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Science News Archive June 2019 - Page 14


Page 14 of 41

Vanilla makes milk beverages seem sweeter

Researchers at Penn State used vanilla to reduce sugar content in flavored milk, finding that participants perceived the beverage as significantly sweeter. The study aims to develop a reduced-sugar chocolate milk for the National School Lunch Program.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJun 20, 2019

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers unlock the secrets of liver regeneration

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have identified a new way the liver regenerates itself, involving the redistribution of epigenetic marks. By removing key epigenetic regulators, they found that genes were activated early and sustained during regeneration, providing a significant advance in understanding liver regeneration.

SourceNew York University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 20, 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.

Spiders risk everything for love

A study published in Behavioural Processes found that wolf spider's display of courtship behavior can make them an easy target for birds. Females prioritize males with symmetrical tufts on their forelegs and robust leg fur, which indicate overall health and immune competence.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalBehavioural Processes·DateJun 20, 2019

Study: Phenols in cocoa bean shells may reverse obesity-related problems in mouse cells

Scientists at the University of Illinois found that three phenolic compounds in cocoa bean shells can repair damaged mitochondria, block inflammation, and restore insulin sensitivity in white fat cells. The study suggests that consuming these compounds could prevent mitochondrial dysfunction in adipose tissue.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateJun 20, 2019

Treatment for common cause of diarrhea more promising

Researchers at WashU Medicine have successfully grown the most common type of Cryptosporidium in the lab using a new technique. This breakthrough will accelerate efforts to treat the deadly infection and identify potential drug candidates.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 20, 2019

Low-carb diet may reduce diabetes risk independent of weight loss

Researchers at Ohio State University report a significant reversal of metabolic syndrome in over half of participants after just four weeks on a low-carb diet. Despite no weight loss, the low-carb diet improved triglyceride levels and cholesterol readings, and increased fat-burning efficiency.

SourceOhio State University·DateJun 20, 2019
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.

Bats' brains sync when they socialize

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered synchronized brain activity in Egyptian fruit bats during social behaviors like grooming, fighting, or sniffing. The finding opens the door to future studies on how brains process social interactions and has potential implications for understanding diseases affecting social behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell·DateJun 20, 2019

B chromosome first -- mechanisms behind the drive of B chromosomes uncovered

Scientists from Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research identified a B chromosome-specific repeat and asymmetric spindle as key mechanisms behind the drive of B chromosomes. The study reveals that over 93% of B chromosomes accumulate in generative sperm nuclei, providing new insights into chromosome drive.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJun 20, 2019

Danish researchers confirm that narwhals and belugas can interbreed

Researchers have confirmed that narwhals and belugas can breed successfully, resulting in a male first-generation hybrid with a bizarre set of teeth. The hybrid's diet was found to be different from both species, suggesting a new phenomenon in the Arctic ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 20, 2019

How you lock your smartphone can reveal your age: UBC study

A new UBC study found that older smartphone users rely more on auto-lock features and prefer using PINs over fingerprints to unlock their phones. The study also revealed gender differences in authentication choices, with men relying more on auto locks as they age.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateJun 20, 2019
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.

Eye exams common among US adults but some disparities persist

A substantial proportion of US adults reported recently having an eye exam, with 82% getting one in the past two years. Reasons for not getting an exam included lack of insurance or cost, while vision impairment may have limited survey participation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJun 20, 2019

New p53 gene discovery sheds light on how to make cancer therapies more effective

Researchers discovered that DBC1 protein helps regulate normal anti-cancer functions and that restoring its expression can prevent cancer development and increase therapy effectiveness. The study found that maintaining DBC1 levels in cancer cells exposed to certain drugs triggers a substantially increased response to treatment.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 20, 2019

Plants' oil-production accelerator also activates the brakes

Scientists discovered a paradoxical mechanism where a plant protein that turns on oil synthesis also activates a protein to put the brakes on it. This balance ensures fatty acid precursors are perfectly regulated, preventing toxicity and promoting healthy membrane and oil production.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJun 20, 2019

A chemical approach to imaging cells from the inside

Researchers developed DNA microscopy, a technique that maps cells by encoding spatial information using chemical reactions. This approach enables the visualization of biomolecules such as DNA and RNA in their native environments, revealing complex interactions between cells.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalCell·DateJun 20, 2019
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.

Signature of an ineffective immune response to cancer revealed

Researchers from CRCHUM identified the genetic signature of an ineffective immune response to cancer, including 28 genes that are also found in patients with other diseases. This signature could help predict which patients will fare worse.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 20, 2019

Global data resource shows genetic diversity of chickens

A global data resource has been developed to showcase the genetic diversity of chickens, featuring 174 breeds. The Synbreed Chicken Diversity Panel (SCDP) includes information on SNPs and provides a comprehensive family tree, highlighting the importance of preserving genetic variation for breeding sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJun 20, 2019

Archaeological mystery solved with modern genetics

Researchers analyzed Y chromosome sequences of modern Japanese men to estimate ancient human population size around 2,500 years ago. The study revealed a significant decrease in ancestral Jomon DNA before the arrival of the Yayoi people, supporting an actual population decline.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 20, 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 study maps how ocean currents connect the world's fisheries

A new study reveals that the world's marine fisheries form a single network with over $10 billion worth of fish caught in another country each year. The study shows that ocean regions are connected through larval dispersal, highlighting the need for international cooperation to conserve natural resources and ensure food security.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2019

Pigs help scientists understand human brain

Researchers have used a new imaging method to analyze brain activity in live pigs, discovering that pig brains are better platforms for studying human neurological conditions. The study suggests a promising approach to determining biomarkers or brain signatures that lead to CTE diagnosis while patients are still alive.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalBrain Connectivity·DateJun 20, 2019

3D technology might improve body appreciation for young women

A new study at the University of Missouri found that using 3D scanning and modeling software can help young adult women appreciate their bodies for their utility and role, rather than just their appearance. Participants who digitally painted 3D avatars reported increased body appreciation and lower depressive and anxiety symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMental Health & Prevention·DateJun 20, 2019

Brains of pairs of animals synchronize during social interaction

Research found that brain activity in pairs of mice synchronizes during social behavior, with individual cells responding to self and social partner behaviors. The level of synchronization predicted the amount of interaction between the animals.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell·DateJun 20, 2019
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.

Researchers find link between exposure to world trade center dust and prostate cancer

A study by Mount Sinai researchers found that World Trade Center responders with prostate cancer exhibited chronic inflammation in their prostates, which may have contributed to their cancer. The researchers suggest that this link could lead to the development of anti-inflammatory therapies for similar cases.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateJun 20, 2019

Heat kills invasive jumping worm cocoons, could help limit spread

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit kill invasive jumping worm cocoons, potentially limiting their spread. This finding could inform strategies to slow or stop the worms' invasion through heat-treated compost and potted plants.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe American Midland Naturalist·DateJun 20, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Discovery of a 'holy grail' with the invention of universal computer memory

Researchers have created a new type of electronic memory device that consumes significantly less energy than current devices, potentially reducing peak power consumption in data centres by a fifth. The invention could transform daily life with its ability to enable computers to instantly go into an energy-saving sleep mode.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 20, 2019

Perovskite solar cells tested for real-world performance -- in the lab

Researchers successfully simulated real-world conditions to assess perovskite solar cell performance. The study found that temperature and irradiance variations have a minimal impact on efficiency, with slight decreases during the day but recoveries at night.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 20, 2019

How bacteria kill host cells from the inside

Researchers found that extracellular pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa can enter host cells and induce cell lysis through the type III secretion system. The study reveals a new mechanism of bacterial killing in macrophages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 20, 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.

EHR medication lists lack accuracy, may threaten patient safety

A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that one-third of ophthalmic patients have discrepancies between clinician notes and EHR-generated medication lists. This inconsistency may lead to avoidable medication errors, threatening patient safety.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJun 20, 2019

Largest study of CTE finds it in 6% of subjects

A large study found chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in nearly 6% of athletes and non-athletes, with American football players at highest risk. The study's findings suggest a significant public health issue, but also emphasize the importance of safe sports practices and further research into CTE pathology.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalBrain Pathology·DateJun 20, 2019

Making systems robust

ETH Zurich scientists create synthetic biology approach to make biotechnological production processes more efficient and regulate hormonal activity through cell therapy. They successfully control bacteria's growth rate despite disruptions, paving the way for applications in medicine, including cancer immunotherapy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJun 19, 2019

New approaches cut inappropriate antibiotic use by over 30%

A UC Davis study found that educating physicians and patients about safe antibiotic use can reduce overuse by one-third. The study compared two approaches, including educational materials and on-site physician champions, and found significant reductions in inappropriate antibiotic treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJun 19, 2019

Marine microbiology -- Successful extremists

A new study reveals that Archaea, particularly the ammonia-oxidizing Thaumarchaea, dominate oxygen-poor deep-sea sediments due to their efficient metabolic system. This discovery sheds light on the importance of these microorganisms in the geochemical carbon and nitrogen cycles.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 19, 2019
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.

Sugar industry's use of dietitians to influence dental professionals, 1974-1978

The Regional Nutritional Information Program was a key component of the U.S. Sugar Association's public relations campaign, designed to promote sugar's safety and benefits in a balanced diet. The program involved dietitians hosting workshops, influencing dental professionals' attitudes towards sugar, and shaping oral health messages.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJun 19, 2019

Unearthing the sweet potato proteome

Researchers analyzed sweet potato leaves and roots to gain a better understanding of their protein makeup. They identified 3,143 unique proteins from leaves and 2,928 from roots, providing new insights into the plant's genome.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJun 19, 2019

Sedation method does not affect colonoscopy detection rate

Researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine found no significant difference in colonoscopy detection rates between moderate and deep sedation methods. Moderate sedation, typically used in colonoscopies, was found to be equally effective as deep sedation in detecting pre-cancerous polyps.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJun 19, 2019
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.

Family and community central to recovery among Sierra Leone's former child soldiers

A 15-year study tracking former child soldiers in Sierra Leone reveals that earning acceptance from families and communities is crucial for their mental health and social integration. The research highlights the importance of addressing stigma and improving social supports to help these individuals recover from childhood trauma.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 19, 2019

How in times of trouble animals also stand together

Dwarf mongoose group members behave more co-operatively when faced with potential violence from rival factions, according to a new study published in Behavioral Ecology. The threat of conflict leads to increases in within-group behaviors, including greater grooming and sentinel duty.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateJun 19, 2019

Lifelong obesity linked to physical difficulties aged 50

A new study found that people who are obese from childhood through middle age face a higher risk of difficulty with daily tasks such as lifting and carrying shopping by the time they are 50. Those who become obese in early life have more than double the risk of difficulties compared to those who were never obese.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJun 19, 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.

Fifty years after the Cuyahoga conflagration

The Cuyahoga River has made significant improvements since the 1969 conflagration, but experts say full recovery will take time. The Clean Water Act and EPA formation helped reduce industrial wastewater discharge and upgrade treatment infrastructure.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 19, 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.

Investigating coral and algal 'matchmaking' at the cellular level

Coral and algal symbiotic relationships are crucial for reef construction. Researchers analyzed cellular processes in anemones hosting native and non-native dinoflagellate algae to understand preferential relationships and potential for revival of bleached coral communities. They found elevated protein expression associated with nutrie...

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJun 19, 2019

Motherhood can deliver body image boost -- new study

A new study published in Body Image found that perfectionism is related to breast size dissatisfaction among childless women. In contrast, motherhood appears to boost body image and reduce breast size dissatisfaction, particularly among women with multiple children.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateJun 19, 2019

Simple scan could direct treatments for angina

A 40-minute MRI scan has been shown to guide treatment decisions for patients with angina, resulting in fewer hospital stays and procedures. The MR-INFORM trial found similar patient outcomes between those who received the standard invasive angiography and those whose treatment was dictated by their MRI scan.

SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 19, 2019

Archaeology -- what the Celts drank

Researchers analyzed ceramic vessels from Mont Lassois to determine ancient Celtic drinking habits. They found that the Celts consumed imported Mediterranean wines and local beers, contradicting the assumption that only elites drank foreign wine.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 19, 2019
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.

High postural sway doubles older women's fracture risk

Postural sway is a significant independent risk factor for bone fractures in postmenopausal women, doubling their fracture risk compared to those with the lowest postural sway. A combination of high postural sway and low bone mineral density increases overall and osteoporotic fracture risks five- and eleven-fold respectively.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJun 19, 2019