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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 2


Page 2 of 42

Perceived discrimination associated with well-being in adults with poor vision

A study of 7,700 adults in England found that those with poor eyesight reported more frequent discrimination, which was associated with lower emotional well-being. Individuals with both poor eyesight and perceived discrimination experienced higher levels of depressive symptoms, loneliness, and lower quality of life.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 30, 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.

Bacteria's protein quality control agent offers insight into origins of life

Researchers discovered that Rqc2 marks protein fragments with a flag, allowing proteases to cut up bad fragments. The study sheds light on the ancient mechanism used by bacteria to recycle incomplete proteins, which has implications for understanding life's origins and developing new treatments for diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 30, 2019

Unknown mini-proteins in the heart

A team of researchers has discovered unknown mini-proteins in the human heart, which were previously unknown. The proteins are used for energy production and could hold promise for treating heart disease.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCell·DateMay 30, 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.

International team identifies potential therapeutic target for sepsis

Researchers identified a potential new therapeutic target for sepsis by uncovering a pathway involving Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that could suppress the inflammatory response. This discovery offers a promising approach to treating sepsis, which can lead to organ failure and death if not recognized early.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 30, 2019

How protected areas are losing ground in the United States and Amazonia

A new study reveals nearly 2 million square kilometers of global protected areas have been downgraded since 1892, with 90% of recent US events linked to industrial-scale development. The report warns that these changes could embolden other countries and threaten conservation efforts worldwide.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2019

LSU health research finds new RX target for common STD

Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified a potential target for treating Chlamydia, a common STD that can cause severe outcomes if left untreated. The study found that small molecules produced by the gut microbiome can kill Chlamydia bacteria by forcing it to produce ammonia.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Multi-step spread of first herders into sub-Saharan Africa

An analysis of 41 ancient African genomes suggests that the spread of herding and farming into eastern Africa occurred in phases, with multiple movements of - and gene flow among - ancestrally distinct groups. The study reveals varying cultural responses and blurred archaeological boundaries as groups adopted each other's practices.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2019

Ancient DNA illuminates first herders and farmers in east Africa

Researchers analyzed 41 ancient sub-Saharan Africans, revealing a multi-stage model for the spread of food production into Kenya and Tanzania. The study found that Stone Age herders across East Africa had closely related genomes, despite cultural differences, and that genes for lactose digestion were rare in first East African herders.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2019

How the immune system keeps the Epstein-Barr virus in check

Researchers found that CD8+ T cells retain protective functions despite sustained inhibitory receptor expression during Epstein-Barr virus infection. Blocking the PD-1 pathway leads to specific defects in controlling the virus and increases tumor formation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 30, 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.

NIST physicists 'teleport' logic operation between separated ions

Researchers at NIST have demonstrated the teleportation of a complete quantum logic operation using ions, a crucial step towards building large-scale quantum computers. The experiment involved transmitting data from one ion to another over a distance of over 340 micrometers without physical interaction.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2019

Scientists bioengineer human liver disease in the lab to find new treatments

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center develop human liver organoids that accurately mimic key features of fatal liver diseases. The study reveals molecular secrets of deadly ailments and tests a potential therapy for Wolman disease, reversing an often-fatal childhood condition.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 30, 2019

Early genome catastrophes can cause non-smoking lung cancer

Researchers found that catastrophic genome rearrangements can occur as early as childhood and lead to lung cancer decades later. Gene fusions in non-smokers mostly occur early on, sometimes as early as childhood or adolescence, and are often dormant for several decades before progressing into cancer.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalCell·DateMay 30, 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.

Stellenbosch University researchers study resistance to 'protect' anti-TB drug

Researchers at Stellenbosch University studied how Mycobacterium tuberculosis develops resistance to bedaquiline, a new anti-TB drug. The study found that resistance can emerge despite adherence to the standard treatment regimen, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and diagnostic tools.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 30, 2019

New imaging tool for diagnosing heart disease

A new method called cardiac functional MRI eliminates the need for injections or physical stress testing, providing a safer and more detailed way to diagnose heart disease. The technique uses oxygenation-sensitive MRI to measure how well the heart's blood vessels are working to deliver oxygen.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 30, 2019

Wild boars, hunting dogs and hunters carry tick-borne bacteria

Research found that wild boars, hunting dogs, and hunters in Brazil are carriers of Rickettsia bacteria, transmitted through ticks. The study highlights the importance of public action planning to prevent neglected vector-borne diseases in overlapping areas.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 30, 2019

The Lancet: Health progress threatened by neglect of gender

A new Lancet Series highlights persistent failures by governments and health institutions to address gender equality despite its impact on health. The series presents evidence-based recommendations to reduce gender inequality, reform workplaces, fill data gaps, empower civil society, and strengthen accountability.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 30, 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.

UCI research helps shed new light on circadian clocks

A new study by UCI researchers found that body parts like the liver and skin have internal clocks that respond to light changes, regardless of the brain's central clock. This discovery has significant implications for understanding circadian rhythms, aging processes, and overall well-being.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell·DateMay 30, 2019

Exposure to airborne metal pollution associated with increased risk of mortality

A study published in Environment International found that exposure to airborne metal pollution is associated with an increased risk of mortality. The research used moss samples to estimate human exposure to metal particles and found that participants exposed to higher concentrations of anthropogenic metals had a higher risk of death.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateMay 30, 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.

African mole-rats immune to 'wasabi pain'

Researchers discovered African mole-rats are insensitive to allyl isothiocyanate, the active ingredient of wasabi, due to unique nerve structure leak channels. This finding may lead to new pain relief methods without addiction risks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 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.

Are hormones a 'female problem' for animal research?

AAAS warns against outdated stereotypes in animal research, emphasizing the importance of using both sexes equally. The study finds that female animals do not inherently produce more variable data than males, and highlights the need for scientists to adopt a more inclusive approach.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2019

Intranasal stem cell therapy restores smell in mice

Researchers develop a stem cell therapy that restores smell in mice by replacing damaged olfactory neurons. The treatment shows promise for treating various causes of olfactory loss and may lead to new treatments for humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMay 30, 2019

SwRI's Singer wins Urey Prize for planetary research

Dr. Kelsi Singer has been awarded the 2019 Harold C. Urey Prize for her outstanding contributions to planetary research, particularly in impact cratering and the geology of icy worlds. Her work has revealed insights into the collisional history of the Kuiper Belt and planetesimal formation.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateMay 30, 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.

Providing a critical roadmap to bridge the gap between medicine and public health

A new case study from NYU School of Medicine provides a roadmap for academic medical centers to bridge the gap between clinical practice and public health. The report outlines four core approaches to improving health and reducing health inequities, including engaging community partners, transforming healthcare operations, and shaping p...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateMay 30, 2019

Eating blueberries every day improves heart health

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating 150g of blueberries daily reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 15%. The research team from the University of East Anglia discovered that blueberries have a positive effect on metabolic syndrome, a condition affecting 1/3 of westernized ...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 30, 2019

Circadian clock and fat metabolism linked through newly discovered mechanism

Researchers at Princeton University discovered a new mechanism linking the circadian clock and fat metabolism through the Nocturnin enzyme. The study found that Nocturnin regulates specific metabolites to produce energy and protect cells from damage, leading to improved metabolic health outcomes.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 30, 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.

Scientists demonstrate plant stress memory and adaptation capabilities

Researchers have discovered a connection between two signalling systems that help plants survive stress situations, enabling them to remember and adapt to dangerous conditions. This breakthrough may lead to new bioengineering technologies to overcome crop growth retardation and development anomalies in stress-resistant crops.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateMay 30, 2019

Church, couch, couple: Social psychological connections between people and physical space

Research by Benjamin Meagher highlights the importance of ecological psychology in understanding how people shape their environments to support their personalities. By examining couples' homes and community designs, scientists can identify patterns that promote healthier behavior and positive experiences among occupants.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateMay 30, 2019

Scientists engineer unique 'glowing' protein

Researchers have engineered a new fluorescent protein that glows under UV and blue light, is thermally stable, and can emit light in the absence of oxygen. This breakthrough resolves previous limitations of fluorescence microscopy, enabling scientists to study living tissue more effectively.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPhotochemical & Photobiological Sciences·DateMay 30, 2019

Cannabis use among older adults rising rapidly

A recent study found that older adults are using cannabis for various reasons, including pain management and depression. Despite the benefits, many report barriers to accessing medical marijuana, such as a lack of provider education and stigma. The study suggests that healthcare providers need to be more open to discussing cannabis use...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalDrugs & Aging·DateMay 30, 2019

Heartburn drugs linked to fatal heart and kidney disease, stomach cancer

A study by Washington University School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System found a 17% increased risk of death among people taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for up to 10 years, with deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and upper gastrointestinal cancer.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateMay 30, 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.

DNA tests for patients move closer with genome analysis advance

The new system uses a database of clinical information to pinpoint DNA changes that cause illness, predicting consequences and ruling out harmless variations. This improves diagnosis for disorders caused by multiple genes, such as severe intellectual disabilities in children.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 30, 2019

Pain free, thanks to evolution

Researchers discovered that the highveld mole-rat is impervious to AITC due to altered ion channels, particularly the constitutively open channel NALCN. This change allows the highveld mole-rat to coexist with venomous ants.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 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.

The FASEB Journal: Alternative molecular mechanisms observed in cancer cells

A recent study published in The FASEB Journal found that some cancer cells switch to alternative molecular mechanisms to evade anti-cancer therapies. Researchers identified several existing and new drugs that specifically target these 'cancer cell escape routes'.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMay 30, 2019

Stanford engineers develop a more stable, efficient prosthetic foot

Researchers at Stanford University have created a more stable prosthetic leg that can handle rough terrain, reducing the risk of falls. The new design uses a tripod foot with adjustable pressure distribution to improve mobility and overall quality of life for individuals with lower limb amputations.

SourceStanford University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 30, 2019

Uncovering microgel mysteries

A team of scientists at Shinshu University used a newly customized tool to study hydrogel microspheres, observing structural differences that were previously unexplained. The study reveals that the method of production greatly affects the structure and behavior of thermoresponsive microgels.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 30, 2019

Fishing among worst jobs for health

Fishing workers in England and Wales experience poor general health, with 2.8% reporting 'bad' or 'very bad' health and 10.3% limited by long-term illness. The industry is facing social, environmental, and political change, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Policy·DateMay 30, 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.

Researchers restore beta-cell function by deleting old cells

A study from Joslin Diabetes Center found that removing senescent beta-cells can recover their function and improve glucose metabolism in mice with insulin resistance. The researchers hope to develop a potential treatment using senolytics, which target aging cells contributing to disease dysfunction.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 30, 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.

Childhood adversity linked to early puberty, premature brain development, & mental illness

A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that growing up in poverty and experiencing traumatic events accelerates puberty, brain maturation, and mental health disorders. Poverty was associated with increased psychiatric symptoms and cognitive deficits, while trauma showed large effects on mood/anxiety and psychosis.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 30, 2019