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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 29


Page 29 of 42

Study: Some biologic treatments for psoriasis may be safer for patients

A study found that patients taking newer, targeted biologics for psoriasis have a decreased risk of serious infection compared to older medications. The researchers analyzed large insurance claims databases and found that certain biologics like apremilast, etanercept, and ustekinumab had a lower risk of infection.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMay 10, 2019

Our history in the stars

Researchers mapped aluminum monoxide around a distant young star, clarifying details about our solar system's formation. The findings suggest that AlO gas rapidly condenses into solid grains, similar to calcium and aluminum-rich inclusions found in asteroids.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 10, 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.

Cognitive enhancers to boost abilities at work considered acceptable by the public

A study published in AJOB Neuroscience found that the general public views cognitive enhancers as acceptable in the workplace when positively framed and used by non-students and athletes. However, misuse continues to rise among adolescents and adults, with limited evidence supporting their cognitive benefits.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAJOB Neuroscience·DateMay 10, 2019

Following DASH diet can reduce heart failure risk in people under 75

A study of over 4,500 participants found that those under 75 who closely followed the DASH diet had a significantly lower risk of developing heart failure. The research suggests that the DASH diet can reduce heart failure risk by almost half, making it a promising element in primary prevention.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 10, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tech-savvy people more likely to trust digital doctors

Researchers found that tech-savvy people are more accepting of digital healthcare services, particularly when they have a strong belief in machine abilities and high levels of expertise. This suggests that designing interfaces to appeal to expert users can increase the adoption of automated healthcare providers.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 10, 2019

Study sheds new light on urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women

A recent study from UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals that several species of bacteria can invade the bladder walls in postmenopausal women with urinary tract infections. The findings suggest that antibiotic treatment may not be effective due to high levels of bacterial resistance and a lack of targeted therapies.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateMay 10, 2019

New progress in developing an animal model of hepatitis C

Researchers at Princeton University developed a mouse model of hepatitis C by introducing human proteins that allow the virus entry to liver cells. The study found that small mutations in a liver cell protein significantly impact viral replication in mice and humans.

SourcePrinceton University·DateMay 10, 2019

Cancer screening rates decline when patients see doctors later in day

A study found that cancer screening rates decrease as the day goes on for patients seen later in the day. Decision fatigue and overwhelmed clinicians may contribute to this trend, leading to lower completion rates for screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 10, 2019

Computing faster with quasi-particles

Scientists from the University of Würzburg and Harvard University successfully created quasi-particles called Majorana fermions in a two-dimensional system, paving the way for topological quantum computers. This breakthrough enables more powerful and efficient computing capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateMay 10, 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.

Treatment to restore natural heartbeat could be on the horizon for heart failure

Researchers compared two cardiac resynchronization therapies in a pilot study, finding comparable rates of response between His bundle pacing and biventricular pacing. The study suggests that His bundle pacing may be a viable alternative for treating heart failure patients with electrical disturbances.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 10, 2019

Discovery may lead to new materials for next-generation data storage

A team of researchers discovered polar skyrmions in an electric material, opening up a plethora of materials systems and physical phenomena to explore. The combination of polar skyrmions and electrical properties may allow for the development of novel devices with significant interest to the Army.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 10, 2019

How sea level rise affects birds in coastal forests

Researchers found that ghost forests supported a different group of bird species than the forests they replaced. Some bird species, like the northern bobwhite quail and woodpeckers, fared well with the changes in vegetation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 9, 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.

Will MSC micropellets outperform single cells for cartilage regeneration?

A study directly compares chondrogenic induction by hydrogels containing MSCs as either single cell suspensions or 100-500-cell micropellets. The results show that micropellet-encapsulated MSCs outperform single cells in cartilage regeneration, providing guidance for future cartilage engineering efforts.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTissue Engineering·DateMay 9, 2019

How to generate a brain of correct size and composition

Researchers at IST Austria identified PRC2 as a key protein regulating temporal maturation of stem cells, leading to correct neuron type production. Eliminating PRC2 activity resulted in incorrect neuronal cell type composition and reduced neuron numbers.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 2019

In lab, SLU researchers flip pain switch in spinal cord cells

Researchers at SLU discovered a molecular pathway required for neuropathic pain and found blocking this signal can limit or stop pain. A new class of non-narcotic pain-killing therapies is being developed.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2019

Secrets of fluorescent microalgae could lead to super-efficient solar cells

Researchers have uncovered details of microalgae's light-harvesting system, which is up to 95% efficient, using advanced mass spectrometry techniques. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient organic solar panels, increasing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalChem·DateMay 9, 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.

A new view of wintertime air pollution

A recent study found that targeting nitrogen oxides emitted by cars and power plants may increase harmful wintertime air pollution in the US West. Instead, limiting volatile organic compounds could be a more effective way to reduce particulate matter pollution.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 9, 2019

Minimally invasive procedure shows promise in combatting obesity

A new minimally invasive procedure, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), has shown significant weight loss in a five-year study of over 200 obese patients. The procedure resulted in an average weight loss of up to 15-20% of total body weight, with less than 1% complications.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateMay 9, 2019

Smart drug design to prevent malaria treatment resistance

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute and Imperial College London have identified novel compounds that target a different part of the malaria parasite's enzyme, evading the same resistance mechanism. This study aimed to prevent malaria treatment resistance by studying how it evolves during drug development.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMay 9, 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.

Detection of unusual hybrid schistosomes in Malawi

Researchers from UK and Malawi identify novel schistosome hybrids infecting children along Shire River Valley, with potential for abrupt genetic changes and increased disease transmission. A OneHealth approach is warranted to investigate inter-species combinations and zoonotic potential.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMay 9, 2019

Are otters threatening amphibian populations?

Research in southern Italy found that otters eat 12% of their prey items, including 28 species, with increased predation in Alpine regions during winter and spring. This suggests a previously underestimated threat to small amphibian populations.

SourceWiley·JournalMammal Review·DateMay 9, 2019

Finnish researchers discover a new moth family

Researchers have discovered a new moth family, Ustyurtiidae, in Eurasia, revealing the existence of previously unknown species. The newly described family is a sibling group of the false burnet moth family Urodidae, and its members are well adapted to hot desert conditions.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalInsect Systematics & Evolution·DateMay 9, 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.

Scientists grow precursors for human pigment cells

Researchers at Kobe University successfully grew precursors for human pigment cells, providing a stable supply of melanocytes for research on melanoma and other pigment cell-related illnesses. These precursor cells can be used to study the causes of albinism, freckles, and melanoma.

SourceKobe University·JournalPigment Cell & Melanoma Research·DateMay 9, 2019

Scientists discover a new class of single-atom nanozymes

Researchers developed a new class of single-atom nanozymes with intrinsic enzyme-like active sites, overcoming conventional nanozyme drawbacks. The discovery provides a new perspective on catalytic mechanism and rational design of nanozymes.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 9, 2019

Plants and the art of microbial maintenance

A joint study reveals that plants utilize their root-derived chemicals to shape and maintain diverse microbial communities. The findings provide a gateway to engineering plant root microbiota in major crops, potentially leading to improved productivity and sustainability.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 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 Gastroenterology & Hepatology and The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Whole body MRI may help to detect spread of cancers more quickly

New trials suggest whole body MRI can diagnose cancer stage more quickly and accurately than standard imaging for colorectal and non-small cell lung cancers. This reduces treatment decision time from an average of 13 days to 8 days, while costs are lowered by nearly a quarter in some cases.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateMay 9, 2019

Precise temperature measurements with invisible light

Researchers at NIST have developed a portable, stable standards-quality radiation thermometer capable of measuring temperatures to a precision of within a few thousandths of a degree Celsius. The instrument is suitable for applications such as clinical medicine, satellite measurement, and food processing.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Express·DateMay 9, 2019

The heart 'talks' to fat cells, Temple scientists discover

Researchers at Temple University Health System found that the heart communicates with fat cells through a signaling enzyme, GRK2, regulating weight gain in patients with heart failure. The study's findings could lead to new ways to modulate weight gain.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJCI Insight·DateMay 9, 2019

Back to the sources of neural diversity

Swiss and Belgian researchers decipher the genetic programmes of neurons in the cerebral cortex to understand how specific cell types are generated. They found temporal patterns of gene expression that control the developmental scenario, which may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 2019

A cautionary tale for researchers working on selective drug delivery

A study published in ACS Central Science found that many DNA cage nanostructures are not taken up by cells, but rather degraded by enzymes outside the cell. The researchers' findings have significant implications for the use of DNA strands as a tool for delivering therapeutic agents into diseased cells.

SourceMcGill University·JournalACS Central Science·DateMay 9, 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.

Bullying linked to student's pain medication use

A school-based survey study in Iceland found that bullied students were more likely to use pain medications, despite controlling for pain levels. The study suggests that interventions aimed at reducing bullying may help reduce analgesic use in adolescents.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateMay 9, 2019

New brain tumor imaging technique uses protein found in scorpion venom

A novel imaging technique using scorpion venom-derived protein BLZ-100 has shown promise in detecting and removing brain tumors. The agent binds to tumor cells and glows under near-infrared laser stimulation, enhancing surgical visualization. Clinical trials demonstrate the imaging system's safety and effectiveness.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNeurosurgery·DateMay 9, 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.

Illinois researcher Amy LaViers introduces novel perspective in robotic capability

LaViers' paper presents a simplified counting model that compares the expressive capabilities of robots and natural beings, revealing trends in robotic capacity. The research shows that robots perform similarly to a microscopic worm, highlighting the need for improvement in mimicking nature in robotics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 9, 2019

Like submicroscopic spacecrafts: graphene flakes to control neuron activity

Researchers have discovered that graphene flakes can selectively and reversibly affect specific neurons in the brain, offering a promising approach for treating conditions like epilepsy. The study's findings suggest that the particles' size is key to their selectivity, with effects observed only at specific synapse sites.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 9, 2019

Research reveals surprisingly powerful bite of tiny early tetrapod

A 330-million-year-old fossil discovered in Scotland reveals a unique dental pattern and deep lower jaw, allowing it to pierce and grind crustaceans. The discovery challenges the understanding of early tetrapods' dental evolution, showing an unprecedented level of adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 9, 2019

How Nipah virus spreads from person to person: Lessons from 14 years of investigations

A 14-year investigation in Bangladesh found that older male patients and those with respiratory issues are at higher risk of transmitting the Nipah virus. The study analyzed 248 cases and identified key factors associated with transmission, recommending public health measures to prevent outbreaks.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 9, 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.

Substrate defects key to growth of 2D materials

Penn State researchers have discovered a way to control substrate defects to improve the quality of 2D materials, enabling wafer-scale growth. The new method uses hexagonal boron nitride as a surface to orient transition metal dichalcogenides in a preferred direction.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 9, 2019

One in five people in England harmed by others' drinking over past year

A recent survey of 5000 adults in England found that nearly one in five people experienced harm due to others' drinking, including physical violence and emotional neglect. The study also revealed that younger age, certain ethnicities, and hazardous drinking habits were associated with a higher risk of experiencing harm.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateMay 9, 2019

Study questions current regulations on light pollution and calls for paradigm shift

Researchers argue that Spain's current regulations on light pollution are inadequate and propose a change in approach to minimize the problem. Using white light instead of yellow light can provide significant energy savings while maintaining user safety, with potential benefits for environmental and economic aspects as well.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalLEUKOS The Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America·DateMay 9, 2019

To cheat or not to cheat? Researchers uncover the moral dilemmas of doping

A new study led by the University of Birmingham found that athletes are more likely to dope if they can justify their actions morally. Athletes with strong moral identities were less likely to cheat, while coaches' behavior and performance climate also played a significant role. The research aims to develop anti-doping interventions fo...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·DateMay 9, 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.

A deep-dive into the impact of arthritis drugs on gene expression

A new computational framework has compared four rheumatoid arthritis medications' impact on biological pathways in mice, revealing previously unknown differences in gene expression. The study suggests that some treatments may affect non-arthritis-related genes, providing new insights into arthritis pathology mechanisms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 9, 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.

New type of highly sensitive vision discovered in deep-sea fish

Researchers found that deep-sea fish have expanded rhodopsin genes to detect bioluminescent signals, giving them an evolutionary advantage. The silver spinyfin has the most photopigment genes of any vertebrate, allowing it to detect specific wavelengths of light produced by bioluminescent organisms.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 2019

Patient registries could help control spread of antibiotic bacteria

A computer simulation found that health care facilities using a patient registry could reduce CRE spread by 15.5% over three years, even with modest participation rates. The study suggests that maintaining a registry can help contain the enemy of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 9, 2019

Does sunscreen compromise vitamin D levels?

Researchers found that using high UVA protection factor sunscreen allows for better vitamin D synthesis due to increased UVB transmission. Despite concerns, optimal sunscreen use does not harm vitamin D production, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateMay 9, 2019

Wild red deer contribute to the preservation of open landscapes

Research from Göttingen reveals that wild red deer grazing in open landscapes can contribute to the conservation of protected habitats. The proportion of plant growth eaten by wild red deer is comparable to extensive grazing by farm livestock.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMay 9, 2019