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Science News Archive June 2019


Page 11 of 41

Noninvasive preimplantation blastocyst testing

A new noninvasive test for genetic disorders in embryos resulted in fewer false negatives and was less prone to errors compared to traditional trophectoderm biopsy. The study tested 52 human blastocysts and found the method to be more reliable with no false positives detected.

Discovery of performance-enhancing bacteria in the human microbiome

Researchers discovered that Veillonella bacteria in elite athletes' gut microbiomes can enhance exercise performance in mice by breaking down lactate and producing propionate, a short-chain fatty acid. This breakthrough paves the way for highly-validated performance-enhancing probiotics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dung beetles use flexible compass for spatial orientation

Research suggests that South African dung beetles utilize a multisensory compass, combining wind direction with solar elevation to maintain spatial orientation. The study found that the beetles' ability to orient themselves improves when incorporating wind cues into their navigation strategy.

Molecular scissors stabilize the cell's cytoskeleton

Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute elucidated the structure of enzymes that remove tyrosine from α-tubulin, revealing a key regulatory cycle in microtubule formation. This discovery holds promise for developing inhibitors to treat diseases like cancer and neurological disorders.

Cardiac feedback and perceived effort

Researchers found that participants overestimated their effort when the feedback indicated faster heartbeat and did not underestimate it when the feedback indicated slower heartbeat. The study suggests that false cardiac feedback can produce an interoceptive illusion of effort.

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.

Perceptions of intergenerational economic mobility

Researchers surveyed 3,077 US adults to predict the economic outcomes of hypothetical children from different family income levels. They found that individuals from higher-income backgrounds tend to be more optimistic about their children's economic prospects.

Applying the Goldilocks principle to DNA structure

Researchers at UC San Diego discover a gel-like state of DNA that enables stability and responsiveness in the nucleus. The study suggests a physical principle of chromosomal organization with implications for gene expression and cell fate.

Play games with no latency

Researchers developed a technology to transform game design according to latency levels, predicting player success rates and maintaining gaming performance. The team modified the Flappy Bird game's pillar heights to achieve similar success rates with added latency.

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.

Improving functional recovery after stroke

Blocking Nogo-A increases newly formed blood vessels and improves motor tasks, neuronal survival, dopamine levels, and nerve fiber density after ischemic stroke. Anti-Nogo-A antibodies may represent a therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke recovery.

Does stimulation of the brain's dorsal anterior insula trigger ecstasy?

A new study found that stimulating the brain's dorsal anterior insula triggers an ecstatic aura in epileptic patients. This region is proposed to be a key area for elicit symptoms of altered consciousness and ecstasy-like experiences. The findings provide additional support for its role in human consciousness.

Researchers identify genes linked to sex differentiation in giant Amazon fish

Brazilian and German scientists have discovered genes linked to sex differentiation in the giant Amazon fish, enabling early sexing and paving the way for genetic improvement. The research, supported by FAPESP, has significant implications for the Brazilian aquaculture industry and the conservation of this iconic species.

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.

Immunotherapy and HDAC inhibition are anti-cancer besties

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study reveals that combining immunotherapy with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition sensitizes cancers to anti-PD1 therapy. HDAC inhibitors upregulate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins, presenting antigens to T cells and making them effective against cancer cells.

Querying big data just got universal

KAUST researchers develop a universal framework for querying big data, allowing researchers to focus on advancing the query engine rather than coding for specific platforms. The approach uses sparse-matrix algebra and achieves performance comparable to existing specialized approaches.

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.

Frozen sperm retains its viability in outer space conditions

Human sperm samples exposed to microgravity have shown no significant difference in viability compared to those on Earth. The study found 100% concordance in DNA fragmentation rate and vitality, and 90% concordance in sperm concentration and motility.

Branching out: Making graphene from gum trees

Researchers at RMIT University and the National Institute of Technology, Warangal, have developed a novel approach to produce graphene using eucalyptus bark extract. This method is cheaper and more sustainable than current synthesis methods, reducing production costs from $100 per gram to just 50 cents per gram.

The solution to antibiotic resistance could be in your kitchen sponge

A recent study has found bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, living in kitchen sponges. The phages were isolated from used kitchen sponges and shown to be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery could potentially provide a new solution to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

Novel noninvasive molecular imaging for monitoring rheumatoid arthritis

A first-in-human Phase 1/Phase II study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of intravenous administration of technetium-99m tilmanocept for monitoring rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. The imaging agent binds to activated macrophages, providing joint-specific information on RA disease involvement.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Cannabidiol is a powerful new antibiotic

Researchers found Cannabidiol effective in killing a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including resistant strains, and disrupted biofilms. The compound retained its activity under extended exposure conditions that lead to resistance against other common antibiotics.

Understanding C. auris transmission with the healthcare environment

Researchers found that patients with high skin concentrations of C. auris can shed the fungus and contaminate their surroundings, leading to outbreaks in healthcare facilities. The study provides an explanation for the extensive contamination often seen during C. auris outbreaks.

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.

Metabolomic profiling of antibody response to periodontal pathogens

Research found associations between serum antibodies against P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans with altered metabolite levels, including lipoprotein particles and fatty acids. These findings suggest exposure to periodontal pathogens may contribute to a proatherogenic state.

Plants may be transmitting superbugs to people

Researchers have discovered that plants can transmit antibiotic-resistant superbugs to humans, highlighting the importance of tackling foodborne resistance from all aspects of the food chain. The study found that certain antibiotics can increase the ability of bacteria to colonize the gut after ingestion, while others can prevent it.

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.

Newly discovered immune cells at the frontline of HIV infection

Researchers have identified CD11c+ dendritic cells as the first immune cells to interact with HIV, making them key drivers of infection. These newly discovered cells can capture viruses and deliver them to CD4 T cells, which are primary targets for HIV replication.

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.

'Nanoemulsion' gels offer new way to deliver drugs through the skin

Researchers at MIT developed a new method to create nanoemulsions, stable droplets that can remain intact for over a year and carry large payloads of active ingredients. By adding heat-sensitive polymers, they can easily convert the emulsions into gels when exposed to body temperature.

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.

Cities are key to saving monarch butterflies

Two new studies suggest that planting milkweed in cities could support 15-30% of the 1.8 billion stems needed to save Monarch butterflies. Urban areas offer a vast potential for creating habitat, with residential yards and low-quality green spaces being particularly valuable targets.

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.

Keeping children safe in the 'Internet of Things' age

Lancaster University scientists have drawn up new guidelines to help designers build in safeguards for children using programmable Internet computing devices. The research aims to mitigate risks such as peer-to-peer abuse, bullying, and exploitation of data generated by children.

Straight to the heart

A team of scientists is using single-cell sequencing to map the diversity of cells in the human heart, aiming to understand how different cell types contribute to its function. The research, part of the Human Cell Atlas initiative, aims to provide a reference for future studies on heart diseases.

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.

Skin bacteria could save frogs from virus

Researchers discover distinct skin microbiome in frog populations with and without ranavirus outbreaks, suggesting a protective role of skin bacteria. Further study is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this relationship.

Do women regret embryo testing before IVF?

A study found that 94% of patients who underwent embryo genetic testing before IVF were glad to have the information, despite potentially disappointing results. The research suggests that even after a negative outcome, most women value the knowledge gained from embryo testing for reproductive planning.

'Sneezing' plants contribute to disease proliferation

Researchers discovered that wheat plants' sneezing off condensation can spread spore-borne diseases like wheat leaf rust, causing crop yield losses up to 20%. Condensation droplets can carry spores and jump high distances, potentially spreading disease across entire crops.

Chan Zuckerberg initiative awards $68 million to support the Human Cell Atlas

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has awarded $68 million to support the Human Cell Atlas, a collaborative effort between scientists from diverse disciplines. The funding will support networks of researchers who will map specific tissues in the healthy human body, generating cellular and molecular maps that will aid in understanding disease.

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.

Dental microwear provides clues to dietary habits of lepidosauria

Researchers used microscopic images to differentiate between carnivores and herbivores among lepidosauria species. Fine distinctions were made between algae-, fruit-, and mollusk-eating species, pointing towards the discovery of first herbivorous terrestrial vertebrates.

Immunology -- not just supporting actors

A novel marker for non-classical monocytes has identified their direct regulatory role in the adaptive immune response. Monocytes can infiltrate specific tissues, modulating immune cell activities.

Structural development of the brain

Researchers found that N-cadherin protein plays a crucial role in arranging neurons to form the columnar microstructure of the brain. The study used Drosophila melanogaster fruit fly brain as a model and discovered that three neuron types are arranged within the columns, with R7 forming the core.

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.