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Science News Archive May 2019


Page 35 of 42

Percutaneous ablation vs. surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma

A study comparing percutaneous liver ablation interventions (IRs) to surgical procedures for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) found IRs had significantly lower inhospital mortality rates and hospitalization costs. IRs were also associated with shorter lengths of stay and a higher routine discharge rate to home.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Researchers uncover mechanism blocking retina regeneration

Researchers have identified a cellular mechanism that prevents retinal regeneration in mammals, but allows for regeneration in zebrafish. By manipulating this pathway, it may be possible to restore lost vision by activating the retina's regenerative capacity.

Complex geology contributed to Deepwater Horizon disaster, new study finds

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin examines the role of geologic conditions in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. The research, published in Scientific Reports, reveals a significant drop in pore pressure near the bottom of the well, leading to a controversial cement decision that contributed to the blowout.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Does insulin resistance cause fibromyalgia?

Researchers have discovered a significant link between insulin resistance and fibromyalgia, enabling the use of metformin medication to reduce pain levels. The study found that most patients with fibromyalgia can be identified by their A1c levels, which reflect average blood sugar levels over two to three months.

Side-by-side comparison on point of care tests for blood's ability to clot

Researchers compared common bedside testing platforms to determine blood clotting speed and found the iSTAT platform offers a better balance of speed and accuracy. The Hepcon system provides consistent results with lab-based anti-Xa tests but lacks physiologically active heparin levels, making it less valuable for patient care.

Cancer risk tools underused in general practice, research shows

Research reveals that cancer risk assessment tools are being widely underused by UK GPs, with only half of those with access using them. The study's findings highlight the need for improved training and integration of these tools into consultations to improve cancer diagnosis and survival rates.

Learning language

Researchers discovered that the right hemisphere plays a crucial role in processing foreign speech sounds at the beginning of language learning. Successful learners showed increased activity in the right hemisphere during sound recognition tasks. The study's findings have the potential to improve instructional methods for adult learners.

How common is alcoholic fatty liver disease?

A study examining national survey data found that approximately 10.9 million Americans have alcoholic fatty liver disease, highlighting the need for awareness and prevention efforts. The study's findings also suggest a significant association between heavy drinking and the development of this condition.

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.

Train your brain to eat less sugar

A new study from Drexel University shows that a computer game can be used to train individuals to eat less sugar, leading to weight loss and improved health. The 'Diet DASH' game targets the part of the brain that inhibits impulses with the goal of reducing sweet food consumption.

Dehesa health starts from the ground up

Soil microbiome plays crucial role in woodland health, influencing pathogens that affect holm oak and improving trees' resilience. The study found that beneficial microorganisms like Trichoderma can help prevent oomycete pathogens, while mycorrhizae abundance leads to reduced defoliation.

Chemical hints of ayahuasca use in pre-Columbian rituals

A study has uncovered chemical evidence suggesting the use of psychoactive plants in pre-Columbian rituals in Bolivia. The analysis of a 1,000-year-old ritual bundle found five psychoactive compounds, including cocaine and dimethyltryptamine, which hint at the use of multiple plants to make ayahuasca

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis drug diminishes Zika birth defects in mice

Researchers have found that anakinra, a long-standing immunosuppressive drug, can diminish fetal deaths and birth defects in mice infected with the Zika virus. The study suggests that targeting placental immune responses may be a viable treatment approach for reducing Zika-related birth defects.

Dataset bridges human vision and machine learning

Researchers have created a new dataset called BOLD5000, which comprises brain scans of four volunteers viewing 5,000 images. This dataset allows cognitive neuroscientists to leverage deep learning models that have improved artificial vision systems.

Huntington drug successfully lowers levels of disease-causing protein

Researchers have successfully lowered levels of mutant huntingtin protein in patients with Huntington disease, making the treatment safe and well-tolerated. The trial enrolled 46 patients and found significant decreases in disease-causing protein levels without serious adverse reactions.

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.

Hopping bacteria

Bacteria use a hopping motion to move through tight spaces in the human intestine, improving medical and environmental technologies. Researchers at Princeton University developed a new model with improved accuracy, leveraging complex geometry simulations.

When a tree falls in St. Louis, will the power go out?

Researchers mapped eight tree species in Forest Park using satellite imaging data and machine learning techniques. The data will help inform best practices for managing healthy green spaces and trimming programs to avoid power outages following storms. By analyzing tree health and species, experts can track growth rates and identify tr...

Climate education for kids increases climate concerns for parents

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that teaching children about climate change boosts their parents' levels of concern, including among conservative and male parents. This finding suggests a promising pathway to overcoming societal barriers to climate action through intergenerational learning.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

The perils of a leader who is too extroverted

A new study suggests that overly extroverted leaders can come across as pushy or annoying, while a moderate amount of assertiveness and warmth may be more effective. However, prosocial motivation can help highly extroverted leaders receive better marks from their peers.

Radical desalination approach may disrupt the water industry

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a novel desalination approach called temperature swing solvent extraction (TSSE) for treating high-salinity brines. TSSE can efficiently remove salt and recover water, with the potential to transform the water industry by reducing energy consumption and costs.

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.

URI researchers: Offshore wind farm increased tourism on Block Island

Researchers found a significant increase in tourism on Block Island after construction of the offshore wind farm, with occupancy rates rising by 19% and monthly revenue increasing by $3490. The study suggests that curiosity about renewable energy drove the interest, but may not persist long-term.

What does Earth's core have in common with salad dressing? Maybe this

A Yale-led team discovered that molten iron alloys containing silicon and oxygen form two distinct liquids under conditions similar to those in the Earth's core, mimicking the separation of oil and vinegar in salad dressing. This finding provides new insights into the evolution of Earth's magnetic field.

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.

New 3-foot-tall relative of Tyrannosaurus rex

A new, smaller relative of the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex has been discovered by Virginia Tech paleontologist Sterling Nesbitt. The newly named Suskityrannus hazelae stood 3 feet tall and weighed between 45-90 pounds, with a diet likely consisting of small animals. The fossil dates back 92 million years to the Cretaceous Period.

Soy protein lowers cholesterol, study suggests

A meta-analysis of 46 trials found soy protein reduces LDL cholesterol, supporting its inclusion as a heart-healthy food option. Researchers hope their findings inform the FDA's evaluation of soy protein.

Study finds lifestyle factors that could harden arteries

Researchers identified 27 new metabolites associated with arterial stiffness in a large study of over 1,200 participants. The study found that certain lifestyle factors, including coffee drinking and Southern foods, were linked to increased levels of these metabolites.

Heart failure deaths rising in younger adults

Death rates due to heart failure are increasing among younger adults under 65, with black men under age 65 facing the largest increase in premature death. The study found that an estimated 6 million adults in the US have heart failure, which is the number one reason older adults are admitted to hospital.

Ayahuasca fixings found in 1,000-year-old bundle in the Andes

Archaeologists found a 1,000-year-old bundle in the Bolivian Andes with traces of ayahuasca fixings, including dimethyltryptamine and harmine. Researchers believe ancient South Americans combined different medicinal plants to produce powerful hallucinations.

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.

Merging cell datasets, panorama style

Researchers developed an algorithm called Scanorama that merges over 20 diverse human cell datasets into a single, diverse source of data. The algorithm uses a modified computer-vision technique to find matching cells across datasets and preserves unique cell types.

Autism gene linked to brain and behavior deficits in mice

A new study published in JNeurosci finds that mice lacking the gene Shank3 display structural and functional deficits in the prefrontal cortex. These findings establish a role of Shank3 in maintaining prefrontal cortex connectivity, which may increase autism risk when disrupted.

Rice husks can remove microcystin toxins from water

Scientists at the University of Toledo discovered that rice husks can remove microcystin, a toxin released by harmful algal blooms, with up to 95% efficiency. The treatment uses organic rice husks treated with hydrochloric acid and heated to 250 degrees Celsius.

Exploring new treatments for autoimmune diseases

Researchers at Michigan Medicine are investigating new treatments for autoimmune diseases, including scleroderma and lupus. The study aims to develop targeted therapies that minimize immune system impairment and reduce susceptibility to infections.

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.

Public dread of nuclear power limits its use

A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that public fear of nuclear power leads to a 40% decrease in chosen nuclear generation. The team surveyed over 1,200 US respondents and showed some with the names of energy sources and others with risk information to disentangle the root causes of public opinion.

Genetic adaptation to climate change

A new approach to assessing species vulnerability considers genetic variation, reducing overestimation of extinction risk. The study found that bats can adapt to changing environments, allowing them to breed with populations in different climates.

Maternal obesity and sperm RNA

A study found that maternal obesity affects sperm RNA, influencing offspring's behavior and health. Sperm tsRNAs contribute to transgenerational transmission of addiction and obesity traits in mice.

Brain injury from low oxygen affects specific cells, Stanford-led study finds

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a specific set of brain cells that are particularly susceptible to harm from low oxygen exposure in early development. The discovery has implications for preventing brain injuries in premature babies, who often suffer from poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.

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.

New molecule maps cerebrovascular system

Researchers developed a peptide called FRW that binds specifically to endothelial cell junctions in the blood-brain barrier, paving the way for novel diagnostic imaging strategies and therapies. The new technique also reveals differences between the blood-retina and blood-brain barriers.

Climate change and genetic adaptations of bats

Researchers found that bats with genotypes adapted to hot-dry climates are likely to retain their range and survive climate change, while those adapted to cold-wet climates will lose most of their range. Accounting for adaptive genetic variation is crucial to accurately predict extinction risk from climate change.

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 step closer to future 5G smartphones with the world's first Antenna-on-Display

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed an innovative Antenna-on-Display (AoD) technology that embeds antennas within super-resolution displays. This technology eliminates the trade-off between ergonomics, esthetics, and technology in 5G smartphones, enabling the deployment of new concepts for 5G devices.

Pigment-producing stem cells can regenerate vital part of nervous system

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have discovered pigment-producing stem cells that can regenerate myelin sheaths in mice, potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis. The discovery could offer a less invasive and simpler alternative to embryonic stem cells.

Making a 'to do' list for trauma docs

A digital procedural checklist for trauma centers has been developed and implemented, supporting trauma teams without hindering performance. The checklist, which includes over 55 tasks, was designed through years of collaborative research and testing, and its use in real trauma settings showed positive results.

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.

Form drives function in cancer proliferation

A new study reveals that actin, a protein responsible for cell movement, also drives the ability of cancer cells to grow when under stress. Enlarged actin sheets called lamellipodia sequester tumor suppressor molecules, allowing cancer cells to resist chemotherapy and grow more aggressively.

Vaccine design can dramatically improve cancer immunotherapies

Researchers at Northwestern University have designed spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) that stimulate powerful anti-cancer immune responses, completely eliminating tumors in 30% of animals and improving overall survival. The study's findings highlight the importance of chemical structure and three-dimensional presentation in vaccine design.

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.