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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 37


Page 37 of 43

Sensory tests suggest 'liking' wines made with native grapes a learned response

Researchers found that non-expert consumers in Pennsylvania were more tolerant of methyl anthranilate, a compound causing the 'grapey' odor, due to frequent exposure to grape flavors. In contrast, wine experts in California rejected wines with high levels of methyl anthranilate. The study supports the idea that liking native grapes may...

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateMar 6, 2019

1 + 1 does not equal 2 for graphene-like 2D materials

Researchers discovered that graphene-like materials stack together in a way that changes their properties, creating novel hybrid materials. The twist angle controls the hybridization, enabling precise control over composite materials and nano-devices.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2019

CAMH study reveals a new target for developing treatments for depression

Researchers at CAMH have discovered a new target for developing treatments for depression by finding higher levels of the brain protein MAO-B in people with clinical depression. The study found that individuals with depression had 26% higher MAO-B levels in their prefrontal cortex compared to those without depression.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·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.

High-intensity interval training helps trim belly fat in cardiac rehab

A study found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was more effective than moderate exercise in losing body fat and trimming waistlines among cardiac rehabilitation patients. After 12 weeks, HIIT participants lost 4 pounds of body fat, gained 1.5 pounds of lean muscle mass, and trimmed an inch off their waists.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·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.

Chances for life expand when passing stars push binaries together

Astronomers find that binary star interactions can expand the habitable zone, increasing the likelihood of life on planets. Simulations reveal that 20 out of 350 binaries in young star clusters are squeezed together, expanding their habitable zones.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 6, 2019

AI study of risk factors in type 1 diabetes

A recent AI study identified high long-term blood sugar levels, kidney dysfunction, and excess bad cholesterol as the strongest predictors of cardiovascular disease and death in type 1 diabetes patients. The study also found that keeping these risk factors under control can lead to lower risks of cardiovascular events.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCirculation·DateMar 6, 2019

Transcription factor network gets to heart of wood formation

Researchers at NC State University have identified a complex transcriptional regulatory network that regulates wood formation in woody plants. The study reveals novel interactions between key transcription factors and genes, providing insights into the regulation of lignin biosynthesis and its relation to disease resistance.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 6, 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.

People track when talkers say 'uh' to predict what comes next

In a study published in Journal of Memory and Language, researchers found that people actively track the occurrence of 'uh' in spoken communication to predict upcoming low-frequency words. Participants adjusted their predictions when listening to atypical talkers, suggesting distributional learning of disfluency cues.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalJournal of Memory and Language·DateMar 6, 2019

Hurricane Maria had a significant impact on HIV care outcomes

A study found that Hurricane Maria led to a significant increase in viral load and decrease in CD4 counts among people living with HIV. Access to care was also reduced by over 22 percent, with those not virally suppressed before the hurricane having fewer medication adherence and more hospital visits.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·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.

Migrating snowline plays outsized role in setting pace of Greenland ice melt

Researchers at Brown University found that the movement of Greenland's snowline plays a crucial role in controlling the rate of ice melt. The study showed that changes in snowline elevation explained more than half of the annual radiation variability on the ice sheet, highlighting its importance in determining melting rates.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2019

Strategies developed to include more racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials

A study recommends innovative strategies to address underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials, highlighting the need for tailored approaches. The study identifies key components such as strategic engagement with providers, community leader engagement, and dedicated input from minority patients and caregiver...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateMar 6, 2019

Translocation of bighorn sheep in Arizona has positive genetic outcomes

A seven-year study found that translocating bighorn sheep in Arizona increased genetic diversity without eroding ancestral lineage. The research suggests that targeted translocations can maintain or enhance genetic outcomes, contrary to previous studies indicating 'genetic bottlenecks'.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 6, 2019

Low-carb diet tied to common heart rhythm disorder

A large study of nearly 14,000 people found that low-carb diets are significantly more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia that can lead to stroke and heart failure. Researchers suggest using caution when restricting carbohydrates for weight loss due to potential inflammation and oxidative stress.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·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.

Opioid use associated with dramatic rise in dangerous heart infection

Hospital admissions for drug-related infective endocarditis increased by 436% at a medical center in the US, with heroin implicated in most cases. Patients who inject drugs are at risk of developing this condition due to contaminated needles introducing bacteria into their bloodstream.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 6, 2019

Engineered microbe may be key to producing plastic from plants

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop engineered microbe that can efficiently convert lignin from woody plants into a valuable aromatic compound. This conversion potential transforms the use of wood waste and unlocks a new industry for producing bioplastics.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateMar 6, 2019

Breast milk as drug-delivery device

Scientists are working on modifying human breast milk cells to produce specific proteins, such as vaccines, for premature babies. These engineered cells could potentially address birth defects, provide necessary proteins, or even treat certain diseases.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 6, 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.

States with strict gun laws see more homicides when they border states with lax ones

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that states with strict gun laws experience higher homicide rates when neighboring states have more lenient laws. The research suggests that gun trafficking across state lines plays a significant role in this relationship.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateMar 6, 2019

Breast cancer patients weigh in on addressing financial burdens

US breast cancer patients experience significant economic burdens due to treatment side effects like lymphedema. Patients advocate for policy changes and institutional adaptations to address these challenges. Recommendations include improved insurance coverage, expanded support services, and enhanced financial assistance.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalCancer·DateMar 6, 2019

Elegant interplay of coloration strategies is discovered in squid's smart skin

Researchers from Northeastern University and the Marine Biological Laboratory discovered that squid chromatophores use both pigmentary and structural coloration to create dynamic effects. This breakthrough opens up new opportunities for biologists and chemists to better understand cephalopod biology and develop wearable devices or coat...

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·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.

Disrupting wolf movement may be more effective at protecting caribou

A new study reveals that disrupting the ability of wolves to travel on linear developments, such as pipelines and roads, can reduce their access to caribou habitat. This strategy is more effective and less invasive than traditional methods like wolf culling or building fenced enclosures.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 6, 2019

More than just memories: a new role for the hippocampus during learning

Researchers found that the hippocampus uniquely represents bound features, such as faces and houses combined, which is essential for forming complex associations during learning. The study's findings have important implications for understanding how the brain's memory systems contribute to learning and decision-making.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2019

Resistance training may help prevent type 2 diabetes

A randomized controlled trial found that resistance training and aerobic training plus resistance training significantly reduced the incidence of type 2 diabetes. The study showed that these exercise programs can be as effective as isolated aerobic training in preventing overt type 2 diabetes.

SourceWiley·JournalDiabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews·DateMar 6, 2019

Researchers get $1 million grant to improve medical data security

The UMass Lowell team will explore new ways of sharing data across different organizations compliant with HIPAA, enabling efficient collaboration among patients, researchers, and practitioners. The project aims to develop a secure cyberinfrastructure that can handle sensitive data, including homeland security and counterterrorism.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·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.

Long-term use of hormone therapy linked to increased Alzheimer's risk

A recent study published in The BMJ found that long-term use of oral hormone therapy is associated with a small increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in postmenopausal women. Women who used hormone therapy for over 10 years had an increased risk, especially those diagnosed at age 60 or older.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 6, 2019

Remote blood pressure monitoring via smartphone app shows promise

A pilot study found that remote blood pressure monitoring via smartphone app, accompanied by education and health coaching, can significantly improve blood pressure control. Participants who had the highest blood pressure at baseline showed the most reductions in both systolic and diastolic pressure.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 6, 2019

Binding with consequences

Researchers discovered a mechanism by which bacteria like Burkholderia ambifaria activate white blood cells and attack the immune system. The study found that lectin BambL binds to carbohydrate residues on the surface of B cells, triggering an immune response in immunocompromised hosts.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Signaling·DateMar 6, 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.

Can entangled qubits be used to probe black holes?

Researchers demonstrated scrambling of information in a quantum computer, simulating the behavior of matter inside a black hole. They showed that entangled qubits could potentially be used to probe the mysterious interiors of black holes.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2019

Eating healthy on a limited budget is possible

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that serving healthy meals to a family of four can be done for $25 per day, consistent with the USDA low-income cost of food meal plan. The study used menu planning and access to bulk supermarkets to achieve this cost.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 6, 2019

Houston, we're here to help the farmers

The ECOSTRESS mission aims to provide critical data for irrigation, enabling farmers to optimize water usage and reduce drought vulnerability. By measuring surface temperature, scientists can calculate evapotranspiration and identify which plants are using water most efficiently.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateMar 6, 2019

Scientists find method to boost CRISPR efficiency

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that adjusting CRISPR dosages can significantly improve dystrophin production in edited genes. The optimal ratio of components changed based on the DNA sequence being edited, paving the way for optimized gene therapies for other diseases.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 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.

Healthier dairy products with bacterial films and nanofiber membranes

Researchers created fermented milk products with bacterial films on nanofiber membranes, demonstrating improved probiotic survival and resistance to stomach digestion. The biofilms released live bacteria into the milk, allowing them to survive storage and transit.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMar 6, 2019

Bone fractures increasing as seniors walk dogs to stay active

Fracture injuries linked to dog walking have more than doubled in patients 65 and older between 2004 and 2017, with hip and upper extremity breaks being the most common. Researchers emphasize the importance of considering risks for falls in lifestyle recommendations to minimize such injuries.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 6, 2019

Want a healthy heart? Turn off the TV and eat a good breakfast

A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that people who spent less time watching TV and regularly ate an energy-rich breakfast showed significantly less plaque and stiffness in their arteries. Eating a high-energy breakfast was also associated with healthier arteries, while skipping breakfast increased the risk of...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 6, 2019

Cancer death rate higher for patients with mental health history

A study of over 675,000 cancer patients found that those with a psychiatric history were 73% more likely to die from their cancer. The risk increased with the level of psychiatric help, suggesting that stress may affect the body's biological systems.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·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.

Weather-responsive intersections could ease traffic congestion

Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that adjusting traffic light timing in response to weather conditions can significantly reduce intersection delays. By analyzing video data and running computer simulations, they determined that weather-responsive signal plans could ease congestion and improve safety during snowstorms.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering·DateMar 5, 2019

Rethinking old-growth forests using lichens as an indicator of conservation value

Researchers propose using lichens to assess old-growth forest conservation value, offering a more nuanced approach to measuring biodiversity. This method, developed by Dr. Troy McMullin and Dr. Yolanda Wiersma, uses suites of lichen species associated with old-growth areas to develop an index of ecological continuity.

SourceCanadian Museum of Nature·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMar 5, 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.

Scientists develop a tunable bio-imaging device using terahertz plasmonics

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a frequency-tunable plasmonic-based THz device for non-invasive biological imaging. The new device shows improved ability to distinguish between different tissues, opening up possibilities for enhanced diagnostic imaging tools.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 5, 2019

Study shows success of measles vaccine campaigns in India

A mass measles vaccination campaign in India saved an estimated 41,000 to 56,000 children's lives between 2010 and 2013, according to a study published in eLife. The campaigns significantly reduced child mortality rates in the affected districts, with mortality rates falling by 27% compared to non-campaign states.

SourceeLife·DateMar 5, 2019

BU conducts first experimental evaluation of pharmaceutical industry-led access program

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health evaluates the Novartis Access program in Kenya, demonstrating that robust, 'gold standard' methods can be used to assess major pharmaceutical companies' access programs. The study found that the program significantly increased availability of two medicines in health facilities bu...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateMar 5, 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.

US-East Asia predoctoral program expands with $1.2 million grant

The USC Dornsife Korean Studies Institute has launched a new predoctoral exchange program to support young scholars working on US-East Asia relations. The initiative aims to enhance understanding of the security environment in East Asia and promote policy issues.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateMar 5, 2019