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Science News Archive June 2019 - Page 20


Page 20 of 41

Frontera named fifth fastest supercomputer in the world

Frontera, located at the University of Texas at Austin, achieved the highest scale and data analysis capabilities ever deployed at a university in the US. The system supports dozens of research teams aiming to solve massive computational problems, including climate simulations and machine learning-enabled cancer studies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateJun 17, 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.

New study suggests automation will not wipe out truck-driving jobs

A recent study by Maury Gittleman and Kristen Monaco suggests that automation will not eliminate most truck-driving jobs due to factors like non-driving tasks and segment-specific automation challenges. The researchers found that long-haul trucking is easier to automate than short-haul trucking.

SourceSAGE·JournalILR Review·DateJun 17, 2019

Breakthrough in understanding how human eyes process 3D motion

Scientists at the University of York have identified two separate pathways for seeing 3D motion in the human brain, allowing people to perform tasks like catching a ball. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for lazy eye syndrome and improve virtual reality systems.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 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.

Cognitive decline may accelerate after heart attack, angina

Adults with coronary heart disease experience faster cognitive decline in long-term studies, according to researchers. Cognitive tests reveal significant differences in verbal memory, semantic fluency, and temporal orientation among patients with angina or heart attack.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 17, 2019

Focusing sunlight to enhance desalination

Focusing sunlight onto a photothermally active membrane using lenses increases distilled water flux through the membrane by more than 50%. This breakthrough demonstrates the utility of exploiting focused sunlight in thermally and optically driven processes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019

NASA scientists find sun's history buried in moon's crust

Researchers found that the early Sun's rotation rate and solar activity influenced the formation of the Moon, affecting sodium and potassium levels. The study suggests that space weather played a crucial role in shaping the solar system's evolution.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 17, 2019

Hypertension drug may hold promise for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that nilvadipine increased blood flow to the hippocampus, a region affected by Alzheimer's disease, without affecting other parts of the brain. The study suggests that this may slow down the progression of the disease, particularly in its early stages.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 17, 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.

What influences critical care doctors in withdrawing life support for patients with brain injury?

A study in CMAJ provides new insights into the decision-making processes of critical care physicians and families in withdrawing life-sustaining treatments from critically ill patients with severe brain injury. Key findings include the influence of patient circumstances, family wishes, severity and location of the injury, past physicia...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 17, 2019

Preventing drugs from being transported

A research team created an artificially produced antibody fragment that successfully blocks the transport of antibiotics and chemotherapy agents out of cancer cells. By binding to a specific protein, the fragment prevented the protein from splitting ATP, thus stopping the transport process.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2019

Receiving opioids for the first time while hospitalized doubles the risk of continued use

A retrospective cohort study found that patients who received opioids for the first time while hospitalized had double the risk of continuing to receive opioids for months after discharge. Researchers reviewed electronic health records of 191,249 hospital admissions and found that almost 6% of patients receiving opioids during their ho...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 17, 2019

Study underscores role of menthol cigarettes in smoking cessation

African-American menthol smokers are 12% less likely to quit due to the role of menthol flavoring in nicotine reinforcement. Banning menthol from tobacco products could help shift power back to communities affected by tobacco marketing and industry influence.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJun 17, 2019

More heart failure patients may benefit from CRT defibrillator

A new study found that cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) may improve heart function in certain groups of heart failure patients, particularly those with nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (NICD) and a QRS duration of more than 150 milliseconds. In these patients, CRT-D was associated with decreased...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 17, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bacterial antigen in Lyme arthritis

Borrelia peptidoglycan, a component of the Lyme disease bacterium, is detected in patients' synovial fluid and stimulates proinflammatory cytokines. The finding suggests that Borrelia peptidoglycan contributes to inflammation in Lyme arthritis.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019

Columbia researcher studies how climate change affects crops in India

The study found that alternative grains such as millet, sorghum, and maize are more resilient to extreme weather, while rice experiences larger declines in yields. This suggests that diversifying India's crop production can help adapt to climate change and improve nutrition.

SourceData Science Institute at Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 17, 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.

Seaweed feed additive cuts livestock methane but poses questions

A new study found that supplementing cattle feed with seaweed reduces methane emissions by 80%, but its large-scale production and potential impact on animal health are unclear. The researchers suggest cultivating seaweed in aquaculture operations to meet the demand, but more research is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness.

SourcePenn State·DateJun 17, 2019

Cold weather increases the risk of fatal opioid overdoses

A new study by Brown University researchers found a 25% increase in fatal opioid overdoses after cold weather snaps compared to days with average temperatures of 52 degrees. The study suggests that agencies should consider scaling up harm-reduction efforts during periods of cold weather.

SourceBrown University·JournalEpidemiology·DateJun 17, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Gold for iron nanocubes

Researchers at the University of Helsinki and OIST have developed a novel method to create hybrid Au/Fe nanoparticles with unprecedented complexity. This breakthrough enables precise control over shape, size, and elemental composition, opening up new avenues for emerging applications.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 17, 2019

Vest helps athletes keep their cool

A new cooling vest has been developed to help athletes cope with sweltering summer conditions, such as the 2020 Summer Olympics. The vest, designed by Hiroshima University and a Japanese sportswear company, features ice packs and a cooling collar that can reduce heart rate and body temperature.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJun 17, 2019

Dundee lab solves HOIL-1 mystery

Researchers at the University of Dundee have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the function of HOIL-1, a key protein involved in cell survival. The study reveals that HOIL-1 operates in tandem with another component to form ubiquitin chains, and joins proteins using an unusual ester bond mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 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.

Polar bear evolution and gene copy number variation

A study analyzing gene copy numbers in polar bears and brown bears reveals nearly 200 genes with significant variations, including those involved in olfactory receptors, salivary amylase, and fatty acid metabolism. These differences reflect dietary adaptations between the two species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019

Study reveals new genomic roots of ecological adaptation in polar bear evolution

A recent study by UMass Amherst researchers found that polar bears possess fewer copies of genes related to olfactory receptors and salivary amylase, adaptations that enable them to thrive on a fully carnivorous diet. This discovery sheds light on the genomic foundation of ecological adaptation in polar bear evolution.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019

Underenrollment in clinical trials: Patients not the problem

Researchers identify barriers to trial accrual, including complexity in staying aware of available trials, identifying eligible patients, and enrolling them. The study suggests addressing these challenges through changes in trial-specific reimbursement and incentives for administrative costs.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 17, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers identify enzyme that suppresses immune system in breast cancer

A pre-clinical study led by Duke University Medical Center identified an enzyme in cells involved in regulating breast cancer growth and spread. Inhibiting this enzyme's activity allowed T-cells to mount an immune attack on cancer cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2019

UQ researcher carving a new path for skier safety

A University of Queensland researcher has identified a potential solution to improve skier safety on snow-covered slopes by modifying the grooming patterns used at ski resorts. By altering the size and spacing of these patterns, visibility can be improved in cloudy conditions, reducing the risk of accidents.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·Journali-Perception·DateJun 17, 2019

9,000 years ago, a community with modern urban problems

The ancient community of Çatalhöyük, settled around 9,000 years ago, faced problems similar to those of modern cities. The residents suffered from high infection rates due to poor hygiene and crowding, as well as environmental degradation and climate change.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 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.

Sights are set on better understanding vision-damaging keratoconus

Keratoconus, an eye condition affecting 1 in 2,000, is caused by genetic and environmental factors, including UV light and vigorous eye rubbing. Researchers are exploring gene mutations, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress to develop new diagnostic tools and treatments.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJun 17, 2019

Study shows 70% of patients lack advance directives before elective surgery

A study by Regenstrief Institute researchers found that only 30% of patients reported having some form of advance directive, but only 16% had one on file in their electronic medical record. This lack of documentation can lead to complex situations for care providers and loved ones.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 17, 2019

How certain antibiotic combinations could defeat 'superbugs'

Scientists at Emory Health Sciences have found that combining certain antibiotics can effectively target and defeat bacteria with heteroresistance, a previously underappreciated form of antibiotic resistance. This approach may offer a new strategy for treating resistant infections in hospitalized patients.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 17, 2019

Past climate change: A warning for the future?

A new study of past climate changes and their effects on ancient societies offers lessons for the future. Climate disruptions in prehistoric Amazonia, such as changes in rainfall patterns and agriculture, may be comparable to the current human-caused climate change affecting most parts of the world.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 17, 2019
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.

Boaty McBoatface mission gives new insight into warming ocean abyss

The first mission involving 'Boaty McBoatface' has shed light on the connection between increasing Antarctic winds and rising sea temperatures. The data collected will help build more accurate predictions of climate change's impact on sea levels.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019

Brain energetics and obesity risk

Childhood brain energy expenditure inversely related to body weight gain; variation may explain obesity timing and lifetime risk. Researchers hypothesize that brain energy demand could help predict obesity risk.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019

A new 2D magnet draws future devices closer

Researchers discovered a new metallic and air-stable 2D magnet in platinum diselenide (PtSe2), which can be manipulated by strategically placing defects across its surface. This breakthrough has the potential to enable ultra-thin metallic magnets for future spin-transfer torque magnetic random-access memory devices.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 17, 2019

New grant funds anti-aging study

A Texas Biomed Associate Professor has received a $100,000 grant to test an FDA-approved drug for reversing age-related cognitive decline and memory deficits in aged baboons. The study aims to develop a therapeutic intervention to enhance brain cell function and improve overall health.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·DateJun 17, 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.

Wheat myth debunked

A new study debunks the myth that intensive breeding has made modern wheat cultivars weaker. Modern wheat varieties actually out-perform older ones in both optimal and sub-optimum growing conditions. This finding could have significant implications for raising productivity in organic cropping systems.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Plants·DateJun 17, 2019

The brain consumes half of a child's energy -- and that could matter for weight gain

A new paper suggests that variation in brain energy expenditure during childhood may influence patterns of energy expenditure and weight gain. The study proposes a hypothesis linking the brain's energy demand to obesity risk, highlighting the need for further research into the role of brain development on body weight.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019

Your circle of friends, not your Fitbit, is more predictive of your health

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that social network structure is a significant predictor of health, happiness, and stress levels. By analyzing data from participants' Fitbits and survey responses, researchers found a strong correlation between social network characteristics and individual wellness states.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 17, 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.

Shedding light on 'black box' of inpatient opioid use

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine has shed light on the practices surrounding inpatient opioid prescribing, revealing that patients who receive opioids during hospitalization are more likely to continue using them after discharge. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate Schoo...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 17, 2019

Scientists reveal reversible super-glue inspired by snail mucus

Scientists at Lehigh University and Korea Institute of Science and Technology have created a reversible super-glue-like material that can easily come unglued. The new hydrogel-based adhesive combines benefits of both liquid and dry adhesives, allowing for strong adhesion on flat and rough surfaces.

SourceLehigh University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019

New study shows gender pay gap is still issue for airline staff

A recent study by Swansea University highlights the persistent gender pay gap in the airline industry, with women facing lower salaries and higher work insecurity due to their roles. The research finds that UK airlines lag behind European counterparts in terms of pay equality.

SourceSwansea University·JournalResearch in Transportation Business & Management·DateJun 17, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Innovative approach to tackling pesticide resistance evolution

A new study investigates the use of multiple fungal biopesticides to prevent uniform evolutionary response and promote sustainable control. The project aims to make agricultural landscapes more diverse, allowing for longer-term use of biopesticides without consistent resistance evolution.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateJun 17, 2019

Performance improves when the enemy of an enemy is a friend

A two-year study of day traders found that balanced professional networks lead to better performance and improved high-risk decisions. The researchers discovered that workers naturally gravitate towards a state of balance in their relationships, which ultimately frees up mental energy for making better trades.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2019