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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 18


Page 18 of 42

Virulence factor of the influenza A virus mapped in real-time

The study found that acidic environments make the HA0 molecule flatter and more circular, inducing conformational changes. The researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy to visualize the structure of HA0 in real-time, paving the way for developing therapeutic approaches against influenza A viruses.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects·DateMay 20, 2019

Cardiac MRI may lead to targeted PAH therapy

Researchers developed a cardiac MRI method to predict mortality risk in PAH patients. By monitoring right ventricular function, doctors can provide targeted therapies and measure their effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·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.

Bacteria change behavior to tackle tiny obstacle course

Researchers discovered E. coli bacteria change behavior to navigate tiny obstacle courses, defying predictions of slowing progress. The study's findings have implications for biology, medicine, and robotic search-and-rescue tactics.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 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.

Fire resilience of lodgepole pine stands

Researchers found that re-burned areas experienced significant biomass loss and a six-fold decrease in tree seedling density. The study suggests that future short fire intervals may adversely affect the resilience of subalpine forests, threatening their ability to recover from previous fires.

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

Water formation on the moon

Scientists use deuterium ions to create water on lunar samples, suggesting micrometeorite impacts can generate and liberate water. The results provide insight into potential water formation mechanisms on the moon and other airless bodies in the Solar System.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Lupus treatments can be tailored to patient's individual cells, study shows

Researchers have discovered a way to predict which patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are most likely to respond to therapy by analyzing tissue samples from their kidneys and skin. This breakthrough could lead to personalized treatment plans for SLE patients.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 20, 2019

Mount Sinai discovers placental stem cells that can regenerate heart after heart attack

Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered Cdx2 cells, a type of placental stem cell, that can regenerate healthy heart cells after heart attacks in animal models. These cells have the ability to target injury sites and avoid rejection by the host immune system, making them promising for regenerative therapy.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019

New single vaccination approach to killer diseases

Scientists have developed a new single vaccination approach that simultaneously protects against both influenza and pneumococcal infections, overcoming the limitations of current vaccines. The approach combines vaccines targeting different components of the virus and bacteria, inducing enhanced cross-protective immunity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 20, 2019

Computer program designed to calculate the economic impact of forest fires

A new visual tool, Visual Seveif programme, assesses economic losses from forest fires by considering tangible and intangible resources. The programme evaluates factors such as carbon fixation, tree age, and species, to estimate the true impact of forest fires on the economy.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalEnvironmental Impact Assessment Review·DateMay 20, 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.

Pinterest homemade sunscreens: A recipe for sunburn

A study found that nearly all Pinterest pins for homemade sunscreens positively portrayed their effectiveness but offered insufficient UV radiation protection. The researchers emphasized the importance of using commercially sold and regulated sunscreen products to protect against skin cancer.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalHealth Communication·DateMay 20, 2019

Thinking outside the box: 'Seeing' clearer and deeper into live organs

Researchers developed a new contrast agent using ytterbium to overcome concentration quenching, allowing for improved optical imaging resolution beyond CT and PET technology. The breakthrough enables clearer visualization of whole mice, opening up potential applications in bio-imaging.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 20, 2019

Progress to restore movement in people with neuromotor disabilities

Researchers developed an LSTM decoder to extract kinematics of movement from large populations of neurons, outperforming the Kalman filter in decoding tasks. This approach could provide a better algorithm strategy for neuroprostheses that restore movement in patients with severe neuromotor disabilities.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalNeural Computation·DateMay 20, 2019

Researchers develop new lens manufacturing technique

Scientists at Washington State University and Ohio State University have developed a novel method for creating custom lenses using magnetic liquid droplets. This breakthrough process eliminates the need for expensive metal molds, enabling mass production of high-quality lenses in various shapes and sizes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·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.

Why do women military vets avoid using VA benefits?

Research by UMass Amherst epidemiologist Elizabeth Evans identified factors affecting women vets' use of VA-provided health care, including poor connections, limited knowledge, and uncomfortable environments. The study aims to inform improvements to VA health care design and delivery to better serve women veterans.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Humanistic Psychology·DateMay 20, 2019

Strawberry tree honey inhibits cell proliferation in colon cancer lines

Researchers found that strawberry tree honey reduces colon cancer cell proliferation and colony formation ability by regulating EGFR and MAPKs signaling pathways. The study also showed that the honey inhibits cell cycle, induces apoptosis, and suppresses key genes involved in tumor growth.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateMay 20, 2019

Clemson geneticists continue to unravel how genes impact drug use and addiction

A study by Clemson University Center for Human Genetics reveals that there is extensive genetic variation in the propensity to consume cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as change in this behavior over time. The research uses Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies to assess naturally occurring variation in drug self-administration and f...

SourceClemson University·JournalPLOS Genetics·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.

The return of the wolves

The study explores how humans can coexist with wolves in Europe's fragmented landscapes. Scientists recommend protecting farm animals, strengthening ungulate populations, and influencing wolf behavior through deterrence measures. The research aims to provide a balanced view of wolves' ecological value and minimize conflicts.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMay 20, 2019

Counter-intuitive climate change solution

A Stanford-led paper proposes converting methane into carbon dioxide as a climate change solution. The process could eliminate one-sixth of all causes of global warming and generate significant profits with a price on carbon emissions. Zeolite, a crystalline material, can act as a sponge to capture methane.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMay 20, 2019

Effects of social disruption on killer whales

Additive mortality events from human activities led to weaker social associations, reduced group size, and increased survival probability, ultimately resulting in a significant population decline. The study found that 98 individuals failed to re-associate in stable social groups after the event.

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

A better understanding of the von Willebrand Factor's A2 domain

A team of Lehigh University researchers characterized the shear-induced extensional response of vWF, revealing new insights into the protein's biomechanical behavior. They also developed a coarse-grained model to explain the protein's flow-induced properties, shedding light on its role in blood clotting and platelet function.

SourceLehigh University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMay 20, 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.

June's SLAS technology special collection now available

The June issue of SLAS Technology introduces a new sample management collection, enabling the use of disease-relevant cells and tissues in miniaturized biology. This shift reduces drug discovery attrition by mimicking the disease state more effectively.

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

Rocky mountain spotted fever risks examined

A comprehensive study in Mexicali, Mexico, found that half of the neighborhoods had diagnosed human cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, with some areas having almost one in 10 infected ticks. The study also gauged residents' knowledge and found that fewer than half used pesticides to prevent bites.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMay 20, 2019

Bonobo moms play an active role in helping their sons find a mate

Research finds that bonobo moms play an active role in helping their sons find a mate by preventing other males from mating and bringing them to ovulating females. This increases the sons' chances of becoming fathers, a finding that suggests bonobo mothers have a significant impact on male fertility.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 20, 2019

Discovery in mice could remove roadblock to more insulin production

Researchers discovered that removing a pair of negative immune signals can stimulate beta cell proliferation, allowing the pancreas to produce more insulin. The findings, made in mice, could lead to new treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 20, 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.

New Finnish study: Dietary cholesterol or egg consumption do not increase the risk of stroke

A new Finnish study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that dietary cholesterol and moderate egg consumption are not associated with an increased risk of stroke. The study, which followed 1,950 men for 21 years, also found no association between these factors and stroke risk in carriers of the APOE4 phenotype.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 20, 2019

People in higher social class have an exaggerated belief that they are better than others

Research by Peter Belmi, PhD, found that individuals from higher social classes exhibit exaggerated beliefs about their abilities and are misinterpreted as more competent due to overconfidence. This study suggests that social class shapes attitudes towards one's abilities and perpetuates class hierarchies.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 20, 2019

Artificial intelligence becomes life-long learner with new framework

A new framework called Learn to Grow has been developed to enable artificial intelligence systems to better learn new tasks while forgetting less of what they have learned regarding previous tasks. This framework allows AI systems to retain previous skills and apply them to new tasks, improving performance and efficiency.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateMay 20, 2019

Anxiety might be alleviated by regulating gut bacteria

A recent review of studies found that regulating intestinal microbiota through probiotics and non-probiotic interventions can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms in people. Probiotic supplements were only effective in about half of the studies, while non-probiotic interventions showed a 86% rate of effectiveness.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·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.

Key acid-activated protein channel identified

Researchers identified a key acid-activated protein channel (PAC) that could provide a new target for therapies for stroke, heart attack, cancer, and inflammation. The discovery was made by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers who found the PAC protein in human cell lines using a novel method.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2019

Feds fund creation of headset for high-speed brain link

A Rice University-led team is developing a headset technology that can directly link the human brain and machines, aiming to transmit visual images from one individual to another's mind. The project, funded by $18 million, plans to demonstrate direct, brain-to-brain communication at the speed of thought without surgery.

SourceRice University·DateMay 20, 2019

Gas insulation could be protecting an ocean inside Pluto

A team of researchers from Japan and the US found that a gassy insulating layer beneath Pluto's icy surface could be protecting an ocean. The simulations showed that without this layer, the ocean would have frozen hundreds of millions of years ago, but with it, it remains liquid for over a billion years.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 20, 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.

The healing power of a smile: A link between oral care and substance abuse recovery

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that patients who received comprehensive oral care as part of their substance use disorder treatment had a significant increase in completing their treatment programs. The results show that participants who underwent FLOSS (Facilitating a Lifetime of Oral ...

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·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.

Novel technique reduces obstruction risk in heart valve replacement

Researchers developed a novel technique called LAMPOON to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, a common complication of transcatheter mitral valve replacement. The study found that the new method increased treatment options for high-risk patients and achieved better survival rates compared to other methods.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 20, 2019

Wearable system to sense and stimulate the brain at unprecedented resolution

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University aim to create a noninvasive neural interface that can sense and stimulate the brain's dynamic activity with unprecedented resolution. The team will harness novel concepts in physics, biology, and engineering using electricity, ultrasound, and light to develop a wearable device.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·DateMay 20, 2019

Obesity risk may be increased by exposure to common environmental chemicals

Research suggests that exposure to phthalates, commonly found in everyday items, may increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Higher levels of phthalate exposure were associated with markers of impaired liver function, insulin resistance, and cholesterol in people with obesity and diabetes.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·DateMay 20, 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.

Many with mild asthma, low sputum eosinophils respond equally well to steroids as placebo

A recent study of nearly 300 patients with mild persistent asthma found that inhaled steroids were no more effective than placebo in nearly three-fourths of the study patients. However, for those with high levels of eosinophils, inhaled steroids were better than placebo, suggesting a potential new approach to targeting specific therapies.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 19, 2019

Sedation and controlled paralysis do not improve survival of ICU patients with ARDS

A National Institutes of Health-sponsored clinical trial found that light sedation and intermittent neuromuscular blockade is as effective as deep sedation and continuous paralysis in improving survival rates for ICU patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The trial, which involved over 1,000 patients across North Ame...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 19, 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.

Hard carbon nanofiber aerogel becomes superelastic

Researchers developed a simple method to fabricate superelastic hard carbon aerogels with nanofibrous network structure, exhibiting robust mechanical performances including super-elasticity, high strength, and low energy loss coefficient. The aerogel maintains super-elasticity in harsh conditions, such as liquid nitrogen.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 19, 2019