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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 20


Page 20 of 42

Largest study of sickness in pregnancy launches

Women with severe morning sickness during pregnancy are invited to join the largest European study of hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition that can lead to weight loss, dehydration, and malnutrition. The study aims to build a database of information about the genetic basis for the condition and potentially find new ways to treat it.

SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·DateMay 16, 2019

Study examines consequences of workplace bullying

Research reveals workplace bullying can lead to health-related problems and behavioral issues in victims, including high avoidance coping strategies and moral disengagement. The study identifies five groups of victims based on exposure to bullying types and associated consequences.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMay 16, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

When science and politics collide: Support for enhancing FDA independence

Seven former FDA commissioners and a new paper suggest the FDA should become an independent agency to protect science-based drug safety decisions from political interference. The authors propose safeguards, including six-year terms for commissioners and budgetary independence, to ensure the agency's mission is upheld.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2019

A substantial benefit from replacing steak with fish

The study found that replacing red and processed meat with fish in the Danish diet can lead to a significant health benefit, particularly for men over 50 and women of childbearing age. The greatest effect is seen when consuming fatty fish, as it contains healthy fatty acids and vitamin D.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·DateMay 16, 2019

How a member of a family of light-sensitive proteins adjusts skin color

A team of scientists found that opsin 3, a protein related to rhodopsin, regulates melanin production in human skin cells. Without opsin 3, the skin produces more pigment, resulting in darker skin color. The study reveals a new paradigm for opsins and may lead to treatments for pigmentation disorders.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2019

Cancer drugs promote stem cell properties of colorectal cancer

Researchers discovered that MEK inhibitors activate Wnt signalling pathway in colorectal cancer cells, leading to accumulation of tumor cells with stem cell characteristics. This explains why these drugs are not effective in treating colorectal cancer.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2019

The University of Cordoba has simplified the method to categorize olive oil

A University of Cordoba research group has developed a new methodology to categorize olive oil using gas chromatography and ion mobility spectrometry. The approach analyzes the oil's aromatic fraction, generating 3D graphics that predict classification with high reliability and ease of implementation.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFood Chemistry·DateMay 16, 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.

Scientists find new type of cell that helps tadpoles' tails regenerate

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a specialized population of skin cells called Regeneration-Organizing Cells (ROCs) that coordinate tail regeneration in frogs. These ROCs work together to regenerate a tail with the right size, pattern, and cell composition after amputation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2019

Species may disappear faster than anticipated, according to new data models

A new study in Journal of Applied Ecology proposes ways to improve risk assessments for endangered species by incorporating accurate population growth rates and survival data. The models more closely reflect reality by assessing long-used assumptions and proposing analytics that better reflect the impact of survival and reproduction.

SourceSpecies360·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMay 16, 2019

Human antibody reveals hidden vulnerability in influenza virus

Researchers have discovered a human antibody that recognizes and disrupts a vulnerable region on the hemagglutinin protein of the influenza virus. This breakthrough could lead to the development of effective vaccines against multiple strains of the virus, potentially eliminating the need for annual seasonal flu vaccination.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalCell·DateMay 16, 2019

Precursors of a catastrophic collapse

A 2019 study found evidence of sporadic, small landslides preceding a massive one on Ritter Island, sparking interest in whether slow landslides reduce the risk of catastrophic collapses. Researchers measured seismic activity and deformation patterns to understand the island's dynamics.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 16, 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.

How our current thinking can sway our memories of love

Studies found that writing prompts influencing positive attributes led to stronger recall of love for mothers in early childhood, but effects faded over time. Researchers also discovered that participants' current feelings were misremembered 8 weeks later.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMay 16, 2019

Early exposure to banking influences life-long financial health

A new study from Iowa State University finds that growing up in a community with limited access to banks or financial institutions can have long-term effects on financial health. Individuals who lack early exposure to banking tend to have lower credit scores and higher delinquency rates as adults.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateMay 16, 2019

Novel tool used to mine clinical data and identify causative gene in childhood epilepsy

A team of researchers discovered a new gene linked to severe childhood epilepsy by analyzing phenotypes and genomics data of patients with similar clinical presentations. The study used a novel computational method to identify the AP2M1 gene variant, which regulates excitability and inhibition in brain cells.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 16, 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.

Early weight-loss surgery may improve type 2 diabetes, blood pressure outcomes

A study funded by the NIH found that early weight-loss surgery in youth can lead to remission of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, compared to waiting until later in life. Teens who underwent gastric bypass surgery showed significant improvements in blood glucose control and reduced medication use.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 16, 2019

Study proposes new standards for safely performing 'Brazilian butt lift'

A new anatomic study highlights critical technical issues to ensure safe performance of the Brazilian butt lift, a procedure using patient's own fat to augment and improve buttock appearance. Researchers recommend injecting only under skin, never into muscle, to prevent serious complications.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMay 16, 2019

Leveraging information technology to address health disparities

A new NIH supplement explores the role of health information technology in addressing health disparities. Researchers discuss the potential of health IT to increase access to care, improve healthcare quality, and promote better patient-clinician communication.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities·JournalMedical Care·DateMay 16, 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.

Brain cell genomics reveals molecular pathology of autism

A new study using single-cell analysis of brain cells from autism patients found that specific genetic changes in neural cells and brain circuits correlate with the clinical severity of autism. The research identified autism-specific genes that could represent high-priority targets for new therapeutic treatments.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2019

How we make complex decisions

Researchers discovered a brain circuit that helps break decisions down into smaller pieces, allowing for more confident reasoning about probable causes of failure. The circuit enables individuals to navigate hierarchical decisions and adjust their approach based on confidence levels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2019

Scientists develop technology to capture tumor cells

Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a microfluidic device that captures nearly every circulating tumor cell (CTC) in a blood sample, over 99%. This technology has the potential to provide key information on CTCs and aid in the early detection of cancer relapse and disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalLab on a Chip·DateMay 16, 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.

A tale of two skeeters

Researchers found that sharing waters with an invasive Asian rockpool mosquito species reduces parasitism in native eastern tree-hole mosquito species, known as a dilution effect. The presence of the invasive species decreases parasite prevalence by 13-27% compared to 72-90% when kept alone.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMay 16, 2019

Shedding light on the key determinants of global land use projections

A new study by an international research group has identified the main drivers of global land use projections, revealing that population growth, agricultural efficiency, and consumption changes are key factors. The findings suggest that increasing agricultural productivity, enforcing efficient land use protection, and shifting diets to...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2019

Moving the needle on nanoscale imaging with single-molecule magnets

Researchers have created a sensor that can measure and image magnetic structures at the atomic scale, enabling new directions in atomic-scale research. The sensor uses a single molecule magnet as a scanning magnetometer to detect spin-spin interactions between molecules.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 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.

Preventive measures can reduce foot parasite in children, study says

Researchers found that simple prevention methods such as sealing floors, using soap for daily feet washing, and good household infrastructure can reduce tungiasis cases by up to a third and nearly half. The study suggests that public health workers can play a key role in expanding WASH policies to prevent the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 16, 2019

Passion trumps love for sex in relationships

Passion in a relationship is crucial for intercourse frequency, according to a study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Women's attitudes to casual sex also play a major role, with those who differentiate between sex and relational aspects being more willing to compromise.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEvolutionary Behavioral Sciences·DateMay 16, 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.

Identifying the molecular structure of one of Alzheimer's stickier culprits

A team of researchers has mapped the molecular structure and dynamics of an aggressive protein modification linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study found that this modification accelerates disease progression, causing toxic protein fragments to aggregate into sticky plaques that disrupt brain cell communication.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2019

FDA independence in an age of partisan politics

The FDA faces significant politicization, threatening its ability to make scientifically-informed decisions on public health. Experts argue that increased independence is needed to protect the nation's health, citing precedents from other agencies such as the FCC and SSA.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2019

Self-repairing batteries

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a material that can significantly extend battery life and increase capacity. The oxygen redox-layered oxide (Na2RuO3) material, when used in lithium-ion batteries, enables self-repair due to its stronger coulombic attraction force, reducing degradation from charge and discharge cycles.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2019

New way to beat the heat in electronics

A nanocomposite combining polymer nanofibers and boron nitride nanosheets offers high strength and superior thermal conduction, allowing it to withstand harsh environments. The material acts as an effective heat sink up to 250 degrees Celsius.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 16, 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.

These four values lessen the power of transformational leadership

Research from Iowa State University found that cultural values significantly limit the effectiveness of transformational leadership. The four core components of transformational leadership were tested in nearly 200 studies of over 57,000 employees from 34 countries.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Managerial Psychology·DateMay 16, 2019

Australian islands home to 414 million pieces of plastic pollution

The survey found an estimated 414 million pieces of plastic debris on the islands' beaches, including single-use consumer items like shoes and toothbrushes. The total volume dwarfs that found on Henderson Island, indicating a need for urgent action to reduce plastic production and consumption.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 16, 2019

Electric car switch on for health benefits

A study suggests that transitioning to electric vehicles could reduce cardiopulmonary illness due to air pollution, leading to improved quality of life. The research found that the financial costs of building charging infrastructure are lower than the health benefits in many scenarios.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles·DateMay 16, 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.

How host-cell enzymes combat the coronavirus

A study found that host-cell enzymes PARP12 and PARP14 play a crucial role in combating mutant coronavirus replication. The macrodomain of the virus is required to prevent these enzymes from inhibiting viral replication and enhancing the production of antiviral proteins.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 16, 2019

Researchers develop novel framework for tracking developments in optical sensors

A novel framework has been developed to systematically compare optical sensors, enabling the creation of a technology map that tracks developments in this rapidly growing industry. The map provides a comprehensive benchmark for standardizing optical refractive index sensors with plasmonic and photonic structures.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMay 16, 2019

Research brief: Protecting rare species can benefit human life

Researchers argue that preserving rare species can have a direct positive impact on human life, from restoring food sources like bluefin tuna to storing airborne carbon in giant sequoias. This new understanding is crucial for conservation decisions under climate change, shifting focus to future benefits rather than current conditions.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateMay 16, 2019

How plants are working hard for the planet

Research found that photosynthesis has increased nearly in constant proportion to rising atmospheric CO2 since the industrial era. Plants are working hard to mitigate climate change by absorbing CO2.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateMay 16, 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.

Brain network activity can improve in epilepsy patients after surgery

Researchers found that successful epilepsy surgery can restore brain networks, leading to improved quality of life for patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. The study showed significant improvements in brain network activity after surgery compared to healthy subjects.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNeurosurgery·DateMay 16, 2019

Evolution in the gut

A large-scale study has investigated the composition of microorganisms in the digestive tract of animals, revealing evolutionary relationships between host species and their gut microbiomes. The study found that closely related species share similar microbial communities, while diet also plays a significant role in shaping the gut micr...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2019

A work patch for better nursing home care

Research suggests that optimized work schedules can lead to less stress, better patient care, and reduced turnover in nursing homes. The study found that facilities using the 'Work-Life Needs' method showed a link between improved scheduling and fewer pressure ulcers in patients.

SourcePurdue University·JournalWork and Occupations·DateMay 16, 2019

Brain activity of Spanish Popular Party voters triggered by rivals

Researchers found that messages about corruption from the rival party have a greater impact on Spanish Popular Party voters' brains, triggering areas related to risk, disappointment, and rejection. This biased rejection affects PP voters more intensely, regardless of whether the message is positive or negative.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalPolitical Psychology·DateMay 16, 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.

CosmoGAN: Training a neural network to study dark matter

A team of researchers developed CosmoGAN, a deep learning network that generates high-fidelity convergence maps for weak gravitational lensing. The model achieves high statistical agreement with fully simulated maps, paving the way for building emulators out of deep neural networks.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalComputational Astrophysics and Cosmology·DateMay 16, 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.

Critical windows when experience shapes the brain

Researcher Pat Levitt will investigate how genetic factors interact with early experiences to influence brain circuit development, with a focus on the MET receptor gene. The study aims to determine the brain cells dependent on proper MET function to form healthy connections.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·DateMay 16, 2019

Brain changes in autism traced to specific cell types

A study of human brains found that gene activity in specific cells is associated with autism severity, targeting potential treatments. Researchers identified a common set of circuit changes in neurons and glial cells, which were closely correlated with behavioral symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2019