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Science News Archive June 2019 - Page 29


Page 29 of 41

Sex, lice and videotape

Researchers successfully filmed the mating process of feather lice on two different-sized pigeon hosts, revealing that size matters for reproduction. The study demonstrates ecological speciation by showing how adaptation to a new host can lead to reproductive isolation and the origin of a new species.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

Nanoparticles underlie optical effects of daguerreotypes

The scattering spectrum of individual nanoparticles on daguerreotype surfaces exhibits a narrow blue/UV peak and broader red peak, resulting in a blue tone when viewed from above. The tone shifts to brown/red as the viewing angle increases due to changes in nanoparticle morphology and size.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Marijuana and fertility: Five things to know

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that marijuana use can decrease sperm count and delay ovulation. The study also suggests that marijuana may affect couples with subfertility or infertility but has no impact on those without fertility issues.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 10, 2019

New microneedle technique speeds plant disease detection

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new microneedle technique for rapid plant disease detection, extracting DNA from plant tissues in under a minute. The method promises to revolutionize on-site plant disease detection and diagnosis.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 10, 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.

Chickenpox vaccination lowers risk of pediatric shingles

A Kaiser Permanente-led study found that routine varicella vaccine significantly lowers the likelihood of painful shingles disease in children. The study, which looked at over 6.3 million children, showed that vaccinated kids had a 78% lower risk of contracting HZ compared to unvaccinated children.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 10, 2019

The cholera bacterium's 3-in-1 toolkit for life in the ocean

Researchers discovered a grappling hook-like appendage called type IV pili that enables Vibrio cholerae to take up DNA, bind to nutrient-rich surfaces and recognize 'family' members. The findings reveal a multifunctional toolkit for the bacterium's survival in ocean environments.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 10, 2019

Drinking alcohol even at conception damages placenta development

Researchers found that early alcohol exposure restricted placenta growth and blood vessel formation, leading to reduced nutrient delivery to the embryo. This study has significant implications for understanding pregnancy-associated conditions like fetal growth restriction.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateJun 10, 2019

Study finds macrophages' pathway to nurture PTEN-deficient glioblastoma

Research at MD Anderson Cancer Center discovers a symbiotic circuit between PTEN-deficient glioblastoma cells and macrophages, which creates a mutually supportive relationship. Inhibiting LOX, a novel attractor of macrophages, shrinks tumors and blocks macrophage infiltration.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateJun 10, 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.

Scientists discover gene that could help us grow crops faster

Plant scientists at Cambridge and Bordeaux have discovered a gene called Phloem Unloading Modulator (PLM) that affects nutrient trafficking in plants. The study found that PLM relieves a bottleneck, allowing plants to transport nutrients more efficiently, resulting in faster-growing roots.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Plants·DateJun 10, 2019

Being denied a wanted abortion may have detrimental health effects in the long term

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that women who were denied an abortion due to gestational age limit reported worse health 5 years later compared to those who underwent an abortion. The study also found similar physical health outcomes between women who had abortions in the first or second trimester and those who ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 10, 2019

In romantic relationships, people do indeed have a 'type'

A University of Toronto study reveals that individuals often repeat patterns with the same personality traits in their current and past partners, indicating a strong tendency to date similar types. This finding suggests that people may indeed have an innate 'type' when it comes to romantic relationships.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

Touted as 'development,' land grabs hurt local communities, and women most of all

A new study by Oregon State University found that large-scale land transactions negatively affect local women more than men, leading to increased labor burdens and decreased access to food. The study, which analyzed four land grabs in western Ethiopia, found that women suffered adverse effects on their health and well-being.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Journal of Peasant Studies·DateJun 10, 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.

To protect kids and teens from firearm harm, answer these questions first, experts

A team of experts from the Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens (FACTS) consortium has published a list of 26 urgent questions for rigorous studies to address pediatric firearm injury prevention. The questions cover various aspects, including access, storage, and exposure to firearms, as well as the effectiveness of programs and tec...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 10, 2019

Sexual-orientation study

A new study from Professor Doug VanderLaan's lab found evidence for at least four different subgroups of men, each with distinct biomarkers associated with same-sex attractions. The study suggests that there are multiple and distinct pathways influencing male sexual orientation in men.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

Researchers 'stretch' the ability of 2D materials to change technology

University of Rochester researchers create a transistor-scale device platform that combines 2D materials with oxide materials, enabling phase changes in response to applied strain. This technology has the potential to transform electronics, optics, computing, and other technologies by controlling previously uncontrollable properties.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 10, 2019

A new picture of dengue's growing threat

A new study predicts that more than 6 billion people will be at risk of contracting the dengue virus by 2080. The greatest shifts in dengue risk are projected to occur on the African continent, particularly in the Sahel and southern Africa.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 10, 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.

Our tears could one day tell us if we have glaucoma

Scientists are working on a new method to detect glaucoma by analyzing the protein profile in eye fluid. They compare this profile with clinical data, including images of optic nerve damage, to identify a 'proteomic signature' for glaucoma. The goal is to develop a reliable diagnostic tool and monitor patients' progress.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJun 10, 2019

Medical marijuana does not reduce opioid deaths, Stanford study finds

The Stanford University School of Medicine study found that legalizing medical marijuana does not reduce the rate of fatal opioid overdoses. The researchers concluded that access to medical cannabis may not be a factor in reducing opioid deaths, contrary to earlier findings.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

Ancestral pigments and night vision evolution

Vertebrates have evolved advanced night vision due to the adaptation of ancestral rhodopsins. Early tetrapods likely developed nocturnal traits, while mammals occupied both nocturnal and crepuscular niches.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

Poison dart frog brains can hold a mental map

Researchers found that poison dart frogs possess a sophisticated brain capable of forming a cognitive map of their environment. They demonstrated this by testing the frogs' spatial awareness in a modified Morris water maze, where they successfully located a hidden platform using visual cues and landmarks.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 10, 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.

Multicolored light twists in new knotted ways

Researchers at ICFO have discovered a new type of optical singularity with the topology of a knot, which is topologically protected and robust against perturbations. This discovery expands light's degree of freedom and opens up new possibilities for applications in communication, microscopy, lithography, and spectroscopy.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 10, 2019

ACP releases paper on methods for developing evidence-based clinical policy papers

The American College of Physicians has released a new paper outlining its methods for developing high-quality, evidence-based clinical policy papers. The methodology ensures that recommendations are based on the best available scientific evidence, considering clinical benefits, harms, costs, and patient values. ACP's approach includes ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 10, 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis -- can its onset be delayed or prevented?

Researchers review aspects of RA detection and intervention, highlighting potential for early screening and prevention. Studies discuss the development of effective preventive measures, which could significantly alter disease course and quality of life.

SourceElsevier·JournalClinical Therapeutics·DateJun 10, 2019

Similarities between romantic partners

A study found that individuals tend to date people with similar personalities, as described by their current and ex-partners. The research suggests that partnering patterns may be more predictable than previously thought, particularly among those high in extraversion or openness to experience.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 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.

How cryptocurrency discussions spread

Data scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory studied three years of discussions on Reddit from January 2015 to January 2018, analyzing the speed and scale of discussion spread related to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero. The findings reveal that Bitcoin discussions grow the fastest, followed by Ethereum and then Monero.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJun 10, 2019

Snowmelt timing and plant seed production

A study found that earlier snowmelt timing reduces subalpine plants' seed production, threatening their long-term survival. Climate change poses a significant threat to these populations, even without noticeable changes in bloom timing.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

Study illustrates gaps in knowledge and lack of support for girls during puberty

A study led by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that Madagascar girls experience significant gaps in knowledge about puberty, leading to inadequate guidance on sexuality and menstruation management. Improved toilet facilities are also needed to reduce challenges faced by girls in school.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·DateJun 10, 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.

Undetected diabetes linked to heart attack and gum disease

Research reveals undetected glucose disorders significantly increase risk of myocardial infarction and severe periodontitis, prompting closer collaboration between dentistry and healthcare. The study emphasizes the importance of considering patients' dental health in diabetes diagnosis.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJun 10, 2019

Mass anomaly detected under the moon's largest crater

Researchers have discovered a large mass of material beneath the South Pole-Aitken basin, the Moon's largest crater. The mass, weighing over half a mile, may contain metal from an asteroid that crashed into the Moon and formed the crater.

SourceBaylor University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 10, 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.

Engineers use graph networks to accurately predict properties of molecules and crystals

Nanoengineers developed new graph network-based models that accurately predict material properties, outperforming existing AI technology in complex tasks. The MEGNet models can learn relationships between elements and overcome data limitations in materials science, enabling rapid discovery of transformative materials.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJun 10, 2019

Mysterious holes in Antarctic sea ice explained by years of robotic data

A new study led by the University of Washington reveals that mysterious holes in Antarctic sea ice are caused by a combination of factors, including unusual ocean conditions and intense storms. The research sheds light on the role of these polynyas in global ocean currents and carbon cycles.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateJun 10, 2019

The common wisdom about marketing cocreated innovations is wrong

Researchers found that combining approach and avoidance-oriented messages boosts consumer adoption of cocreated products. Low-expertise consumers are more motivated by this approach, while high-expertise consumers require different strategies.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 10, 2019

Antennas of flexible nanotube films an alternative for electronics

Researchers at Rice University have developed flexible nanotube film antennas that match the efficiency of copper, but with improved flexibility and thinner dimensions. The new material could enable lighter, stronger, and more resistant antennas for various applications including 5G networks and aerospace.

SourceRice University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 10, 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.

Supportive families and schools help prevent substance use among trans youth: UBC study

A new national study by UBC researchers found that strong family and school connections are key to preventing substance use among transgender youth. The study analyzed data from 323 trans youth ages 14-18 and found that those with supportive families were 61% less likely to smoke tobacco and 88% less likely to report smoking cannabis.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateJun 10, 2019

Developmental pathways influencing male sexual orientation

Researchers used latent profile analysis to examine biomarkers associated with male sexual orientation in over 800 men. The study identified four subpopulations with differing biomarker profiles, suggesting possible distinct biological mechanisms for nonheterosexual men.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

Ancient DNA from Roman and medieval grape seeds reveal ancestry of wine making

Scientists have discovered that a grape variety still used in wine production today can be traced back 900 years to just one ancestral plant. The study, which analyzed 28 archaeological seeds from French sites dating back to the Iron Age and medieval period, found genetic connections between ancient seeds and modern-day grape varieties.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Plants·DateJun 10, 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.

What's your poison? Scrupulous scorpions tailor venom to target

Researchers found that scorpions adapt their stingers and venom use to minimize costs, with strategies including avoiding venom, using claws or pedipalps, and adjusting sting volume and composition. Scorpions can also tailor venom to a target through on-the-fly adjustments and over weeks of exposure.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 10, 2019

WVU researchers thirsty for reducing fresh water use by power plants

Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a unique solution to reduce the water used by thermoelectric power plants. By combining blowdown water with produced water from Marcellus gas wells, they can create clean enough water for reuse. This process also produces two valuable products: chlorine and 10-pound brine.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateJun 10, 2019

DNA base editing induces substantial off-target RNA mutations

Researchers have discovered that DNA base editors can induce tens of thousands of off-target RNA single nucleotide variants (SNVs). To address this issue, they engineered deaminases to eliminate the off-target effects, providing a solution for the clinical application of these methods.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateJun 10, 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.

Light energy and biomass can be converted to diesel fuel and hydrogen

Researchers have developed a method to produce diesel fuel and hydrogen by harnessing light energy and biomass-derived feedstocks. The process uses light energy to drive the valorization of downstream biomass products, resulting in high-light transformation efficiencies and higher rates of hydrogen production.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 10, 2019

Three public health interventions could prevent 94 million premature deaths

A new study suggests that lowering blood pressure, reducing sodium intake, and eliminating trans fat can prevent 94 million early deaths worldwide. Scaling up these interventions globally is achievable and affordable, with regions like East Asia and South Asia expected to benefit the most.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCirculation·DateJun 10, 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.

Exploring the causes of persistent corruption

Researchers analyzed bribery in public institutions using evolutionary game theory, finding that socioeconomic role-players are guided by self-interest. Successful anti-corruption measures can lead to a feedback cycle where they undermine their own success, perpetuating corruption.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

The Neolithic precedents of gender inequality

The study analyzed life conditions, demographic aspects, funerary practices and genetic data to conclude that male domination emerged in later periods. Archaeological evidence suggests men's association with violence and force played a key role in shaping social complexity.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalEuropean Journal of Archaeology·DateJun 10, 2019