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Science News Archive July 2019 - Page 36


Page 36 of 41

NIH scientists link genetics to risk of high blood pressure among blacks

Researchers found 17 variants of the ARMC5 gene linked to high blood pressure among blacks, including one 'protective' variant associated with lower blood pressure. The study suggests ARMC5 may play a role in regulating blood pressure in blacks and could be related to primary aldosteronism.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 3, 2019

Researchers elucidate mechanism between exercise and improved motor learning

Exercise induces improved motor skills through activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which stimulates spinogenesis and neural plasticity. The study provides direct evidence that exercise-activated mTOR is necessary for enhanced cognitive functions.

SourceGuangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 3, 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.

More 'reactive' land surfaces cooled the Earth down

A new study suggests that increased reactivity of land surfaces led to a decrease in CO2 in the atmosphere, resulting in cooling. The researchers used isotope analysis and computer modeling to show that constant rock weathering was not the primary cause of the temperature drop before the last ice age.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature·DateJul 3, 2019

Ancient DNA sheds light on the origins of the Biblical Philistines

A team of scientists analyzed ancient genomes from Ashkelon, finding a European-derived ancestry introduced around the time of the Philistines' arrival. This genetic component was diluted by local Levantine gene pool over centuries, suggesting intense admixture between foreign and native populations.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 3, 2019

How to sell labriculture: Less lab, more culture

Researchers warn that framing cultured meat as a high-tech innovation can lead to negative attitudes and reduced consumer demand. The study found that those who encountered cultured meat through this frame were less likely to consider it safe, healthy, or environmentally friendly.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateJul 3, 2019

HIV infection may increase heart failure and stroke risk

A large health insurance database analysis reveals people living with HIV have a significantly higher risk of heart failure and stroke. Researchers found a 3.2-times increased risk of heart failure and 2.7-times increased risk of stroke in those living with HIV compared to uninfected individuals.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 3, 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.

Pain signaling in humans more rapid than previously known

A new study published in Science Advances found that humans have a rapid pain-signaling system that can conduct nerve signals as fast as touch signals. Researchers identified ultrafast pain receptors with properties similar to those of touch-sensitive nerve cells, which were connected to pain centers in the brain.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 3, 2019

Smokers three times likely to die from heart disease

A new study by Australian National University found that smoking harms all of the cardiovascular system, including the heart and major blood vessels. Quitting smoking markedly reduces risk of heart attacks, strokes, and dying from cardiovascular disease.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJul 3, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

It's not an antibody, it's a frankenbody: A new tool for live-cell imaging

A new antibody-based probe, called a frankenbody, enables live-cell imaging of proteins by binding to specific targets, like the classic HA tag. This tool allows for real-time visualization of protein dynamics and has applications in RNA translation studies, providing a low-cost solution.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2019

Milk and dairy products can help prevent chronic disease

A systematic review found that moderate milk and dairy consumption during pregnancy and childhood can reduce the risk of frailty, sarcopenia, and certain types of cancer. The study also suggested that low-fat dairy products may have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·DateJul 3, 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.

Black (nano)gold combat climate change

Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research have developed black (nano)gold that can catalyze CO2 conversion to methane at atmospheric pressure and temperature, utilizing solar energy. The material exhibits significant effects on purification of seawater, protein unfolding, and chemical reactions.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalChemical Science·DateJul 3, 2019

Can aerobic, resistance exercise reduce excess fat around the heart?

Aerobic and resistance exercise were found to reduce epicardial adipose tissue mass, while pericardial adipose tissue mass was reduced only by resistance training. The study's findings suggest that regular physical activity can help mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJul 3, 2019

CFTR inhibition: The key to treating bile acid diarrhea?

Researchers found that CFTR inhibitors, including investigational drug (R)-BPO-27, can fully block the increased CFTR activity caused by chenodeoxycholic acid. This inhibition reduces excessive secretion in the colon due to bile acids, offering a new therapeutic option for patients with conditions like Crohn's disease and IBS-D.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJul 3, 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.

One in 10 UK hospital inpatients is alcohol dependent

A new review finds one in ten UK hospital patients are alcohol dependent, with limited services available. The researchers emphasize the need for routine screening and staff training to address the issue.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·DateJul 3, 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.

Activity of fuel cell catalysts doubled

Researchers at TUM have developed platinum nanoparticles that double the performance of current fuel cells. The particles are about one nanometer big and contain approximately 40 platinum atoms, resulting in high mass activity. This breakthrough could lead to widespread adoption of fuel cells in electric cars.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 3, 2019

Perfect timing: Making the 'switch' from juvenile to adult

Researchers identified a new developmental timing mechanism involving a long non-coding RNA in the microscopic roundworm C. elegans that controls the timing of sex-specific changes and behavior. The discovery provides insight into how genetic cues regulate the transition to adulthood in humans.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateJul 3, 2019

New study unravels protection mechanism in bacteria

A recent study by the University of Birmingham has identified a key pathway involved in protecting bacteria against antibiotics. The researchers discovered that phospholipids are transported towards the outer membrane through a series of proteins, which could lead to the development of new antibiotic treatments.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 3, 2019

Taking to the treadmill can ease period pain

A new study published in Contemporary Clinical Trials found that treadmill exercise reduced period pain by 6% after four weeks and 22% after seven months. Women who participated in the supervised aerobic training regime also reported improved quality of life and daily functioning, but not increased sleep quality.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalContemporary Clinical Trials·DateJul 3, 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.

Credit counseling may help reduce consumer debt

A new study found that nonprofit credit counseling significantly reduces household debt and improves credit scores for counseled individuals. The research also showed a substantial decline in debt relative to non-counseled individuals.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateJul 3, 2019

Pre-eclampsia may carry long-term heart risks for women

A review of studies indicates that pre-eclampsia can lead to persistent cardiovascular issues in women. Researchers are now calling for long-term cardiovascular screening for women with a history of the condition.

SourceWiley·JournalAustralasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine·DateJul 3, 2019

CEO political activism -- Jobseekers want bosses who take a stand

A new study found that jobseekers are more likely to want to work for a company where the CEO takes a principled stance on political issues. The effect is true regardless of age, education, gender, or political orientation. Employees value humanistic values and expect goodwill from companies run by CEOs who engage in such activism.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateJul 3, 2019

The highest energy gamma rays discovered by the Tibet ASgamma experiment

The Tibet ASgamma experiment has discovered the highest energy gamma rays ever observed from an astrophysical source, exceeding 450 TeV. The most energetic gamma rays were produced by interaction between high-energy electrons and cosmic microwave background radiation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 3, 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.

Joslin researchers uncover protective factor in diabetic eye disease

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a protein found in the eye that protects against and potentially treats diabetic eye disease. Retinol Binding Protein 3 (RBP3) prevents the development of diabetic retinopathy, and introducing it early can reverse the effects of the complication in rodent models.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 3, 2019

Saving Beethoven

Researchers at Harvard Medical School developed a precise gene-editing tool to target the faulty Tmc1 gene in Beethoven mice, achieving an unprecedented level of accuracy. The treatment successfully preserved hearing in mice with hereditary deafness, paving the way for potential treatments of other dominantly inherited genetic diseases.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 3, 2019

Imprinted spheres fight breast cancer

Researchers developed molecularly imprinted nanoparticles that selectively bind to HER2 receptors, inhibiting tumor cell multiplication and growth. The particles were produced using a special method and demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing tumor growth in vitro and in mice.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 3, 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.

Scientists discover autoimmune disease associated with testicular cancer

Researchers identified a unique biomarker, KLHL11, that targets autoantibodies in men with testicular cancer-associated paraneoplastic encephalitis. The discovery has the potential to diagnose this condition earlier and improve treatment outcomes for patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 3, 2019

Mechanism of scorpion toxin inhibition of K+ channel elucidated using high-speed AFM

Scorpion venom contains compounds that bind to K+ channels, inhibiting their function. High-speed atomic force microscopy revealed the association and dissociation dynamics of a peptide, AgTx2, with the K+ channel KcsA. The study found that AgTx2 binding is facilitated by an induced-fit mechanism, accelerating binding by 400-fold.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 3, 2019

Diet quality may affect risk of frailty in older adults

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that poorer overall diet quality was associated with a higher incidence of frailty in older adults. Improving diet quality may help lower the risk of frailty, with good-quality diets shown to have a significantly lower risk compared to poor- and medium-quality diets.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 3, 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.

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.

Reprogramming pancreatic cancer

Researchers discover a novel compound that activates CD11b receptors on white blood cells, promoting an anti-tumor immune response and overcoming resistance to immunotherapies. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for the third deadliest cancer in the US.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 3, 2019

Timing of exercise may be key to successful weight loss

A recent study of 375 adults found that exercising at a consistent time of day was associated with higher physical activity levels. The research suggests promoting daily routine consistency may be essential for achieving and sustaining weight loss.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity·DateJul 3, 2019

New dairy cattle breeding method increases genetic selection efficiency

A new breeding method increases genetic selection efficiency, conserving or improving population diversity. It considers variance in gametic diversity and relative predicted transmitting ability, resulting in gains of up to 16% compared to traditional methods.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateJul 3, 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.

Super-resolution microscopy illuminates associations between chromosomes

Scientists have used super-resolution microscopy to identify physical connections between five human chromosomes, revealing a shared sequence encoding ribosomal DNA that holds the chromosomes together. The findings suggest that these inter-chromosomal linkages are pervasive in healthy and diseased tissue, and may play a role in chromos...

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJul 3, 2019

Physicists develop model that describes length growth in biological systems

Physicists at Saarland University have developed a mathematical model that describes how biological systems can measure and regulate their length. The model explains how neurons can determine their own length and can be generalized to other biological systems, including trees, humans, and cells.

SourceSaarland University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJul 3, 2019

Are self-driving cars really the answer for older drivers?

Research found that older drivers took longer to regain control of an automated car and exhibited worse takeover quality in bad weather. However, most were positive towards automated vehicles, wanting to retain some control and regular updates.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalTransportation Research·DateJul 3, 2019

WVU researchers map crystals to advance treatments for stroke, diabetes, dementia

Researchers at WVU have mapped the crystal structure of a protein called mitoNEET, which inhabits the outer membrane of mitochondria. This discovery could lead to disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and diabetes. The study uses advanced X-ray techniques to understand how molecules interact with the protein.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJul 3, 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.