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Science News Archive June 2019


Page 33 of 41

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.

A polar-bear-inspired material for heat insulation

Researchers created a synthetic insulator mimicking polar bear hair's structure, which traps heat and is lightweight and water-resistant. The new material has exceptional stretchiness, making it suitable for aerospace applications.

New research helping to reveal more about megaviruses

Researchers from Swansea University have published a study examining the unexpected genes carried by these giant viruses found inside amoebae. The findings provide valuable information on how these viruses may be linked to some forms of pneumonia, paving the way for new treatments and understanding their biology.

Sadiqa Kendi, M.D., FAAP, CPST, is 2019 Bloomberg Fellow

Sadiqa Kendi, a pediatric emergency physician at Children's National Hospital, is tackling the burden of injury in DC communities as a Bloomberg Fellow. She aims to lessen morbidity and mortality among children due to unintentional injuries, with a focus on environmental challenges.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pistons are muscling up

Researchers have developed 'tension pistons' that generate more than three times the force of comparable conventional pistons, eliminating friction and improving energy efficiency. The new design has potential applications in various machines and devices, including shock absorbers, car engines, and mining equipment.

Proteasome inhibitors show promise for drug-resistant malaria

Researchers identified two P. falciparum-selective proteasome inhibitors with potent antimalarial activity against drug-resistant parasites. The inhibitors exhibited low propensity for generating resistance and synergized with multiple antimalarial agents.

Just a phage? How bacteria's predators can shape the gut microbiome

A new study reveals that bacteriophages can have a profound impact on the dynamics of the gut microbiome, causing a cascade of effects on other species and modulating metabolite levels. This finding has significant implications for therapeutic use and understanding the potential effects of other treatments.

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.

Neurons that fire alike are connected in the olfactory map

Scientists report that specific patterns of neural activity guide the formation of nerve clusters in the olfactory bulb, enabling variation in response to sensory cues. By changing neural activity patterns using optogenetics, researchers found altered expression of molecules in nerve endings targeting specific nerve clusters.

Ultimate destiny

Researchers from Harvard Medical School and others have discovered that undifferentiated cells face multiple competing choices before committing to their ultimate destiny. By analyzing single-cell sequencing data, they found that genetic programs regulate various cellular functions and influence cell specialization.

Mathematics of plant leaves

A new mathematical model, EDC2, explains the peculiar 'orixate' leaf arrangement pattern of a Japanese plant, suggesting that older leaves have stronger inhibitory signals. The findings support the accuracy of the formula and shed light on the genetic and cellular machinery behind plant development.

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.

Could climate change make Siberia habitable for humans?

A recent study suggests that climate change may make parts of Asian Russia habitable for humans by the late 21st century. The research found that warming temperatures and increased precipitation could improve food security in the region, but development depends on infrastructure investments.

Parents of depressed teens in treatment may also benefit from counseling

A new Northwestern University study suggests that parents of depressed teenagers should also receive counseling to address their marital relationships and parent-child conflicts. The research found that while the teenager's depression was being treated, parental marriages and conflict remained stable, but worsened after treatment ended.

Probing semiconductor crystals with a sphere of light

Tohoku University researchers have developed a technique that improves on current photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques, allowing for the measurement of larger semiconducting crystals. The new approach uses a hollow sphere to minimize photon loss and test internal quantum efficiency, a key property of semiconductors.

The FASEB Journal: New psoriatric arthritis mouse model developed

Researchers have created a novel mouse model of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) by infecting non-obese diabetic mice with an adenoviral vector expressing single-chain IL-23, resulting in symptoms similar to human disease. This breakthrough model can be used to test and optimize PsA therapies.

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.

Research sheds new light on how brain stem cells are activated

A new study published in Cell Reports sheds light on the mechanisms used by neural stem cells to reactivate, with key findings indicating that STRIPAK molecules play a crucial role in enabling reactivation. The research holds promise for future therapies to replace lost brain cells and facilitate brain damage repair.

Study reveals potential new disease threats for wild snow leopards

Wild snow leopards are under threat from emerging infectious diseases, with four pathogens detected in their blood, including Coxiella burnetii and Leptospira species. This study identifies the need to establish surveillance to monitor potential disease impacts on this vulnerable population.

Researchers uncover indoor pollution hazards

A new study by WSU researchers found surprisingly high levels of indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde and possibly mercury, in carefully monitored homes. Temperature fluctuations inside the homes led to increased pollution levels, which varied throughout the day.

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.

Understanding the (ultra-small) structure of silicon nanocrystals

Researchers developed a new technique to study the structure of silicon nanocrystals, revealing disordered layers on the surface and crystalline cores. This discovery can lead to optimized functions and tailored applications for various fields, including battery development and medical imaging.

Scientists edge closer to root causes of multiple sclerosis

Researchers discovered 12 genes that increase MS risk in families with multiple members affected by the disease. They found a common biological process leading to increased inflammation, paving the way for personalized treatments and preventative strategies.

Translation of genes more complex than expected

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute developed a new microscopy method to visualize gene translation in living cells, revealing out-of-frame translation occurs surprisingly frequently. This discovery suggests thousands of previously unknown proteins may be encoded in our DNA with unknown functions.

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.

The mystery of the galaxy with no dark matter: Solved!

A team of researchers from Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias solved the mystery of a galaxy without dark matter by reevaluating its distance. The galaxy was previously estimated to be 64 million light years away, but new measurements reveal it's actually around 42 million light years from Earth.

More mysterious jars of the dead unearthed in Laos

Researchers have discovered over 100 massive stone jars in Laos, revealing more widespread use of these enigmatic containers than previously thought. The finds also include beautifully carved discs used as burial markers, showcasing intricate imagery including concentric circles, human figures, and creatures.

Heart rate variation due to stress affects auditory attention

A study found that brain activity related to auditory perception parallels heart rate, suggesting that stress-induced changes in heart rate may impair auditory perception. Researchers suggest that vagus nerve activation by electrical stimulation could improve auditory perception and treat attention and communication disorders.

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.

Neurons' 'antennae' are unexpectedly active in neural computation

A recent study from MIT has found that dendrites are nearly always active when the main cell body of a neuron is active, suggesting a larger role in neural computation. The researchers used calcium imaging to measure activity in both soma and dendrites of individual neurons in the visual cortex.

Cancer research using mini-organs from tumors and healthy tissue

The use of mini-organs from tumors and healthy tissue in cancer research has been explored, revealing their potential in studying tumor development and testing existing and new therapies. This innovative approach holds promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes and advancing personalized medicine.

Toward a low-cost industrialization of lithium-ion capacitors

Lithium-ion capacitors combine large storage capacity and rapid charging capabilities. Researchers have proposed a new approach using two additives to facilitate incorporation of lithium into capacitors, enabling cost-effective development of these components. This method has the potential to increase energy storage efficiency.

USA lags behind EU, Brazil and China in banning harmful pesticides

A recent study published in Environmental Health found that the US uses voluntary mechanisms for pesticide cancellations, leading to a delayed ban on harmful pesticides compared to the EU, Brazil, and China. The study identified nearly all pesticide cancellations in the US as being done voluntarily by the industry.

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.

Treating type 2 diabetes and heart failure

The American Heart Association and the Heart Failure Society of America issue a statement on managing both conditions, highlighting lifestyle modifications and multidisciplinary care teams. The guidelines emphasize the importance of coordinated treatment to improve patient outcomes.

A home-based weight management program benefits both children and parents

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that a home-based weight management program improved the health of both children and their parents. The Developing Relationships that Include Values of Eating and Exercise (DRIVE) curriculum led to modest reductions in body mass index for children and signif...

I, you, or we: Pronouns provide hints to romantic attachment styles

Researchers found that people with avoidant attachment styles are less likely to use the word 'we' when talking about their relationships. The study, published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, suggests that pronoun use can be an indirect indicator of attachment style.

Posture impacts how you perceive your food

Researchers found that posture affects taste perception, with standing reducing sensory sensitivity and increasing cortisol levels. Sitting down enhances the gustatory system, resulting in a more pleasant tasting experience.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Sediment from fishing choking out sea sponges, study shows

Research shows sediment stirred up by human activity is harming glass sea sponges in northern British Columbia. The sediment can smother sponges from the outside or clog their filtration system, leading to sponge death and ecosystem disruption.

Is sex primarily a strategy against transmissible cancer?

Researchers suggest that sexual reproduction prevents invasion of transmissible cancer by generating genetic variation and detecting foreign cells. This theory proposes a novel explanation for the evolution of sex in multicellular organisms, shifting our understanding of evolutionary biology.

Breaking down pathological protein aggregates

Scientists at ETH Zurich found that a cellular mechanism called SCF detects and targets alpha-synuclein fibrils for breakdown. This mechanism could be used to develop therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. Gene therapy and stem cell transplantation may also offer new options.

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.

The universal beauty of the mountains can be seen in graphs

Scientists from the Polish Academy of Sciences analyzed mountain ranges worldwide and found a universal similarity in their structure. The analysis showed that the distribution of ridges and valleys follows a power-law nature, with most nodes having low degree and few hubs having high degree.

New study finds microplastic throughout Monterey Bay

A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that microplastic particles are common throughout Monterey Bay, from the surface to the seafloor. The research found that small ocean animals are consuming microplastic, introducing it into food webs and highlighting a growing concern for marine ecosystems.

Social interactions impact climate change predictions, U of G study reveals

A University of Guelph study found that including social processes in climate models can alter predictions and may hold the key to reducing global warming. Researchers developed a new model that accounts for social learning, finding that higher rates of social learning are needed to meet the 1.5-degree target.

Toxic metals found in reproductive organs of critically endangered eels

Research by an international team including the University of Saskatchewan has found toxic metals in European eels' ovaries, potentially jeopardizing their reproductive success. The metals, including mercury and copper, are concentrated in the eels' bodies during their journey to spawning grounds.

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.

Dynamics of key viral attack strategy visible for first time

Researchers developed imaging technology to visualize and understand frameshifting mechanisms at single molecule level, revealing bursts of activity and subsets of RNAs involved. This discovery promises new depth to understanding viral replication and could inform future antiviral therapeutics.

Normal tissues not so normal, but instead mosaics of mutated cells

A comprehensive RNA sequence analysis reveals that normal cell populations contain lineages of mutational mosaics, with sun-exposed skin and throat tissues developing more mutations. The study's findings suggest a link between age, cell proliferation rate, and environmental exposure to cancer risk.

Are penguins righties or lefties?

Magellanic penguins exhibit no lateralization in stepping up, swimming, and thermoregulation. However, they display dominance through aggression, favoring their left eye in most confrontations.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Dogs mirror owner's stress

A new study from Linköping University found that dogs and their owners share similar stress levels, with high-stress owners having high-stress dogs. The study examined 25 border collies and 33 Shetland sheepdogs and found no correlation between dog personality traits and stress levels.

New global warming model highlights strong impact of social learning

A new climate modeling approach suggests that social processes strongly affect global warming predictions, and mitigation efforts should account for this influence. The rate at which people learn about climate mitigation strategies via social interactions can raise warming predictions by over 1 degree Celsius.

Scientists get a grip on sloth family tree

Researchers use cutting-edge techniques to extract ancient protein sequences from fossilized bones, revealing a common ancestor between two-toed sloths and giant ground sloths like Megatherium. The study challenges decades of scientific opinion on sloth evolution and provides new insights into the evolutionary history of animals.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Where to draw the line between mental health and illness?

A study examined which conditions were considered illnesses by different groups, revealing a significant difference between psychiatrists and non-medical professionals. The results underscore the importance of understanding societal attitudes towards mental health, as these perceptions influence resource allocation and stigma.