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Science News Archive June 2019


Page 24 of 41

On your bike?

A study by James Cook University researcher Jemma King found that a lack of suitable roads is a major reason for low cycling participation rates in Australia and Queensland. Key findings include the majority of non-cyclists citing ill-health, age or lack of time as reasons, while rural residents often cite environmental concerns.

Study shows 'safety bubble' expands during third trimester

Researchers found that a pregnant woman's sense of personal space expands only during the third trimester of pregnancy. This expansion is believed to be an adjustment made by the brain to protect the vulnerable abdomen from daily interactions.

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.

Concert of magnetic moments

Scientists have identified a unique chiral coupling that allows spins in different magnetic layers to interact over long distances, even if they are not adjacent. This discovery opens up novel opportunities for engineering complex magnetic configurations to store and process data more efficiently.

New insight could improve maternal vaccines that also protect newborns

A team of scientists at Duke University Medical Center has discovered a previously unidentified route for antibodies to be transferred from the mother to the fetus, which could lead to safer and more effective vaccines. This finding provides a potential way to control when and how certain antibodies are shared.

Laser trick produces high-energy terahertz pulses

Researchers at DESY and the University of Hamburg achieved an important milestone in compact particle accelerator development. They produced high-energy terahertz pulses using ultra-powerful laser pulses, paving the way for new applications in fields like particle physics and nanomaterials research.

Low vitamin K levels linked to mobility limitation and disability in older adults

A recent study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences found that low levels of circulating vitamin K are associated with an increased risk of mobility limitation and disability in older adults. The study, conducted on a sample of 635 men and 688 women aged 70-79 years old, used biomarkers of vitamin K status to evalu...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The formative years: Giant planets vs. brown dwarfs

The study suggests that massive planets form through slow material accumulation, while brown dwarfs come about due to rapid gravitational collapse. The discovery advances the idea of bottom-up planet formation and highlights the differences in planetary systems beyond our own.

Fetal genome involved in triggering premature birth

A study of over 600 infant genomes found that variations in the SLIT2 gene may contribute to premature births by activating the mother's immune system. The researchers also discovered a link between the SLIT2-ROBO1 signalling pathway and multiple pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and ectopic pregnancy.

Aging delayed in older mice given blood component from young mice

Researchers have identified a protein called eNAMPT that plays a vital role in keeping mice healthy. Supplementing older mice with this protein extends their life spans and slows the decline in health, including improved insulin production, sleep quality, and cognitive function.

Common conditions keep many patients out of knee cartilage research studies

Common conditions like cartilage defects over 55 or under 18 are often excluded from clinical trials due to concerns about optimal results and complications. Researchers highlight promising therapies for these populations, including scaffolding for cartilage growth and 3D-printed tissues for larger defects.

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.

Excess weight and body fat cause cardiovascular disease

A new study using Mendelian randomisation found that higher BMI and fat mass are associated with an increased risk of aortic valve stenosis and most other cardiovascular diseases. The study used genetic variants to estimate the effect of BMI and body fat on 14 cardiovascular conditions in 367,703 participants.

Two startups with UTA ties selected for accelerator program

Two UTA startups, SolGro Inc. and Fade, have been selected for an international accelerator program, showcasing the university's efforts to foster new businesses and ideas. The companies aim to improve agricultural industries through innovative technology and create mobile app connections for local barbers.

The start of a new era in stem cell therapy

A recent study has improved upon Nobel Laureate Prof. Shinya Yamanaka's cellular reprogramming method, reducing the waiting period from 3-4 weeks to approximately a week. The new method also increases the success rate up to ten-fold, making it easier to apply in clinical settings.

Cooking vegetables: healthier with extra virgin olive oil

Researchers found that cooking vegetables with extra virgin olive oil increases the absorption and release of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids and polyphenols. This process may explain the anti-inflammatory effects observed in tomato sauce, suggesting a potential role for Mediterranean gastronomy in improving health outcomes.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Still an unmet need: New therapeutic targets in Alport syndrome

Researchers identified several potential therapeutic targets for Alport syndrome, including bardoxolone and anti-miRNA21. The disease is characterized by progressive kidney damage and proteinuria, and current treatments are primarily aimed at slowing disease progression rather than halting it.

Monitoring educational equity

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine proposes a system to monitor educational equity in the US. The proposed indicators cover two categories: student outcomes and access to opportunities, resources, and support systems.

UB team awarded $1.8 million to develop carbon capture technology

Researchers at University at Buffalo are developing a new membrane technology to separate carbon dioxide from other gases, which could help reduce emissions in industries such as cement and steel production. The goal is to create a cost-effective solution that captures up to 90% of CO2 from power plant emissions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Research identifies key driver for infanticide among chimpanzees

Researchers found that adult males were responsible for most infanticides in a Ugandan chimpanzee community, with victims often under one week old. The study suggests that the sexual selection hypothesis is the key driver behind this high rate of infant killings.

Migratory hoverflies 'key' as many insects decline

New research reveals migratory hoverflies pollinate billions of flowers, produce aphid-eating larvae that control crop pests. The study shows these numbers have been relatively stable over the last decade, providing essential ecosystem services.

Research reveals liquid gold on the nanoscale

Gold nanoparticles exhibit unique melting behavior on the nanoscale, forming a liquid shell around a solid core. The research provides new insights into how nanoparticles behave at elevated temperatures, with implications for nanotech applications in medicine, catalysis, and electronics.

A metal-free, sustainable approach to CO2 reduction

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created an organic catalyst that can convert carbon dioxide into industrially useful formate products. The catalyst, called tetrabutylammonium formate, achieved 99% selectivity and produced the desired product with a 98% yield.

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.

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.

Married US moms aim to have first baby in the spring, new research shows

A new study from the University of Exeter found that married American moms are more likely to try to time their pregnancy for a spring birth, with factors such as age, education, and marital status influencing this decision. On average, a married woman aged 20-45 would be willing to pay $877 USD to guarantee a spring birth.

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.

New bacteria, a toxin 'factory,' illuminates defense strategies

A new species of bacteria has been found to produce a range of toxins that protect both the marine alga Bryopsis and the sea slug Elysia rufescens from predation. The discovery provides insight into the complex microbial interactions that contribute to biodiversity in coral reefs.

'Locking' an arthritis drug may be key to improving it

Researchers attach a removable lock to an arthritis drug to reduce systemic immune suppression and neutralization, making it safer and more effective. The modified form of the antibody shows promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis with fewer infections and less development of anti-infliximab antibodies.

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.

Financial vulnerability may discourage positive negotiation strategies

Research suggests that people who feel financially vulnerable are more likely to approach economic exchanges with a zero-sum mindset, overlooking cooperative and mutually beneficial options. This can perpetuate their financial disadvantage. Negotiation training programs may help them recognize potential for cooperative exchanges.

New record: 3D-printed optical-electronic integration

Researchers have successfully integrated optoelectronics into three-dimensional (3D) structures using femtosecond laser direct writing. The technique allows for the creation of hybrid microlaser modules with selective electric modulation, paving the way for more compact and efficient integrated circuits.

UTIA developing ability-to-pay framework for Tennessee communities

Researchers will develop an integrated database of socioeconomic and financial data to create an index identifying a community's ability to pay for loans. The framework aims to prioritize drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects and provide policy options to support economically stressed communities.

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.

X and gamma rays --Even more powerful

Skoltech researchers developed a new method to generate intense monoenergetic X and gamma-ray radiation using Nonlinear Compton Scattering. The invention uses carefully tuned laser pulses to remove parasitic broadening, significantly increasing the number of generated photons.

Half of Ebola outbreaks undetected

Researchers estimate that at least half of Ebola outbreaks have gone undetected, resulting in hundreds of potential cases. The study highlights the need for improved detection and rapid response to prevent small outbreaks from growing into larger events.

Deadly tick-borne virus cured with experimental flu drug, in mice

Researchers have identified an experimental antiviral drug that cures mice infected with Bourbon virus, a deadly tick-borne illness. The drug, favipiravir, inhibits a key protein the virus needs to multiply and has been shown to be effective in treating infected mice in multiple experiments.

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.

Salmonella resistant to antibiotics of last resort found in US

Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered a gene that makes Salmonella resistant to colistin, the drug of last resort for treating multidrug-resistant infections. The mcr-3.1 gene was found in a human patient who had traveled to China two weeks prior to becoming ill with a Salmonella infection.

€2m to boost cyber power behind wind energy production

The €2m High Performance Computing (HPC) project aims to optimise the sustainable exploitation of wind power. Annual energy production by wind turbines reached around 10.4 per cent in the EU, with Brazil experiencing over 10 per cent annual growth.

Are we using biologic therapy properly?

A study found that infliximab, a biologic therapy, did not result in lower rates of hospitalizations or intestinal surgeries among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in Ontario. Despite improving symptoms for individual patients, the treatment's impact on quality of life and workplace productivity remains uncertain.

Even in young children: Higher weight = higher blood pressure

Overweight four-year-olds have a doubled risk of high blood pressure by age six, with excess weight being the most common cause. Regular exercise and healthy diet can help prevent childhood obesity and its consequences, including cardiovascular disease.

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.

Small currents for big gains in spintronics

Scientists at the University of Tokyo developed an efficient magnetization reversal component using gallium manganese arsenide, reducing current densities by one to two orders of magnitude compared to previous methods. This breakthrough aims to advance spintronics, a promising technology for low-power logic and memory devices.

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.

Monkeys face climate change extinction threat

A new study finds that New World monkeys are highly vulnerable to climate change, with many species facing substantial temperature increases and habitat changes over the next 30 years. The research suggests urgent action is needed to mitigate the effects of climate change on primate populations.