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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 8


Page 8 of 43

How the brain 'mentalizes' cooperation

Researchers found the temporoparietal junction significantly activated during cooperative tasks, indicating its role in facilitating cooperation. The anterior part of this region fires off information to the mentalizing system, controlling the flow of information.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNeuroImage·DateMar 26, 2019

Layered liquids arrange nanoparticles into useful configurations

Theoretical approach uses layers formed by liquids to arrange nanoparticles into unique structures for optics, plasmonics and electronics applications. By controlling nanoparticle properties, researchers can create exotic arrangements, such as strings or sheets, with potential benefits in multi-stage chemical catalysis.

SourceDuke University·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 26, 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.

New 3-D printing approach makes cell-scale lattice structures

A new 3D printing method enables the creation of fine-scale mesh structures that allow for precise control over a cell's microenvironment. This could lead to highly uniform cultures of cells with desired properties, making it a promising tool for biomedical research and potential medical applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateMar 26, 2019

Building starch backbones for lab-grown meat using Lego pieces

Researchers at Penn State and the University of Alabama developed a technique to spin starch fibers using Lego pieces, creating potential scaffolds for lab-grown 'clean' meat. The starch fiber mats have been optimized for better alignment and strength, making them suitable for biomedical applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·DateMar 26, 2019

Violence against long-term care staff 'normalized'

A new study reveals that violence against long-term care staff in Canada is widespread and largely unreported due to fear of reprisals. The research identifies underlying causes such as understaffing, poor organization, and inadequate emotional care as contributing factors.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateMar 26, 2019

In the tree of life, youth has its advantages

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that younger groups of organisms diversify faster than older ones, challenging traditional explanations for the Tree of Life's imbalance. This suggests that time-dependent general principles govern life's diversity on Earth, operating beneath other factors

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2019

Genetic tagging may help conserve the world's wildlife

Research suggests genetic tagging is a powerful tool for ecology and conservation, providing non-invasive methods to track animal populations. The method offers benefits over traditional approaches, such as scalability, precision, and cost-effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 26, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The income gap, growing

A recent study by Robert Manduca at Harvard University reveals that income inequality is a major driver of the growing income gap between different regions in the United States. The study shows that over the past forty years, the number of people living in communities at the extreme ends of the income scale has increased three-fold, wi...

SourceHarvard University·JournalSocial Forces·DateMar 26, 2019

Control of mosquito-borne diseases

Researchers identified a novel mobile genetic element, pWCP, in the Wolbachia bacterium of Culex pipiens mosquitoes. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding interactions between the bacterium and its host, as well as its role in pathogen transmission.

SourceCirad·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2019

Deciphering the walnut genome

Scientists at UC Davis and USDA's ARS developed a new approach to sequence walnut genomes, using long-read DNA sequencing and optical genome mapping. The resulting high-quality genome sequences can help breeders develop disease-resistant varieties.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalHorticulture Research·DateMar 26, 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.

The tremendous supply of apple cultivars in Wyoming

Researchers identified over 200 heritage apple cultivars planted in Wyoming's homesteads and orchards from the late 19th century. These historic trees continue to produce fruit despite harsh conditions, suggesting they could be used for breeding programs to improve drought- and cold-tolerance.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMar 26, 2019

'Aneurysm Number' may help surgeons make treatment decisions

Researchers developed a simple nondimensional parameter called 'aneurysm number' to classify the flow mode in both sidewall and bifurcation aneurysms. The parameter can substitute flow factors, potentially reducing the need for cumbersome measurements and simulations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 26, 2019

In hunt for life, astronomers identify most promising stars

The Cornell University-led study identifies 1,822 stars with conditions suitable for finding Earth-like planets and life-supporting environments. These stars are within reach of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope for atmospheric analysis and the detection of signs of life.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 26, 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.

Facebook is free, but should it count toward GDP anyway?

A new study by MIT researchers puts a dollar value on free digital goods people use, including Facebook ($40-$50/month), YouTube ($1,173/year), and digital maps (59 euros/$67/month). The surveys drew 65,000 responses and found significant consumer surplus beyond prices paid.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 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.

Tracing the process of nitrous oxide formation in the ocean

Researchers at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel have directly detected oceanic nitrification process by measuring hydroxylamine, a short-lived compound. The new method allows for quick and simple analysis of nitrous oxide formation in the ocean.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 26, 2019

Sound sense: Brain 'listens' for distinctive features in sounds

Researchers developed a computational model that explores how the auditory system achieves accurate speech recognition by identifying distinct categories of sounds. The model found that the brain looks for informative features, such as those characteristic of a face, to distinguish between different vocalizations.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2019

The regeneration of a cell depends on where it is positioned

Researchers have developed a new method to study gene expression and its relationship with cell behavior, including regeneration. The method, called single-cell-digital gene expression (1cell-DGE), allows for the analysis of RNA from individual living cells in intact tissue without compromising positional information.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 26, 2019

Bringing endangered species back from the brink

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a method to produce eggs from ovarian tissue in labs, providing new hope for the critically endangered Northern White Rhino. The technique could enable conservationists to pull species back from extinction by utilizing ovarian tissue from old or injured animals.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·DateMar 26, 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.

Penn Nursing study links nurse work environments and outcomes

A meta-analysis from Penn Nursing's Center for Health Outcomes & Policy Research has linked better nurse work environments to lower odds of negative outcomes, including patient mortality. The study analyzed data from over 2,600 hospitals and found a strong association between the nurse work environment and patient and clinician well-be...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalMedical Care·DateMar 26, 2019

Immune-repelling protein prolongs function, survival of human stem-cell-derived beta cells

A team from Massachusetts General Hospital has developed a new method to encapsulate human stem-cell-derived beta cells, which restored glucose metabolism in diabetic mice and protected the cells from immune system attack. The use of an immune-repellent protein, CXCL12, significantly prolonged the survival and function of the cells.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateMar 26, 2019

Syracuse University physicist discovers new class of pentaquarks

Tomasz Skwarnicki and his team have analyzed data from the Large Hadron Collider beauty experiment at CERN, discovering three never-before-seen pentaquarks. The findings suggest that pentaquarks are built in a similar way to protons and neutrons, potentially affecting models of matter in other parts of the universe.

SourceSyracuse University·DateMar 26, 2019

Health risks associated with mixtures of man-made chemicals are underestimate

The EDC-MixRisk project reveals that current regulations underestimate health risks associated with combined exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals, affecting fetal development and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The study highlights the need for a novel approach to mixture risk assessment and emphasizes the importance of considering...

SourceStockholm University·DateMar 26, 2019

Pediatric health researchers offer insights for RSV vaccine

Pediatric health researchers offer new insights for RSV vaccine development, highlighting the importance of type 1 interferons in infants' immune response. The study suggests strategies to enhance type 1 interferon responses and improve existing vaccines, offering hope for prevention of severe RSV disease in infants.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMar 26, 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.

Untangling the brain's life-support network

A USC Dornsife-led study has provided the first global network model of the inner workings of the hypothalamus, a critical part of the brain that controls fundamental behaviors and physiology. The study reveals novel associations with several diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and behavioral disorders.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateMar 26, 2019

Speciation: Birds of a feather...

A study by LMU biologists reveals that the distinct division between Europe's carrion crows and hooded crows is largely driven by plumage color. The two forms have remained distinct despite fertile hybrid offspring, suggesting a selective advantage for mate choice based on feather color.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 26, 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.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Joaninha affecting Mauritius

Tropical Cyclone Joaninha is affecting Mauritius, with NASA tracking its movement through the Southern Indian Ocean. The storm is causing strong southerly winds and heavy swells, prompting warnings from the Mauritius Meteorological Services.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 26, 2019

BridgIT, a new tool for orphan and novel enzyme reactions

Researchers developed BridgIT, a tool that annotates proteins for 93% of enzymatic reactions, filling gaps in metabolic networks. The tool correctly predicts enzymes for 211 out of 234 non-orphan reactions and 334 out of 379 hypothetical reactions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2019

Widespread losses of pollinating insects in Britain

A new study reveals that one-third of pollinator species have declined in distribution across Great Britain, while others remain stable or show inconclusive trends. However, an unexpected positive finding is the increase in key bee species responsible for pollinating flowering crops.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2019

Children develop PTSD when they 'overthink' their trauma

A new study reveals that children who have trouble processing their trauma and perceive their symptoms as a sign of something seriously wrong are more likely to develop PTSD. The research found that deliberate attempts to process the trauma can actually worsen PTSD in children.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMar 26, 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 tool maps a key food source for grizzly bears: huckleberries

A new mapping technique using satellite imagery helps track huckleberry distribution across Glacier National Park, enabling biologists to predict where grizzly bears will be found. This tool also aids in conserving the plant, which is crucial for the bears' survival and informs strategies to minimize human-bear conflicts.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalInternational Journal of Remote Sensing·DateMar 26, 2019

New 'pulsing' ultrasound technique improves drug delivery to brains of mice

A new 'pulsing' ultrasound technique has been developed to improve drug delivery to the brains of mice, opening up new possibilities for treating neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's. By using shorter-wave pulses, researchers were able to deliver drugs effectively without causing tissue damage or side effects.

SourceImperial College London·JournalRadiology·DateMar 26, 2019

Quick thinking? It's all down to timing

The study reveals that the rapidity with which neurons fire off affects information processing in the brain. Neurons in the hippocampus use spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) to learn and form memories, with precise timing determining the strength of connections between neurons.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·DateMar 26, 2019

Trained musicians perform better -- at paying attention

A study published in Heliyon found that trained musicians exhibit greater executive control of attention than non-musicians, with improved performance linked to increased years of training. This suggests that musical training can enhance cognitive abilities beyond music-specific skills.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateMar 26, 2019

Compared to sustained inflations for extremely premature infants, standard treatment prevails

A large multicenter trial found that standard intermittent positive pressure ventilation did not reduce the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death at 36 weeks postmenstrual age for extremely preterm infants. In contrast, sustained inflations did not appear beneficial in reducing BPD risk and mortality in this vulnerable popu...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA·DateMar 26, 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.

Study: Privacy concerns keep men from HIV testing, treatment

A study found that men in Cote d'Ivoire are hesitant to seek HIV testing and treatment due to concerns about privacy and stigma. Men reported being deterred by the risk of disclosure, stigmatization, and inadequate healthcare services, despite some positive experiences with providers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 25, 2019

Cesarean deliveries in India: Too many and yet too few

The study found that India's cesarean delivery rate has increased significantly since 2005-06, reaching 17.2% in 2010-16. However, significant regional and socio-economic disparities exist, with poorer regions having lower rates and richer areas experiencing high rates above 50%.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 25, 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.

Optical toric code platform sets new record

A research group led by Professor PAN Jianwei and LU Chaoyang successfully designed the largest planar code platform at present using photons, demonstrating path-independent property in optical systems. This work provides a platform for simulating braiding operations with linear optics, enabling further exploration of anyonic statistics.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalOptica·DateMar 25, 2019

GPs key in ensuring the new Faster Diagnosis Standard for Cancer is a success

Researchers from University of Surrey investigated public attitudes towards new Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS) for Cancer, finding participants valued reassurance and support from GPs as highly as speedy referrals. GPs will need clear guidance to support patients under the new standard.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateMar 25, 2019

Like racecars and geese, cancer cells draft their way to new tumor sites

Researchers at Vanderbilt University discovered that cancer cells use leader-follower behavior to establish new tumor sites, expending more energy in the process. This finding has significant implications for fighting cancer, particularly in understanding mechanisms of metastasis and developing new therapies.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 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.

Attractive businesswomen viewed as less trustworthy 'femmes fatales'

A Washington State University researcher finds that attractive businesswomen are perceived as less truthful and more deserving of termination than less attractive women. The study suggests that this phenomenon taps into primal feelings of sexual insecurity and jealousy, affecting both men and women.

SourceWashington State University·JournalSex Roles·DateMar 25, 2019

Ultra-sharp images make old stars look absolutely marvelous!

Astronomers have uncovered one of the oldest star clusters in the Milky Way Galaxy using high-resolution adaptive optics imaging from the Gemini Observatory. The study reveals that the cluster is approximately 12.8 billion years old and provides new insights into galaxy formation.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 25, 2019

Study suggests trees are crucial to the future of our cities

A recent study suggests that trees are essential for mitigating the urban heat island effect, with 40% canopy cover required to trigger significant cooling effects. The research found that even small increases in tree density can lead to substantial reductions in temperatures, making tree planting a key strategy for city planners.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019

A rubber computer eliminates the last hard components from soft robots

Researchers have created a soft computer using only rubber and air, emulating the thought process of an electronic computer. The soft computer mimics digital logic gates and achieves complex operations with pneumatic signals, enabling faster and more energy-efficient robots.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 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.