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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 2


Page 2 of 43

How do species adapt to their surroundings?

Researchers found that species with high adaptability tend to have longer lifespans, as they can better cope with environmental changes. The study also discovered that reversible phenotypic plasticity, where individuals can switch between different traits, is key to survival in changing environments.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 29, 2019

Doctors more likely to prescribe preventive therapy if prompted by EMR

A new study found that using an electronic dashboard linked to patients' medical records increased the prescription of preventive therapy by 18% among cardiac patients. The study suggests that education alone is not enough and that technology-assisted nudge approaches can be effective in improving prescribing rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateMar 29, 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.

Illinois professor contributes to improved care for NICU babies

Researchers developed a wireless, battery-free sheath that can be laid on the skin and gently peeled off when needed. The patch gathers medical data and processes it locally to reduce information sent wirelessly. Since deployment at two hospitals, 90 babies have used the patches, validating them as a feasible alternative to current tec...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScience·DateMar 29, 2019

Over a million UK businesses see Brexit as major obstacle to success

A recent study found that nearly a quarter of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK view Brexit as a major obstacle to their success, with investment and exporting being significantly affected. SMEs are disproportionately impacted by uncertainty and have lower resilience to unexpected shocks.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalRegional Studies·DateMar 29, 2019

Omega-3 fatty acids tied to fewer childhood asthma symptoms

A six-month study of children with asthma found that higher omega-3 fatty acid intake was associated with lower odds of daytime asthma symptoms in response to indoor air pollution. Conversely, higher omega-6 intake was linked to more severe asthma and increased inflammation. The study suggests that dietary recommendations can help prot...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 29, 2019

Just add heat to open this tiny box

Scientists have created nanocubes that can form stable cubes at specific temperatures, then scramble back into individual components when heated or cooled. This self-assembly ability mimics life's chemical processes, enabling the creation of complex systems.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 29, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lumbar spine MRI reports are too difficult for patients to understand

A study found that lumbar spine MRI reports were written at a readability level significantly above the average reading ability of US adults, with only one report meeting basic education standards. The high complexity of these reports may limit patient understanding and access to their health information.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMar 29, 2019

A new model to trial preventative treatments for schizophrenia

Researchers at The University of Queensland have created a new animal model of schizophrenia that specifically targets elevated dopamine levels in the dorsal striatum. This model enables scientists to test potential therapeutics and explore the basic changes in brain circuitry that contribute to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalSchizophrenia·DateMar 29, 2019

McSteen lab finds a new gene essential for making ears of corn

A team of scientists led by Paula McSteen identified a new gene called barren stalk2 (ba2) that affects the development of axillary meristems in corn plants. The ba2 gene interacts with another gene, barren stalk1 (ba1), to regulate ear formation.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMolecular Plant·DateMar 29, 2019

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk that your baby will become obese

A recent study by the University of Kentucky has identified a potential cellular mechanism that connects smoking during pregnancy with an increased risk of offspring obesity later in life. The research found that expectant mothers who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy induce distinct changes in chemerin gene expression in their offspring.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateMar 29, 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.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may play opposite roles in childhood asthma

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can modify asthma severity and response to indoor air pollution in children, while higher levels of omega-6 may exacerbate the condition. The study found a correlation between increased neutrophils in response to particulate pollution and higher levels of omega-6 in the diet.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 29, 2019

UTA biologist shows new insights into chromosome evolution, venom regulation in snakes

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding snake genomes, including the evolution of venom genes, dosage compensation mechanisms, and sex determination systems. The study provides a comprehensive genomic context for these complex biological processes, offering new insights into the unique adaptations of snakes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 29, 2019

Sweeping census provides new population estimate for western chimpanzees

A new census using the IUCN A.P.E.S. database estimates that 52,800 western chimpanzees live in western Africa, primarily outside protected areas. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts to reduce habitat loss and connectivity due to development corridors.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 29, 2019

MSU lands $1.8 million NIH grant to improve brain implants

Michigan State University has landed a $1.8 million National Institutes of Health R01 grant to develop new brain implants that decipher complex chemical and electrical input and output for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression, and traumatic injuries.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMar 29, 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.

Chronic kidney disease of undetermined causes, described originally in Central America and Sri Lanka

A new study reveals that chronic kidney disease of undetermined causes (CKDu) is present in rural India, particularly in Southern areas, and shares similar risk factors as in Central America and Sri Lanka. The disease affects mainly working-age populations and has a faster clinical evolution compared to traditional CKD.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalBMJ Open·DateMar 29, 2019

Patient factors contribute to imaging follow-up rates

A new study found that patient factors, including distance from hospital, age, and health insurance status, significantly impact follow-up imaging rates. The study also showed disparities in follow-up rates among different age groups, with younger and older patients having lower completion rates.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMar 29, 2019

Origin of Scandinavian wolves clarified

A new study from Uppsala University reveals that Scandinavian wolves originated from the Nordic region or adjacent parts of Northern Europe, rather than from hybridization with dogs. Genetic analysis shows that patrilines in Scandinavian wolves are unique and not found in dogs.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 29, 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.

Smoking and mortality in Asia

A study of over 1 million participants from China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and India found that smoking was associated with 144,366 deaths during a 12-year follow-up period. Tobacco use accounted for 56.6% of lung cancer deaths and 21.1% of total deaths among men born in the 1920s.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 29, 2019

Breast cancer: The promises of old recipes

Researchers at UNIGE and UNIL discover clofazimine's efficacy in stopping triple negative breast cancer progression by blocking Wnt cell signaling pathway. The study highlights the need to re-examine existing drugs for potential targeted therapy.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCancer Letters·DateMar 28, 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.

Novel insights into soil biodiversity, Earth's global engine

The study reveals that increases in soil biodiversity follow plant cover increases in less productive ecosystems, while acidification leads to declines in more productive ecosystems. These patterns differ from those observed in other communities.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2019

For some people, attractive wives and high status husbands enhance marital quality

A recent study found that individuals who prioritize making the best choices in their relationships, known as maximizers, tend to be more satisfied in their marriages. Maximizing men with attractive wives reported higher satisfaction, while maximizing women with high-status husbands experienced less decline in satisfaction over time.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 28, 2019

Cultured stem cells reconstruct sensory nerve and tissue structure in the nose

Researchers at Tufts University have successfully grown and maintained olfactory stem cells in culture, which can then be used to restore tissue in the nose. The discovery raises hope that future therapies could be developed to restore the sense of smell in individuals where it has been damaged by injury or degeneration.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 28, 2019

KIT expert comments on current topic: Trade war imperils Amazon rainforest

Brazil is expected to increase its soybean production by up to 39% to satisfy China's increased demand, which could lead to dramatic deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. Global meat consumption must be reduced to sustainably cope with this problem, and ecological consequential costs need to be included in food costs.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 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.

New study confirms EpCAM as promising target for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have successfully targeted the tumor biomarker EpCAM with chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells, significantly delaying tumor growth in mice. The study suggests that EpCAM could be a promising target for cancer immunotherapy in various tumor types.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateMar 28, 2019

Death rates from cesarean section far higher in developing countries

A study published in The Lancet found that caesarean sections in low- and middle-income countries lead to significantly higher maternal and infant mortality rates. The analysis of 12 million pregnancies revealed that women undergoing emergency caesarean sections were twice more likely to die than those delivering by elective means.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 28, 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 to free the trapped radicals from the carboxyl?

Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed a simple, efficient, and non-metallic anionic composite photocatalytic system to free trapped radicals from carboxyl groups. This breakthrough simplifies photocatalytic systems, reduces costs, and promotes industrialization in organic synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience·DateMar 28, 2019

Invasive crayfish sabotages its own success, study says

A new study published in Ecology found that rusty crayfish populations declined in lakes with mucky and sandy bottoms, while those with rocky substrates remained stable or increased. The research suggests that the invasive species sabotages its own success by using aquatic plants as shelters to avoid predators.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEcology·DateMar 28, 2019

Turbocharging the switch to efficient engines

Researchers at KAUST's Clean Combustion Research Center investigate pre-ignition, a major bottleneck to engine downsizing. By analyzing engine parameters, they identify conditions that trigger pre-ignition, including high exhaust back-pressure and oil-fuel droplet interactions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·DateMar 28, 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.

Harnessing plant hormones for food security in Africa

Researchers found a way to exploit Striga's Achilles' heel by using artificial plant hormones called strigolactones. The treatment reduces Striga plants by over half, making it a game-changer for farmers in sub-Saharan Africa where the weed threatens up to 40% of staple crops.

SourceNew Phytologist Foundation·DateMar 28, 2019

Reducing water consumption in mining

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed a new procedure to optimize water usage in mineral beneficiation technology. By using process simulation, the team was able to significantly reduce water consumption, from 4,000 litres per tonne of ore to below 1,000 litres per tonne. This innovation has the potential t...

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateMar 28, 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.

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.

First living donor HIV-to-HIV kidney transplant in the US

A multidisciplinary team from Johns Hopkins Medicine has completed the first living donor HIV-to-HIV kidney transplant in the US. Nina Martinez, a 35-year-old living with HIV, donated her kidney to an anonymous recipient after undergoing rigorous evaluation and testing.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateMar 28, 2019

Shape shifting mirror opens a vista for the future

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a glue-free bimorph deformable mirror that can be used in vacuum chambers. The new technology uses inorganic silver nanoparticles to bond PZT actuators to a mirror substrate, allowing for precise shape modification and high-precision optics.

SourceOsaka University·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 28, 2019

Sexual satisfaction among older people about more than just health

A study found that sexual satisfaction among older people is influenced by factors beyond just health, including communication with partners, relationship quality, and lifestyle. The research highlights the importance of a holistic approach for healthcare professionals when discussing sexual problems with older adults.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 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.

Scientists tie walnuts to gene expressions related to breast cancer

Researchers from Marshall University found that consuming two ounces of walnuts daily for two weeks changes gene expression in confirmed breast cancers, slowing growth and reducing survival risk. The study involved 10 women with breast lumps, who were randomized to walnut or control groups.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalNutrition Research·DateMar 28, 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.

Feather mites may help clean birds' plumage, study shows

A new study by University of Alberta biologists reveals that feather mites may be beneficial to birds, helping remove bacteria and fungi from their feathers. The researchers found that vane-dwelling feather mites feed mainly on fungi and bacteria, rather than bird feathers.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 28, 2019

Illuminating water filtration

A team of researchers has revealed the molecular structure of membranes used in reverse osmosis, a leading method of purifying brackish water into drinking water. The study found that the perpendicular packing motif is better correlated with optimal filtration properties and may be related to how water pathways are oriented.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateMar 28, 2019