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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 12


Page 12 of 43

A1c test misses many cases of diabetes

A new study presented at ENDO 2019 found that the A1c test used to diagnose diabetes tends to underestimate its prevalence. The test missed detecting 73% of diabetes cases compared to the oral glucose tolerance test, highlighting its limitations.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 23, 2019

Eating later in the day may be associated with obesity

A new study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting suggests that eating later in the day is associated with a higher body mass index and greater body fat. The research used advanced technology to track participants' sleep, physical activity, and eating patterns over a week-long period.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 23, 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.

Key evidence associating hydrophobicity with effective acid catalysis

A team of researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University has demonstrated that the tunable hydrophobic nature of dense siloxane gels strongly correlates with their catalytic activity. The study shows that molecules with different hydrophobicity interact differently with surfaces, leading to increased or decreased catalytic activity.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 23, 2019

Treating diabetes in older adults requires simpler medication regimens, looser glycemic targets

The Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guideline recommends simplifying medication regimens and tailoring glycemic targets to improve compliance and prevent complications in older adults with diabetes. The guideline prioritizes blood glucose targets over hemoglobin A1c tests, aiming to reduce cardiovascular disease outcomes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 23, 2019

Rapid magnetic 3D printing of human cells

Researchers at McMaster University have developed a method to create artificial tumours using magnetic 3D printing, enabling faster and more affordable testing of new treatments. The technique uses magnets to concentrate human cells in a predetermined area, forming 3D cell clusters that mimic human tissues.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalResearch·DateMar 23, 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.

Breakthrough in air purification with a catalyst that works at room temperature

Researchers have developed a new catalyst that can efficiently break down ammonia in the air, converting it into harmless nitrogen gas and water. The catalyst, made of gold nanoparticles on a metal oxide framework, is effective at room temperature and has been shown to reduce gases contaminated with ammonia to undetectable levels.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMar 23, 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.

CPAP machine improves weight loss in dieting adults with obesity, sleep apnea

A new study by The Endocrine Society found that treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with an overnight CPAP machine can result in more weight loss for adults with obesity who try to lose weight by restricting calories. Patients who received concurrent CPAP treatment lost an average of 5.7 pounds more than those who did not treat thei...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 23, 2019

Novel MD simulation sheds light on mystery of hydrated electron's structure

Researchers used correlated wavefunction theory to simulate the bulk hydrated electron, finding a persistent tetrahedral cavity made up of four water molecules. The model provided stronger theoretical evidence for the cavity model, dismissing non-cavity structures in stable and metastable states.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 22, 2019

Squishing blood stem cells could facilitate harvest for transplants

Researchers have found that modulating blood-forming stem cells' stiffness could help drive them out of the bone marrow and into the blood, but they need to be stiff to stay put. The study, published in Cell Stem Cell, suggests that altering cell biomechanics can improve mobilization regimens for stem cell-based therapy.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 22, 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.

Jupiter's unknown journey revealed

Researchers used computer simulations to discover Jupiter was formed four times further from the sun than its current position and migrated over 700,000 years. The Trojan asteroids' asymmetry provided key evidence for this migration theory.

SourceLund University·DateMar 22, 2019

A social bacterium with versatile habits

A study on Myxococcus xanthus reveals diverse social behaviors among cooperative bacteria, contradicting the assumption that groups are genetically homogeneous. The researchers attribute this diversity to evolutionary selection favoring specific 'social genes' that control behavior.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMar 22, 2019

Sleep problems, Alzheimer's disease are linked, but which comes first?

A new study explores the connection between poor sleep and Alzheimer's disease, revealing that sleep helps clear excess amyloid beta and tau proteins from the brain. Disruption of slow-wave sleep can cause a significant increase in these protein levels, suggesting that sleep plays a crucial role in preventing Alzheimer's development.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateMar 22, 2019

New computational tool could change how we study pathogens

A new analysis tool developed by Florida State University scientists can help improve understanding of population genetics and combat pathogens. The f-coalescent model, which incorporates fractional calculus, offers a promising method for analyzing the spread and distribution of disease vectors.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 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.

Time maps: How our brain perceives time

A study by SISSA neuroscientists reveals the existence of temporal maps in the brain's supplementary motor area (SMA) for decoding abstract features of time. The maps are represented via topography and duration tuning, with different portions responding to specific durations.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 22, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tall ice-cliffs may trigger big calving events -- and fast sea-level rise

Researchers have discovered that tall ice-cliffs on glaciers can trigger massive calving events, which could lead to rapid sea-level rise. The study found that cliffs over 100 meters high are most susceptible to slumping, a process that accelerates calving without waiting for the melting of the front.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMar 22, 2019

Scientists argue for more comprehensive studies of Cascade volcanoes

The Cascades Arc is home to a string of volcanoes with radically different histories, sparking researchers to look beyond individual volcanoes. By analyzing heat flow, seismic wave speeds, and other data sources, scientists aim to understand why some volcanoes erupt differently than others.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2019

Optical 'tweezers' combine with X-rays to enable analysis of crystals in liquids

Researchers developed a new technique combining optical tweezers with high-powered X-rays to position and manipulate crystals in solution. This allowed them to observe reactions as they occurred, revealing sub-nanometer scale defects and grain boundaries within the ZnO microcrystal.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 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.

Colorful male fish have genes to thank for their enduring looks

Research on guppy fish reveals that genes in males are preserved over generations, allowing the evolution of bright colors. This genetic stability enables the conservation of characteristic traits, such as coloration, in males.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2019

Energy monitor can find electrical failures before they happen

A new sensor system can monitor wiring in buildings or ships to detect impending electrical failures, allowing for timely repairs. The system was tested on a Coast Guard cutter, pinpointing a motor with burnt-out wiring that could have led to a serious fire.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics·DateMar 22, 2019

Like mountaineers, nerves need expert guidance to find their way

Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a gene mutation that causes motor axon misrouting, leading to improper connection with muscles. The study reveals how p190 acts as a blinder to guide axons outside of the spinal cord, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms of cell signaling and development.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateMar 22, 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.

Chemicals induce dipoles to damp plasmons

Researchers at Rice University discovered that molecules on the surface of gold nanorods induce dipoles, scattering enough energy to dampen plasmon signals. This finding enhances catalysis applications and challenges previous explanations for signal loss via plasmon damping.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 22, 2019

Scaling forward

A researcher at Argonne National Laboratory has developed a faster way to create molecular models, accelerating the screening of potential new organic materials for electronics. The approach uses machine learning to predict electronic properties and enables scientists to screen more packing arrangements than before.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 22, 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.

When neurons are out of shape, antidepressants may not work

Salk Institute researchers found altered neuron growth patterns and low levels of key genes in SSRI non-responders, leading to abnormal neuronal communication. This discovery provides new insights into the complex neural circuitry underlying depression.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 22, 2019

Colonization in slow motion

A long-term experiment in the Arctic deep sea reveals that sedentary animals colonize new habitats at a slow pace. The study found that it took up to 18 years for the first settlers to establish themselves, with only 13 species of multicellular invertebrates identified after four decades.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateMar 22, 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.

Mailing colorectal cancer screening kit found effective, regardless of financial incentive

Researchers found that mailing FIT kits directly to patients increased completion rates by 24-29% within two-six months. Financial incentives did not significantly improve results. The study suggests framing and context of incentives can be more important than their dollar value, highlighting the principles of behavioral economics.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 22, 2019

A first glimpse deep beneath an ultraslow-spreading mid-ocean ridge

Researchers used advanced electromagnetic technology to create images of an ultraslow-spreading mid-ocean ridge, revealing new insights into the formation of black smokers and subsea metal deposits. The study provides groundbreaking information about the subsurface distribution of different rock types and melts, shedding light on funda...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2019

Caterpillars retrieve 'voicemail' by eating soil

Researchers found that caterpillars ingest soil and retain a microbiome similar to the soil itself, allowing them to access 'voicemails' left behind by plants. This discovery sheds light on the impact of soil legacy on insect health and has potential applications for agriculture.

SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2019

Ankle exoskeleton fits under clothes for potential broad adoption

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a lightweight, low-profile, and inexpensive ankle exoskeleton that can be worn under clothes without restricting motion. The device features an unpowered friction clutch mechanism and a soft shank sleeve, weighing just over one pound and costing less than $100 to fabricate.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateMar 22, 2019

Study reveals impact of plain cigarette packaging warnings

Research reveals that smokers using plain-packaged cigarettes are more likely to notice and read health warnings, think about the risks, and consider quitting due to the appearance of the pack. The study supports standardised packaging as an effective measure in reducing tobacco appeal and promoting public health.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateMar 22, 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.

New model found effective in predicting risk of opioid overdose

A new study developed a machine-learning algorithm to predict opioid overdose risk among Medicare beneficiaries with at least one opioid prescription. The model outperformed traditional statistical models in identifying subgroups of patients at similar risk of overdosing, especially those with low risk.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 22, 2019

PSU study: Low-income neighborhoods more vulnerable to flooding, extreme heat

A new Portland State University study found that East Portland's low-income neighborhoods are disproportionately exposed to floods and urban heat islands. The research team mapped winter flood and summer heat hazard potential, testing it against sociodemographic and physical variables at a neighborhood scale.

SourcePortland State University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateMar 22, 2019

Researchers get humans to think like computers

Researchers found that people strongly agreed with computer-generated answers on image identification tasks, validating the idea that humans and machines see images differently. This suggests that advances in artificial intelligence may need to be improved to narrow the gap between human and machine visual abilities.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2019

The success of an environmental charge

The UK's single-use plastic bag charge has led to a substantial reduction in plastic bag use, with the average frequency of use falling from 'sometimes' to 'very rarely'. The study also found that consumers are ready to support other environmental charges, including a 5p charge on plastic water bottles and increased fuel duties.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 22, 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.

Mayo Clinic researchers identify potential new therapy for liver diseases

Mayo Clinic researchers have identified a potential new therapy for liver diseases, finding that the drug sivelestat may effectively lower portal hypertension. The study showed that deposits of fibrin and inflammatory cells contributed to portal hypertension, which was successfully inhibited by sivelestat.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 22, 2019

Salamanders chew with their palate

Researchers have discovered that salamanders, like the Italian Crested Newt, chew their prey using their palatal teeth, breaking it up with a rhythmic motion. This unique chewing mechanism is similar to that found in ancient mammals and may date back to the early days of land-based vertebrates.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMar 22, 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.

4D-printed materials can be stiff as wood or soft as sponge

Rutgers engineers created flexible, lightweight materials that change shape with temperature, enabling better shock absorption and morphing airplane or drone wings. The materials can be reshaped and returned to their original form on demand, opening up possibilities for soft robotics, tiny implantable biomedical devices, and more.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateMar 22, 2019