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Science News Archive June 2019 - Page 28


Page 28 of 41

Early life stress plus overexpressed FKBP5 protein increases anxiety behavior

A new study by University of South Florida researchers finds that anxiety-like behavior increases when early life adversity combines with high levels of FKBP5, a protein capable of modifying hormonal stress response. High FKBP5 also alters signaling of the enzyme AKT in the dorsal hippocampus, amplifying anxiety.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateJun 11, 2019

Electric vehicles would be a breath of fresh air for Houston

Researchers found that electric vehicles can improve air quality in Houston by reducing nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds emitted by gasoline and diesel vehicles. The study suggests that complete electrification of transportation could prevent up to 246 premature deaths annually in greater Houston by 2040.

SourceCornell University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJun 11, 2019

Rescuers often driven by emotion

Researchers found that nearly half of those rescued were close family or friends, while under 10-year-olds were also common victims. Meanwhile, most rescuers who drowned were male and between 25-44 years old, emphasizing the need for better training in water rescue skills.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateJun 11, 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.

Veteran-directed care program is effective

A new study published in Health Affairs finds that a veteran-directed care program with flexible budgets for at-home caregivers is as effective as other purchased-care services. The program allows veterans to hire personal care workers or family members as paid caregivers, enabling them to live at home. Researchers found similar hospit...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 11, 2019

UNC receives $3.8 million grant to study 'Med-South' weight loss program

The University of North Carolina will test the effectiveness of Med-South, an adapted form of the Mediterranean diet, in promoting long-term weight loss among patients with obesity. The randomized trial aims to assess the impact of this unique dietary approach on cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateJun 11, 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.

Hawks' pursuit of prey has implications for capturing rogue drones

Researchers studied hawks' flight trajectories against an erratically-manoeuvring target, discovering a mixed guidance law that reduces the risk of overshoot. This finding has implications for designing drones capable of safely pursuing and capturing rogue drones in urban airspace.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 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.

Cardiovascular diseases -- Promoting self-healing after heart attack

Researchers have developed a therapeutic approach that utilizes the endogenous process to turn off inflammation and promote healing in the heart muscle. Annexin A1 protein stimulates new blood vessel formation, increasing blood flow and improving cardiac function.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 11, 2019

How can governments fight antimicrobial resistance with policy?

A systematic review of government policies aimed at reducing human antimicrobial use identified 17 types of interventions, but most were not rigorously evaluated. The authors recommend that governments ensure AMR policy interventions are tested using rigorous study designs to avoid future waste of public resources.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 11, 2019

Research moves closer to brain-machine interface autonomy

A new brain-computer interface can sense when a user expects a reward and improve its performance autonomously, potentially revolutionizing robotic prosthetics. This technology utilizes single-neuron activities and local field potential to decode user intentions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournaleNeuro·DateJun 11, 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.

Promising treatment option for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

A study published in PNAS has identified a potential treatment for CRPS by targeting IL-1-induced neuroinflammation. The researchers transferred antibodies from patients with long-lasting CRPS to mice and found that blocking IL-1 with a clinically available drug, anakinra, helped prevent and reverse the condition.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2019

Motorized scooter head injuries on the rise, Rutgers study finds

Electric scooter use has led to a tripling of facial and head injuries over the past decade, with most victims being men between 19 and 65. The study found that helmet use increased with age, but many state laws do not address adults, who are the most injured.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Otolaryngology·DateJun 11, 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.

Behind the magic: Making moving photos a reality

Computer scientists at the University of Washington have developed an algorithm, Photo Wake-Up, that can animate people from 2D photos. The system uses a combination of 3D template matching and texture pasting to create realistic animations in three dimensions using augmented reality tools.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJun 11, 2019

Indoor tanning may be an addiction abetted by both genetic and psychiatric factors

A study found that indoor tanning addiction is associated with modified genes related to dopamine activity and depression symptoms, increasing the risk of skin cancer. The researchers collected saliva samples from 292 non-Hispanic white women and found a strong link between genetic mutations and tanning addiction.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJun 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Marine oil snow

Researchers found that marine oil snow transfers oil's negative impacts from the water column to seafloor sediments, delivering oxygenated compounds to organisms in the sediments. This process can increase toxicity in deep-sea ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 11, 2019

Rare 'superflares' could one day threaten Earth

A new study reveals that rare 'superflares' can occur on older, quieter stars like our sun, posing a threat to Earth's electronics. The events, which eject huge bursts of energy, could disrupt communication satellites and cause blackouts.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJun 11, 2019

The new technology will significantly enhance energy harvest from PV modules

A new hybrid technology called Optiverter combines photovoltaic power optimizers and grid converters to maximize energy harvest from PV modules. The Optiverter ensures maximum energy production even in heavy or opaque shade, making it a significant improvement over current technology.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·DateJun 11, 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.

Tiny light box opens new doors into the nanoworld

Researchers have created a hybrid of equal parts of light and matter, combining two different concepts in an innovative way. The discovery opens new doors in fundamental research and applied nanophotonics, with potential applications in compact and cost-effective photonics.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 11, 2019

Researchers develop tool to predict postoperative delirium severity

Researchers developed a tool to predict postoperative delirium severity, enabling better care for patients recovering from surgery. The study used data from 100 adults undergoing non-cardiac, non-neurological surgery, combining two previous tools to assess delirium intensity.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJun 11, 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.

Breakthrough in the discovery of DNA in ancient bones buried in water

A recent study published in Nature reveals that ancient bones found in a Finnish lake contain DNA from the modern Sámi people, dating back to around 500-700 AD. The discovery contradicts previous theories about local populations and sheds light on the colonization history of Siberia.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 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.

A 'one-two punch' to wipe out cancerous ovarian cells

Researchers at University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre develop a two-step combination therapy to destroy cancer cells. They manipulate cellular aging to force cancer cells into senescence, then use senolysis to eliminate them. This strategy shows superior therapeutic effectiveness on ovarian cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2019

Fracking causes some songbirds to thrive while others decline

Research found that forest interior birds like the Ovenbird decline in numbers near gas development, while early successional species like the Indigo Bunting increase in population. Conversely, human-adapted birds like the Brown-headed Cowbird are attracted to areas disturbed by fracking.

SourceOxford University Press USA·DateJun 11, 2019

Tube anemone has the largest animal mitochondrial genome ever sequenced

A Brazilian-US research team has sequenced the mitochondrial genome of the tube anemone Isarachnanthus nocturnus, revealing a massive 80,923 base pairs. The discovery challenges current classifications and sheds light on the evolution of cnidarians.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 11, 2019

Women caught in a pickle by their own immune systems

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new hypothesis to explain the phenomenon of women being more prone to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and lupus. The Pregnancy Compensation Hypothesis suggests that women's immune systems evolved to facilitate survival during pregnancy, leading to heightened immune su...

SourceArizona State University·JournalTrends in Genetics·DateJun 11, 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.

New family on the block: A novel group of glycosidic enzymes

A novel enzyme from a soil fungus breaks down β-1,2-glucan into sophorose, revealing its potential role in the symbiosis of bacteria and plants. The discovery sheds new light on the diversity of glycoside hydrolases and their applications.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 11, 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.

Global burden of mental health in conflict settings

Research finds that global conflicts lead to high mental health disorders, affecting one in five people with severe anxiety and depression rates being five times higher than the rest of the world. The study highlights the impact of trauma, instability, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare on mental well-being.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 11, 2019

Hybrid device may help doctors treat strokes more quickly

Researchers have developed a hybrid device that uses near-infrared light to monitor blood flow, providing a quick and noninvasive diagnosis of cerebral ischemia. The device can record comprehensive profiles of hemodynamics, improving treatment effectiveness within the first few hours of stroke onset.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJun 11, 2019

EWG: Nitrate pollution of US tap water could cause 12,500 cancer cases each year

A new peer-reviewed study by the Environmental Working Group estimates that nitrate pollution in US tap water may cause up to 12,594 cancer cases per year, with colorectal cancer being the most common type. The study also calculates potential economic costs of treating those cases at up to $1.5 billion annually.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJun 11, 2019

River sediment speaks to changing climate

Researchers found that mountain streams retain sediment for thousands of years, revealing a waterway's history. Climate-induced threats like wildfires and increased precipitation will alter the dynamics of other rivers, including the Cuyahoga River.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2019

New vulnerability found in major human viruses

Researchers identified a previously unknown pocket on the surface of picornaviruses, which can be stabilized by a newly-discovered compound. This stabilization prevents shape change and interaction with host cells, making it a promising strategy for developing antiviral medications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 11, 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.

Why you may be prone to hiring a liar, and not even know it

A study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business finds that people perceive liars as successful and competent in jobs requiring high pressure sales tactics. In experiments, participants were more likely to hire deceivers for these roles, even when their own money was at stake.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJun 11, 2019

Study finds FDA dermatology advisors receive payments following drug approvals

A study found that 54% of FDA dermatology advisors received at least one payment from pharmaceutical companies following drug approvals. The majority of these payments came from competitors rather than manufacturers, sparking concerns about potential biases in advisory decisions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateJun 10, 2019

Machine learning approach for low-dose CT imaging yields superior results

A new machine learning approach for low-dose CT imaging has been shown to perform as well as, or better than, traditional iterative techniques in an overwhelming majority of cases. The method allows radiologists to fine-tune images according to clinical requirements, enabling faster and more accurate scans.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJun 10, 2019

Cyber of the fittest: Researchers develop first cyber agility framework to measure attacks

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has developed the first cyber agility framework to score the agility of cyber attackers and defenders. This framework uses a honeypot to analyze malicious traffic over time, allowing defenders to visualize how well they out-maneuver attacks.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateJun 10, 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.

Using tumor biomarkers to tailor therapy in metastatic pancreatic cancer

A new pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of using molecular tumor markers to guide chemotherapy selection in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The study reported promising progression-free survival and overall survival rates, with partial responses seen in 28% of patients.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Pancreatic Cancer·DateJun 10, 2019