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Science News Archive June 2019 - Page 18


Page 18 of 41

Pushing the bounds of memory

University of Houston researcher Margaret Cheung is exploring the molecular structure of memories at the precise moment they are formed in single neurons. She aims to understand how calcium signaling and calmodulin affect cellular processes, including human cognition.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJun 18, 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.

Latest artificial intelligence research from China in Big Data

Recent Chinese AI research has made significant breakthroughs in big data analysis, with a focus on developing algorithms to detect abnormal data regions and repair historical correlations. Researchers have also proposed using Doppler measurements to improve target tracking performance in noisy environments.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBig Data·DateJun 18, 2019

A warming Midwest increases likelihood that farmers will need to irrigate

A new study predicts that Midwestern corn growers will require irrigation as temperatures rise and crop yields increase, posing risks to local water sources. The researchers found that the warmer atmosphere will draw more moisture from plants, necessitating a significant expansion of irrigation to maintain current yields.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEcosphere·DateJun 18, 2019

Foreign investment limits cost Canadian economy almost $10 billion a year says new study

A new study from the University of Toronto suggests that Canada's restrictive foreign investment policies are stifling innovation and productivity, resulting in lost jobs and earnings worth $9.6 billion annually. Relaxing these restrictions could boost productivity by 0.79% and create up to 137,400 new jobs.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of International Business Policy·DateJun 18, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Dark centers of chromosomes reveal ancient DNA

Researchers have discovered big chunks of ancient Neanderthal and other ancient DNA in the dark centers of human chromosomes, which can be used to study chromosome behavior during cell division and evolutionary descent. The findings also suggest that certain centromere haplotypes may influence differences in sense of smell.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJun 18, 2019

Quantum music to my ears

Scientists have successfully recorded and played back music using Rydberg atoms, which respond to radio waves, enabling potential improvements in audio data transmission. The research could lead to better noise-picking capabilities and improved security in deep space communications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJun 18, 2019

Dormant neural stem cells in fruit flies activate to generate new brain cells

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered that a protein complex called CRL4 is essential for reactivating dormant neural stem cells in fruit flies, which can then generate new neurons. This finding could lead to therapeutic treatment of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 18, 2019

Now your phone can become a robot that does the boring work

A Purdue University researcher has developed an app that allows users to easily program robots to perform mundane tasks, such as picking up parts and delivering them. The app uses augmented reality and can be used for household chores, reducing the need for expensive software programmers or mobile robots.

SourcePurdue University·DateJun 18, 2019
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.

Locally based Haitian social entrepreneurs empower disaster-stricken villagers to rebuild and improve their communities

Research in Haiti highlights the need for longer-term approaches to rebuilding, focusing on local community empowerment and trust development. Locally-based social entrepreneurs like Steve and Gabi have successfully mobilized villagers to build new schools, toilet centers, and farmers' cooperatives.

SourceAalto University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJun 18, 2019

UToledo research links fracking to higher radon levels in Ohio homes

A new study at The University of Toledo connects fracking to higher household concentrations of radon gas, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Scientists found that closer distance to fracking wells is linked to higher indoor radon concentrations, with average levels exceeding safe EPA and WHO standards.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateJun 18, 2019

New drug compound could tackle major life-limiting kidney disease

Researchers developed a new class of drugs to treat autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a hereditary progressive disease causing cysts and kidney failure. The compound reduces levels of cyclic AMP, suppressing cyst growth and potentially controlling the disease.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2019

Monitoring biodiversity with sound: How machines can enrich our knowledge

Researchers compared traditional bird survey methods to modern sound recording devices, finding that machines can accurately measure population densities and map species territories. The study provides a systematic overview of available recording devices and user guides for scientists to sample animal populations acoustically.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEcological Applications·DateJun 18, 2019
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.

Researchers link gene to cannabis abuse

A specific gene associated with a lower amount of a certain nicotine receptor in the brain increases the risk of cannabis abuse. The study, conducted by Aarhus University, analyzed the complete genome of over 2,000 cannabis abusers and found a strong association between the genetic variant and cannabis abuse.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 18, 2019

Women's awareness of alcohol's role in breast cancer risk is poor

Research published in BMJ Open reveals that only one in five women attending breast clinics and screening appointments know that alcohol is a risk factor for breast cancer. The study suggests that understanding modifiable risk factors for the disease needs to be increased, particularly through brief information on health risks associat...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 18, 2019

Sea otters have low genetic diversity like other threatened species, biologists report

A team of life scientists at UCLA discovered that sea otters have low genetic diversity, which could endanger their health. The researchers found evidence of potentially harmful genetic variation and mating between closely related ancestors in the sea otter genome, similar to other endangered species with small population sizes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJun 18, 2019

Risky business: New data show how manatees use shipping channels

A new study analyzes 10 years of data on manatee movement patterns, revealing that they use nearshore channels more frequently and travel faster in all channel types. This research sheds light on the risks associated with vessel collisions and informs suggestions for optimal channel maintenance.

SourceDauphin Island Sea Lab·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJun 18, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Microfluidics device captures circulating cancer cell clusters

Researchers developed a microfluidic device to capture circulating cancer cell clusters, providing a new tool for studying metastasis and developing anti-metastatic drug therapies. The device's design enables the collection of viable human cancer cell clusters from patient blood samples, offering a novel approach to combatting cancer.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJun 18, 2019

Preoperative management of inflammation may stave off cancer recurrences

Researchers found that administering anti-inflammatory treatments before surgery can eliminate the spread of cancer cells and promote prolonged survival in animal models. These findings suggest a potential paradigm shift in cancer treatment approaches, particularly for patients undergoing resectable cancers.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 18, 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.

Yale-led study reveals biology of leptin, the hunger hormone

A Yale-led study reveals the mechanisms by which leptin increases appetite in response to low energy levels. The research found that reductions in plasma leptin concentrations stimulate food intake through a chain of events involving the brain, endocrine system, and AgRP neurons.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2019

A dietary supplement improves skills of an atypical Rett syndrome patient

A dietary supplement called L-serine has been shown to improve the neuronal function of a patient with a mutation associated with atypical Rett syndrome. The study, led by Dr Xavier Altafaj, found that supplementation with L-serine reversed alterations caused by the mutation and improved the patient's motor and communicative abilities.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateJun 18, 2019

Origin of life -- a prebiotic route to DNA

Researchers at LMU Munich propose a direct mechanism for synthesizing DNA subunits from organic compounds in a prebiotic environment. This process could have given rise to DNA strands on early Earth, potentially 4 billion years ago.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 18, 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.

Health policies key factor in hospitalization of seniors

A University of Waterloo study found that home-care patients in Alberta and British Columbia are more likely to be sent to hospital, while long-term care residents in these provinces were half as likely as those in Ontario. The researchers attributed regional differences to healthcare policies and infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCMAJ Open·DateJun 18, 2019

Many parents struggle for years to adjust after learning a child's sexual orientation

A recent study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that many parents experience significant difficulty adjusting to their child's sexual orientation, with some struggling for years. The researchers suggest that interventions can help speed up the adjustment process and improve the relationship between parents and children.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJun 18, 2019

One day of employment a week is all we need for mental health benefits -- study

A recent study published in Social Science and Medicine found that working one day a week can provide significant mental health benefits, reducing the risk of mental health problems by an average of 30%. Working longer hours did not provide further boosts to wellbeing. The researchers suggest that the ideal

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 18, 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.

Polymer faculty receive NSF awards totaling over $1 million

Three UA professors, Li Jia, Shi-Qing Wang, and Mesfin Tsige, have received NSF grants for research projects on bio-renewable polymers, mechanical performance of glassy and semicrystalline polymers, and multiscale modeling of mechanically-interlocked macromolecules. The total award value is over $1.1 million.

SourceUniversity of Akron·DateJun 18, 2019

Advanced computational modeling of the gut for biodefense

A new high-performance computing-driven model of the gut predicts emerging behaviors and responses to biological threats, simulating cell phenotype changes, signaling pathways, and immune responses. The model identifies key factors that delineate the outcome of infection, including epithelial cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells.

SourceNIMML·JournalGigaScience·DateJun 18, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

A new force for optical tweezers awakens

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a new type of force that minimizes light usage in optical tweezers, reducing photo damage to cells. This breakthrough enables more realistic experiments with longer cell lifespans.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 18, 2019

Parental support is key when autistic adolescents want to learn to drive

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that autistic adolescents need the support of their parents or guardians to prioritize independence and develop life skills before learning to drive. Driving instructors emphasize the importance of parent-supervised practice, individualized training, and prioritizing independent living.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAutism in Adulthood·DateJun 18, 2019

Hydrogenation of white phosphorus leads way to safer chemical technology

Researchers at Kazan University have developed a new method to synthesize organophosphorous compounds directly from white phosphorus, reducing the need for toxic chlorine oxygenation technology. The innovative process utilizes electrolysis and acid on a lead cathode, resulting in high-speed, selective, and easy-to-control synthesis.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalPure and Applied Chemistry·DateJun 18, 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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Surgery to straighten a deviated septum improves quality of life

Researchers at Radboud University Medical Center found that septoplasty significantly improves patients' quality of life by increasing nasal airflow and reducing symptoms. After two years, the positive effects persisted, indicating a long-term benefit from the procedure.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 18, 2019

New clues on tissue damage identified in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

Research supported by the Accelerating Medicines Partnership has provided new insights into tissue damage in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Novel molecular signatures have been identified in kidney cells and specific white blood cells may reflect their active role in disease process.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 18, 2019

Automated cryptocode generator is helping secure the web

A Massachusetts Institute of Technology-developed system automatically generates optimized cryptography code for Google Chrome browsers and web applications, matching performance of handwritten code but faster. The system, known as Fiat Cryptography, is being widely used by tech firms and has populated Google's BoringSSL library.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 18, 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.

Changing how we predict coral bleaching

Researchers developed an algorithm using over 30 years of satellite data to isolate extreme warming events leading to documented coral bleaching in the Red Sea. The findings suggest that coral bleaching may have been greatly underestimated and indicate a emerging pattern of extreme warming events in the northern region.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 18, 2019

A new manufacturing process for aluminum alloys

Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a single-step manufacturing process to produce nanostructured rods and tubes directly from high-performance aluminum alloy powder. The process, called ShAPE, achieves significant improvements in product ductility while eliminating multiple steps required in conventiona...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalMaterialia·DateJun 18, 2019
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.

Collegiate affirmative action bans tied to rise in smoking among minority high schoolers

A new study from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine researchers found that college affirmative action bans may increase rates of smoking among underrepresented minority high school students. The study also showed a potential long-term impact on health behaviors, with the students more likely to smoke into young adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 18, 2019

Drug boosts growth in youngsters with most common form of dwarfism, new study finds

A groundbreaking drug has shown significant growth benefits for children with achondroplasia, a genetic bone disorder affecting about one in every 25,000 infants. The four-year study found that the drug vosoritide increased height by up to 50% per year and was well-tolerated with no adverse effects on body proportion.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 18, 2019

How hepatitis B and delta viruses establish infection of liver cells

Princeton University researchers have developed a scalable cell culture system that allows for detailed investigation of how host cells respond to infection with HBV and HDV. The system, called SACC-PHH, enables chronic HBV infection for up to 40 days, providing unprecedented opportunities to study host responses to hepatitis viruses.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalHepatology·DateJun 18, 2019

Coral bleaching causes a permanent change in fish life

A long-term study in the Seychelles found that repeat coral bleaching caused lasting changes to fish communities, with large predator fish declining and being replaced by seaweed-loving fish. The study suggests that under current levels of ocean warming, permanent changes to reef fishes are likely on most coral reefs globally.

SourceLancaster University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 18, 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.

ELSI researchers use biological evolution to inspire machine learning

A study by Tokyo Institute of Technology researchers explores the connection between biological evolutionary open-endedness and recent studies in machine learning. They propose combining neural networks with artificial life ideas to create autonomous systems that invent or discover new things.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalArtificial Life·DateJun 18, 2019