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Science News Archive May 2019


Page 1 of 42

Do violent video games affect kids' behavior with real guns?

A randomized clinical trial found that children exposed to violent video games with guns were more likely to engage in dangerous behavior, such as pulling the trigger at themselves or others. Self-reported consumption of violent media was also a risk factor for this behavior.

Vulnerability of cloud service hardware uncovered

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) discovered a vulnerability in field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) used in cloud services, allowing hackers to carry out side-channel attacks and spy on other users. The finding highlights the need for protection measures to safeguard against cyber threats.

Can cannabinoids help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Researchers suggest that cannabinoids may relieve symptoms of OCD and related disorders through targeting the endocannabinoid system. Animal study data and preliminary human clinical trial results support continued pharmaceutical development.

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.

Certain antidepressants could provide treatment for multiple infectious diseases

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered that certain antidepressants, known as FIASMAs, can halt the growth or kill four different intracellular bacterial pathogens. These drugs target cholesterol trafficking in cells, bypassing direct bacterial targeting and potentially providing an alternative to antibiotics.

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.

Hubble sees a galaxy bucking the trend

NGC 4621, also known as Messier 59, is an elliptical galaxy exhibiting signs of star formation contrary to typical elliptical galaxies. Located approximately 50 million light-years away, the galaxy was observed using Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys.

Antibiotics that dentists prescribe are unnecessary 81% of the time, research shows

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that antibiotics prescribed by dentists as a preventive measure are unnecessary for 81% of patients. The researchers analyzed nearly 170,000 dentist-written antibiotic prescriptions from 2011 to 2015 and found that only 21% of patients had a cardiac condition that made an antibiotic p...

How the enzyme lipoxygenase drives heart failure after heart attacks

A recent study by Dr. Ganesh Halade and colleagues found that lipoxygenase deficiency delays heart failure progression and improves survival in mice. The researchers discovered that epoxyeicosatrienoic acids facilitate cardiac healing after a heart attack, reducing diabetes risk biomarkers and altering plasma metabolic signaling.

DNA origami to scale-up molecular motors

Researchers at Hokkaido University successfully assembled a larger biomolecular motor system using DNA origami, overcoming previous scalability challenges. The system, combining fibrous microtubules and motor protein kinesins, exhibits dynamic contraction when energized by ATP.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Radio-wave therapy proves effective against liver cancer cells

Researchers found that radio waves targeting a specific calcium channel can block the growth of liver cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. The treatment, approved for use in Europe, uses a handheld device that emits radio frequencies via a spoon-shaped element placed on the patient's tongue.

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.

A new way to predict complications after larynx cancer surgery

A new technique using laser angiography illuminated blood flow during laryngectomy surgery, identifying patients at highest risk of wound healing issues. This approach may enable surgeons to adjust during surgery or recovery to improve outcomes, with potential interventions including wider tissue removal and extended hospital stays.

Hard food, strong jaw: Jawbone structure responds to forceful chewing

A study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that mice eating harder foods showed increased bone formation and changes in jawbone shape. The researchers used a novel mouse model to investigate how masticatory force affects bone structure, revealing new insights into the mechanisms of bone adaptation.

The magic behind the medals

Researchers analyzed Marit Bjorgen's training data to examine two approaches: block training and traditional HIT. Both methods led to great success, with 8 Olympic gold medals and 18 world championship titles.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Organic laser diodes move from dream to reality

Researchers at Kyushu University have successfully demonstrated the lasing by direct electrical stimulation of an organic film, overcoming previous performance limitations with improved materials and device structures. The breakthrough enables applications such as biosensing, displays, healthcare, and optical communications.

Astrocytes protect neurons from toxic buildup

Research at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus discovered that astrocytes collect and recycle toxic molecules from overactive neurons, protecting them from damage. This mechanism, previously unknown, could be related to Alzheimer's disease and is an important role for astrocytes beyond their support of neurons.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New records show spread of parasitic deer flies across the US

Deer keds, a type of parasite fly that occasionally bites humans, have been found in more locations than previously thought, according to Penn State researchers. The team mapped their distribution across North America, documenting new state and county records, and warned that they may transmit disease-causing bacteria.

Child deaths in Brazil fall following comprehensive smoking ban

A new study found that child deaths fell by 5.2% and 3.4% after Brazil's 2014 comprehensive smoke-free legislation, reducing infant mortality rates and health inequalities. The research suggests strengthening smoke-free laws can help protect children's lives, particularly in middle-income countries.

Boston College chemist Jia Niu named 2019 Beckman Young Investigator

Jia Niu received a four-year, $600,000 Beckman Young Investigator Award to support his research on sustainably-oriented polymers. The award will enable him to develop novel precision macromolecules with tailor-made structures and sequences for biomedicine, materials, and environmental sciences.

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.

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.

Richtsmeier receives anatomist's science award

Richtsmeier investigates the role of developmental processes in morphological variation, using mouse models to study craniofacial growth patterns and the influence of genetic variants on disease phenotypes. Her current research focuses on the chondrocranium, the first skull to form during embryonic development.

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.

Flexible generators turn movement into energy

Researchers at Rice University have created a material that generates electricity from movement, enabling the creation of wearable devices powered by human activity. The triboelectric effect is used to harness energy from contact and separation between materials, producing enough power to charge small capacitors.

Guidelines for managing anaphylaxis in children need an update

A new Canadian study found that pre-hospital treatment with epinephrine autoinjectors has the highest protective effect against uncontrolled allergic reactions in children. The study also revealed that steroids can have a negative impact on patient outcomes, suggesting that current guidelines should be reassessed.

Chasing species' 'intactness'

Researchers developed a new metric called The Last of the Wild in Each Ecoregion (LWE) to quantify ecologically intact ecosystems. However, testing LWE against another method found neither to accurately capture the abundance of large mammal species sensitive to human disturbance.

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.

Racism has a toxic effect

A USC-led study found that racist experiences increase inflammation in African Americans, raising their risk of chronic illness. Chronic inflammation is linked to heart attacks, neurodegenerative diseases, and metastatic cancer if genes remain active for extended periods.

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.

Community impacts from extreme weather shape climate beliefs

A recent study by Duke University researchers found that how a community or neighborhood fares in an extreme storm or flood has a stronger and more lasting effect on climate beliefs than individual losses. Damage at the zip-code level was positively associated with stronger climate change beliefs even three or four years after the event.

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.

Better conservation through satellites

Analyzing data from 3,000 devices on 62 species in 167 projects worldwide reveals that satellite telemetry performance has improved over time. Despite 48% premature unit deployments, the study provides recommendations for users and manufacturers to enhance conservation efforts

Colloidal gel properties under the microscope

The researchers used confocal microscopy to analyze the complete gelation process in real time with single particle resolution. They found that the point of solidity appearance corresponds to the point of isotropic percolation of isostatic structures, which is directly linked to mechanical stability.

Breaking the symmetry in the quantum realm

Scientists observe a break in a single quantum system for the first time, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of quantum interactions. By manipulating the symmetry of the system, researchers can control and predict outcomes, opening doors to exotic physics.

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.

Combination of three gene mutations results in deadly human heart disease

A research study has identified a deadly human heart disease caused by the combination of three subtle genetic variants inherited within a family. The study uses CRISPR genome editing and human pluripotent stem cell technology to prove that the interaction between these genes leads to severe heart defects in multiple siblings.

Towards a new era of small animal imaging research

A new study from McGill University and the University of Antwerp has developed a PET imaging platform that allows simultaneous scanning of multiple awake animals. This breakthrough enables unprecedented experimental designs and opens up new avenues for research into brain function, neurochemistry, and behavior.

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.

Concussion symptoms reversed by magnetic therapy

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan found that low-frequency magnetic stimulation improved cognitive and motor function in rodents with concussions. The therapy also protected the brain from future degeneration and restored normal sleep patterns.