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Science News for May 31, 2019


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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 31, 2019

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.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalIACR Transactions on Cryptographic Hardware and Embedded Systems·DateMay 31, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·DateMay 31, 2019

Explorers and soldiers don't worry -- anesthesia works in Antarctica!

Researchers exposed commonly used anaesthetic drugs to Antarctic weather conditions and found that they were within the allowed security margins, making them safe for use. The study provides reassurance for anaesthetists working in challenging environments.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateMay 31, 2019

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.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateMay 31, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 31, 2019

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...

SourceOregon State University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 31, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalMetabolism·DateMay 31, 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.

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 31, 2019

Occupational hazards account for more than one in ten people with range of lung diseases

A joint ATS and European Respiratory Society statement reveals that occupational hazards contribute to over 1 in 10 cases of non-cancerous lung diseases, including asthma and COPD. The study estimates the burden of these conditions, highlighting a need for policy makers to prioritize prevention among working women and men worldwide.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 31, 2019

The body responds to variations in light between the day and night independently of the brain

New research reveals that tissues can respond to light changes independently of the central clock in the brain, maintaining minimal functions even when other tissues fail. This autonomy has significant implications for health, particularly in regards to premature aging and pathologies caused by daily phase differences.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCell·DateMay 31, 2019

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.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalEBioMedicine·DateMay 31, 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.

Men who choose active surveillance for early prostate cancer often don't follow monitoring rules

A study found that only 15% of men in North Carolina with low or intermediate-risk prostate cancer who chose active surveillance followed recommended monitoring guidelines. This suggests that patients may not be adhering to the guidelines, which include regular PSA tests and biopsies. The study's authors call for further research into ...

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·DateMay 31, 2019

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateMay 31, 2019

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.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 31, 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.

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.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateMay 31, 2019

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.

SourceKyushu University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateMay 31, 2019

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.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 31, 2019

Searching for the origins of the depressive symptoms in Huntington's disease

Researchers found that Cdk5 kinase hyperfunction alters the signalling pathway of DARPP-32/β-adducin in the nucleus accumbens brain region, leading to depressive-like behavior in Huntington's disease models. The study suggests new molecular pathways for treating depression in people with Huntington's.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 31, 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.

Prescription drug costs steadily soar, yet price transparency is lacking

A Scripps Research study analyzed pharmacy insurance claims from over 35 million Americans and found that popular brand-name drugs experienced 'continual, marked, annual increases' between 2012 and 2017. The researchers concluded that the complex rebate system drives up costs for consumers.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 31, 2019

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateMay 31, 2019

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.

SourceImperial College London·JournalTobacco Control·DateMay 31, 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.

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.

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.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 31, 2019

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.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 31, 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.

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.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·DateMay 31, 2019

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.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·DateMay 31, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateMay 31, 2019

Most preventive antibiotics prescribed by dentists are unnecessary

A recent US study found that 81% of antibiotics prescribed by dentists to prevent infections prior to dental visits are unnecessary. The study highlights the need for improved antibiotic stewardship in dental practices, particularly in Western US locations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 31, 2019

New research shows how habitat loss can destabilise ecosystems

New research reveals that different types of habitat loss can destabilise entire plant and animal communities. The study found that the specific ways in which habitat is lost is key to understanding its impact on ecosystem function and stability.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 31, 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.

Research reveals role of fat storage cells in anti-obesity intervention

New research from Marshall University establishes adipocyte Na/K-ATPase signaling worsens obesity and related diseases, including neurodegeneration and NASH. Targeting the signaling pathway with NaKtide improves metabolic profile and demonstrates therapeutic potential.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 31, 2019

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalClimatic Change·DateMay 31, 2019

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

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 31, 2019

Wrong side surgical errors substantially underreported and totally preventable

A new study published at the Euroanaesthesia Congress found that wrong side surgical errors (WSEs) are more common than thought, with over 80 incidents reported in 11 years. The study highlights the need for improved training and implementation of surgical safety checklists to prevent such errors.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateMay 31, 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.

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.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 31, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience·DateMay 31, 2019

A small electrical zap to the brain could help you retrieve a forgotten memory

Researchers at UCLA found that stimulating a specific region of the brain improves people's ability to retrieve memories. The study, published in Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to increase excitability of neurons in the left rostrolateral prefrontal cortex.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateMay 31, 2019