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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 21


Page 21 of 43

Connectivity in human and chimpanzee brains

A study comparing human and chimpanzee brain networks reveals that humans have a more modular network with stronger connections between language areas. The research suggests that evolutionary modifications to the brain's architecture may have contributed to human cognitive advancements.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2019

Researchers develop sensor to detect brain disorders in seconds

Researchers at UCF developed a rapid sensor to detect dopamine levels in blood, which can help diagnose brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease and depression. The sensor requires only a few drops of blood and provides results in minutes, revolutionizing current detection methods.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 18, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel heart pump shows superior outcomes in advanced heart failure

The HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device (LVAD) significantly reduces strokes, pump-related blood clots, and bleeding episodes compared to the older HeartMate II. This trial enrolled 1,028 patients with advanced heart failure, showing a 40% reduction in risk favoring the HeartMate 3.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 18, 2019

UW team finds key to common cancer pathway

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered an unexpected regulator of the p53 protein, which plays a crucial role in cancer development. The research team found that an enzyme called PIPK1-alpha and its lipid messenger, PIP2, drive the stability of mutant p53, leading to cancer progression.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 18, 2019

WVU political scientist receives $1.1 million Minerva Award

Erik Herron, a WVU political scientist, has received a $1.1 million Minerva Research Initiative award to investigate how hostile powers like Russia interfere with their neighbors' basic services. He is studying Estonia, Georgia, and Ukraine to better understand potential warning signs of interference.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateMar 18, 2019

Climate change negatively affects waterbirds in the American West

A recent study found that climate change is reducing waterbird habitats across the Great Basin, resulting in fewer birds in the region. The research, published in Scientific Reports, examined temperature and precipitation data from over a century and compared it with 50 years of bird surveys.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 18, 2019

Researchers discover new material to help power electronics

Researchers at Ohio State University have found a new material that can serve dual roles in electronics, simplifying the use of electrons and holes. This discovery could lead to more efficient electronic devices, such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and transistors.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 18, 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.

Behavioral therapy generally more effective than pharmacologic therapies for UI

A systematic evidence review found that behavioral therapy is generally more effective than pharmacologic therapies in improving outcomes for women with urinary incontinence. The review included 84 studies and showed that all interventions studied resulted in better UI outcomes than no treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 18, 2019

Cardiac muscle variants and sudden infant death

Researchers discovered a genetic variant in troponin I that disrupts calcium-binding affinity in thin muscle filaments, leading to arrhythmias in human cardiac cells. This finding may contribute to SUDI by triggering sudden cardiac arrest.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2019

Molecular motors run in unison in a metal-organic framework

Organic chemists at the University of Groningen have created an ordered array of light-driven rotary motors in a 3D solid-state material, achieving cooperative action. The system contains 3 x 10^20 motors per cubic centimeter, all running in unison and performing work on a macro scale.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 18, 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.

When it comes to monarchs, fall migration matters

Researchers at Michigan State University found that a critical piece of the monarch butterfly's annual cycle was missing - the fall migration. The team built a multi-scale model and included environmental factors like temperature and landscape greenness to account for year-to-year variations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2019

Healthy fats improve nerve function in obese mice

A new preclinical study published in JNeurosci found that switching mice from saturated fat-based diets to monounsaturated fat-rich diets restored and protected nerve function in obese mice. The results suggest that interventions targeting dietary fats may provide a new therapeutic avenue for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMar 18, 2019

Australian study links breastfeeding with lower risk of heart disease

A new Australian study found that mothers who breastfeed are 34 percent less likely to die of heart disease than those who don't. Women who breastfed for up to 12 months had a lower risk of developing and dying from cardiovascular disease, with significant findings independent of socio-economic status and overall health-related lifestyle.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 18, 2019

Advances point the way to smaller, safer batteries

Cornell researchers develop a new solid-state battery technology that is inherently safer and more energy-dense than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This breakthrough enables the creation of smaller, safer batteries with improved recharging capabilities and reduced risk of fires.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 18, 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.

Eating fish may help prevent asthma

A recent study by Professor Andreas Lopata found that consuming certain types of n-3 fatty acids from marine oils can decrease asthma risk by up to 62%, while high n-6 consumption increases risk by up to 67%. This research suggests a potential link between fish consumption and reduced asthma severity.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 18, 2019

Rapid and precise flavivirus identification

A new mass-spectrometry-based assay has been developed to detect flaviviruses like Dengue, Zika, West Nile, and Yellow Fever viruses. The assay can distinguish between multiple flaviviruses or strains of a single virus within the first 8 days of symptom onset.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2019

Solar-driven seawater splitting

Researchers have developed an anode for electrolysis of seawater into hydrogen and oxygen, utilizing nickel sulfide and nickel-iron hydroxide catalysts. This innovative approach enables the production of clean fuels without desalination, opening doors to a more sustainable energy future.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 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.

Prophylactic cranial irradiation: Improvements for advanced NSCLC

The NRG-RTOG 0214 trial found that prophylactic cranial irradiation improved disease-free survival, decreased brain metastasis rates, but did not improve overall survival in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. This suggests PCI may prolong OS in a subgroup without primary tumor surgery.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMar 18, 2019

Wealth correlations in Taiwan

Researchers analyzed over 7 million Taiwanese records to discover wealth correlations among kinship members up to second cousin level. Wealth patterns differ by gender, with males showing stronger connections than females.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2019

Radial, femoral access for PCI found equal in terms of survival

A recent study found that both radial and femoral approaches for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are equally effective in terms of survival rates at 30 days. The research, which enrolled nearly 2,300 patients, suggests that operators can achieve similar results with either approach if they have efficient systems and teams in p...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 18, 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.

Alligator study reveals insight into dinosaur hearing

Researchers found alligators build neural maps of sound like birds do, indicating a common ancestor with dinosaurs shared this hearing strategy. The study suggests that the strategy may be more related to common ancestry than physical features such as skull size.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateMar 18, 2019

Team studies smarter automatic defibrillator

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have created a smarter automatic defibrillator that accurately tracks stroke volume in addition to ECG readings. This update aims to deliver shocks only when needed, potentially preventing traumatic shocks and improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateMar 18, 2019

Microbes can grow on nitric oxide

Scientists have discovered anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria that directly use nitric oxide to grow, producing harmless dinitrogen gas instead of potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. This finding has significant implications for our climate and the earth's nitrogen cycle.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 18, 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.

ACC/AHA guidance for preventing heart disease, stroke released

The new guideline provides comprehensive recommendations for preventing cardiovascular disease through lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. It also emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing personal or social barriers to adopting these habits.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 18, 2019

Prenatal testosterone linked to long-term effects in females who share womb with male twin

Research finds that female twins exposed to prenatal testosterone from a male twin are less likely to graduate from high school or college, have lower fertility rates, and earn less by their early 30s. The study supports the 'twin testosterone-transfer hypothesis' and suggests long-term biological effects on behavior and outcomes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2019

Rising global shipping traffic could lead to surge in invasive species

A new study by McGill University researchers suggests that global shipping traffic could lead to a three-fold to 20-fold increase in marine invasion risk between now and 2050. The study projects that shipping growth will far outweigh climate change as the primary driver of bio-invasions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 18, 2019

Common treatment for multiple sclerosis may prolong life

A UBC study found that beta interferon treatment for multiple sclerosis patients is associated with a 32% lower mortality risk compared to those who did not take the drug. The study followed nearly 6,000 people with MS in Canada and France over two decades.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBrain·DateMar 18, 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.

The Protein Society announces its 2019 award recipients

This year's awards recognize Professor Minoru Kanehisa for his work on the KEGG database, Professor Anthony Kossiakoff for his technological achievements in protein structure and function, Professor Hao Wu for her groundbreaking signal transduction research, Professor Shahriar Mobashery for his discovery of new antibiotics, and Profess...

SourceThe Protein Society·DateMar 18, 2019

Protective antibodies also found in premature babies

A study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that very premature babies carry anti-viral antibodies transferred from the mother, suggesting a previously underappreciated source of protection. The analysis also revealed that the protection offered by these antibodies lasts different durations depending on the virus.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 18, 2019

Looking for better asthma treatments

Researchers at the University of Akron aim to understand how lipid mediators exacerbate asthma symptoms, hoping to discover new treatments. The study will combine leukotriene and prostaglandin blockers to create a more potent asthma treatment.

SourceUniversity of Akron·DateMar 18, 2019

Factors influencing monarch butterfly winter colonies

The study found that higher summer populations on northern breeding grounds correlated with larger Mexican winter colonies. Autumn temperatures and disease rates were not significantly associated with winter population sizes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 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.

Semimetals are high conductors

New materials that conduct electricity are of great interest to physicists and materials scientists. Researchers have discovered a type of semimetal, niobium arsenide, which has about three times the conductivity of copper at room temperature.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 18, 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.

Google research shows how AI can make ophthalmologists more effective

A new study published in Ophthalmology shows that AI can assist physicians in accurately diagnosing diabetic retinopathy, a potentially blinding eye disease. The researchers developed two types of assistance to help physicians read the algorithm's predictions, which improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateMar 18, 2019

NASA finds heavy rainfall potential in new Tropical Cyclone Trevor

Tropical Cyclone Trevor has triggered warnings in Queensland, Australia, with NASA's Terra satellite analysis suggesting strong storm conditions. The storm is expected to reach hurricane-force and make landfall near the Queensland/Northern Territories border, prompting forecasts of heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 18, 2019

Pharmacists have wider clinical role in casualty, concludes study

A study found that pharmacists in accident and emergency departments can provide overall clinical care to patients, taking on roles such as examining and diagnosing patients. With their medicines expertise, they fill gaps in doctor and nurse practitioner rotas.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Pharmacy·DateMar 18, 2019

Lightweight, ultrastrong carbon nanolattices

Carbon nanolattice materials exhibit unparalleled mechanical properties due to the high aspect ratio of their beams and defects sensitivity reduction.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 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.

Uncertain projections help to reveal the truth about future climate change

A team of scientists developed an approach to reduce uncertainties in future climate change by analyzing collective climate model projections. They found that certain aspects of the current climate are most related to differences in the future climate, and measurements can be used to select out the most likely future climates.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 18, 2019

The story of GARP: A potential target for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have identified GARP, a protein on immune cells, as a potential new target for immunotherapy against colorectal cancer. Disrupting GARP reduces tolerance and inhibits Treg cell migration to the gut, leading to reduced colon cancer development.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 18, 2019

Bromethalin is poisoning the parrots of Telegraph Hill

A new study published in PLOS ONE has found that parrots in San Francisco's Telegraph Hill are being poisoned by bromethalin, a common rat poison. The research team detected the toxin in brain, liver, and fecal samples of affected birds, suggesting they may be ingesting a sublethal dose.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 18, 2019

Ticagrelor is as safe and effective as clopidogrel after heart attack

Researchers found that ticagrelor has comparable efficacy to clopidogrel in patients treated with clot busters for a heart attack. The trial also showed that ticagrelor is safe for use in this patient population, with low rates of major bleeding.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 18, 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.

Have sleep apnea? Using your CPAP device consistently may slow memory loss

Researchers found that using a CPAP machine consistently improved cognitive function for people with MCI, while inconsistent use accelerated decline. The study suggests that consistent CPAP adherence may be an effective strategy to slow memory loss in older adults.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 18, 2019

NASA sees Savannah lose its tropical eye

Tropical Cyclone Savannah weakened as high clouds filtered over its eye, revealing a defined center but an elongated shape. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 60 knots (69 mph/111 kph) and it is forecast to continue tracking west-southwestward before dissipating by March 22.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 18, 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.

Registry helps move aortic dissection care forward

The International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) has gathered data from 9,000 patients, revealing nearly 90% of type A dissections now receive surgical repair. In-hospital mortality is down to 16.3%, and five-year survival remains around 85%. IRAD also shows improved outcomes for type B dissections with endovascular therapy.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateMar 18, 2019

Mammals' unique arms started evolving before the dinosaurs existed

Researchers found a wide variety of different forelimb shapes evolved within the therapsids 270 million years ago. This discovery helps explain how mammals evolved traits that have made us what we are today, from simple tasks like holding a phone to more complex behaviors.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 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.

The robots that dementia caregivers want: Robots for joy, robots for sorrow

Dementia caregivers want robots to support positive moments and alleviate emotional stress through tasks like answering repeated questions, managing daily schedules, and providing reminders. The researchers are now building high-tech prototypes based on the initial low-tech prototypes designed by caregivers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMar 18, 2019

New research identifies potential PTSD treatment improvement

A study published in Journal of Neuroscience found that replacing expected aversive events with neutral tones can improve PTSD treatment outcomes. By changing how the brain learns to respond to fearful conditions, researchers hope to develop a new approach to exposure therapy.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateMar 18, 2019