Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive June 2019


Page 30 of 41

Combating mosquito-borne diseases with bacteria

Researchers successfully control virus replication in mosquitoes using Wolbachia, which reduces the risk of human disease. The study shows promise for long-term efficacy of Wolbachia as a control option for mosquito-transmitted diseases.

New research could help predict seizures before they happen

Researchers at FutureNeuro have discovered molecules in the blood that are higher in people with epilepsy before a seizure happens. These molecules are fragments of transfer RNAs (tRNAs), which could serve as an early warning system for predicting seizures.

Body fat distribution linked to higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer

A prospective study found that higher levels of abdominal and thigh fat are associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Men with a lower BMI showed a stronger association between visceral fat and advanced prostate cancer. Lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, may also reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Climate change and avian distribution

Researchers analyzed fossil records and ecological models to find that many tropical birds were formerly suited to high-latitude areas, and rapid climatic changes may prompt distributional shifts. Climate change is likely to drive extinctions and alter bird populations over time.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Catalyzing carbon dioxide-to-fuel conversion

A cobalt-manganese-based nanocatalyst efficiently catalyzes the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide into liquid hydrocarbon fuels. The catalyst enables fuel production at lower temperatures than traditional methods without forming harmful byproducts.

'Green Revolution' in RNAi tools and therapeutics

Researchers at Nanjing University have developed a novel RNAi therapy using plant-derived silencing RNAs to inhibit HBsAg expression in mice, showing potential for affordable and effective treatment of chronic hepatitis B. The approach uses methylated short interfering sequences produced by plant endogenous microRNA biogenesis machiner...

Unique case of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome in palliative care

A new case study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine reports a unique example of a patient with ALS who overcame nausea and vomiting linked to chronic cannabis use by reducing, but not discontinuing, cannabis use. This finding adds to clinicians' ability to respond to rare adverse effects of medical cannabis use.

AI software reveals the inner workings of short-term memory

Researchers used AI to train neural networks on complex behavioral tasks, revealing two distinct processes involved in short-term memory. These processes include a 'silent' process where the brain stores memories without ongoing neural activity, and a more active process where circuits of neurons fire continuously.

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.

Life in Antarctica's ice mirrors human disease

A team of researchers discovered that Antarctic fishes evolved genetic changes long before the continent cooled, mirroring human bone diseases like osteoporosis. This finding highlights that some adaptations used by fishes are similar to disease states in humans.

Powerful lasers for fragile works of art

Professor Patrizio Antici's In-Air PIL technique analyzes chemical composition and crystal characteristics of artworks, reducing complexity and costs. The method has potential applications in cultural heritage conservation and material science.

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.

UC Riverside receives its first cannabis grant

A UC Riverside researcher is leading a three-year study to investigate the long-term impact of cannabis exposure on metabolic diseases like Type 2 diabetes. The project aims to explore how cannabis affects glucose homeostasis and its relationship with the endocannabinoid system.

One change can make diet more planet friendly

A new study found that replacing one food item with a lower-impact alternative can significantly reduce an individual's carbon footprint. The research, based on the diets of 16,000 people, suggests that making just one substitution of poultry for beef resulted in an average reduction of dietary greenhouse gases by about half.

The mantis shrimp's perfect shield

Research by David Kisailus and Pablo Zavattieri reveals the telson's secret, unlocking a helicoidal structure that prevents cracks from growing and dissipates energy. The study finds that the telson's carinae ridges stiffen it along its axis while flexing inward when forces are applied perpendicular to its long axis.

Lettuce have it! Machine learning for cr-optimization

A machine learning platform called AirSurf-Lettuce uses computer vision and deep learning to categorize lettuce crops in fields, measuring quantity, size, and location. This technology can help reduce yield loss up to 30% by providing precise harvest times and improving crop management decisions.

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.

Rendering toxic explosives harmless

Researchers are using chemical processes and 'magic' microbes to break down insensitive high explosives, including DNAN and NTO, into environmentally benign compounds. The goal is to make the removal process simpler and more effective for groundwater remediation.

A new candidate for dark matter and a way to detect it

Researchers at UC Davis have found a new candidate for dark matter, a magnetic monopole particle that could interact with 'dark photons'. This new theory offers a potential way to detect dark matter particles streaming through the universe. However, the predicted phase shift is extremely small, making detection challenging.

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.

Climate oscillation and nutrient limitation in North Pacific

Interannual fluctuations in phosphorus concentrations and iron-rich dust transport are reported in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Climate variation leads to oscillations between iron-limited and phosphorus-limited states, with significant correlations observed with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation.

Unhealthy gut promotes spread of breast cancer, study finds

A study by Melanie Rutkowski found that an unhealthy gut microbiome can make breast cancer more invasive and spread quickly. Disrupting the balance of microorganisms in mice resulted in chronic inflammation, priming tumor cells to disseminate and metastasize.

Sellers on classified ad websites favor buyers from affluent neighborhoods

A study by Rice University researchers found that people selling items on online resale websites tend to favor buyers from wealthier areas. The findings suggest that geographic location plays a significant role in shaping interactions and outcomes in mundane settings, revealing the far-reaching effects of segregation.

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.

Our brains appear uniquely tuned for musical pitch

A study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) revealed that humans are more sensitive to pitch than macaque monkeys. The human brain's auditory cortex is more responsive when comparing tonal sounds to equivalent noisy sounds, suggesting that speech and music may have shaped the basic organization of the human brain.

BU finds iron may not improve fertility

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found no consistent association between iron consumption and conception. However, non-heme iron intake was associated with a slightly increased chance of pregnancy in certain groups, such as women who had previously given birth or experienced heavy menstrual cycles.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Switchgrass hybrid yields insights into plant evolution

Researchers have identified specific genetic markers that contribute to larger switchgrass harvests while reducing potential crop weaknesses. This study provides new insights into how plants adapt to different environments and could lead to improved bioenergy crop performance.

A $12 pill test could save the lives of first-timers

A new study found that pill testing services at music festivals may be most effective in reducing harm for people trying ecstasy for the first time, as they are most cautious after a pill test. However, prior users who are high in sensation seeking are at the greatest risk of harm, even with a pill test. Introducing counselling and dru...

Magnetism: An unexpected push for the hydrogen economy

Researchers from ICIQ have found that a magnetic field can directly enhance the production of hydrogen in alkaline water splitting via electrolysis, increasing production by up to twice fold. The low-cost technology has implications for industrial applications and offers a promising solution to the pressing need for sustainable energy.

How electrical stimulation reorganizes the brain

A new study using electrical stimulation to treat epilepsy found that brain activity can be predicted by monitoring changes in neural connectivity. Repeated sets of stimulation led to progressive changes in the brain's response to simulation, suggesting rapid reorganization of brain structure.

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.

Medical cannabis and opioid overdose

Contrary to earlier research, a study found that medical cannabis laws were associated with a 23% increase in opioid overdose mortality. The reversal of the association occurred despite controlled data analysis and small population usage rates of just 2.5%.

Technique pulls interstellar magnetic fields within easy reach

A new method allows researchers to map magnetic field orientations in space using ground-based telescopes, revolutionizing studies of star formation and cosmic rays. The 'Wisconsin technique' generates high-resolution maps comparable to those obtained with the Planck mission.

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.

ORNL welcomes seven new research fellows to Innovation Crossroads

Seven new research fellows have joined Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Innovation Crossroads program, focusing on various energy-related and grid topics. The selected innovators will collaborate with world-class experts and unique capabilities at ORNL to advance their technologies.

Our water cycle diagrams give a false sense of water security

Experts argue that current water cycle diagrams are misleading due to lack of human interaction representation, leading to a false sense of water security. A new set of diagrams shows human influence on nearly all parts of the cycle, highlighting the need for better understanding and global solutions to the world's water crisis.

NASA catches development of Tropical Cyclone 02A

Tropical Cyclone 02A is developing in the Arabian Sea with warm sea surface temperatures and strong winds. Forecasters predict peak winds of 60 knots on June 12, with landfall near Jamnagar around June 14.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New look at old data leads to cleaner engines

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have discovered a new avenue for understanding and controlling combustion processes, which will ultimately lead to cleaner engines. By analyzing a massive dataset of flames and fuels, the team identified correlations among chemical intermediates that play a role in pollutant formation.

Fiber-optic probe can see molecular bonds

Engineers at the University of California, Riverside, have developed a new technology that tunnels light into the quantum realm with unprecedented efficiency. The device integrates a glass optical fiber with a silver nanowire condenser to squeeze visible light to the tip of the condenser and interact with molecules locally.

Secondary students' sexual health survey

The sixth National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health found 47% of sexually active respondents had engaged in intercourse, with 76% having sex at home. The survey also showed that young Australians have good knowledge of sexual health, are behaving responsibly, and are actively seeking out trusted sources of info...

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.

Courts' sentencing of Hispanic defendants differs by destination, citizenship, year

A study found that federal courts in areas with traditionally welcoming Hispanic immigration handed out similar sentences to non-Hispanic defendants. However, courts in new destinations and areas with limited Hispanic immigration sentenced U.S. citizen and non-citizen Hispanics more harshly, especially those who were undocumented. The ...

Radiation treatment increases cardiac risk for lung cancer patients

A retrospective study of 748 NSCLC patients found that the average radiation dose delivered to the heart was associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and death. The team's findings highlight the need for more stringent avoidance of high cardiac radiotherapy doses and collaboration with cardiologists to m...

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.

A bubbly new way to detect the magnetic fields of nanometer-scale particles

Researchers at NIST developed a method to measure magnetic properties of nanoparticles by rapidly enlarging magnetic bubbles, revealing the orientation of individual nanoparticle poles. This technique enables fast and economical measurement of magnetic stability for various medical and environmental applications.

Molecular chatter makes for a 'hot tumor'

Researchers identified two key chemokines, CCL5 and CXCL9, as universally implicated in T cell infiltration across all solid tumors. Their simultaneous presence is a key requirement for the engraftment of T cells and establishment of 'hot tumors.'

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.

Survey: Majority of current gun owners support the sale of personalized guns

A majority of current gun owners (almost four out of five) support the sale of both traditional and personalized guns through licensed dealers. However, only 18% are likely to purchase a personalized gun for themselves due to added costs. Personalized guns offer safety features to prevent unauthorized use, but their high cost may limit...