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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 13


Page 13 of 42

Risk of suicide attempt by children doubles if parent uses opioids

A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that opioid use by a parent is associated with a doubling of the risk of suicide attempts by their children. The researchers analyzed data from over 240,000 parents and found that children whose parents used opioids were more likely to attempt suicide.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 22, 2019

Defects in cellular antennae can cause a common heart condition

Researchers have identified DZIP1 gene mutation as a potential cause of MVP, which leads to congenital defects and abnormal heart rhythm. The study's findings may facilitate drug-based interventions for the condition.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·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.

Seeing inside superfog

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, successfully replicated superfog formation in a laboratory setting, revealing crucial factors such as low water content, small particle size, and high fuel moisture content. While they can now understand how superfog forms, predicting its occurrence remains uncertain due to comple...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFire Safety Journal·DateMay 22, 2019

School choice system is unfair to households in areas given fewer choices

A study of English secondary school placement systems found that parents in areas with more limited choices tend to make less ambitious school selections. Despite making more choices, students from minority backgrounds have lower chances of receiving an offer from their first-choice school.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalOxford Review of Education·DateMay 22, 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.

Exercise may help teens sleep longer, more efficiently

A new study led by Penn State found that exercise can help teenagers sleep longer and more efficiently. Participants who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity fell asleep 18 minutes earlier and slept for 10 minutes longer than those who were sedentary. The researchers also found connections between sleep and activity the fo...

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 22, 2019

Octopus-inspired wearable sensor

A graphene-based adhesive biosensor was created with an octopus-like sucker, allowing for full contact with both wet and dry skin. The device can monitor various human activities, including heart rate, step count, and speech patterns.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 22, 2019

Keep your placenta healthy by exercising while pregnant

Research in The Journal of Physiology found that exercise during pregnancy improves placental function, preventing excessive fetal growth and obesity in offspring. Maternal exercise also enhances metabolic health, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic disorders.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMay 22, 2019

Galaxies as 'cosmic cauldrons'

New observations of the NGC 300 spiral galaxy reveal that molecular clouds are short-lived structures undergoing rapid lifecycles driven by intense stellar radiation. The positions of young stars rarely coincide with those of their parent molecular clouds, indicating rapid star formation and gas dispersion.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature·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.

Using fruit flies to identify new treatment for a colorectal cancer patient

Researchers used genetically modified fruit flies to test candidate treatments for a patient with KRAS-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer. The approach identified trametinib plus zoledronate as a promising combination that prolonged survival and reduced targeted tumors.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·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.

COPD appears to cause more severe symptoms in women

Research using SPIROMICS data shows women with COPD report more severe symptoms, including acute exacerbations, and lower quality of life than men. The study aims to investigate the role hormonal factors may play in these gender differences.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 22, 2019

New therapeutic target for depression identified

Researchers at University of Malaga identify a fragment of the brain molecule Galanin as involved in anhedonia, a key symptom of depression. The study suggests potential new therapeutic strategies for treating depression and related addictions.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateMay 22, 2019

AERA releases 2019 annual meeting study snapshots

The study snapshots reveal key findings on the impact of privatization on public research universities, delayed time-to-degree and post-college earnings, and the demotivating effect of awards. Additionally, they highlight the challenges faced by teachers due to workplace violence and the benefits of working during college.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·DateMay 22, 2019

Quantum rebar: Quantum dots enhance stability of solar-harvesting perovskite crystals

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a way to combine perovskite crystals and quantum dots to create a stable hybrid material that can increase the efficiency of solar cells. The resulting material remains stable under ambient conditions for six months, significantly longer than similar materials without stabilization.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2019

Analysis reveals extent of drug industry funding of UK patient organizations

A recent analysis found that the UK drug industry donated over £57 million to patient organisations between 2012 and 2016. The majority of this funding was directed towards commercially high-profile conditions such as cancer and diabetes, with companies prioritising public involvement, research engagement, and advocacy.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·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.

How to enlarge 2D materials as single crystals?

Researchers at Institute for Basic Science synthesize hBN single crystals of 10*10 cm2 using a new substrate with lower symmetry. The study reveals that the substrate's symmetry affects crystal alignment and provides a general guideline for synthesizing various 2D materials.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2019

Stroke deaths in England halved in the first decade of the 21st century

Deaths from stroke in England decreased by 20% and 40% over the decade, mainly due to improved care, with most of this decline attributed to reduced case fatality. However, stroke rates among people under 55 years old increased, highlighting the need for strengthened prevention efforts in younger adults

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·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.

Ancient toy inspires tool for state-of-the-art science

A 5,000-year-old toy has inspired a portable centrifuge that can prepare scientific samples including DNA, working as well as expensive cousins but costing less than $1. The device, dubbed the 3D-Fuge, was demonstrated in two applications, one in a rainforest and another in a high school for synthetic biology competition.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 22, 2019

Proton therapy for cancer lowers risk of side effects

A study led by Washington University School of Medicine found that proton therapy results in fewer side effects than traditional X-ray radiation therapy for many cancer patients, with similar cure rates. Proton therapy reduced the risk of severe side effects by two-thirds within 90 days of treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateMay 22, 2019

Genetic discovery may improve corn quality, yields

Researchers have discovered genetic regulators that synthesize starch and protein in corn, improving its yield and nutritional value. The study, published in PNAS, found two transcription factors that play key roles in regulating starch and protein synthesis, paving the way for further research to improve corn quality.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2019
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.

Scientists break record for highest-temperature superconductor

Researchers discovered superconductivity in lanthanum superhydrides at temperatures of about -23°C, exceeding the previous record by 50 degrees. The material exhibited zero electrical resistance and could potentially be used in advanced technologies like efficient magnetic levitation trains.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2019

Eating healthily at work matters

A new study found that employees who purchased unhealthy food at work had an unhealthy diet outside of work and higher risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that workplace wellness programs can encourage healthier eating habits and reduce chronic conditions.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·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.

Leaving school earlier could increase the risk of heart disease

Research suggests that leaving school earlier may increase the risk of heart disease in later life. Studies found that higher levels of BMI, blood pressure, and smoking partly explain this association. Interventions targeting these risk factors could lead to reductions in cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 22, 2019
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.

First states to expand Medicaid saw larger screening rate increases

A new study found that states that expanded Medicaid saw larger increases in colorectal cancer screening, with an additional 236,573 people screened. The study suggests that Medicaid expansion can improve cancer screening rates among low-income adults.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 22, 2019

Help for youth who have experienced sexual or physical abuse

A new form of psychotherapy developed for teens and young adults has been shown to effectively reduce psychological stress. The treatment, which consists of 30-26 sessions over four to five months, demonstrated improved symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental disorders.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 22, 2019

New study estimates preventable cancer burden linked to poor diet in the US

A new study estimates that 5.2% of invasive cancer cases in the US are related to poor diet, with colorectal cancer and mouth, pharynx, and larynx being the most affected. The study found that low whole grain intake was associated with the largest number and proportion of new cancer cases.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·DateMay 22, 2019

USC study finds warmer temperatures improve women's performance

A new USC study found that women performed better on math and verbal tasks at higher temperatures, while men's performance was less affected. The study suggests that setting office temperatures higher than current standards could lead to increased productivity in mixed-gender workplaces.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 22, 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.

Big energy savings for tiny machines

Researchers at Simon Fraser University developed a theory that predicts maximum efficiency and minimal energy loss in molecular machines. By manipulating DNA hairpins, they demonstrated a strategy to optimize nanomachines, which could lead to significant advancements in fields like computer chips, solar cells, and biotechnology.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2019

Soft, social robot brings coziness to homes -- and classrooms

Blossom, a handcrafted open-source robot platform, is designed to be simple, expressive, and inexpensive, allowing users to customize it with various materials like wood and wool. The robot's mechanical design enables flexible gestures, making it suitable for teaching children about robotics and human-robot interaction.

SourceCornell University·JournalACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction·DateMay 22, 2019

3D-printed device detects biomarkers of preterm birth

Researchers have developed a 3D-printed microchip electrophoresis device that can detect three serum biomarkers of preterm birth with high sensitivity. The device is faster, cheaper, and easier to make than existing methods, which require laborious processes and specialized equipment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·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.

Surgery patients are getting older every year

As the population ages, surgery rates are increasing, leading to a higher risk of complications and death for elderly patients. The BJS analysis reveals that more than one in ten people in England will undergo surgery at 75+, with estimated costs exceeding €3.2 billion by 2030.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateMay 22, 2019

Spatial DNA organization forms first, then the rest

Researchers discovered that DNA in early zygote is organized into Lamina Associated Domains (LADs) before gene activation, revealing a fundamental mechanism behind cell type identity. This discovery provides new insights into the development of an entire organism from a single fertilized oocyte.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2019

Vascularized kidney tissue engineered by WFIRM scientists

Researchers at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have successfully engineered vascularized functional renal tissues using a novel biomimetic scaffold. The study's findings suggest that this approach may be a more feasible and practical treatment strategy for patients with chronic kidney disease.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateMay 22, 2019

Study questions European Parliament's perception as champion of gender equality

A study critically examines the European Parliament's perception as a champion of gender equality, revealing institutional culture characterized by gender stereotypes and different expectations towards male and female MEPs. The findings highlight shortcomings in maternity/paternity leave rights and the challenges faced by women in bala...

SourceWiley·JournalJCMS Journal of Common Market Studies·DateMay 22, 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.

Data science helps engineers discover new materials for solar cells and LEDs

Researchers developed a computational approach to design new hybrid halide semiconductors, discovering 13 new material candidates for solar cells and 23 for LEDs. The study used large-scale quantum mechanics calculations to identify novel materials with excellent optoelectronic properties.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 22, 2019

SWOG spotlights high-impact research at ASCO

SWOG researchers present numerous high-impact trials at ASCO, focusing on symptom control, survivorship, and quality of care. Studies explore the effectiveness of text messaging for medication adherence in breast cancer patients and investigate gender disparities in severe adverse events among chemotherapy recipients.

SourceSWOG·DateMay 22, 2019

The top 25 medical lab tests around the world

Researchers found similar patterns of diagnostic laboratory tests across five countries, despite differences in poverty levels and disease prevalence. The top 25 most common tests were common everywhere, with biochemical tests being the lowest priced.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Pathology·DateMay 22, 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.

Early antiretroviral treatment may preserve key immune responses to HIV

A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that early antiretroviral treatment can preserve functional CD8 T cells and stimulate robust CD4 T cell responses. This could lead to the development of effective HIV vaccines by stimulating long-term immune memory.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 22, 2019
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.