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Science News Archive June 2019 - Page 21


Page 21 of 41

Penn engineers demonstrate superstrong, reversible adhesive that works like snail slime

The Penn team created an adhesive that mimics the snail's epiphragm, allowing for strong adhesion and easy reversibility. The breakthrough was achieved using a polymer called PHEMA, which conforms to small grooves on surfaces when wet, making it stick, and hardens into those cavities when dry, securing itself firmly.

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

Researchers report longest duration of therapeutic gene expression

A team of researchers delivered a therapeutic gene to the spinal canal of infant rhesus monkeys, resulting in sustained expression of the alpha-I-iduronidase enzyme. The study's findings suggest a promising approach for treating severe forms of neuropathic storage diseases.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateJun 17, 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.

'Self-healing' polymer brings perovskite solar tech closer to market

A protective layer of epoxy resin helps prevent lead leakage from perovskite solar cells, outperforming rival materials under various weather conditions. The 'self-healing' property of the polymer limits lead release when damaged, making it a strong candidate for commercial viability.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 17, 2019

Gender pay gap shrinking for some female university presidents

Researchers found that higher education institutions with more prestige have narrowed the gender pay gap among their female presidents. At these top-ranked universities, women's total compensation often surpasses male counterparts', with some even earning more than men.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOrganization Science·DateJun 17, 2019

Researchers solve mystery of how gas bubbles form in liquid

Under confined conditions, bubbles can form spheres as perfectly matched as droplets. The new findings have implications for biomedical research and understanding natural gas interactions with petroleum.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Biting backfire: Some mosquitoes actually benefit from pesticide application

Agricultural pesticides reduced aquatic insect biodiversity but increased mosquito density, particularly for the pesticide-resistant Wyeomyia abebala. Pesticide use led to the loss of predators, allowing these mosquitoes to colonize habitats without competitors.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalOecologia·DateJun 17, 2019

Repurposing existing drugs or combining therapies could help in the treatment of autoimmune diseases

Scientists have discovered that re-purposing existing drugs or combining therapies may help treat patients with difficult-to-treat autoimmune diseases. The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that fibroblasts play a critical role in the formation and maintenance of tertiary lymphoid structures.

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

Climate change in West Africa

The WASCAL project aims to address new research questions, further develop the research infrastructure, and train African scientists. The team will also create a data cube for satellite data and assess the effects of climate change on fires in West Africa.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·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.

First lung map uncovers new insights into asthma

Scientists have created a detailed anatomical map of the respiratory airways, producing the first draft Human Cell Atlas of the lung. The study revealed an entirely new cell state that produces mucus in asthma patients, and large differences between normal and asthmatic lungs.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 17, 2019

Managing the risk of aggressive dog behavior

A study by the University of Bristol found that dog owners' perceptions of effectiveness and confidence in using behaviour modification techniques are crucial in predicting their adoption of positive reinforcement-based solutions. Positive reinforcement-based techniques are humane and effective, while punishment-based methods can exace...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJun 17, 2019

Tiny probe that senses deep in the lung set to shed light on disease

A hair-sized probe developed by scientists can measure key indicators of tissue damage deep in the lung, improving patient assessment and treatment. The technology offers fast, accurate measurements and flexibility to add more sensors, applicable to other body regions and inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 16, 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.

Interest free loans could prevent homelessness and save councils millions, according to a new study

A new study published in Public Money & Management suggests that interest-free loan schemes can help prevent homelessness and save local authorities money. The study, funded by the British Academy, details a £85,000 grant scheme in Lewisham, which has helped over 300 families escape eviction and saved the council £1 million.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalPublic Money & Management·DateJun 16, 2019

The complex fate of Antarctic species in the face of a changing climate

Scientists warn that Antarctic species are at risk due to declining oxygen levels in the ocean, which could lead to extinction for larger marine invertebrates and fish. The study found that some species have evolved mechanisms to compensate for reduced oxygen, but many large species will likely be impacted by climate change.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJun 16, 2019

Balancing data protection and research needs in the age of the GDPR

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) complicates data sharing in research, with participants' consent withdrawal rights and limited data retention posing challenges. Researchers advocate for GDPR-compliant repositories and adaptable funding policies to ensure safe data sharing.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·DateJun 16, 2019

UVA scientists use machine learning to improve gut disease diagnosis

Researchers at UVA are using machine learning algorithms on biopsy images to diagnose environmental enteric dysfunction, a disease that affects hundreds of thousands of children worldwide. The technology has the potential to provide insights that evade human eyes, validate pathologists' diagnoses and shorten treatment times.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 16, 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.

Researchers find genes that could help create more resilient chickens

Researchers have identified genes that can help chickens resist Newcastle disease, a major poultry pathogen affecting small flocks in low- to middle-income countries. The study found that certain breeds of chickens have innate resistance to the disease due to evolutionary adaptations.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 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.

Exciting plant vacuoles

Researchers discovered that TPC1 ion channel contributes to plant excitability, enabling plants to respond to stressors. The study sheds light on plant communication and may lead to breeding more resilient crop varieties.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 14, 2019

Online shopping interventions may help customers buy healthier foods

A study found that altering food order and offering substitutes lower in saturated fat can encourage healthier choices when shopping online. Participants who received these interventions chose products with less saturated fat than those with no intervention.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJun 14, 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.

Distant processes influence marine heatwaves around the world

An international team, led by Australian researchers, has published a first-of-its-kind study assessing the major drivers of global marine heatwaves. They found that known climate phenomena, such as El Niño and North Atlantic Oscillation, can increase the odds of marine heatwaves in other regions thousands of kilometres away.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 14, 2019

Electron beam strengthens recyclable nanocomposite

Researchers at Kanazawa University found that electron beam irradiation improves the mechanical properties of short-carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastics. The treatment strengthens and lengthens carbon fibers, reducing the negative effects of crosslinking and increasing recyclability.

SourceKanazawa University·DateJun 14, 2019
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.

Flickering sky islands generate Andean biodiversity

Climate change connected and disconnected Andean sky islands over the past million years, according to a new mathematical model. The páramo habitat, with stunted shrubs and alpine plants adapted to high winds and cold temperatures, exists between the upper forest line and snowline.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJun 14, 2019

Benefits beyond fracture risk reduction? Results of the VITALE study

The VITALE study found that high-dose vitamin D supplementation significantly reduces fracture risk in kidney transplant recipients, with a lower incidence of fractures in the high-dose group compared to the low-dose group. The treatment was well-tolerated with no increased risks of adverse effects.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·DateJun 14, 2019

Pew funds 22 scientists to pursue innovative biomedical research

The Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences supports young researchers investigating connections between embryos and their mothers, tick-borne diseases, and sensory information processing. The program aims to drive significant scientific discoveries by investing in promising scientists at the beginning stages of their careers.

SourcePew Charitable Trusts·DateJun 14, 2019

Satellite observations improve earthquake monitoring, response

Researchers used satellite imagery to gather detailed information on earthquakes, including location, size of surface deformation, and proximity to population centers. This data improved analysis of earthquake impact and led to more accurate estimates of fatalities and economic losses.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalRemote Sensing·DateJun 14, 2019
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.

High tunnels for specialty crops: The hope and the hindrance

The study reveals that high tunnels can increase yield, enhance shelf life, and improve crop quality, but also pose challenges such as added labor and time requirements. Farmers perceive the ability to differentiate products based on higher quality and premium pricing as a key attractive opportunity.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateJun 14, 2019

What it takes for green businesses to advertise online

A study analyzed green industry firms' online marketing adoption rates, finding that smaller businesses invest more in online ads after initial hesitation. The investigation highlights the need for education programs to help green industry businesses integrate online advertising into daily operations.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateJun 14, 2019

Controlling temperatures for inexpensive plant experiments

Researchers used plug-and-play temperature controllers to create controlled-environment chambers from standard chest freezers, enabling the detailed observation of developmental rates in response to different temperatures. The study found a clear temperature-dependent effect on budbreak and seed germination, allowing for expanded resea...

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJun 14, 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.

No evidence for increased egg predation in the Arctic

An international team of researchers investigated changes in egg predation on shorebird nests over the past 60 years, challenging a recent claim of increased predation in the Arctic. The study found little support for this hypothesis, instead attributing changes to shifts in research methods and biases in data analysis.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2019

No direct link between north Atlantic currents, sea level along New England coast

A new study published by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that major currents in the North Atlantic do not directly cause changes in sea levels along the New England coast. Instead, both are controlled by variability in weather patterns over the North Atlantic, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 14, 2019

Immortal quantum particles

Researchers at TUM and Max Planck Institute discovered quasiparticles that don't decay, but instead oscillate between decay and rebirth. This phenomenon explains unusual stability in materials like magnetic compounds and superfluid helium.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 14, 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.

Part of the immune strategy of the strawberry plant is characterized

A research team has characterized a VQ gene family in strawberries, revealing its relationship to protein transcription factors that regulate stress response genes. This study provides valuable insights into the strawberry's defense mechanisms and opens up possibilities for genetic improvement.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 2019

Modified enzyme can increase second-generation ethanol production

Researchers discovered a modified enzyme produced by fungus Trichoderma harzianum that increases glucose release from biomass for fermentation. The modified protein proved 300% more efficient than the wild-type enzyme in terms of glucose release, making it suitable for industrial application.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 2019

It's not easy being green

UC Riverside researchers identified two genes responsible for regulating plant greening through mutant plant experiments. The discovery sheds light on the complex process of photosynthesis and its control by the cell's nucleus and chloroplasts.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 14, 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.

Phantom sensations: When the sense of touch deceives

A study by Bielefeld University and New York University reveals that healthy adults systematically misattribute touch on the hands to the feet and vice versa. The researchers found that three characteristics of touch - limb identity, side of body, and canonical anatomical position - contribute to phantom sensations.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 14, 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.

Researchers take two steps toward green fuel

Researchers have developed a two-step process to more efficiently break down carbohydrates into their single sugar components, producing bioethanol or biobutanol for use as fuel. The process produces about 30% more sugars than traditional methods and has the potential to commercialize green fuel production.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateJun 14, 2019

Virus genes help determine if pea aphids get their wings

A team of researchers, led by Jennifer Brisson and Benjamin Parker, discovered genes from a densovirus that determine whether pea aphids produce winged or wingless offspring. The study sheds light on the genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity in insects.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 14, 2019

Heritable behavioral differences between cat breeds

Researchers discovered that behavioral traits are highly heritable, explaining differences between breeds. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 cats representing three breeds: Maine Coon, Ragdoll, and Turkish Van.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 2019