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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 30


Page 30 of 43

Sex differences in personality traits in Asian elephants

The study found that male Asian elephants exhibited higher levels of aggressiveness and lower sociability compared to females. In contrast, female elephants displayed more agreeable personalities and consistent social behaviors within their family units.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 11, 2019

No silver bullet for helping the Great Barrier Reef

Chronic exposure to poor water quality limits coral recovery rates across the Great Barrier Reef. Improving water quality can enhance recovery rates, but it won't suffice to rescue the reef from threats like climate change and pollution.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 11, 2019

How susceptible are hospital employees to phishing attacks?

A multicenter study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that hospital employees are susceptible to phishing attacks, with a high click rate of 14.2%, but also showed improvement in response rates with increasing campaigns and phishing awareness training.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sinister blastocystis: a clandestine killer of good bacteria revealed

A new study reveals that Blastocystis subtype 7 selectively kills beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the gut, leading to oxidative stress and lesions. This pathogenic microbe can contribute to inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastrointestinal cancers.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalMicrobiome·DateMar 11, 2019

Racial-ethnic inequity in air pollution

Air pollution exposure varies significantly among racial-ethnic groups in the US, with blacks and Hispanics facing higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) than their individual contributions to total PM2.5 exposure. Consumption patterns also play a crucial role in determining these disparities.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

Children's expectations of ingroup support

A study of toddlers and infants found that they expect group members to punish wrongdoers, indicating early understanding of group norms. This suggests that young children's expectations of indirect punishment are driven by an abstract sense of ingroup support.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 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.

School diversity and cardiometabolic health

Research reveals that schools emphasizing ethnic and racial diversity show health benefits for students of color, particularly in cardiometabolic health. The study, which followed 270 eighth graders in the Chicago area, found improved cardiovascular outcomes among diverse student populations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

Moderate muscle strength may lower risk for type 2 diabetes

A recent study found that moderate muscle mass reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 32 percent. The benefits were independent of cardiorespiratory fitness, and higher levels of muscle strength did not provide additional protection. Building strength with resistance exercise may be a helpful way to prevent type 2 diabetes.

SourceIowa State University·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 11, 2019

Environmental responses to Holocene climate variation

Researchers analyzed fossil pollen and sedimentary records to study Holocene climate variability's impact on the northeastern US. The findings suggest rapid ecological changes in response to changing climate conditions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

Faster robots demoralize co-workers

A study by Cornell University found that when robots excel in competitions, people perceive themselves as less capable and less likable. The research suggests optimizing teams of humans and robots to minimize negative effects on human behavior and reactions.

SourceCornell University·DateMar 11, 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.

BU researcher named 2019 William B. Kannel, MD, Memorial Lecturer

Vasan Ramachandran, a renowned BU researcher, discussed the fundamental concepts of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and its sociological factors. He highlighted how structural, macrosocial, economic, cultural, and societal factors influence human behavior and lifestyle choices, leading to CVD risk factor development and progression o...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateMar 11, 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.

Genes that evolve from scratch expand protein diversity

A new study reveals that random DNA sections can evolve into novel proteins, contributing to biodiversity and challenging classic assumptions about protein evolution. At least 175 de novo genes were detected, with 57% translating into new peptides.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 11, 2019

A tale of two cities: Is air pollution improving in Paris and London?

A joint study by King's College London and Airparif found that air pollution in both cities has improved since 2010, but not enough to meet legal limits. Newer diesel cars and buses have led to declines in particle pollution, while nitrogen dioxide levels from traffic in London have deteriorated.

SourceKing's College London·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateMar 11, 2019

Are eyes the window to our mistakes?

Scientists investigate how humans make mistakes and find that pupil dilation is linked to the brain's level of norepinephrine. Four sources of suboptimal decision-making are identified, including unequal weighing of evidence and noise in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 11, 2019

Woodland caribou, wolves, and adaptive management

Researchers found that a combination of wolf reduction and short-term caribou penning during calving season maximized population growth. Adaptive management is recommended for direct population restoration of endangered species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

Old World monkeys and dental evolution

Researchers discovered an ancient species of Old World monkey, filling a gap in the fossil record. The findings suggest that Alophia may have fed on hard objects like fruits and seeds, leading to the evolution of bilophodonty.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 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.

Multitasking amygdala neurons respond to sights, sounds, and touch

New research reveals that individual amygdala neurons in monkeys respond to both touch, imagery, and sounds, suggesting these cells facilitate the processing of multisensory social and emotional information. The findings challenge assumptions about the amygdala's primary response to visual stimuli.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMar 11, 2019

Thyroidectomy more effective than medication for Hashimoto disease

Complete surgical removal of the thyroid gland improved symptoms in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis, including profound fatigue, poor sleep quality, and muscle tenderness. Thyroidectomy also normalized serum antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies, providing a more effective treatment option for these patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 11, 2019

Alliances and rank reversal in hyena clans

Female spotted hyenas can increase their dominance rank by forming alliances with other females, ultimately improving their lifetime reproductive success. The offspring of these individuals inherit their mother's acquired rank, leading to a decline in individual rank within clans over time.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

Researchers say education a major barrier to following heart healthy diet

A study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that people with a college education are nearly seven times more likely to adhere to a Mediterranean Diet than those with only a high school education. Women and individuals familiar with the diet also showed higher rates of adherence.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateMar 11, 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.

Mindfulness found to improve mental health of students

A study at the University of Bristol found that mindfulness training improved mental health and wellbeing in medical students, reducing anxiety and stress. Students reported enhanced empathy, communication skills, and coping techniques, leading to better emotional wellbeing and professional development.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEducation Research International·DateMar 11, 2019

Anti-malarial shows promise in human clinical study

The study demonstrated that DSM265 can clear low-level Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia with a single oral dose. A companion drug is needed to prevent development of resistance and advance the goal of eradicating malaria.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateMar 11, 2019

Across diseases, women are diagnosed later than men

A comprehensive study found that women are diagnosed later than men for most diseases, with significant differences in patient care courses. The study analyzed data from 6.9 million Danish people and found an average difference of 4 years across 770 types of diseases.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2019

Daylight savings sees 'sleepy consumers' with a wider variety in their shopping carts

A recent study from the UBC Sauder School of Business found that sleepier consumers tend to buy more diverse types of products to help them stay awake. The study reveals that even after controlling for other factors, sleep-deprived individuals exhibit a greater desire for variety in their shopping choices.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateMar 11, 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.

Researchers discover new nitrogen source in Arctic

Scientists have found a new way for microorganisms to convert nitrogen into a form usable by organisms in the Arctic Ocean. This process, known as nitrogen fixation, could make phytoplankton more productive, ultimately decreasing atmospheric carbon levels.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

New study highlights 'alarmingly high' rate of visual problems in stroke survivors

A new University study highlights the high incidence and prevalence of visual problems in acute stroke survivors, with 48% of all stroke admissions and 60% of survivors experiencing new onset visual conditions. The study found that three quarters of patients had visual problems, including impaired central vision, eye movement abnormali...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 2019

Cutting the standard dose of medication for acute mountain sickness in half does not reduce its effectiveness

A new study published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine found that a lower dose of acetazolamide (62.5 mg twice daily) was as effective in preventing acute mountain sickness symptoms as the standard prophylactic dose (125 mg twice daily). However, this reduced dose showed similar side effects with both doses.

SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·DateMar 11, 2019

Radionuclide evidence of ancient solar storm

Researchers have found evidence of a strong solar storm around 660 BC in two Greenland ice cores, with concentrations of beryllium-10 and chlorine-36 consistent with an extreme event. The estimated strength of the storm is an order of magnitude higher than any instrumentally recorded solar event.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 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.

For infection-fighting cells, a guideline for expanding the troops

A team from Princeton University used mathematical modeling to explore the relationship between T cell expansion and infectious agent levels. They found that the starting amount of infectious agent and affinity for the cells are key factors in determining the expansion rate. The study suggests a simple underlying mechanism governing th...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

Brain stimulation improves depression symptoms, restores brain waves in clinical study

A clinical study led by Flavio Frohlich at UNC School of Medicine successfully reduced depression symptoms in about 70 percent of participants using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). The treatment target specific alpha oscillations in the brain, bringing them back into balance and decreasing symptoms.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 11, 2019

Biparental care in polyandrous bee

Researchers observed Ceratina nigrolabiata bees employing biparental care and social monogamy to safeguard offspring. This unconventional approach allows for increased protection of offspring, benefiting male bees by enhancing their mating prospects.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

New device could help minimize scarring in cosmetic surgery

Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new device that can ascertain the orientation of skin tension lines, crucial for wound-healing post-surgery. The device directly measures skin tension direction with high accuracy, making it more reliable than existing methods.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateMar 11, 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.

Birth order and risk-taking

A large-scale study of 187 explorers and 11,000 households found no correlation between birth order and risk-taking behavior in adulthood. The research suggests that family dynamics do not impact an individual's willingness to take risks in adulthood.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

Guidelines on the use of genetic testing in psychiatry

The revised guidelines address pharmacogenetics, diagnosis of mental disorders with new molecular genetic technologies, and ethical challenges of genetic testing in psychiatric patients. Key findings include a lack of consensus on CNV testing in adults with mental illness and the need for more research to identify relevant genes.

SourceThe International Society of Psychiatric Genetics·DateMar 11, 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.

A robotic leg, born without prior knowledge, learns to walk

A team of USC researchers developed an AI-controlled robotic limb that can learn a new walking task in 5 minutes and adapt to other tasks without programming. The robot uses bio-inspired algorithms to build an internal map of its limb and environment, enabling it to develop personalized movements.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMar 11, 2019

Blood pressure control is beneficial, is it not?

Researchers found that lower blood pressure is associated with increased risk of death in adults over 80, and those who've had a heart attack or stroke. This study's results suggest adjusting antihypertensive treatment based on individual needs, moving away from blanket approaches.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 11, 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.

New regulatory factor identified in bone formation

Researchers have identified a novel transcription factor called Osteoblast Inducer-1 (ObI-1) that regulates the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into bone in mice. This discovery has significant implications for regenerative medicine, as MSCs offer a promising source of stem cells for therapeutic applications.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateMar 11, 2019

Binge drinking in adolescence may increase risk for anxiety later in life

Research suggests that adolescent binge drinking increases risk for anxiety later in life by altering brain connectivity and epigenetic programming. Abnormal epigenetic changes in the amygdala, a key emotional regulation center, can lead to lasting susceptibility to psychological issues.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 11, 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.

The fiddlers influencing mangrove ecosystems

Researchers found that mangrove fiddler crab burrows change the surrounding sediment, attracting bacteria with similar functions across three locations. This effect, known as bioturbation, influences environmental processes such as carbon and nutrient fluxes in mangrove ecosystems.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 11, 2019

ORNL-led collaboration solves a beta-decay puzzle with advanced nuclear models

Scientists at ORNL solved a 50-year-old puzzle explaining why beta decays are slower than expected by including subtle effects in theoretical models. The team used ORNL's Titan supercomputer to simulate tin-100 decay into indium-100, demonstrating increased confidence in computing nuclear processes.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 11, 2019

Nature's own biorefinery

A new study reveals how the long-horned passalid beetle's gut microbiome breaks down woody biomass into energy-rich products like acetate and biofuels. The findings provide insights into a nature-derived approach to producing affordable fuels and bioproducts.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 11, 2019

Could an eye doctor diagnose Alzheimer's before you have symptoms?

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that loss of blood vessels in the retina may signal Alzheimer's disease, even before cognitive symptoms appear. The study used non-invasive technology to analyze retinal blood vessels and detected differences between people with Alzheimer's and those with healthy brains.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalOphthalmology Retina·DateMar 11, 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.

Controlling thermal conductivity of polymers with light

Researchers have designed a novel polymer that can switch its thermal conductivity in response to light, enabling on-demand heat routing. The material's unique behavior has potential applications in managing heat for sensitive electronics and keeping electrical devices warm.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

US black and Hispanic minorities bear disproportionate burden from air pollution

Researchers found that PM2.5 pollution is disproportionately caused by the consumption of goods and services by the non-Hispanic white majority, but disproportionately inhaled by black and Hispanic minorities. This disparity is driven by differences in consumption patterns and exposure to pollution.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

Hospital cleaning trial cuts infections

A QUT-led study found that improved hospital cleaning practices reduced healthcare-associated infections by 37% and decreased overall infection rates by 5.8%. The cleaning bundle was successful in improving thoroughness and showed promise in reducing vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 11, 2019

Researchers turn liquid metal into a plasma

Scientists at the University of Rochester's LLE have successfully turned a liquid metal into a plasma, exhibiting classical properties at high temperatures. This discovery has implications for better understanding stars and planets, as well as realizing controlled nuclear fusion, a promising alternative energy source.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 11, 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.