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Science News Archive June 2019 - Page 33


Page 33 of 41

Researchers develop fast, efficient way to build amino acid chains

Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a faster and more efficient way to build amino acid chains, known as polypeptides. This breakthrough could enable mass production of protein chains used in various industries, including chemistry and biology.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2019

Do medical-alert bracelets benefit patients with chronic kidney disease?

A pilot study suggests that patients with chronic kidney disease who wear medical-alert accessories have a lower risk of developing kidney failure. However, there is no significant difference in rates of hospitalization or death between those who wear the accessories and those who do not.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 6, 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.

A polar-bear-inspired material for heat insulation

Researchers created a synthetic insulator mimicking polar bear hair's structure, which traps heat and is lightweight and water-resistant. The new material has exceptional stretchiness, making it suitable for aerospace applications.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateJun 6, 2019

New research helping to reveal more about megaviruses

Researchers from Swansea University have published a study examining the unexpected genes carried by these giant viruses found inside amoebae. The findings provide valuable information on how these viruses may be linked to some forms of pneumonia, paving the way for new treatments and understanding their biology.

SourceSwansea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2019

Sadiqa Kendi, M.D., FAAP, CPST, is 2019 Bloomberg Fellow

Sadiqa Kendi, a pediatric emergency physician at Children's National Hospital, is tackling the burden of injury in DC communities as a Bloomberg Fellow. She aims to lessen morbidity and mortality among children due to unintentional injuries, with a focus on environmental challenges.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateJun 6, 2019

Pistons are muscling up

Researchers have developed 'tension pistons' that generate more than three times the force of comparable conventional pistons, eliminating friction and improving energy efficiency. The new design has potential applications in various machines and devices, including shock absorbers, car engines, and mining equipment.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 6, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Proteasome inhibitors show promise for drug-resistant malaria

Researchers identified two P. falciparum-selective proteasome inhibitors with potent antimalarial activity against drug-resistant parasites. The inhibitors exhibited low propensity for generating resistance and synergized with multiple antimalarial agents.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 6, 2019

Just a phage? How bacteria's predators can shape the gut microbiome

A new study reveals that bacteriophages can have a profound impact on the dynamics of the gut microbiome, causing a cascade of effects on other species and modulating metabolite levels. This finding has significant implications for therapeutic use and understanding the potential effects of other treatments.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 6, 2019

New computer attack mimics user's keystroke characteristics and evades detection, according to Ben-Gurion University cyber researchers

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a new attack called Malboard that mimics a user's keystroke characteristics to evade detection. The attack can be carried out by a remote attacker or an insider using wireless communication, and it is capable of injecting malicious software into the keyboard.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalComputers & Security·DateJun 6, 2019

Neurons that fire alike are connected in the olfactory map

Scientists report that specific patterns of neural activity guide the formation of nerve clusters in the olfactory bulb, enabling variation in response to sensory cues. By changing neural activity patterns using optogenetics, researchers found altered expression of molecules in nerve endings targeting specific nerve clusters.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 2019

Ultimate destiny

Researchers from Harvard Medical School and others have discovered that undifferentiated cells face multiple competing choices before committing to their ultimate destiny. By analyzing single-cell sequencing data, they found that genetic programs regulate various cellular functions and influence cell specialization.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 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.

Mathematics of plant leaves

A new mathematical model, EDC2, explains the peculiar 'orixate' leaf arrangement pattern of a Japanese plant, suggesting that older leaves have stronger inhibitory signals. The findings support the accuracy of the formula and shed light on the genetic and cellular machinery behind plant development.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 6, 2019

Could climate change make Siberia habitable for humans?

A recent study suggests that climate change may make parts of Asian Russia habitable for humans by the late 21st century. The research found that warming temperatures and increased precipitation could improve food security in the region, but development depends on infrastructure investments.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 6, 2019

Parents of depressed teens in treatment may also benefit from counseling

A new Northwestern University study suggests that parents of depressed teenagers should also receive counseling to address their marital relationships and parent-child conflicts. The research found that while the teenager's depression was being treated, parental marriages and conflict remained stable, but worsened after treatment ended.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateJun 6, 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.

Probing semiconductor crystals with a sphere of light

Tohoku University researchers have developed a technique that improves on current photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques, allowing for the measurement of larger semiconducting crystals. The new approach uses a hollow sphere to minimize photon loss and test internal quantum efficiency, a key property of semiconductors.

SourceTohoku University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJun 6, 2019

The FASEB Journal: New psoriatric arthritis mouse model developed

Researchers have created a novel mouse model of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) by infecting non-obese diabetic mice with an adenoviral vector expressing single-chain IL-23, resulting in symptoms similar to human disease. This breakthrough model can be used to test and optimize PsA therapies.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 6, 2019

Large placebo-controlled trial confirms safety of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

A large, multi-year randomized trial found no evidence to support claims that PPIs cause serious health issues such as pneumonia, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and dementia. The study suggests that limiting prescriptions of PPI therapy is not appropriate due to the benefits outweighing the risks.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJun 6, 2019

Research sheds new light on how brain stem cells are activated

A new study published in Cell Reports sheds light on the mechanisms used by neural stem cells to reactivate, with key findings indicating that STRIPAK molecules play a crucial role in enabling reactivation. The research holds promise for future therapies to replace lost brain cells and facilitate brain damage repair.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 6, 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.

Study reveals potential new disease threats for wild snow leopards

Wild snow leopards are under threat from emerging infectious diseases, with four pathogens detected in their blood, including Coxiella burnetii and Leptospira species. This study identifies the need to establish surveillance to monitor potential disease impacts on this vulnerable population.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInfection Ecology & Epidemiology·DateJun 6, 2019

Researchers uncover indoor pollution hazards

A new study by WSU researchers found surprisingly high levels of indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde and possibly mercury, in carefully monitored homes. Temperature fluctuations inside the homes led to increased pollution levels, which varied throughout the day.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateJun 6, 2019

The Lancet editor Richard Horton to be honored June 10, 2019

Richard Horton, Lancet editor-in-chief, will receive the $100,000 Roux Prize for his relentless advocacy on global health issues. The honor recognizes his commitment to advance health internationally and challenge the medical profession.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·DateJun 6, 2019

Understanding the (ultra-small) structure of silicon nanocrystals

Researchers developed a new technique to study the structure of silicon nanocrystals, revealing disordered layers on the surface and crystalline cores. This discovery can lead to optimized functions and tailored applications for various fields, including battery development and medical imaging.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalSolid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance·DateJun 6, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Scientists edge closer to root causes of multiple sclerosis

Researchers discovered 12 genes that increase MS risk in families with multiple members affected by the disease. They found a common biological process leading to increased inflammation, paving the way for personalized treatments and preventative strategies.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 6, 2019

Translation of genes more complex than expected

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute developed a new microscopy method to visualize gene translation in living cells, revealing out-of-frame translation occurs surprisingly frequently. This discovery suggests thousands of previously unknown proteins may be encoded in our DNA with unknown functions.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·DateJun 6, 2019

The mystery of the galaxy with no dark matter: Solved!

A team of researchers from Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias solved the mystery of a galaxy without dark matter by reevaluating its distance. The galaxy was previously estimated to be 64 million light years away, but new measurements reveal it's actually around 42 million light years from Earth.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 6, 2019

More mysterious jars of the dead unearthed in Laos

Researchers have discovered over 100 massive stone jars in Laos, revealing more widespread use of these enigmatic containers than previously thought. The finds also include beautifully carved discs used as burial markers, showcasing intricate imagery including concentric circles, human figures, and creatures.

SourceAustralian National University·DateJun 6, 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.

Heart rate variation due to stress affects auditory attention

A study found that brain activity related to auditory perception parallels heart rate, suggesting that stress-induced changes in heart rate may impair auditory perception. Researchers suggest that vagus nerve activation by electrical stimulation could improve auditory perception and treat attention and communication disorders.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 6, 2019

Fishing a line coupled with clockwork for daily rhythm

Research groups investigate KaiA and KaiC proteins' interplay to generate circadian oscillation in cyanobacteria. They find that KaiC degrades ATP within its ring structure, triggering the 'fishing a line' mechanism.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateJun 6, 2019

Neurons' 'antennae' are unexpectedly active in neural computation

A recent study from MIT has found that dendrites are nearly always active when the main cell body of a neuron is active, suggesting a larger role in neural computation. The researchers used calcium imaging to measure activity in both soma and dendrites of individual neurons in the visual cortex.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateJun 6, 2019

Cancer research using mini-organs from tumors and healthy tissue

The use of mini-organs from tumors and healthy tissue in cancer research has been explored, revealing their potential in studying tumor development and testing existing and new therapies. This innovative approach holds promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes and advancing personalized medicine.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 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.

Toward a low-cost industrialization of lithium-ion capacitors

Lithium-ion capacitors combine large storage capacity and rapid charging capabilities. Researchers have proposed a new approach using two additives to facilitate incorporation of lithium into capacitors, enabling cost-effective development of these components. This method has the potential to increase energy storage efficiency.

SourceCNRS·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 6, 2019

USA lags behind EU, Brazil and China in banning harmful pesticides

A recent study published in Environmental Health found that the US uses voluntary mechanisms for pesticide cancellations, leading to a delayed ban on harmful pesticides compared to the EU, Brazil, and China. The study identified nearly all pesticide cancellations in the US as being done voluntarily by the industry.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateJun 6, 2019

Treating type 2 diabetes and heart failure

The American Heart Association and the Heart Failure Society of America issue a statement on managing both conditions, highlighting lifestyle modifications and multidisciplinary care teams. The guidelines emphasize the importance of coordinated treatment to improve patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateJun 6, 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.

A home-based weight management program benefits both children and parents

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that a home-based weight management program improved the health of both children and their parents. The Developing Relationships that Include Values of Eating and Exercise (DRIVE) curriculum led to modest reductions in body mass index for children and signif...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 6, 2019

I, you, or we: Pronouns provide hints to romantic attachment styles

Researchers found that people with avoidant attachment styles are less likely to use the word 'we' when talking about their relationships. The study, published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, suggests that pronoun use can be an indirect indicator of attachment style.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 6, 2019

Posture impacts how you perceive your food

Researchers found that posture affects taste perception, with standing reducing sensory sensitivity and increasing cortisol levels. Sitting down enhances the gustatory system, resulting in a more pleasant tasting experience.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 6, 2019

Sediment from fishing choking out sea sponges, study shows

Research shows sediment stirred up by human activity is harming glass sea sponges in northern British Columbia. The sediment can smother sponges from the outside or clog their filtration system, leading to sponge death and ecosystem disruption.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateJun 6, 2019

Is sex primarily a strategy against transmissible cancer?

Researchers suggest that sexual reproduction prevents invasion of transmissible cancer by generating genetic variation and detecting foreign cells. This theory proposes a novel explanation for the evolution of sex in multicellular organisms, shifting our understanding of evolutionary biology.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 6, 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.

Breaking down pathological protein aggregates

Scientists at ETH Zurich found that a cellular mechanism called SCF detects and targets alpha-synuclein fibrils for breakdown. This mechanism could be used to develop therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. Gene therapy and stem cell transplantation may also offer new options.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 6, 2019

The universal beauty of the mountains can be seen in graphs

Scientists from the Polish Academy of Sciences analyzed mountain ranges worldwide and found a universal similarity in their structure. The analysis showed that the distribution of ridges and valleys follows a power-law nature, with most nodes having low degree and few hubs having high degree.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Complex Networks·DateJun 6, 2019

New study finds microplastic throughout Monterey Bay

A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that microplastic particles are common throughout Monterey Bay, from the surface to the seafloor. The research found that small ocean animals are consuming microplastic, introducing it into food webs and highlighting a growing concern for marine ecosystems.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 6, 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.

Social interactions impact climate change predictions, U of G study reveals

A University of Guelph study found that including social processes in climate models can alter predictions and may hold the key to reducing global warming. Researchers developed a new model that accounts for social learning, finding that higher rates of social learning are needed to meet the 1.5-degree target.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 6, 2019

Toxic metals found in reproductive organs of critically endangered eels

Research by an international team including the University of Saskatchewan has found toxic metals in European eels' ovaries, potentially jeopardizing their reproductive success. The metals, including mercury and copper, are concentrated in the eels' bodies during their journey to spawning grounds.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2019

Dynamics of key viral attack strategy visible for first time

Researchers developed imaging technology to visualize and understand frameshifting mechanisms at single molecule level, revealing bursts of activity and subsets of RNAs involved. This discovery promises new depth to understanding viral replication and could inform future antiviral therapeutics.

SourceColorado State University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 6, 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.

Normal tissues not so normal, but instead mosaics of mutated cells

A comprehensive RNA sequence analysis reveals that normal cell populations contain lineages of mutational mosaics, with sun-exposed skin and throat tissues developing more mutations. The study's findings suggest a link between age, cell proliferation rate, and environmental exposure to cancer risk.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 2019

Are penguins righties or lefties?

Magellanic penguins exhibit no lateralization in stepping up, swimming, and thermoregulation. However, they display dominance through aggression, favoring their left eye in most confrontations.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 6, 2019

Dogs mirror owner's stress

A new study from Linköping University found that dogs and their owners share similar stress levels, with high-stress owners having high-stress dogs. The study examined 25 border collies and 33 Shetland sheepdogs and found no correlation between dog personality traits and stress levels.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 6, 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.

New global warming model highlights strong impact of social learning

A new climate modeling approach suggests that social processes strongly affect global warming predictions, and mitigation efforts should account for this influence. The rate at which people learn about climate mitigation strategies via social interactions can raise warming predictions by over 1 degree Celsius.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 6, 2019

Scientists get a grip on sloth family tree

Researchers use cutting-edge techniques to extract ancient protein sequences from fossilized bones, revealing a common ancestor between two-toed sloths and giant ground sloths like Megatherium. The study challenges decades of scientific opinion on sloth evolution and provides new insights into the evolutionary history of animals.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 6, 2019

Where to draw the line between mental health and illness?

A study examined which conditions were considered illnesses by different groups, revealing a significant difference between psychiatrists and non-medical professionals. The results underscore the importance of understanding societal attitudes towards mental health, as these perceptions influence resource allocation and stigma.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 6, 2019