Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 12


Page 12 of 42

Three exocomets discovered around the star Beta Pictoris

The discovery of three exocomets in the Beta Pictoris system provides significant evidence for their existence. The exoplanet-hunting space telescope TESS revealed a signal from darkening objects in the star's orbit, which were later confirmed as comets.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateMay 22, 2019
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.

Parasites dampen beetle's fight or flight response

Beetles infected with intestinal parasites exhibit reduced aggressive behavior during simulated attacks from predators and rival males. Larger beetles tend to fight back more than smaller ones, while parasitized beetles produce fewer squeaks as a defensive behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 22, 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.

Veterans with depression and/or PTSD more likely to seek cardiac rehab

A recent study found that veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or depression were more likely to participate in cardiac rehabilitation services following an episode of ischemic heart disease. This contrasts with previous research suggesting mental health conditions may hinder patient engagement in care.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 22, 2019

Monkey-infecting virus may provide part of future HIV vaccine

A protein from Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) has shown promise as a potential component of an HIV vaccine, eliciting antibodies that neutralize infection against multiple HIV strains. The study uses SIV Env proteins to stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 22, 2019

Lifestyle explains part of the protective effect of education on heart disease

A study published in The BMJ found that lifestyle factors like weight, blood pressure, and smoking explain around 40% of the protective effect of education on heart disease risk. Intervening on these modifiable risk factors could lead to reductions in cases of heart disease, but more than half of the overall effect remains unexplained.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 22, 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.

Massive sequencing study links rare DNA alterations to type 2 diabetes

A large international consortium analyzed protein-coding genes from nearly 46,000 people, linking rare DNA alterations to type 2 diabetes. The study identified four genes with rare variants that affect diabetes risk, providing potential targets for new medicines and guiding researchers to better understand the disease.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2019

Reducing the destruction of heart failure

Researchers identified a protein called gravin as key to regulating beta-adrenergic receptor expression on heart cells. Elevated adrenaline levels in heart failure desensitize receptors, reducing heart function. Researchers seek to develop treatment targeting this mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMay 22, 2019

Electric hookahs might be no safer than traditional charcoal-based ones

Researchers investigated emissions from waterpipes using electrical heating elements (EHEs) and charcoal, finding that EHEs reduced some toxicants but increased others. Emissions of acrolein, a highly reactive irritant, were several orders of magnitude higher with EHE use compared to charcoal.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateMay 22, 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 insights about carbon and ice could clarify inner workings of Earth, other planets

Researchers discovered that high pressure deep inside the young Earth may have driven vast stores of carbon into its core, while water ice undergoes complex crystalline metamorphosis under extreme conditions. The findings provide clues about how Earth-like planets are built and could be useful for studying worlds with icy surfaces.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2019

New 3D-printed technology lowers cost of common medical test

Researchers developed a 3D-printed pipette-tip test that leverages the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The new technology significantly reduces testing costs and time, allowing for faster diagnosis and potentially making medical testing available in rural or remote areas.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 22, 2019

Neptune's moon Triton fosters rare icy union

Astronomers discover unique infrared signature on Triton, suggesting a mix of carbon monoxide and nitrogen ices. This finding sheds light on conditions on other distant, icy worlds and could provide insights into the origins of life.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·DateMay 22, 2019

Poor semen quality in Switzerland

The first nationwide study on semen quality in Switzerland found that 38% of young men have semen parameter values above the WHO norms. Poor semen quality is associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer and infertility, with 25% of men having less than 40% motile spermatozoa.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAndrology·DateMay 22, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Natural environments favor 'good' bacteria

A new study reveals that restoring degraded landscapes to biodiverse ecosystems favors more stable and specialist bacteria over opportunistic ones. This shift in bacterial composition has potential immune-boosting effects, suggesting a connection between healthy ecosystems and human health.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEnvironment International·DateMay 22, 2019

Skin patch shows promise for children with milk-induced eosinophilic esophagitis

A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia finds that a skin patch may be useful in treating children with eosinophilic esophagitis triggered by milk. Nearly half of the 20 children who wore the Viaskin Milk patch saw improvements in their symptoms and normalization of biopsies after 11 months.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateMay 22, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Melting small glaciers could add 10 inches to sea levels

A comprehensive review of global-scale glacier models reveals that smaller glaciers worldwide are projected to lose significant mass by 2100. This could lead to almost 10 inches of sea level rise globally, surpassing the impact of ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateMay 22, 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.

Researchers from IKBFU study properties of amorphous microwires

Researchers from IKBFU investigated the influence of internal mechanical stresses on glass-coated amorphous microwires. The study, published in Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, focuses on optimizing magnetostrictive, magnetostatic, and magnetodynamic properties.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials·DateMay 22, 2019

Mapping the global distribution of phytoplankton

Researchers from ETH Zurich have modeled the spatial and temporal distribution of over 530 species of phytoplankton using 700,000 water samples. The study reveals that tropical waters hold the richest diversity of species at all times of the year, while mid-latitudes exhibit lower biodiversity due to strong currents and turbulence.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 22, 2019

University forms new center to battle Miami's HIV epidemic

The University of Miami has established a new center, CHARM, to study mental health disparities and curtail the local HIV/AIDS epidemic. The center aims to address behavioral factors that perpetuate the disease, particularly in poor and marginalized communities.

SourceUniversity of Miami·DateMay 22, 2019

Getting the lead and other metals out: Better detection can save lives

A Purdue University researcher has been awarded a Global Scholar Award to develop novel technologies for identifying toxic metal exposure, with the goal of reducing health problems associated with metal accumulation. The award will support her work at leading synchrotron facilities in Germany and South Korea.

SourcePurdue University·DateMay 22, 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.

New study shows crowdsourced traffic data could save lives

A new study finds crowdsourced traffic data from Waze is highly correlated with conventional reporting data, allowing for earlier notification of trauma surgeons and improved patient care. This could lead to a significant reduction in mortality rates from motor vehicle crashes.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMay 22, 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.

Infants later diagnosed with autism seldom initiate joint attention

A new study found that infants who are later diagnosed with autism react adequately when others initiate joint attention, but seldom actively seek to establish such episodes themselves. This suggests that children with autism have reduced social motivation already as infants.

SourceUppsala University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 22, 2019

Experimental noninvasive tool monitors effectiveness of stem cell transplantation

Researchers developed a blood test to track transplanted stem cells' effectiveness by analyzing exosomes, tiny cellular components secreted into the recipient's blood. The test showed promising results in repairing damaged heart muscle cells, paving the way for new treatments for various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 22, 2019

Civil War plant medicines blast drug-resistant bacteria in lab tests

A new study finds that extracts from three Civil War-era plants have antimicrobial activity against multi-drug resistant bacteria, which were commonly used in treating wound infections. The research suggests these plant-based remedies may have saved limbs and lives during the war.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 22, 2019

Why are those born in the rural South less healthy and prone to die sooner?

A new longitudinal cohort study aims to understand the causes of high burden of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders in rural Southern US communities. The RURAL study will examine 4,000 participants from 10 low-income counties, using a self-contained mobile examination unit and smart phones to collect health data.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateMay 22, 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.

Strange Martian mineral deposit likely sourced from volcanic explosions

A new study suggests that a strange mineral deposit near the landing site of NASA's next Mars rover is likely sourced from ancient volcanic explosions. The research provides tangible evidence for the importance of explosive volcanism on early Mars, shedding light on the water budget, groundwater abundance, and atmospheric thickness.

SourceBrown University·JournalGeology·DateMay 22, 2019

Historically redlined communities face higher asthma rates

Residents of historically redlined neighborhoods are more than twice as likely to visit emergency rooms for asthma, with significantly higher levels of diesel particulate matter in the air. Poverty and psychosocial stresses associated with living in divested neighborhoods also contribute to the disparity.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateMay 22, 2019

Redlining has an unexpected link: Asthma

Research reveals a surprising connection between redlining practices and increased asthma-related emergency room visits in affected neighborhoods. Residents of redlined areas experienced 13.9 more asthma-related ER visits annually per 10,000 people compared to non-redlined communities.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 22, 2019

Subtropical Storm Andrea gone girl

Subtropical Storm Andrea weakened and dissipated in just two days, losing its subtropical classification before reaching Tropical Storm status. The storm's location 370 km west southwest of Bermuda meant it posed no threat to coastal areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 22, 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.

Tip sheet: Recent research on how DNA is read and copied

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have unraveled how the DNA machinery fits together, revealing a paradigm shift in understanding genetic illness. The discovery of how nucleosomes change shape to bind with an enzyme could unveil new treatment opportunities for childhood leukemia.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateMay 22, 2019

Hypertension found in children exposed to flower pesticides

A study published in Environmental Research found higher blood pressure and pesticide exposures in children associated with a heightened pesticide spraying period around the Mother's Day flower harvest. Children examined sooner after the harvest had higher pesticide exposures and higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateMay 22, 2019

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions bestows highest designation ranking to lead

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has awarded its highest designation, Master Interventionalists of SCAI (MSCAI), to seven outstanding interventional cardiologists. These individuals have demonstrated excellence in invasive/interventional cardiology, clinical care, innovation, publication, and teaching.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·DateMay 22, 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.

More years spent in education associated with lower weight and blood pressure

A study led by Imperial College London found that only 40% of the effect of education on cardiovascular disease risk is explained through body mass index, blood pressure or smoking. Higher education is associated with a reduction in BMI and systolic blood pressure, which can contribute to lower heart disease risk.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 22, 2019

Scientists discover novel genes responsible for regulating muscle cells

York University researchers have identified novel genes that play a crucial role in regulating muscle cell differentiation and growth. The study found that Smad7 and β-catenin proteins work together to control the pathway for normal gene expression, resulting in normal skeletal muscle cells.

SourceYork University·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateMay 22, 2019

New study: protecting against type 1 diabetes

Researchers identified a critical role for hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1A) in increasing the risk of type 1 diabetes after viral infections. The study suggests that exposure to coxsackievirus and other environmental triggers can lead to β-cell death and increased incidence of type 1 diabetes.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 22, 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.

Cocktails with Cleopatra?

Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem recreated a 5,000-year-old brew using yeast from ancient beer jugs, shedding light on the Pharaohs' drinking habits and the brewing techniques of ancient civilizations.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalmBio·DateMay 22, 2019

Ancient proteins offer clues to the past

Scientists can now study ancient proteins to gain a more complete picture of past species and cultures. Research has revealed that ancient humans consumed grains, legumes, dairy products and meat, while Mongolians consumed dairy products long before known genetic mutations for lactose tolerance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 22, 2019