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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 14


Page 14 of 42

A new genetic tool to modify and understand gene function

Scientists have developed a new genetic tool called iSuRe-Cre that provides certainty in Cre-inducible genetic modifications. This innovation increases the efficiency and reliability of gene function analysis in mice, allowing for precise investigation of gene role during organ development, physiology, and disease.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·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.

Artificial photosynthesis transforms carbon dioxide into liquefiable fuels

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed an artificial process that converts carbon dioxide into fuel using visible light and electron-rich gold nanoparticles. The new process produces complex, liquefiable hydrocarbons from excess CO2 and sunlight, paving the way for green energy technology.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2019

A light matter: Understanding the Raman dance of solids

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology investigated photogenerated coherent phonons in GaAs using ultrafast dual pump-probe laser for quantum interferometry. They found that impulsive stimulated Raman scattering (ISRS) dominates phonon generation, with ISRS causing zapping of vibrations in the solid lattice.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateMay 22, 2019

Bipolar disorder may be linked to Parkinson's disease

A national Taiwanese health database study found people with bipolar disorder were nearly seven times as likely to develop Parkinson's disease as those without the condition. The risk was higher for those hospitalized more frequently, developing the disease at a younger age.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 22, 2019

Robots activated by water may be the next frontier

Researchers have created a novel material that harnesses water to deliver force and motion, revolutionizing the development of soft robots. This new material is made from spores and adhesives, providing an alternative to traditional materials used in hard actuators.

SourceColumbia University·JournalAdvanced Materials Science and Technology·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.

Aspirin green light for brain bleed stroke patients, study finds

Researchers tracked outcomes from 537 people with brain haemorrhage while taking antiplatelet medicines, finding fewer recurrences compared to those who didn't take these treatments. The study suggests treatments may reduce rather than increase risk of further bleeding in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 22, 2019

Detecting bacteria in space

Scientists have pioneered a new genomic methodology to identify and map bacterial species on the International Space Station, aiming to safeguard astronauts' health. The approach has applications in environmental management and healthcare, and will enable researchers to explore new microbiome environments.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateMay 22, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Social networks and suicide prevention

Depression and mental health problems are spreading through close social networks, with traditional face-to-face contacts unraveling. Experts advocate for 'social prescribing' to engage patients in positive activities within their networks to combat rising suicide rates.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 22, 2019

New exercise guidelines for people with cancer

Researchers from QUT and Edith Cowan University published new exercise guidelines that recommend a personalized approach to exercise prescription. The guidelines suggest moderate to high intensity exercise, but emphasize the importance of tailoring the program to individual patient needs and priorities.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateMay 22, 2019

Scientists discover the source of new CFC emissions

A new study by an international team of scientists identified a significant increase in CFC-11 emissions in eastern China since 2013, posing a threat to the recovery of the stratospheric ozone layer. The findings suggest that new production of CFC-11 has taken place in the region, primarily for building insulation and refrigerators.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2019

Plankton as a climate driver instead of the sun?

A new numerical model suggests that plankton biomass controls the carbon cycle in the ocean, leading to a self-sustained 40k yr climate cycle. This finding challenges the standard theory of climate change driven by solar radiation and orbital forcing.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Geoscience·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.

Black men less likely than nonblack men to adopt active surveillance

A new study found that black men with low-risk prostate cancer are 16% less likely to adopt active surveillance than non-black men, despite similar rates of overall active surveillance. The disparity is attributed to socioeconomic and insurance barriers that deter black patients from accessing follow-up care.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 22, 2019

Defects in heart valve cilia during fetal development cause mitral valve prolapse

Research by Medical University of South Carolina investigators reveals genetic variations in fetal heart valve cells can cause mitral valve prolapse later in life. The study found that defects in primary cilia contribute to the disease, which can be present early but remains benign until decades later.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 22, 2019

A road map to stem cell development

Researchers have created a method to track gene expression in cells during development, providing unprecedented detail. This technique could be used to develop future regenerative treatments for diseases like macular degeneration and other neurological disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMay 22, 2019

Hospital-acquired infections may be lower in closed ICUs

Research suggests that closed ICUs with primary ICU responsibility may lower hospital-acquired infection rates. Central line-associated blood stream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and ventilator-acquired pneumonia were reduced after the transition from open to closed ICU.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·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.

Jaw movement and machine learning may diagnose sleep apnea

Researchers used machine learning to analyze jaw movements during sleep, providing information about respiratory effort and offering a cost-effective alternative to polysomnography. This method has the potential to diagnose mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea at home with high accuracy.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 22, 2019

After GWAS studies, how to narrow the search for genes?

Researchers describe an effective, unbiased method for choosing the best algorithm for prioritizing GWAS results, called Benchmarker. Combining multiple strategies often gives the best results and certain algorithms perform best when looking for genes for specific traits.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 21, 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.

Scientists discover potential breakthrough in the understanding of tumor dormancy

Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have made a significant discovery regarding tumor dormancy, a state of inactivity that allows cancer cells to evade detection and recurrence. By targeting senescent cells, they hope to develop novel therapeutics that can eliminate dormant tumor cells and prevent disease recurrence.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University, Massey Cancer Center·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 21, 2019

Positive aspects of masculinity helps improve boys' attitudes toward relationship violence

A pilot program focusing on positive expressions of masculinity improved middle school boys' attitudes toward relationship violence, reducing beliefs that coercion and violence are acceptable. The 'Reducing Sexism and Violence Program - Middle School Program' also taught empathy, healthy relationships and bystander intervention skills.

SourceRutgers University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateMay 21, 2019

The insulin under the influence of light

Scientists uncover how light influences insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis, shedding light on the circadian rhythms' impact on diabetes. The study suggests that taking into account time of day can help patients better manage their treatment and reduce risks associated with daily insulin injections.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 21, 2019

Summit charts a course to uncover the origins of genetic diseases

A team developed an integrative model of the transcription preinitiation complex (PIC) using IBM's Summit system. The new model provides superior insights into protein structures and dynamics, revealing how mutations cause genetic diseases.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 21, 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.

Only half of US kids and teens have ideal cholesterol levels

According to a study published in JAMA, only half of children and adolescents in the US have ideal cholesterol levels, with 25% having clinically high levels. High cholesterol in childhood is a key risk factor for developing heart disease later in life.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJAMA·DateMay 21, 2019

3-million-year-old fossilized mouse reveals evolutionary secrets of color

A team of researchers from the University of Manchester has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of paleontology, revealing colorful pigments from ancient mouse remains. The study used X-ray imaging to analyze fossils over 3 million years old, unlocking secrets about key pigments and their evolution.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2019
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.

What happens to young adults after a first heart attack?

Nearly one in 10 young adults who had a heart attack met the clinical definition for familial hypercholesterolemia. Many patients continued having elevated cholesterol levels a year after their heart attack, highlighting opportunities for more aggressive treatment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 21, 2019

Lake sediment records reveal recent floods in NW England (UK) unprecedented

A new study of UK lake sediment records has found that recent floods in Northern England were the largest in 600 years, highlighting the impact of climate changes. The research uses lake sediment records and river flow data to establish long-term flood frequency models, aiming to improve flood risk management in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalEarth Surface Processes and Landforms·DateMay 21, 2019

Strain enables new applications of 2D materials

Physicists from the University of Belgrade have found a way to manipulate superthin layers of graphene to create new artificial materials with enhanced properties. Applying tensile biaxial strain increases the critical temperature, making high-temperature superconductivity easier to achieve.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 21, 2019

Exercise: Psych patients' new natural prescription

A new study suggests that physical exercise can alleviate patient symptoms of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, potentially reducing time spent in acute facilities. Practitioners are now considering exercise as a fundamental treatment option, alongside pharmacological interventions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalGlobal Advances in Health and Medicine·DateMay 21, 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.

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.

Multiple brain regions moderate and link depressive mood and pain

A new study reveals that specific brain regions, including executive function areas and sensory monitoring zones, moderate both depressive mood and physical pain. The research found that individuals with higher levels of depressive mood exhibited increased sensitivity to pain and heightened activation in these brain regions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPain·DateMay 21, 2019

CBD clinical trial results on seizure frequency in dogs 'encouraging'

A pilot study led by Dr. Stephanie McGrath found that 89% of dogs who received CBD had a reduction in seizure frequency. The research suggests a correlation between CBD concentration and seizure reduction, leading to potential alternative treatments for canine epilepsy.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateMay 21, 2019

Penguins and their chicks' responses to local fish numbers informs marine conservation

Researchers studied African penguins' responses to changes in local fish abundance, finding that penguins' foraging behavior and chick body condition are directly linked to fish availability. The study suggests that penguins could be key indicators of local ecosystem health, informing fisheries management and conservation efforts.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMay 21, 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.

Discrimination against older people needs attention, study says

A recent study by Donna Wilson reveals that 48-91% of older adults experience ageism, while 50-98% of younger people admit to discriminatory thoughts or behaviors. The research highlights the need for more comprehensive surveys and anti-ageism legislation to address this pressing issue.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAgeing Research Reviews·DateMay 21, 2019

Ammonium fertilized early life on earth

Researchers at Syracuse University and international team discover evidence of abundant ammonium in pre-GOE oceans, providing a nutrient-rich environment for early life. This finding sheds light on the critical importance of nitrogen and phosphorus in Earth's history.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 21, 2019

CBD reduces craving and anxiety in people with heroin use disorder

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that CBD significantly reduced craving and anxiety induced by drug cues in individuals with heroin use disorder. The study also revealed that CBD tended to reduce physiological measures of stress reactivity, such as increased heart rate and cortisol levels.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 21, 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.

Johns Hopkins researchers publish digital health roadmap

The Johns Hopkins researchers advocate for a 'digital health scorecard' to provide objective validation and ratings for health technology solutions. They aim to address the lack of rigor in evaluating health care technology, which often prioritizes speed over safety and clinical effectiveness.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateMay 21, 2019

Study to explore reasons rural communities are less healthy

Researchers are conducting a six-year study to investigate the factors contributing to poor health in rural communities. The study will recruit 4,000 participants from 10 rural counties and collect data on lifestyle, behavioral factors, medical history, and environmental elements.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateMay 21, 2019

Why lack of sleep is bad for your heart

A study published in Experimental Physiology found that short-sleepers have lower blood levels of three microRNAs, which influence gene expression and maintain vascular health. This could lead to new tests for sleep-deprived patients concerned about their health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateMay 21, 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.

Road to cell death mapped in the Alzheimer's brain

Researchers have identified a new mechanism that accelerates aging in the brain and gives rise to the most devastating biological features of Alzheimer's disease. This finding unifies three long-standing theories behind the disease's origins into one cohesive narrative.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2019