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Science News Archive June 2019


Page 1 of 41

Autoimmunity and complex regional pain syndrome

Daily injections of patient autoantibodies in mice with injured paws led to increased pain sensitivity and microglial activation in brain regions. Blocking interleukin-1 receptors prevented or reversed these effects, suggesting an autoimmune contribution to CRPS development.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 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.

Insects inspire greener, cheaper membranes for desalination

Researchers at KAUST have developed water-wet materials with gas-entrapping pores that allow for simultaneous separation of hot, salty and cool, pure water. The new membrane technology uses common plastics like PMMA and has the potential to unlock greener, cheaper desalination processes.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateJun 30, 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.

Why is the Earth's F/Cl ratio not chondritic?

The Earth's F/Cl ratio is super-chondritic, indicating enrichment of fluorine in the silicate Earth. Chlorine may have become concentrated on planetary surfaces through escape of the hydrosphere during Earth formation.

SourceEhime University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJun 30, 2019

Health checks from age 40 avoid 'black hole'

A study of 561 healthy adults found an average of five unidentified health problems per person, including undiagnosed high blood pressure and hearing loss. Regular health checks can help identify these issues and improve health outcomes through individualized screening and self-management recommendations.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateJun 30, 2019

Neurotechnology holds promise for chronic stroke patients

A new study published in Brain suggests that neurotechnology-based therapies, such as brain-machine interfaces and robotics, can lead to largest treatment effects when tailored to individual patient needs. Personalized combination of these therapies may allow patients to continue their recovery beyond what is possible today.

SourceWyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering·JournalBrain·DateJun 30, 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.

Early warning signs of eating disorder revealed

A large-scale data study conducted by Swansea University researchers has identified early warning signs of eating disorders, including higher rates of other mental disorders and prescription medications. The findings may enable GPs to detect these conditions earlier, leading to better outcomes for patients.

SourceSwansea University·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 30, 2019

MS patients at a greater risk of cancer, new study suggests

A 65-year follow-up study of nearly 7,000 Norwegian patients with multiple sclerosis found an overall risk of developing cancer 14% higher than the general population. Respiratory cancer risk was particularly high at 66%, while urinary and central nervous system cancer risks were also significantly increased.

SourceSpink Health·DateJun 29, 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.

East Asian hot spring linked to the Atlantic sea surface temperature anomaly

Researchers linked East Asia's extreme heat in spring 2018 to North Atlantic SST anomalies. The study found a link between tripole mode of North Atlantic SST anomalies and anomalous Rossby wave trains over the North Atlantic and Eurasia.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJun 29, 2019

Atomic 'patchwork' using heteroepitaxy for next generation semiconductor devices

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a continuous process to grow 2D TMDC heterostructures with varying composition and perfectly flat interfaces. This breakthrough enables the creation of atomically thin electronics with distinct properties, paving the way for devices with unparalleled energy efficiency and novel op...

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 29, 2019

New Geosphere study examines 2017-2018 Thomas Fire debris flows

A recent study on the 2017-2018 Montecito debris flow reveals that road culverts and bridge underpasses played a significant role in causing widespread damage, as they redirected debris flow into neighborhoods. The research provides rare spatial and dynamic constraints for testing debris-flow runout models.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJun 28, 2019

One in 10 people have 'near-death' experiences, according to new study

A new study analyzing participants from 35 countries found that near-death experiences (NDEs) affect around 10% of people, with common reported symptoms including out-of-body sensations and hallucinations. The study also found an association between NDEs and Rapid Eye Movement sleep intrusion into wakefulness.

SourceSpink Health·DateJun 28, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Students chowing down tuna in dining halls are unaware of mercury exposure risks

A UC Santa Cruz study found that many college students are unaware of the mercury exposure risks associated with eating large amounts of tuna. Students reported consuming up to 20 servings of tuna per week, exceeding recommended levels and potentially causing neurological damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJun 28, 2019

Medically unnecessary ambulance rides soar after ACA expansion

Researchers found a significant jump in medically unnecessary ambulance rides for minor injuries like abrasions and muscle sprains after the ACA expansion. In New York City, these dispatches increased by 37%, equivalent to 2,868 additional rides per year.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 28, 2019

Women vs. men -- Tactical efficiency in football

A new study by the German Sport University Cologne compares the tactical performance of male and female football players in Europe, using advanced analysis methods. The findings aim to contribute to the development and professionalization of women's football, while promoting public awareness of the sport.

SourceGerman Sport University·DateJun 28, 2019

Gene activity database could spare thousands of mice

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute created a comprehensive database of gene activity in mice with ten diseases, allowing researchers to study immune responses without needing actual mice. The database uses next-generation sequencing technology and shows the activity of over 45,000 genes across different diseases.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 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.

Utrafast magnetism: Electron-phonon interactions examined at BESSY II

A team of scientists has developed a method to study ultrafast spin-flip scattering rates in ferromagnetic Nickel and nonmagnetic copper using X-ray emission spectroscopy. As temperature increases, ferromagnetic nickel shows a decrease in emissions due to increased electron-phonon interactions.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 28, 2019

Skoltech scientists found a way to control the electrical characteristics of optical memory devices

Researchers from Skoltech have identified relationships between photochromic material structure and device electrical performance. The study found that certain molecular structures improve switching speed and reliability, paving the way for the development of new organic memory elements.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateJun 28, 2019

How to improve corporate social and environmental responsibility

A new study suggests that NGOs can use targeted reports to encourage companies to adopt more responsible practices through vertical integration. This approach can help promote sustainable sourcing throughout industries, even in the face of high external pressure. By specifying both violating and non-violating firms in their reports, NG...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateJun 28, 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.

Prized postdoc works to demystify process behind quark combination

Andrea Signori's project, 'Unraveling Hadronization,' aims to improve fragmentation functions and make them more accurate. This will give physicists more confidence in detecting specific quarks in particles, leading to a better understanding of hadronization.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJun 28, 2019

University researchers find WhatsApp can be good for our health

A study of 200 users found that spending more time on WhatsApp per day was linked to lower loneliness and higher self-esteem due to stronger relationships. The research suggests that using WhatsApp to connect with friends may have positive effects on wellbeing.

SourceEdge Hill University·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateJun 28, 2019

Global agriculture: Impending threats to biodiversity

The study found that expansion poses a particularly serious threat to biodiversity in the tropics, while intensification primarily threatens biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Global agricultural production must increase to meet demand, but this comes at the cost of biodiversity.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2019

NSF award funds Pitt research on ionic liquids

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are investigating how small amounts of water affect the molecular structure of ionic liquids at solid-liquid interfaces. The goal is to leverage this understanding to achieve better performance in applications such as energy storage devices and manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJun 28, 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.

Short sleep duration and sleep variability blunt weight loss

A study of 1,986 patients found that those with variable sleep patterns lost less weight over a year compared to those with consistent sleep. Adopting good sleep habits may help maintain a healthy weight and prevent metabolic disorders.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJun 28, 2019

There's need to intensify diabetes screening amongst older patients living with HIV

A recent study highlights the need to screen older individuals with HIV for diabetes mellitus, which shows a significant correlation with age and race. The study also suggests that traditional glycated haemoglobin tests may underestimate diabetes diagnosis in HIV-positive patients, emphasizing the importance of considering alternative ...

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Public Health Journal·DateJun 28, 2019

In the drive to decrease low-value care, many don't assess the right impacts on patients

A review of 117 efforts to reduce low-value care found that most measured only the reduction of test and treatment use, while few assessed intended patient benefits or unintended consequences. Only half of ongoing studies aim to measure patient-reported outcomes, highlighting a need for more comprehensive evaluation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 28, 2019

Researchers teleport information within a diamond

Researchers at Yokohama National University successfully teleported quantum information within a diamond, enabling the transfer of sensitive data without destruction. The technique uses entangled particles and photon storage to achieve quantum teleportation.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalCommunications Physics·DateJun 28, 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.

Pink noise boosts deep sleep in mild cognitive impairment patients

A small pilot study found that sound stimulation played during specific times of deep sleep enhanced slow-wave sleep in people with mild cognitive impairment. Participants who showed the greatest improvement in deep sleep also recalled more words on a memory test the next morning.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateJun 28, 2019

Researchers look to unlock post-traumatic stress disorder puzzle

A team of researchers has identified a key link between pre-existing brain circuit function and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) vulnerability. The study found that rats with altered neural circuit connectivity were more prone to fearful responses to threats, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of PTSD.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2019

Teens who can describe negative emotions can stave off depression

A new study published in the journal Emotion found that teenagers who can precisely label their negative emotions are better protected against developing depressive symptoms. This ability, known as negative emotion differentiation (NED), helps individuals regulate their emotions and respond to stressful life events more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalEmotion·DateJun 28, 2019

X-ray imaging provides clues to fracture in solid-state batteries

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology used X-ray computed tomography to visualize cracks forming near material interfaces in solid-state batteries. The study found that fractures, not chemical reactions, are the primary cause of degradation, leading to a possible solution for improving energy storage devices.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateJun 28, 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.

New grant supports promising research in solar energy

Scientists at the University of Delaware and Georgia Tech have won a grant to develop a new approach for improving the efficiency of PERC cells, which are designed to increase electricity generation in solar panels. The team aims to use sulfur and selenium to create more efficient silicon solar cells with improved voltage.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJun 28, 2019

The birth of a new discipline: Low-energy Visible Light IoT Systems

The ENLIGHT'EM project is developing a new discipline in Low-energy Visible Light IoT Systems, integrating VLC and networked embedded systems. Researchers will be trained to spearhead the development of sustainable IoT networks, with potential applications in connected energy, light, living, and cities.

SourceIMDEA Networks Institute·DateJun 28, 2019

The state of multiple antibiotic resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Cape Coast, Ghana

Research reveals high levels of antibiotic resistance among E. coli and other Enterobacteriaceae species in Ghana, posing a significant threat to the healthcare system. The spread of these resistant bacteria through contact with contaminated surfaces and person-to-person contact is a major public health concern.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Microbiology Journal·DateJun 28, 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.

Take two E. coli and call me in the morning

Researchers developed a bacterial memory circuit that can detect and report disease signals in the gut, enabling non-invasive diagnosis. The system uses E. coli bacteria with synthetic trigger elements to identify potential biosensors, showing promise for long-term digestive health monitoring and treatment.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalmSystems·DateJun 28, 2019

Going the distance: Brain cells for 3D vision discovered

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified neurons in praying mantises that enable complex 3D perception, enabling more efficient algorithms for machine vision. The discovery provides new insights into the neural basis of depth perception in insects, shedding light on how these tiny brains process spatial information.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 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 DNA can control release of active ingredients from drugs

Researchers developed a process to release multiple active ingredients in sequence under conditions similar to the human body, using hydrogels and artificial DNA. The particles are released one by one, with each stage triggered by the previous release.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJun 28, 2019

Scientists find thirdhand smoke affects cells in humans

A study led by University of California, Riverside scientists found that thirdhand smoke can damage epithelial cells in the respiratory system by stressing cells and causing them to fight for survival. The researchers identified 382 genes significantly over-expressed and found pathways affected by these genes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 28, 2019

Ending needless chemotherapy for breast cancer

A new diagnostic test has the potential to determine if breast cancer patients require chemotherapy, giving them control over their treatment. The test uses gene profiling to identify low-risk patients who may not benefit from chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·Journalnpj Breast Cancer·DateJun 28, 2019

Low-cost retinal scanner could help prevent blindness worldwide

A low-cost, portable optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanner has been developed by Duke University, promising to bring vision-saving technology to underserved regions. The device produced images of 120 retinas that were 95% as sharp as those taken by commercial systems, allowing for accurate clinical diagnosis.

SourceDuke University·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·DateJun 28, 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.

Embracing bioinformatics in gene banks

Gene banks are shifting to bioinformatics and big data analytics to enhance biodiversity preservation. Three major challenges arise: tracking accessions, avoiding duplications, and maintaining genetic integrity. A genomic-driven approach can address these issues by utilizing genotypic information.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 28, 2019

What can trigger violence in postcolonial Africa?

Research by Jack Paine finds that precolonial political organizations are a key factor in postcolonial conflict, with nearly 80% of major ethnic groups involved in civil wars. The analysis suggests that countries with pre-colonial state groups are more likely to experience violence.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalInternational Organization·DateJun 28, 2019

Birth, child outcomes associated with moms using opioids during pregnancy

An observational study found that in utero exposure to opioids was associated with a higher likelihood of being small for gestational age, preterm birth, and postnatal neurodevelopmental and physical disorders. Long-term effects included conduct disorder, emotional disturbance diagnoses, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 28, 2019

Low-income, less educated women least likely to access infertility care

A Michigan Medicine study found that white women and those with higher education levels are more likely to seek fertility treatment than other groups. Nearly 12.5% of women reported experiencing infertility, but only 33% of those with lower education levels sought care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateJun 28, 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.