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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 21


Page 21 of 42

Stigma deterring elite athletes with mental health issues from seeking help

A review of 52 studies involving 13,000 elite athletes found stigma was the main barrier to seeking help, with poor understanding of mental illness, busy schedules, and gender stereotyping also playing a role. Coaches and sports governing bodies are key to changing the culture and promoting mental wellbeing.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 16, 2019

Extreme heat -- and maybe a virus -- wiped out Cambodian bats

In April 2016, a mass mortality event occurred in two bat species in Cambodia due to extreme heat. The investigation suggests that the heat stress hypothesis is consistent with clinical signs and gross pathology findings.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEuropean Journal of Wildlife Research·DateMay 16, 2019

Improving carbon-capturing with metal-organic frameworks

Scientists have improved gas separation in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by making the lattice structure rigid through a novel heat treatment method. This results in enhanced carbon capture performance, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Materials·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.

To win online debates, social networks worth a thousand words

Researchers at Cornell University found that social interactions are more important than language in predicting online debate success. A model combining social interactions and language was the most accurate, with a robust history of complex social interactions being the best predictor of future debate success.

SourceCornell University·DateMay 16, 2019

Study may help prevent relapse in cocaine use disorder patients

Researchers used cognitive dysfunction tests and analysis of drug use patterns to identify patients at high risk of relapse after treatment. The study suggests that a revised classification system may be needed to better predict vulnerability to relapse.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMay 16, 2019

UBC researchers create washable sensor that can be woven into materials

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have created a low-cost, washable sensor that can monitor human movement and detect deformations in composite materials. The sensor uses piezo-resistivity technology and has shown great promise for health-monitoring applications and the composites manufacturing industry.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalSmall·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.

Archaeological discovery upends a piece of Barbados history

A recent archaeological discovery in Barbados sheds new light on the island's early European settlement, revealing a previously undetected historic peccary introduction. The findings suggest that Europeans altered New World environments by introducing non-native species, contradicting accepted colonial history.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 16, 2019

Could better tests help reverse the rise of drug-resistant infections?

A new modeling study suggests that rapid tests for drug-resistant infections could turn the tables against bacteria, allowing doctors to target resistant strains with precision. However, the researchers found that asymptomatic carriers must also be screened and treated to reverse the spread of resistance.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 16, 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.

CRISPR catches out critical cancer changes

Researchers used CRISPR to analyze over 8,000 gene fusions in human cancer cell lines, finding that 90% do not play an essential role in cancer. A new fusion, YAP1-MAML2, was identified as critical for progression of multiple cancers, offering a potential new drug target.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 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.

Automatic neurological disease diagnosis using deep learning

Researchers at Osaka University developed an automatic diagnosis system using deep learning and MEG, achieving high accuracy in classifying patients with neurological diseases. The system outperformed conventional methods using waveforms, offering a promising approach for clinical practice.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 16, 2019

University of Virginia chemist IDs possible addiction-free pain reliever

Researchers at the University of Virginia have identified a possible new drug target for reducing chronic pain and inflammation. A naturally occurring enzyme called diacylglycerol lipase-beta (DAGL?) has been found to produce chemical signals that control inflammation, making it a viable target for non-addictive pain relief.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMay 16, 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.

Designing biological movement on the nanometer scale

Researchers created synthetic proteins that change shape in response to pH changes, moving as intended and disrupting lipid membranes. This technology could help medication enter cells more effectively, potentially rivaling viral delivery systems without drawbacks.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2019

ALMA discovers aluminum around young star

Researchers discovered aluminum oxide around a young massive protostar using ALMA data, providing insights into the early formation of meteorites and planets. The detection suggests that aluminum-rich dust can form in hot regions close to the star and later condense into solid particles.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 16, 2019

Flexibility of working memory from random connections

A new article in Neuron presents a model of working memory that captures its flexibility through high-dimensional random networks and structured sensory networks. The model suggests a tradeoff between flexibility and capacity in working memory.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNeuron·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.

Long-term decline in stroke greater in older adults

Researchers found that the risk of stroke at middle age declined by 39% and at older age by 53% between 1998-2005 and previous periods. Lifestyle choices like exercise and a healthy diet can reduce stroke risk across all ages.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalStroke·DateMay 16, 2019

People recycle more when they know what recyclable waste becomes

Researchers from Penn State University and Boston College found that promoting recyclable waste transformation increases recycling rates. Consumers who saw product transformation messages recycled up to 87.7% of their waste, compared to 19% for those without such messages.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 16, 2019

Researchers unravel mechanisms that control cell size

A multidisciplinary team at UC San Diego unraveled the mechanisms controlling cell size through a fundamental process known as 'the adder.' The process relies on balanced synthesis of biological ingredients and a critical threshold to initiate cell division. This discovery sheds light on the origins of precise cellular reproduction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 16, 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.

JQI researchers shed new light on atomic 'wave function'

Scientists have developed a technique to directly observe an isolated quantum system, such as a gas of atoms, with unprecedented spatial resolution. This allows them to obtain details on a scale of tens of nanometers, enabling the calculation of wave function information and its effects.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 16, 2019

Political disinformation campaigns not as threatening as you think

Research suggests foreign powers like Russia and China can't significantly impact election outcomes or policies through disinformation. A Canadian researcher found that deeply ingrained identities and attitudes among elites and citizens counteract such efforts.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEuropean Journal of International Security·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.

Meet the tenrecs

Researchers have identified six threatened tenrec species out of 31, categorized as Vulnerable or Endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. The conservation status of tenrecs is expected to improve by integrating research into broader sustainable development objectives.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalOryx·DateMay 16, 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.

Dog DNA find could aid quest to help breeds breathe more easily

Researchers have identified a DNA mutation linked to breathing problems in dogs, including Norwich terriers with proportional noses. The discovery raises the possibility of genetic tests to identify animals at risk and could help breeders avoid producing affected pups.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 16, 2019

Ocean skeletons reveal historical climate impacts

Researchers studied skeletal stress bands on corals to reconstruct bleaching history and understand thermal thresholds of reef communities. The study found thermally tolerant reefs experienced more stress than the least resistant ones, highlighting historical climate impacts on coral reefs.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalCoral Reefs·DateMay 16, 2019

NIH study finds heavily processed foods cause overeating and weight gain

A small-scale trial found that participants eating ultra-processed foods consumed more calories and gained weight than those on a minimally processed diet, despite similar calorie counts. The study suggests that ultra-processed foods may be a significant contributor to overeating and weight gain.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 16, 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.

Breakthrough technique for studying gene expression takes root in plants

Researchers successfully adapted an open-source genetic analysis method called Drop-seq to plant cells for the first time, allowing them to see what genes are being expressed in different cell types. The breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of plant biology and ultimately develop more efficient food and biofuel crop plants.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 16, 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.

Improving health outcomes with a little help from our friends -- and artificial intelligence

A team of researchers at Medical University of South Carolina developed a natural language processing software that identified socially isolated prostate cancer patients with 90 percent accuracy. This technology can help physicians provide care informed by an awareness of their patients' social determinants of health, including social ...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalBMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making·DateMay 16, 2019

'Smart' insulin could prevent hypoglycemia during diabetes treatment

A new type of insulin called i-insulin was developed by UCLA researchers to help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent hypoglycemia. The smart insulin works like a 'smart key,' allowing glucose to enter cells while blocking excessive entry when blood sugar is normal.

SourceUCLA Samueli School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 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.

Study finds 24% of West Antarctic ice is now unstable

A new study found that 24% of West Antarctic ice is now unstable due to rapid ocean melting. The ice sheet has thinned by up to 122 meters in places, with the most rapid changes occurring in West Antarctica.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 16, 2019

Regular crosswords and number puzzles linked to sharper brain in later life

Researchers found that older adults who regularly participate in word and number puzzles have improved brain function, particularly in attention, reasoning, and memory. The study suggests that engaging with these puzzles can lead to cognitive improvements equivalent to a decade younger in age.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateMay 16, 2019

Study reports breakthrough to measure plant improvements to help farmers boost production

Scientists have developed a new technology that can measure improvements in plant photosynthesis in just 10 seconds, allowing for more efficient analysis of genetically engineered crops. This breakthrough enables faster screening and pinpointing of traits that could greatly improve crop performance.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·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.

Algal blooms in Lake Erie's central basin could produce neurotoxins

A new study detects the production of neurotoxins by cyanobacteria in Lake Erie's central basin, a region previously thought to be less prone to harmful algal blooms. The research finds that specific strains of Dolichospermum and microcystis can produce toxins capable of attacking the central nervous system.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Great Lakes Research·DateMay 16, 2019

Study uncovers key step in cell protein production

Scientists at the University of Sheffield discovered how genes create proteins based on mRNA instructions, helping understanding of cancers and conditions like motor neuron disease. The process, similar across many living organisms, could aid development of treatments for human diseases.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 16, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Excitonic radiative decay faster than thermal dephasing in ZnO thin films

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered that zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films exhibit the fastest excitonic radiative decay rate ever recorded, surpassing thermal dephasing rates. This breakthrough could lead to the development of ultra-fast and energy-efficient photonic devices with non-thermogenic properties.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 15, 2019