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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 11


Page 11 of 43

Groin and hips of hockey players examined in five-second test

Researchers developed a simple field test to evaluate hockey players' groin and hip function. The test, called the five-second squeeze test, correlates pain levels with impaired sporting function and diminished hip muscle strength.

SourceLund University·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMar 25, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New CRISPR-powered device detects genetic mutations in minutes

A new CRISPR-based device, CRISPR-Chip, can detect specific genetic mutations in a matter of minutes. The device uses graphene transistors to scan DNA samples and report results electronically, bypassing the need for polymerase chain reaction amplification.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 25, 2019

Contraceptive jewelry could offer a new family planning approach

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a technique for administering contraceptive hormones through special backings on jewelry, allowing for improved user compliance with drug regimens. The technology may also be used to deliver other drugs through the skin.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateMar 25, 2019

Study: Chinese youth more hawkish than older generations

A new study by Cornell University professor Jessica Chen Weiss reveals that younger Chinese are more hawkish in their foreign policy beliefs compared to older generations. The majority of the Chinese public supports greater military reliance and increased defense spending. However, opinions are sensitive to broader information and stra...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Contemporary China·DateMar 25, 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.

Parkinson's disease, genes, and smoking

Researchers identified specific variations in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes associated with increased or decreased risk of Parkinson's disease. A history of cigarette smoking modified these associations, suggesting a possible explanation for the apparent protective effect of smoking on PD.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019

How debt affects decisions and cognitive health

A study on chronically indebted individuals in Singapore found that debt relief reduces anxiety and improves financial decisions. Paying off total debt was more effective than reducing partial debts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019

UTSA chemist Banglin Chen receives prestigious Humboldt Research Award

Banglin Chen, a renowned UTSA chemist, has received the Humboldt Research Award for his innovative work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that can reduce hydrocarbons in plastics. His research focuses on developing membranes and commercializing materials for large-scale gas separations.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateMar 25, 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.

New paper on the phylogeny of the Brassicaceae

A recent study from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research resolves the relationships among major lineages in the Brassicaceae family. The study uses nuclear genes to infer the relationships of 79 species, representing 50 of the 52 currently recognized main lineages.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 25, 2019

Mothers of fussy babies at higher risk of depressive symptoms

A recent University of Michigan-led study found that mothers of fussy babies are at a higher risk of experiencing depressive symptoms. The study explored whether a baby's level of prematurity in combination with infant fussiness influences the severity of maternal depressive symptoms.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateMar 25, 2019

Whitefly manipulation of plant odor signals

Researchers found that whitefly-infested plants release volatiles that suppress jasmonic acid-dependent defenses and increase salicylic acid levels in neighboring plants. This allows the whiteflies to develop faster and supports their next generation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 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.

Catalyst advance removes pollutants at low temperatures

Researchers developed a catalyst that can remove pollutants at low temperatures, outperforming current technology and reducing platinum required. The breakthrough could have significant impact on exhaust emission control, directly addressing the 150-degree challenge.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 25, 2019

Hubble captures birth of giant storm on Neptune

A team of planetary scientists used Hubble images to track the growth of a new Great Dark Spot on Neptune, finding that dark spots originate deeper in the planet's atmosphere than previously thought. The study also revealed that these storms occur with a frequency of every four to six years and last up to six years.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 25, 2019

Recovery from sperm suppression due to performance-enhancing drug abuse is slow

Researchers found that men who stopped using performance-enhancing hormones experienced complete recovery of sperm production and hormone levels within nine to 18 months. However, testicular size remained smaller than normal in some cases. The study provides valuable insights for endocrinologists caring for men affected by androgen abuse.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 25, 2019

Abused kids use text-based services to seek help, study shows

A new study found that many children who contact crisis hotlines use text-based communication to report abuse and neglect. The study, conducted by Purdue University researchers, suggests that implementing text or chat-based communication methods could be essential for social and health services hoping to reach young people.

SourcePurdue University·DateMar 25, 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.

The Forces behind South and Central China's Extremely Hot Summer

A scientific collaboration found that a high-pressure system in the atmosphere directly caused the extreme heat, while increased sea surface temperatures contributed about 50% to the 2017 heat. The researchers also identified the western tropical Pacific as a key factor influencing regional temperatures.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019

Wagers winter plants make to survive

Ecologists at the University of Arizona identified a tradeoff between water use and reproduction that allows winter desert plants to survive. The study found that plants conserving water and growing slowly, or spending water by tracking rainfall, are best balanced along this tradeoff.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 25, 2019

Researchers unveil effects of dust particles on cloud properties

Dust particles from glacial outwash plains can serve as efficient nuclei for ice nucleation, contributing significantly to ice nucleation in Arctic low-level clouds. This study highlights the impact of high-latitude dusts on glaciation and adds to our understanding of climate regulation by clouds.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 25, 2019

UMD-Led researchers' wood-based technology creates electricity from heat

A team of researchers from the University of Maryland has developed a heat-to-electricity device using a piece of wood, which can potentially be used to generate energy from body heat. The device uses ions and unique properties of the wood's natural nanostructures to convert low-grade heat into electrical signal.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 25, 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.

LSU Health study reports continued PTSD in women exposed to deepwater horizon oil spill

A recent LSU Health study reports high levels of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among women exposed to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The research found that nearly half of these women did not receive mental health treatment in the past year, underscoring the need for better access to care.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateMar 25, 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.

New mechanism of action found for agricultural pesticide fludioxonil

Agricultural pesticide fludioxonil kills fungi by delivering a metabolic shock through the formation of reactive stress molecules, which triggers a biochemical cascade leading to cell death. The researchers discovered that fludioxonil produces methylglyoxal, a highly reactive chemical, which activates the lethal HHK cascade.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 25, 2019

Adipose hormone may play role in obesity-related asthma

A new study suggests that the adipose hormone aP2 is associated with obesity-related asthma and may be a key factor in its development. Higher levels of aP2 were found in people with overweight or obesity who also had asthma, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 24, 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.

New IR treatment for 'tennis elbow' reduces pain and inflammation without surgery

Researchers found statistically significant reductions in pain-rating scores and improvements in tendinosis and tear scores after transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) treatment. The non-surgical procedure decreases abnormal blood flow to the injured area, alleviating inflammation and pain without invasive surgery or physical therapy.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateMar 24, 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.

Exercise adds up to big brain boosts

A new study finds that immediate cognitive effects from exercise mirror long-term ones, suggesting a strong link between physical activity and brain health. Brain changes after a single workout can predict sustained gains in cognition and functional brain connectivity over time.

SourceCognitive Neuroscience Society·DateMar 24, 2019

Smart speaker technology harnessed for hospital medical treatments

Researchers developed a device-sizing application for Google Home smart speakers to provide accurate medical information and recommendations during procedures. The technology aims to improve patient care by allowing physicians to concentrate on patient care while reducing device technicalities.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateMar 24, 2019

Fathers-to-be: smoking could harm your baby

A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology has found that paternal smoking and maternal passive smoking can significantly increase the risk of congenital heart defects in offspring. The analysis of 125 studies involving over 137,000 babies with congenital heart defects revealed a 74% increased risk for me...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMar 24, 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.

Chemicals in household dust may promote fat cell development

Research suggests that exposure to chemical mixtures present in household dust may contribute to increased growth in children relative to their age and promote the development of fat cells. The study found that very low concentrations of dust extracts were able to promote precursor fat cell proliferation and fat cell development.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 24, 2019

BPA exposure during pregnancy can alter circadian rhythms

Researchers found that low-dose BPA exposure during gestation alters circadian rhythms, leading to increased activity and disrupted daily patterns in mice. This study suggests a potential contributing factor to hyperactivity observed in BPA-exposed mice.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 24, 2019

Obesity speeds up the start of puberty in boys, study finds

A new study reveals that obesity in boys accelerates the start of puberty, with central and total obesity increasing the odds of early puberty. The study found that controlling obesity in children could help decrease risks of behavior problems and testicular cancer.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 24, 2019

Scientists turn back evolutionary clock to develop high-CO2-tolerant microalgae

A team of scientists has developed a way to improve the tolerance of industrial oil-producing microalgae to high levels of CO2, allowing them to grow faster and more efficiently in flue gas environments. This breakthrough could have significant implications for carbon fixation, food production, and future space exploration.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateMar 24, 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.

Tuck into colourful fruits and vegetables and see the light

Researchers found that a diet high in antioxidants from foods like citrus fruits, capsicum, and dark green vegetables can delay the onset of age-related cataracts. The study suggests that such a diet could halve the number of people requiring cataract surgery.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 24, 2019

Screen time plus snacking a risk for metabolic disorder in teens

A nationwide survey of Brazilian teens found that excessive screen time and unhealthy snacking are associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. The study suggests that limiting screen time and avoiding snacks in front of screens may help reduce this risk.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 24, 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.

Ethnic minorities not 'hypersensitive' to microaggressions, research shows

A new study by Dr. Keon West found that ethnic minorities and majorities experience similar decreases in happiness and life satisfaction after microaggressions. The researcher argues that the 'hypersensitivity hypothesis' has undermined the severity of microaggression effects, suggesting a shift towards eliminating these experiences.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 24, 2019

Improved PCOS symptoms correlate with gut bacterial composition

A study in mice suggests that altering the gut microbiome via prebiotics or probiotics may be a potential treatment for PCOS. The research found improvements in testosterone levels, ovulation, weight, and insulin resistance in mice with PCOS, linked to changes in gut bacteria composition.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 23, 2019

Sperm DNA damage may contribute to repeat miscarriages

Research suggests that sperm DNA damage in male partners may cause recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), with affected men having twice as much DNA damage as healthy counterparts. High levels of reactive oxygen species were also found, which can damage cells like sperm.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 23, 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.

Levothyroxine treatment in women with thyroid antibodies may not increase live birth rate

A large study led by the University of Birmingham found that treating women with normal thyroid function and thyroid peroxidase antibodies with Levothyroxine did not increase live-birth rates. The researchers suggested that previous recommendations to use Levothyroxine in these women may have been based on limited evidence.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 23, 2019