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Science News for May 24, 2019


Hospitals fall short in teaching fall prevention to departing patients

A new University of Michigan study found that fall-related injuries are a leading cause of hospital readmissions among people 65 or older. Hospitals can improve patient recovery and mobility by emphasizing personalized fall prevention before discharge, especially for at-risk patients.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 24, 2019

Crabs' camouflage tricks revealed

Researchers found that shore crabs from mudflats closely match the appearance of the mud they live on, while those in rock pools rely on high-contrast patterns to break up their outline. This study contributes to understanding why shore crabs are so diverse.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 24, 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.

Deletion in mouse neutrophils offers clues to pathogenesis in multiple sclerosis

In a mouse model of atypical EAE, researchers found that dysregulated neutrophils cause damage and exhibit hyper-activated phenotypes, producing excessive reactive oxygen species. Neutralizing treatments reduced disease severity, highlighting the detrimental role of neutrophils in autoimmune neuroinflammation.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJCI Insight·DateMay 24, 2019

Infection biology: Signs of selection in the stomach

Researchers characterized Helicobacter pylori's genetic diversity in individual patients, showing adaptations to specific stomach regions and the impact of antibiotics on its population structure and resistance. The study suggests that antibiotics can select for resistant variants and shape the species' evolutionary dynamics.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study analyzes mortality risks among pro athletes

A study analyzing mortality risks among pro athletes found elevated risks of death from cardiac and neurodegenerative diseases in football players compared to baseball players. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests the existence of sport-specific disease mechanisms that mandate further investigation.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 24, 2019

Mathematically designed graphene has improved electrocatalytic activity

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a graphene electrocatalyst with improved hydrogen evolution reaction performance by adding nitrogen and phosphorus dopants around well-defined edges of graphene holes. This approach enhances the number of active sites for chemical reactions to occur, leading to better electrolysis outcomes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMay 24, 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.

New research shows that mites and ticks are close relatives

A recent study has found that mites and ticks belong to the same evolutionary lineage, with over 42,000 mite species and 12,000 tick species described. This discovery expands our understanding of arthropod biodiversity and highlights the importance of genomic data in clarifying long-standing debates.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2019

'Neural Lander' uses AI to land drones smoothly

A new AI-powered system, Neural Lander, uses a deep neural network to help autonomous drones land more safely and quickly, while gobbling up less power. The system has been tested and achieved significant improvements in landing accuracy, with reductions of up to 100% in vertical error and 90% in lateral drift.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateMay 24, 2019

Scientists discover signalling circuit boards inside body's cells

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a cell-wide web that transmits signals across tiny distances, allowing cells to rapidly rewire their communication networks. This discovery could lead to new insights into diseases such as pulmonary hypertension and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2019

If you could learn every disease your child could possibly develop in life, would you?

A study suggests sorting genetic information into categories to inform parents about potential health risks, weighing benefits against potential anxiety and legal implications. The method considers the prevalence and timing of disease development, aiming to provide actionable information while respecting patient autonomy.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 24, 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.

AI and high-performance computing extend evolution to superconductors

Researchers used AI to evolve superconductors by optimizing defect structures, reducing losses and increasing efficiency. By mimicking natural selection, they created materials that can transmit electric current without resistance.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2019

Hubble spies curious galaxy moving a little closer

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured an image of the galaxy Messier 90, which is moving towards the Milky Way at a speed of approximately 60 million light-years. This rare phenomenon is known as blueshift, where the galaxy's light is compressed and shifted towards the blue end of the spectrum.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 24, 2019

Researchers discover how three-dimensional organization of the genome regulates cell differentiation

Researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School discovered that large loops form between DNA sequences where a key protein Pax3 binds, and these loops are essential for the development of skeletal muscle. The study shows how 3D genome organization regulates cell differentiation in skeletal muscle formation.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2019

Adding a carbon atom transforms 2D semiconducting material

Researchers successfully introduced carbon atoms into tungsten disulfide, creating an ambipolar semiconductor with bipolar effect. The technique enables the production of new components for energy-efficient devices with improved conductivity and catalytic activity.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 24, 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.

Odds of success

Engagement in extracurricular activities, such as student clubs, enhances analytical skills, leading to improved academic performance and higher job success. The study reveals a positive correlation between involvement in research, creative activities, and critical thinking development.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalVoprosy Obrazovaniya/ Educational Studies Moscow·DateMay 24, 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.

Don't overdo omega-6 fat consumption during pregnancy

Research in rats found high linoleic acid intake may harm pregnant women, increasing inflammation and disrupting hormone regulation. The study suggests reducing linoleic acid consumption during pregnancy may mitigate these risks.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMay 24, 2019

More than a protein factory

Researchers discovered that ribosomes in human cells destroy healthy mRNAs, affecting protein production and regulating gene expression. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of gene misregulation in human diseases.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·DateMay 24, 2019
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.

Scientists uncover exotic matter in the sun's atmosphere

Researchers from Ireland and France used large radio telescopes and ultraviolet cameras to study the Sun's plasma, revealing its unstable nature and potential for harnessing clean energy. The discovery could pave the way for developing safe and efficient nuclear fusion reactors.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2019

Soil communities threatened by destruction, instability of Amazon forests

A recent study published in Conservation Biology found that Amazonian deforestation leads to reduced abundance and diversity of soil fauna and microbes. The research team also discovered that land use patterns after forest clearance impact soil biodiversity, with certain species more vulnerable to displacement than others.

SourceColorado State University·JournalConservation Biology·DateMay 24, 2019

Paper stickers to monitor pathogens are more effective than swabs

Using paper stickers to collect pathogens is more effective and less expensive than swabbing for monitoring in food processing plants. Researchers found that stickers can trap both bacterial and dead pathogens, providing a record of contamination over several weeks.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 24, 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.

Simple test can tell if you're stressed out

Researchers developed a device that uses ultraviolet light to measure stress biomarkers in bodily fluids, providing an easy-to-interpret result. The device can be used to monitor health and detect potential health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalACS Sensors·DateMay 24, 2019

Mobile phone app designed to boost physical activity in women shows promise in trial

A new study found that a mobile phone app designed for physically inactive women increased their daily physical activity and helped them sustain it over nine months. The app, combined with an activity tracker and personal counseling, provided motivational messages and interactive feedback, leading to short- and long-term fitness benefits.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 24, 2019

Do you hear what I hear?

A new study found that infants at high risk for autism were less able to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar speech patterns. The researchers suggest that interventions should begin during infancy for those at high risk.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalBrain and Language·DateMay 24, 2019

How corn's ancient ancestor swipes left on crossbreeding

Researchers elucidate genetic isolation mechanisms that prevent hybridization between maize and teosinte, enabling two distinct species to form. A specific gene cluster, Tcb1-s, plays a crucial role in this process.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 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.

Nature inspires a novel new form of computing, using light

Researchers at McMaster University have developed a novel form of computing using light patterns and materials that react intuitively to light. This new approach enables simple calculations such as addition and subtraction without the need for power sources.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2019

Technology better than tape measure for identifying lymphedema risk

A new study conducted by Vanderbilt University found that bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is more effective than traditional tape measures in assessing the risk of developing lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. The technology reduces rates of progression by approximately 10%, a clinically meaningful improvement.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateMay 24, 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.

US dentists out-prescribe UK dentists when it comes to opioids

Researchers found US dentists prescribe 37 times more opioids than UK counterparts in 2016, a peak year in the US opioid crisis. The study emphasizes the importance of adopting national guidelines for treating dental pain and promoting judicious opioid prescribing among US dentists.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 24, 2019

Short-term use of opioids increases subjective pleasure

Researchers found that short-term opioid use intensifies feelings of pleasure while weakening negative emotions, shifting emotional responses towards the positive side. This effect is distinct from prolonged opioid use, which alters brain reward systems and diminishes sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateMay 24, 2019

Dead roots double shoreline loss in gulf

A new Duke University-led study reveals that marsh plants killed by disturbances like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill can double shoreline erosion rates. The loss of wetland vegetation increases erosion on wave-stressed shorelines by 100%, according to researchers.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 24, 2019

When macrophages are deprived of oxygen

Under hypoxic conditions, fewer metabolites are produced in the citric acid cycle, reducing bacterial reproduction in macrophages. This discovery provides a new method for pathogen control that doesn't rely on oxygen levels.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 24, 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.

How to prevent mosquitofish from spreading in water ecosystems

The mosquitofish is a highly invasive species that competes with native fish and moves them away from their habitats. Removing its population and improving water quality are key strategies to control its spread in ponds and lakes.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMay 24, 2019

CBT could benefit mental health of children with long-term conditions

A systematic review found CBT to be effective in improving the mental health of children with long-term physical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pain, and epilepsy. The study also highlighted the importance of building supportive relationships and considering a range of needs in treatment plans.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHealth Technology Assessment·DateMay 24, 2019

Finding the cause of capacity loss in a metal-oxide battery material

Researchers found that buildup of lithium oxide and decomposition of electrolyte lead to rapid capacity fade in magnetite-based electrode material. The conversion reaction is not fully reversible, causing residual products to accumulate and block electron transport.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 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.

Quantum computing boost from vapor stabilizing technique

Researchers from the University of Bath have patented a technique that allows electrons to be accessed for applications including quantum computing, atom cooling, and precision measurements. The innovation uses gold nanoparticles to stabilize alkali metal vapors, enabling fast and reproducible control over the vapor density.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2019

High sugar levels during pregnancy could lead to childhood obesity

Research found that pregnant women with high glucose blood levels are at increased risk of their children developing obesity in childhood. The study followed over 40,000 pregnancies and found a 13% higher risk of obesity if blood glucose levels were elevated on the screening test.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 24, 2019

Cancer cells are quick-change artists adapting to their environment

Researchers found cancer stem cells can change surface markers in response to environmental stressors, making targeted therapies less effective. The study's findings could lead to more optimized treatments by understanding how tumor cells adapt to their microenvironment.

SourceLuxembourg Institute of Health·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2019

How interval training affects 'belly fat' in obese 70-year-olds

A 10-week interval training program improved body composition in older adults with belly fat, with participants losing nearly two pounds of fat mass and gaining lean body weight. The exercise program showed significant reductions in belly fat for men but not women, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 24, 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.

Rice U. lab grows stable, ultrathin magnets

Rice University researchers have successfully grown a unique form of iron oxide with strong magnetic properties that is easy to stack atop other 2D materials. The material, epsilon iron(III) oxide, shows promise as a building block for exotic nanoscale structures that could be useful for spintronic devices and electronic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 24, 2019