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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 17


Page 17 of 42

Reverse-engineered computer model provides new insights into larval behavior

Scientists developed a reverse-engineered computer model to describe microscopic marine larvae behaviors, providing new insights into their dispersal and distribution. The approach abandons previous methods, revealing realistic patterns observed in nature, enhancing understanding of the marine environment.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 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.

Superconductor's magnetic persona unmasked

New experiments by US, Chinese and European physicists have found iron selenide's magnetic properties are highly anisotropic, like other iron superconductors. The material's structure and electronic behavior are surprisingly similar to those of other iron-based superconductors.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 20, 2019

How Earth's mantle is like a Jackson Pollock painting

Researchers discover varied chemical composition in mantle materials, contrasting with mid-ocean ridge lava. The team's findings suggest that the mantle is not well-mixed and that different rocks melt at different temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 20, 2019

SABER tech gives DNA and RNA visualization a boost

Researchers have developed SABER, a highly programmable method that significantly enhances the sensitivity and customization capabilities of FISH analysis. It enables parallel detection of many targets with high sensitivity and tunability at low costs.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 20, 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.

Film images of war ruins

The new project, led by Professor Vinzenz Hediger, investigates war destruction and reconstruction in non-fiction film from 1949 to 1953. The team analyzes public spaces such as marketplaces and squares in various European countries.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateMay 20, 2019

Professor rethinks living spaces for refugee camps

A researcher examines the case of people living in Jordan's Zaatari camp to understand how digital technology influences their physical space. She suggests a new design approach that prioritizes interior space, incorporating insertable walls and dividers to allow residents spatial authorship.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalArchitecture_MPS·DateMay 20, 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.

More detailed picture of Earth's mantle

A new analysis of oceanic crust cores has found distinct sections of rock with different chemical make-ups in the mantle. This variability could be linked to recycled oceanic crust and its interaction with the surrounding mantle.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 20, 2019

SLAS Discovery announces its June cover article

The June cover of SLAS Discovery features an article on the benefits of open sharing of compounds in drug discovery. By leveraging pooled knowledge, dark proteins have emerged as potential drug targets, offering a promising approach to exploring new medicines.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateMay 20, 2019

SCAI releases multi-society endorsed consensus on the classification stages of cardiogenic shock

A new five-stage system defines cardiogenic shock based on narrative patient descriptions, physical findings, and biochemical/hemodynamic markers to facilitate rapid assessment and communication between providers. The consensus aims to standardize vocabulary, recognize risk for adverse outcomes, and inform interventions.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateMay 20, 2019

Resilience of Yellowstone's forests tested by unprecedented fire

A recent study found that Yellowstone's re-burned forests have a six-fold decline in lodgepole pine tree seedlings and lost significant carbon storage capacity after experiencing two consecutive fires within fewer than 30 years. The researchers estimate it would take over 150 years for the forest to recover its lost carbon.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 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.

Solar flare insights from machine learning

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to classify solar active regions, discovering new features such as the persistence of flare-producing active regions before and after a flare. The study also identified the build-up of electrical currents before a solar flare event.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019

Circadian mechanism may not be driver behind compound linked to obesity and diabetes

A Penn Medicine study found that compound SR9009 can affect cell growth and metabolic function without the presence of protein REV-ERB, challenging previous understanding of its effects on obesity and diabetes. The research has significant implications for researchers and the general public.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Size is everything

A new method has been developed to predict the vulnerability of ecosystems, focusing on predators' body mass and prey characteristics. The approach enables researchers to determine habitat structure and stability without comprehensive data on all organisms.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 20, 2019

Chinese-Americans abused earlier in life face greater abuse risk as elders

A Rutgers University study found that Chinese-Americans who experienced child abuse or intimate partner violence are more likely to experience elder abuse. The researchers surveyed 3,157 Chinese-American adults over age 60 and found a significant association between early victimization and later abuse.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 20, 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.

High-temperature superconducting copper oxide

Researchers report a unique copper oxide exhibiting high-temperature superconductivity at up to 73 K, distinct structural features from known cuprate superconductors. This discovery suggests new directions for developing high-temperature superconductors.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019

Neurobiology: Doubly secured

The study reveals that brain stem cells use a double-lock mechanism to protect genes that control cell identity, preventing unintended activation. This discovery has great therapeutic potential for reactivating stem cells and could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2019

Mindfulness helps mothers with opioid use disorder combat depression

A mindfulness-based parenting intervention has been shown to decrease depression symptoms in mothers with opioid use disorder, particularly those with moderate to severe depression symptoms. The study, published in Issues in Mental Health Nursing, found that the intervention was a practical alternative to pharmaceutical treatment.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalIssues in Mental Health Nursing·DateMay 20, 2019
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.

'Spidey senses' could help autonomous machines see better

Purdue University researchers develop sensors inspired by spiders, bats, birds, and other animals to process sensory information faster, enabling drones and self-driving cars to detect and avoid objects better. The sensors can filter out irrelevant data and compute information without needing a power supply.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 20, 2019

Giving rural Indians what they want increases demand for cookstoves

A new study led by Duke University researchers found that adopting common business practices can increase the demand for improved cookstoves in rural India. The study showed a significant increase in adoption rates, with nearly half of households purchasing stoves in intervention areas compared to zero purchases in control villages.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019

Bonobo mothers help their sons to have more offspring

Researchers found that bonobo mothers aid their adult sons in copulation efforts, protecting them from other males and giving them access to popular spots within social groups. This behavior, rare in chimpanzees, is linked to higher male fertility and reproductive success for the bonobos.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 20, 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.

Hyperspectral camera captures wealth of data in an instant

Rice University's NASA-funded TuLIPSS project develops a portable spectrometer that can capture hyperspectral data instantly, unlike current systems that scan line-by-line. The device, called TuLIPSS, uses optical fibers to deliver image components to a detector and customize the balance of spectral and spatial data.

SourceRice University·JournalOptics Express·DateMay 20, 2019

Bolstering biopsies: Testing individual cells to guide treatment

Researchers developed a new testing method using single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze individual cells in diseased organs, revealing genetic glitches that may allow for more effective treatment. The study found promising results in lupus patients and could potentially improve biopsy accuracy for other diseases.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 20, 2019

Dog-like robot made by students jumps, flips and trots

The Stanford Student Robotics club developed an affordable, open-source quadruped robot called Stanford Doggo, which can perform acrobatic tricks and navigate challenging terrain. The robot's cost is estimated under $3,000 and all components can be bought online.

SourceStanford University·DateMay 20, 2019

Study identifies enzymes that prevent diabetic kidney disease

Researchers have identified protective factors that play a strong role in preventing diabetic kidney disease. The study found that certain enzymes, including PKM2, are present in people with good kidney function and may be used as biomarkers and targets for personalized clinical intervention.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 20, 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.

Echolocation: Making the best of sparse information

Bats use echolocation by emitting ultrasonic signals and analyzing echoes to detect objects, but their navigational system relies on a surprisingly small amount of spatial information. This allows them to navigate effectively despite receiving an 'extremely fuzzy picture' of their environment.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 20, 2019

Weight gain and loss may worsen dementia risk in older people

A large observational study found that rapid weight change and cardiometabolic risk factors significantly increase dementia risk in older adults. Continuous weight control and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are recommended for preventing dementia development.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateMay 20, 2019

Waking 'sleeping' genes could help Prader-Willi syndrome

Researchers discover potential way to wake up 'sleeping' genes that cause Prader-Willi syndrome, a devastating and incurable genetic condition. The approach aims to reduce severe symptoms such as obesity, developmental delays, and hormone dysfunction by targeting the genetic cause of the condition.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateMay 20, 2019

Farmers have less leisure time than hunter-gatherers, study suggests

A study of Agta hunter-gatherers in the Philippines found that those who adopt farming work around 10 hours a week longer than their forager neighbours, impacting women's lives disproportionately. The research suggests that agriculture may not represent progress as previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 20, 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.

Crime fighting just got easier as burglars reveal all

A recent study used virtual reality to observe burglars' behavior, revealing their expertise and skill in choosing targets. The results suggest that experienced burglars are more efficient and discriminate in their thefts, targeting high-value areas and avoiding security measures.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalCriminology·DateMay 20, 2019

Just released: Proceedings from inaugural Medical Summit on Firearm Injury Prevention

The proceedings from the inaugural Medical Summit on Firearm Injury Prevention identify a consensus-based approach to reduce injury, disability, and death from firearm violence. The article outlines a public health framework for addressing the crisis, including research, education, and targeted injury prevention initiatives.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 20, 2019

Expert judgement provides better understanding of the effect of melting ice sheets

An international team of scientists used structured expert judgment to estimate plausible ranges for future sea level rise from melting ice sheets. Their findings suggest that coastal communities should not rule out the possibility of 21st-century SLR in excess of two metres when developing adaptation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Progress in family planning in Africa accelerating

A new study shows women in eight sub-Saharan African countries gaining access to and using modern contraception at a faster rate than projected, with married women the biggest users. The average annual growth rate of change in modern contraceptive prevalence exceeded the 1.4% benchmark set by the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateMay 20, 2019

Women with sleep apnea are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than men

A study of over 19,000 people found that women with obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than men. The research, published in the European Respiratory Journal, suggests that women with severe OSA and low blood oxygen levels during sleep may be at greater risk of developing cancer.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateMay 20, 2019

Protein that promotes advancement of prostate cancer identified

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that inhibiting the BRD4 protein can consistently regulate prostate cancer cell migration and invasion. The study provides promising insights into preventing the spread of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), a highly aggressive form of the disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateMay 20, 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.

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.

Synthesis of helical ladder polymers

Scientists have successfully synthesized helical ladder polymers using a novel electrophilic aromatic substitution method. The resulting molecules exhibit well-defined right-handed helical geometry and can be modified to create nanoscale architectures for various applications.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 20, 2019

Zebrafish help researchers explore alternatives to bone marrow donation

Researchers used zebrafish and human cells to determine how blood stem cells receive Wnt signaling, discovering the crucial role of the epidermal growth factor receptor. This finding may advance laboratory development of blood stem cells, potentially leading to off-the-shelf treatments for patients with blood diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 20, 2019

Synthetic biologists hack bacterial sensors

Researchers have created a system that can systematically rewire two-component systems in bacteria, allowing them to identify the function of an unknown sensor. This technology has wide-ranging implications for medical diagnostics, pathogen study and environmental monitoring.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 20, 2019