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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 26


Page 26 of 42

'Reporter islets' in the eye may predict autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes

Researchers have discovered that transplanted islets in the anterior chamber of the eye exhibit early signs of inflammation before type 1 diabetes symptoms appear, suggesting a potential biomarker for predicting disease development. Early intervention with immunosuppressive treatments may halt disease progression, and future studies ai...

SourceDiabetes Research Institute Foundation·JournalDiabetologia·DateMay 14, 2019

Reading the dark heart of chromosomes

Researchers use cutting-edge sequencing technology and microscopy to discover the sequences of all centromeres in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. They found that centromeres contain a high number of transposable elements, including retroelements, which may play a role in centromere function across species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 14, 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.

Illinois research team introduces wearable audio dataset

Researchers have introduced a new wearable audio dataset with up to 80 microphones, which can simulate different hearing scenarios and improve the performance of devices like smart headphones. The data set is now available for free under an open-access license, making it easier for future researchers to access and build upon.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateMay 14, 2019

Early term infants less likely to breastfeed

A new study published in Breastfeeding Medicine found that early term infants (born at 37-38 weeks) are less likely to breastfeed within the first hour and at one month after birth. This is due to their neurologic immaturity, which can make breastfeeding more difficult.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·DateMay 14, 2019

Echo chambers may not be as dangerous as you think, new study finds

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania and George Washington University shows that collective intelligence can increase belief accuracy even in politically homogeneous groups. Participants in homogenous groups became 35% more accurate after exchanging information with one another, decreasing polarization.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 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.

How viable is your liver after you die?

Researchers studied 16 donated livers and found significant impacts of race and gender on hepatocyte yield and viability. The findings suggest expanding liver selection criteria for improved therapeutics development and bioengineering applications.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateMay 13, 2019

Physicists discover new type of spin waves

Researchers have discovered a novel type of spin waves that can be used to transmit and process information with considerably higher efficiency and lower energy consumption. This breakthrough offers a promising route for advancing IT applications.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 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.

Skoltech researchers developed new perovskite-inspired semiconductors for electronic devices

Researchers at Skoltech have developed new perovskite-inspired semiconductors with enhanced light-conversion efficiency of over 24% for solar cells. The materials overcome toxicity and stability issues by introducing bismuth and antimony halides, exhibiting record-high performance in solar cells.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMay 13, 2019

New insights into treatment targets for men with advanced prostate cancers

Researchers analyzed over 3,500 tumor samples to identify genomic changes that inform targeted treatment strategies for men with advanced prostate cancers. The study found that more than half of patients have characteristics that suggest they are suitable for targeted therapies.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 13, 2019

Rare instance of ammonite preserved in amber

A rare marine ammonite shell, identified as a juvenile from the Late Albian to Early Cenomanian age of the Cretaceous Period, is preserved in Burmese amber. The discovery suggests that the amber was formed on a beach with resin-producing trees close enough to the water to capture both terrestrial insects and remains of marine organisms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019

Potential biomarker for suicidal thoughts in PTSD

A study found that metabotropic glutamatergic receptor 5 (mGluR5) availability may serve as a biomarker for suicide risk management in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Higher mGluR5 levels were associated with suicidal ideation and mood disturbances in individuals with PTSD.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How acoustics detected artillery in WWI

Acoustic researcher Dan Costley presents on WWI's sound ranging method, which pinpointed enemy gun locations to within 10 meters. The technique used innovative solutions like the Tucker microphone and 'harp' galvanometer, credited to Bragg's scientific leadership.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 13, 2019

New approach uses magnetic beads to treat preeclampsia

Researchers developed a new method using magnetic beads to reduce blood levels of harmful sFlt-1 molecule during preeclampsia, freeing up angiogenic factors. The approach showed promising results in reducing sFlt-1 by 40% and PIGF by up to two times more.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 13, 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.

Human gut microbiome physiology can now be studied in vitro using Organ Chip technology

Researchers have developed an 'anaerobic Intestine Chip' that stably maintains a complex human microbiome and provides a protective physiological barrier. This breakthrough technology allows for direct investigations of health and disease-related human-microbiome interactions under low oxygen conditions.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 13, 2019

Physician procedure volume linked to outcomes after surgical abortion

Research published in CMAJ found that women whose physician infrequently performs surgical abortions have almost twice the risk of severe complications. High-volume physicians are more likely to recognize and troubleshoot potential problems, resulting in lower complication rates.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 13, 2019

Effects of exercise and antioxidants

Exercise and antioxidants such as astaxanthin have been shown to enhance brain function, particularly in the hippocampus region. The study found that mild exercise and astaxanthin are additive and mediated by the hormone leptin, leading to improved memory and neurogenesis.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019

Collagen fibres grow like a sunflower

Researchers at Universite Paris-sud studied how collagen fibrils form complex tissues. They found that the fibers grow in a unique, parabolic profile, with a constant diameter throughout growth, similar to a sunflower's florets.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 13, 2019

Workplace interventions may improve sleep habits and duration for employees

A new review suggests that educational programs, behavioral strategies, and environmental modifications can improve sleep quality and duration among employees. The study found that workplace interventions yielded positive results in most studies, leading to better sleep outcomes and decreased absenteeism.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMay 13, 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.

The Lancet: Preventative antibiotics after assisted childbirth almost halve maternal infection rate and reduce overall antibiotic use

A new study found that giving all women a single dose of preventative antibiotics after childbirth involving forceps or vacuum extraction could prevent almost half of maternal infections. The trial, involving 3,420 women, suggests that this simple intervention could reduce antibiotic use by 17% and save the NHS £52.60 per woman.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 13, 2019

Families with a higher socioeconomic position have a greater risk of exposure to chemicals

A new European study found that families with a higher socioeconomic position are at a greater risk of exposure to environmental chemical contaminants. Pregnant women and their children from more affluent backgrounds had higher levels of pollutants such as PFAS, mercury, and pesticides in their bodies.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateMay 13, 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.

Research sheds light on UK's new unsustainable viewing habits

A new study reveals that UK viewers are increasingly opting for data-intensive streaming services, leading to a significant increase in household data demand. The research found that YouTube was the most data-demanding watching service, while smartphones were the most commonly owned devices.

SourceLancaster University·DateMay 13, 2019

25 US counties identified as most at risk for measles outbreaks

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and Johns Hopkins University have identified 25 US counties at high risk for measles outbreaks. The analysis considered international travel and vaccination rates, predicting over 1,000 cases in the US this year.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMay 13, 2019

When possible, upper and lower GI endoscopies should be done on same day

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that physicians in ambulatory surgery centers and physician offices were more likely to schedule different-day procedures, resulting in higher costs. The study suggests that financial incentives may be a contributing factor to this trend.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 13, 2019

Engineered microbial production of grape flavoring

Researchers developed a method to produce methyl anthranilate, a common grape flavor compound, using engineered bacteria. The production process reached levels of 4.47-5.74 grams per liter, a significant amount compared to traditional methods.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 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.

Weighing up trade-offs between food security and climate mitigation

A study by IIASA researchers and colleagues finds that stringent climate policies could negatively impact food security, threatening 130-280 million people with hunger in 2050. However, smart and inclusive policy designs can mitigate these risks at a modest cost of 0-0.46% GDP.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMay 13, 2019

Software library to serve for faster chemical reaction processing

A new software library CGRtools has been developed to improve chemical reaction processing by predicting reaction characteristics, finding optimal conditions, and detecting errors. The library is rich in functionality, supporting molecules and reactions as objects and offering transparent class inheritance.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateMay 13, 2019

Obesity: The key role of a brain protein revealed

A recent study by CRCHUM researchers has identified a key brain protein, acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP), in controlling food intake and energy expenditure. The study found that this protein enables astrocytes to communicate with neurons, regulating weight maintenance.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 13, 2019

How mutations lead to neurodegenerative disease

A study published in Human Molecular Genetics reveals that DNA mutations trigger an inflammatory response, leading to cell death and progressive neurological damage. The discovery may lead to effective treatments using existing anti-inflammatory drugs.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMay 13, 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.

New study finds people are using Twitter to bridge political divides

A new study on Twitter conversations about President Trump found that people are engaging in rich and engaging discussions to bridge political divides. The study revealed that participants tend to engage with those who have different beliefs and backgrounds, and that pleasant conversations are more likely to receive positive replies.

SourceSAGE·JournalSAGE Open·DateMay 13, 2019

Perceived union support buoys 'meaningfulness of work' measures

Research by University of Illinois professor M. Teresa Cardador found that employees perceive their labor unions as supportive, leading to enhanced work meaningfulness and psychological benefits. This association persists even among those who don't strongly identify with the union.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalLabor Studies Journal·DateMay 13, 2019

New tool to predict epileptic seizures in pregnancy could save lives

A new tool developed by Queen Mary University researchers can accurately predict the risk of seizures during pregnancy and up to six weeks after delivery. The EMPiRE tool uses routinely collected data to inform care and close monitoring, potentially reducing maternal and fetal mortality.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 13, 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.

Body reorganization in migrating anguillid eels

During their 6,000-km journey to spawn, European eels undergo dramatic silvering and skeleton breakdown, redistributing minerals for energy reserves. The study found significant bone loss in females, with toxic metals transferred to ovaries, raising concerns about conservation impacts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019

Tomato pan-genome makes bringing flavor back easier

Scientists have constructed the first complete map of the cultivated tomato's genetic makeup, revealing a wealth of new information on how to improve flavor. The discovery includes a rare gene variant that influences fruit flavor and a group of compounds contributing to its aroma.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 13, 2019

Researchers find evolutionary backing in analysis of mammalian vertebrae

A study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that differences in vertebrae numbers are most extreme in mammals that don't rely on running and leaping. The research suggests that a particular type of locomotor behavior, such as suspensory locomotion, is associated with increases in variation in vertebrae count across mammals.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 13, 2019

Turning off growth to make flowers grow

A new study reveals that the transcription factor KNUCKLES plays a crucial role in terminating floral stem cell activity by initiating epigenetic events. This process involves the suppression of WUSCHEL gene expression, leading to the recruitment of Polycomb Group complexes and the formation of repressive H3K27me3 marks on chromatin.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 13, 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.

Common food additive found to affect gut microbiota

A new study found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in over 900 food products, can affect the gut microbiota and potentially trigger diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer. The research suggests that better regulation of E171 consumption is needed to ensure safe use.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateMay 13, 2019

A late-night disco in the forest reveals tree performance

Researchers from the University of Helsinki developed a new method to measure chlorophyll fluorescence in trees, revealing information on plant performance and structure. The technique uses LED technology to light up the forest at night, allowing for easier interpretation of data.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateMay 13, 2019

Catch a virus by its tail

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have uncovered a critical mechanism that enables segmented RNA viruses to replicate and survive. The discovery provides new potential targets for the development of antiviral drugs, which could help combat emerging and fatal viruses such as Lassa fever and Rift Valley fever.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 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.

Flu virus' best friend: Low humidity

Researchers at Yale University have identified low humidity as a key factor in increasing flu virus transmission and severity. The study found that low humidity impairs the immune response, preventing cilia from removing viral particles and reducing airway cells' ability to repair damage.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019

Whole grain can contribute to health by changing intestinal serotonin production

A recent study found that consuming whole grain rye led to lower plasma serotonin levels compared to low-fibre wheat bread, suggesting a link between whole grains and improved health. The study also identified changes in metabolite profiles and increased levels of certain phytochemicals in the bloodstream.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 13, 2019

Want to expand your toddler's vocabulary? Find another child

A new study by Ohio State University and Purdue University found that young children are better teachers when it comes to learning new words. The research suggests that toddlers learn more effectively from other children, rather than adults or family members.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 13, 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 rich are outliving the poor in both Norway and USA

Life expectancy differences between rich and poor in Norway increased between 2005-2015. Higher mortality rates from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and substance abuse explain the disparity. Smoking also plays a role.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalJAMA·DateMay 13, 2019

Inhibiting liver inflammation and fibrosis

A study using praliciguat to stimulate soluble guanylate cyclase found that it can inhibit inflammation and fibrosis in liver cells, suggesting a potential therapy for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The results also indicate that praliciguat may suppress stellate cell fibrotic transformation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019

Study explores privatization of public systems of justice

A recent study by the University of Washington found that private companies are profiting from the forced participation of individuals in the justice system. The research highlights the need for policymakers to develop transparent oversight to ensure that private arrangements do not impose undue burdens on those involved.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateMay 13, 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.