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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 36


Page 36 of 43

Bedtime protein for bigger gains? Here's the scoop

A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that consuming a casein shake just before overnight sleep increases muscle protein synthesis, leading to bigger squat and quad gains. This effect is thought to be due to increased total protein intake, not just the bedtime beverage.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateMar 6, 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.

New satellite keeps close watch on Antarctic ice loss

A new satellite mission has captured precise data on the elevation of the Antarctic ice sheet, demonstrating its potential as a valuable tool for long-term monitoring efforts. The Sentinel-3 satellite's performance over ice sheets shows promise in detecting areas where the ice surface is rapidly lowering.

SourceLancaster University·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateMar 6, 2019

Youngest palm fossil brings new insight to topography of Tibet

Scientists have discovered a 25-million-year-old palm fossil in central Tibet, pushing back the formation of the Tibetan Plateau by millions of years. The discovery suggests that the region was once much flatter than previously thought, with lakes and subtropical vegetation, before becoming a plateau around 2-3 million years ago.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2019

How one small village in Germany reinvented itself to ensure its survival

A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that the village of Heckenbeck in southern Lower Saxony has successfully implemented sustainable infrastructure and initiatives to improve quality of life and create conditions for sustainable consumption, mobility, and education. Regular meetings between pioneers and residents have ...

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalSustainability·DateMar 6, 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.

In fiction young people choose traditional love and gender stereotypes

A study of young people's preferences for love and relationships in fiction TV series reveals a gap between cognitive and emotional spheres. Young people value aspects like intimacy, passion, and enjoyment, but often conform to traditional gender stereotypes.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalMasculinities & Social Change·DateMar 6, 2019

Impact of urbanization on wild bees underestimated

Wild bees experiencing widespread declines due to urbanization may be more male-dominated as females decline in numbers, impacting pollination and reproduction rates. This study suggests considering sex-specific differences in bee behavior when analyzing environmental change effects on populations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 6, 2019

The evolution of grain yield

A study by Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research has identified the GNI-A1 gene as a key player in regulating floret fertility in wheat. The gene's reduced-function allele was found to increase fertile florets, leading to higher grain counts and yields.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2019

App uses smartphone camera, flashlight to detect diabetes

Researchers have developed an app that uses a smartphone camera and photoplethysmography signal to detect diabetes, showing promise for early detection and encouraging further testing by healthcare providers. The app was tested on over 54,000 individuals and correctly identified people with diabetes in over 72% of cases.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 6, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Alzheimer's-like symptoms reversed in mice, USC researchers say

A diet rich in green tea and carrot compounds reversed Alzheimer's-like symptoms in mice, supporting the idea that plant-based supplements might offer protection against dementia. Combination therapy is suggested as a potential approach to treating the disease.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 6, 2019

Potential new therapy for Crohn's, colitis identified

Researchers have found a compound that reduces IBD symptoms in mice by blocking the activity of a gene linked to blood clotting. This compound may be a new therapeutic option for people with severe IBD or those who don't respond to current treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 6, 2019

As sea level rises, wetlands crank up their carbon storage

Coastal wetlands worldwide store more carbon than forests and can double their capacity when faced with rising seas. The study found that carbon concentrations in top soil layers increased by 2-4 times, while deeper layers saw a 5-9 times increase.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 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.

New surprises from Jupiter and Saturn

The latest data from Juno and Cassini spacecraft has challenged existing theories on planetary formation and behavior, revealing new insights into Jupiter and Saturn's magnetic fields and atmospheres. Surprisingly, the atmosphere is evenly mixed, contradicting conventional predictions.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateMar 6, 2019

How viruses outsmart their host cells

Scientists have deciphered the process by which viruses induce their hosts to transcribe viral genetic information, producing daughter viruses. The discovery sheds light on the 'viral exploitation' mechanism used by bacteriophages, such as lambda phage, and may contribute to the development of new antibacterial drugs.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 6, 2019

Small molecule inhibitors show treatment potential for EBV-associated cancers

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have developed a drug candidate for EBV-associated cancers, inhibiting tumor growth in preclinical models. Pharmacological inhibition of EBNA1 had profound effects on gene expression, decreasing EBV DNA copy number and suppressing tumor-promoting pathways.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 6, 2019

Diagnostic uncertainty in children with fever impacts health service resources

A new study found that diagnostic uncertainty in febrile children results in increased observation times, inpatient admissions, and precautionary use of antibiotics. The development of rapid diagnostic tests could significantly reduce financial burden on the NHS and avoid unnecessary distress to children and parents.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 6, 2019

Improving solar cell efficiency with a bucket of water

A new solar cell design created by Beth Parks increases energy capture by 30% in Uganda, where 20-25% of people have no access to electricity. The affordable system could improve quality-of-life for millions and make solar energy more viable in developing countries.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateMar 6, 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.

Ultra-low power chips help make small robots more capable

Researchers developed a hybrid chip that uses pulse-width encoding to conserve power. The chip enables small robots to operate for several hours on low power consumption, facilitating reconnaissance, search-and-rescue, and other missions. It also accommodates model-based programming and collaborative reinforcement learning.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMar 6, 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.

Fake warnings on e-cigarette ads distract kids from truth

A study by Ohio State University found that fake warnings in e-cigarette ads, similar to those recently banned by the FDA, stick with kids and desensitize them to real health warnings. The research used fake ads with 'flavor' or 'less harmful' messages and found they were more memorable than actual warnings.

SourceOhio State University·JournalTobacco Control·DateMar 6, 2019

Diabetes' sworn enemy could ultimately be a valuable ally

A new study suggests that glucagon can help regulate insulin action and prevent blood sugar levels from becoming too high. By activating a protein called PGC1A, glucagon can prepare the liver to respond quickly to insulin signals after meals.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2019

Social anxiety disorder may increase risk of alcoholism

Research found social anxiety disorder had strongest association with alcoholism and predicted it over other anxiety disorders. Individuals with social anxiety were at higher risk of developing later alcoholism compared to those with other anxiety disorders.

SourceWiley·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateMar 6, 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.

Tuberculosis diagnosis in people with HIV increases risk of death within 10 years

A large Latin American cohort study found that TB diagnosis in people with HIV increases the risk of death within 10 years. The study, supported by NIH, analyzed clinical records of 15,999 people with HIV and found that those diagnosed with TB were twice as likely to die compared to those without a TB diagnosis.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 6, 2019

A 'post-antibiotic world'?

Researchers found that even low concentrations of single antibiotics lead to resistance in multiple classes. The team believes alterations in treatment processes can reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 6, 2019

UH geologist tackles reconstruction of Panthalassa-Pacific plates

A University of Houston geologist is reconstructing the Panthalassa-Pacific plates to improve geological models for climate change and other phenomena. Preliminary research suggests current models may not accurately describe this region, where plates have been converging through subduction.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMar 6, 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.

Swifts are born to eat and sleep in the air

Researchers studied pallid swifts, finding they can live in the air for 2-3.5 months without landing. This allows them to avoid predators and parasites on the ground, increasing their survival rate.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateMar 6, 2019

Seawater bacteria provides leads to fight melanoma

Researchers found a promising lead in seriniquone, a natural product isolated from seawater bacteria, to treat melanoma. The compound targets a specific biochemical pathway in melanoma cells and has shown potent activity against the disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateMar 6, 2019

Climate-driven evolution in trees alters their ecosystems

A new study explores how climate-driven evolution in tree populations changes their interaction with the soil environment, leading to reduced genetic variation and altered soil microbiome. Warmer temperatures result in earlier bud break and leaf-out, reducing genetic variation and affecting soil microbial communities.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 6, 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.

CT scans offer clues to preventing heart problems after cancer treatment

A study found that radiologists only reported coronary artery calcium (CAC) on CT scans about half the time, despite its importance as a marker of heart health. This underreporting could lead to missed opportunities to identify and treat patients at high risk for heart problems, researchers say.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 6, 2019

A groove is better with rhythm and harmony, new research shows

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that medium syncopation rhythms with simple and medium harmony complexity elicited the highest ratings of pleasure and movement. Harmony boosts the inverted U curve effect, making listeners want to move more when combined with rhythm.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 6, 2019

Molecular connection between nutrient availability and embryonic growth identified

Researchers from the Center for Genomic Regulation have discovered a direct link between nutrient metabolism and gene regulation in embryonic stem cells. The AHCY protein is found to be a key activator of genes involved in controlling stem cell proliferation, with implications for understanding embryonic growth and infertility.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2019

Ultrasound for thrombosis prevention

Researchers developed a new approach using ultrasonic registration of blood coagulation in its early stages to prevent thrombosis. The technique involves continuous monitoring of the blood's aggregate state and automatic injection of fibrinolytic drugs, allowing for fast and complete dissolution of formed fibrin clots.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 6, 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.

Old drugs bring new hope to a cancer that lacks precision therapy

Researchers have found a pair of old drugs that can disrupt disease-causing pathways in triple negative breast cancer. Metformin and heme, previously used to treat diabetes and porphyria, were tested in mice and produced encouraging results when combined.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 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.

Dust affects tooth wear and chewing efficiency in chimpanzees

Researchers found that increased dust loads result in decreased chewing efficiency in chimpanzees. The consumption of dust-covered foods created micrometer-scale surface texture features on cheek teeth, leading to larger mean fecal particle sizes.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateMar 6, 2019

Study finds Ebola survivors in Liberia face ongoing health issues

Researchers found Ebola survivors in Liberia had higher rates of uveitis, muscle pain, fatigue, and joint pain compared to a control group. Physical exams also revealed abnormal findings in abdominal, chest, and neurologic areas.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 6, 2019

Ion experiment aces quantum scrambling test

Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute demonstrate a new way to distinguish between quantum scrambling and true information loss using a small quantum computer. They achieved an accuracy of 80% in correctly diagnosing scrambling with seven atomic ions.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 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.

Timing of Medicare loss may affect long-term success of kidney transplantation

A new study found that losing Medicare coverage before the three-year post-transplant mark significantly increases the risk of kidney failure and decreases medication adherence. This has significant policy implications, highlighting the need for healthcare safety nets and access to immunosuppressive medications.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateMar 6, 2019

Higher fitness level can determine longer lifespan after age 70

A study published by the American College of Cardiology reveals that physical fitness is a stronger indicator of survival in older adults than traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Higher fitness levels were associated with significantly increased rates of survival, even among those with multiple risk factors.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 6, 2019

Deep learning merges advantages of holography and bright-field microscopy for 3D imaging

Researchers developed Bright-field Holography to overcome limitations of holographic 3D imaging. The method combines the image contrast advantage of bright-field microscopy with the snapshot volumetric imaging capability of holography, allowing for rapid creation of images equivalent to those from a bright-field microscope.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 6, 2019

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Haleh weakening

Tropical Cyclone Haleh is weakening due to moderate to strong vertical wind shear, causing its elongation and eventual transition into an extra-tropical storm. The storm has decreased maximum sustained winds to 75 knots (86 mph/139 kph) and is forecast to continue weakening in two days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 6, 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.