive pressure or high memory load. The findings suggest strengthening exe...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 8, 2019

Study: Poor women are more hopeful than poor men

A new study by Finnish researchers found that poor men experience more profound worthlessness and social exclusion compared to poor women. Women have more means to attain a sense of worth outside the economic realm.

SourceFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare·JournalNORA - Nordic Journal of Feminist and Gender Research·DateJul 8, 2019

A common gut virus that maps our travels

A study by San Diego State University researcher Rob Edwards found a country-specific biomarker for the crAssphage virus in humans, which rapidly changes with travel. The research analyzed over 32,000 sequences from 65 countries and revealed the phage's global distribution.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 8, 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.

Nanoparticle therapeutics for spinal cord injury

Researchers used nanoparticles to intercept immune cells in mice with spinal cord injuries, reprogramming them before they reached the injured site. This led to reduced inflammation, scarring, and a more regenerative healing environment.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

X-rays reveal monolayer phase in organic semiconductor

Researchers discovered a 'third phase' that does not occur in bulk material and corresponds to a monomolecular layer of the semiconductor. This structure is favorable for charge transport across the films, which could lead to improved performance in microelectronics applications.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNanoscale Research Letters·DateJul 8, 2019

Telomere shortening rate and species lifespan

A study found that telomere shortening rate predicts species lifespan, rather than initial telomere length. Body weight and heart rate were less powerful predictors of lifespan.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

Global survey shows crAssphage gut virus in the world's sewage

A global survey has found crAssphage viruses in people's sewage across the world, with a history dating back to millions of years. The viruses are naturally occurring and not associated with health outcomes, but may help scientists target harmful gut bacteria.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 8, 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.

Retina restructures itself after cell death

Researchers found that the retina can rebuild itself after treatment, recovering normal light responses and connections to other neurons. Gene therapy successfully restored rod photoreceptors' function in a mouse model with genetically defective rods.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJul 8, 2019

Instability in Antarctic ice projected to make sea level rise rapidly

A study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers suggests that instability within Antarctic ice will accelerate its flow into the ocean and push sea levels up at a more rapid pace than previously expected. This 'instability' makes forecasting more uncertain, particularly relevant to engineering against flood dangers.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

Molecular energy machine as a movie star

The study reveals the largest real-time structural changes in a molecule ever, showing how bacteriorhodopsin pumps protons from inside to outside through the cell membrane. This process creates a concentration gradient that the cell uses to gain energy for its metabolism.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2019

Indian Ocean causes drought and heatwaves in South America

A record-breaking South American drought and marine heatwave in 2013/14 were caused by strong atmospheric convection over the Indian Ocean. The event displaced normal atmospheric circulation over South America, leading to extreme weather conditions and severe impacts on agriculture, public health, and fisheries.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 8, 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.