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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 30


Page 30 of 42
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.

Serotonin boosts neuronal powerplants protecting against stress

Serotonin enhances mitochondrial biogenesis, cellular respiration, and ATP production, reducing reactive oxygen species and stress damage in neurons. The study identifies serotonin as a potential therapeutic target for treating mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons, with implications for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2019

Hummingbird robot uses AI to soon go where drones can't

Researchers developed flying robots inspired by hummingbirds, trained with machine learning algorithms to mimic natural bird behavior. The robots can fly silently, maneuver through cluttered spaces, and even teach themselves new skills without human intervention.

SourcePurdue University·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.

Uncovered in deep-sea fish: A novel vision strategy based on multiple rod-opsins

Researchers discovered a previously undescribed visual system in deep-sea fish, which uses multiple rod opsin photopigments to detect bioluminescence and potentially recognize predators or prey. This finding expands our understanding of how these organisms adapt to the dark environment of the deep sea.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 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.

Meditation needs more research: Study finds 25% suffer unpleasant experiences

A UCL-led study found that 25.6% of regular meditators reported experiencing particularly unpleasant meditation-related experiences, including fear and distorted emotions. These experiences were more common among those who practiced deconstructive types of meditation and had higher levels of repetitive negative thinking.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 9, 2019

New method developed to detect and trace homemade bombs

Researchers at King's College London developed a new technique using ion chromatography and mass spectrometry to detect and trace homemade explosives. This approach enables the detection of thousands of compounds simultaneously, providing valuable information for criminal investigations.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAnalytica Chimica Acta·DateMay 9, 2019

MR imaging evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma treated with SBRT

A study published at the ARRS 2019 Annual Meeting found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an effective locoregional treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a low local progression rate. The results also corrected standard response assessment interpretations, suggesting that persistent arterial phase e...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·DateMay 9, 2019

Researchers create 'force field' for super materials

Scientists have created a method to protect graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from environmental poisoning, preserving their extraordinary properties. The technique uses a protective layer to allow carbon diffusion, enabling controlled growth of these materials.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalCarbon·DateMay 9, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New HIV vaccine strategy 'pumps' the immune system

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology developed a new HIV vaccine delivery strategy that enhances the protective immune response by slowly releasing vaccine doses. This approach, called escalating dose strategy, leads to stronger and more neutralizing antibodies against the virus.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell·DateMay 9, 2019

Egg yolk precursor protein regulates mosquitoes' attraction to humans

A study published in PLOS Biology found that feeding mosquitoes sugar reduces their attraction to human skin, and regulates this behavior through the vitellogenin gene. This protein influences reproduction and foraging in insects, and its manipulation could reduce mosquito bites and disease transmission.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 9, 2019

How the cytoplasm separates from the yolk

Researchers at IST Austria discovered that combined pulling and pushing forces within the embryo facilitate the segregation of cytoplasm from the yolk granules. Actin flows towards the animal pole drag along cytoplasm, while comet-like actin structures push yolk granules towards the vegetal pole.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell·DateMay 9, 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.

Birds outside their comfort zone are more vulnerable to deforestation

A recent study by Imperial College London found that birds living near the edge of their range are more sensitive to deforestation than those closer to their core habitat. The research analyzed 378 bird species across 211 sites in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, revealing dramatic differences in sensitivity to habitat loss.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 9, 2019

New analysis predicts top 25 US counties at risk for measles outbreaks

A new analysis predicts top 25 US counties at risk for measles outbreaks in 2019, considering non-medical exemptions, international air travel, and population data. The study identifies regions with low vaccination rates and high passenger inflow from affected countries as areas of high risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMay 9, 2019

Researchers document the oldest known trees in eastern North America

Researchers have documented the oldest known living trees in eastern North America and the longest-lived wetland species in the world. The ancient bald cypress trees are estimated to be around 2,624 years old and were discovered in a forested wetland preserve along the Black River in North Carolina.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalEnvironmental Research Communications·DateMay 9, 2019

Gravitational waves leave a detectable mark, physicists say

New research identifies three persistent gravitational wave observables that provide insight into the intrinsic properties of gravitational waves. These observables could someday help extract information from the Cosmic Microwave Background, offering a new window on the universe.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMay 9, 2019

Athletes with sickle cell traits are at more risk to collapse: here's why

A recent study found significant associations between genetic markers, body mass index, and symptom variation in collegiate football players with sickle cell trait. Higher levels of fetal hemoglobin are linked to better outcomes, particularly for those with higher body weight.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalSouthern Medical Journal·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.

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

Researchers at Cornell University and the University of California Berkeley have made a groundbreaking discovery in polar skyrmions, opening up new possibilities for novel devices. The team found that skyrmions can exhibit chirality in an electric material, which could be used to develop new data storage technologies.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 9, 2019

Assessing battery performance: Compared to what?

A team of experts has reviewed literature on various methods used to characterize lithium-ion battery performance, providing guidance on the most appropriate test method for a given situation. The study aims to improve comparability of battery innovations tailored to different applications.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProgress in Energy and Combustion Science·DateMay 9, 2019

Using specialized metabolites, a plant's roots tailor its soil environment

Researchers discovered a previously unknown triterpene biosynthetic network in plant roots that shapes specific root microbiota. This network produces compounds with growth-promoting and antibiotic activities towards different microbiome taxa, supporting its role in cultivating favorable root communities.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 2019

The enduring effects of mother-child interactions as children become adults

Research from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study found that positive mother-child interactions during early life predicted higher education, less decline in episodic memory, and greater marital satisfaction. These findings suggest a long-lasting impact of early life relationships on later cognitive development.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMay 9, 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.

Remarkable fish see color in deep, dark water

Researchers discovered that deep-sea fish can see color in the dark by examining the genomes of 101 species. This ability may have evolved as a survival weapon to quickly detect predators or prey in low-light conditions.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 2019

Specific identification of chronic lung disease in premature babies

A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol has been developed to identify premature babies with chronic lung disease, allowing for earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment. The study, published in Thorax, reveals increased T2 and decreased T1 relaxation times in MRI data, indicating the presence of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalThorax·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.

Mathematical framework explores how the brain keeps a beat

A new model demonstrates how a network of neurons can act as a 'neuronal metronome' by accurately estimating time intervals between beats within tens of millisecond accuracy. This framework relies on rhythmic brain activity patterns known as gamma oscillations to keep track of time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·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.

Good genes

Researchers discovered that whales and elephants have evolved to beat cancer through unique genetic mechanisms. By studying the genomes of humpback whales and other cetaceans, scientists found evidence of faster-evolving parts of the genome that help these animals adapt to their environment.

SourceArizona State University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 9, 2019

'Fire streaks' ever more real in the collisions of atomic nuclei and protons

Physicists have confirmed the existence of 'fire streaks' in proton-proton collisions, a phenomenon initially proposed as a theoretical structure. The analysis suggests that the matter arising from these collisions behaves similarly to the fire streaks of quark-gluon plasma.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review C·DateMay 9, 2019

Exploiting parasitic yeast to kill yeast pathogens

Researchers discovered a parasitic yeast species that can kill emerging multi-drug resistant yeast pathogen Candida auris. The study identified genes and proteins involved in the predatory behavior of Saccharomycopsis schoenii, which could lead to new biocontrol agents or novel antifungal agents.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 9, 2019

Predicting disease transmission from bushmeat

Researchers studied bushmeat markets in Lao PDR to understand the risks of disease transmission. High contact rates between consumers and bushmeat were found, highlighting the need for integrative approaches to conservation, public health, and rural development.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMay 9, 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.

Biodiversity and carbon: perfect together

Researchers found positive correlations between biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration in ten of twelve landscapes, indicating a shared benefit. The study suggests that increasing biodiversity can also increase carbon storage, highlighting the interconnectedness of these two goals.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 9, 2019

Diabetes linked to numerous cancers in large Chinese study

A large Chinese study found that type 2 diabetes is associated with an elevated risk of 11 types of cancer in men and 13 types of cancer in women. The study, which examined data from over 410,000 adults, revealed significant increases in cancer risk for both men and women with diabetes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Diabetes·DateMay 9, 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.

Fooling nerve cells into acting normal

Researchers at the University of Missouri have made a groundbreaking discovery about how neurons function normally. By artificially augmenting the electrical signals of isolated neurons, they found that the cells can adjust to changes in their environment without significant harm. This finding could lead to new treatments for spinal co...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 9, 2019

AMP recommends minimum set of alleles for all clinical CYP2C9 genotyping testing

A joint report from AMP and CAP provides evidence-based recommendations for designing and validating clinical CYP2C9 assays, promoting standardization and improving patient care. The report defines a minimum set of alleles and their variants that should be included in all clinical CYP2C9 genotyping tests.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateMay 9, 2019

Copper oxide photocathodes: laser experiment reveals location of efficiency loss

Researchers have identified the main mechanism of photovoltage losses in copper oxide photocathodes as binding to defect states within the band gap, not at interfaces with a catalyst layer. This discovery is crucial for optimizing solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 9, 2019

The bird that came back from the dead

Scientists discovered two instances of flightless rail species colonizing Aldabra island, evolving independently after tens of thousands of years. The study provides the first evidence of iterative evolution in rails, revealing how a single species from Madagascar gave rise to two distinct species on the island.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateMay 9, 2019

Traces of Roman-era pollution stored in the ice of Mont Blanc

Researchers have found traces of Roman-era pollution in the ice of Mont Blanc, revealing significant atmospheric pollution from heavy metals. The study provides a record of atmospheric conditions in ancient Rome and sheds light on the impact of ancient emissions on the present-day environment in Europe.

SourceCNRS·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·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.

Painting a fuller picture of how antibiotics kill

Researchers developed a novel machine-learning approach to discover an additional mechanism by which some antibiotics kill bacteria. This secondary mechanism involves activating the bacterial metabolism of nucleotides necessary for DNA replication, leading to increased energy demands and toxic byproducts that contribute to cell death.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateMay 9, 2019

Methane-consuming bacteria could be the future of fuel

Researchers at Northwestern University have identified the enzyme responsible for methane-methanol conversion, which catalyzes the reaction at a single copper ion site. This discovery could lead to the development of new, human-made catalysts that convert methane to methanol with high efficiency.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 2019

BU finds tight pants and pubic-hair removal increase risk of vulvodynia

A Boston University School of Medicine study found that wearing tight-fitting jeans or pants four or more times a week doubles the risk of vulvodynia, while removing hair from the mons pubis nearly triples it. The condition affects an estimated 16% of women over their lifetimes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Lower Genital Tract Disease·DateMay 9, 2019

White people struggle to perceive emotion on black people's faces

A study by the University of Granada found that white people have difficulty identifying genuine smiles on black faces, whereas they can accurately detect such differences among other whites. This bias is linked to racial stereotypes and a lack of eye contact with individuals from different groups.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·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.

Childhood maltreatment linked to e-cigarette use during young adulthood

A recent study published in The American Journal on Addictions found a significant link between childhood maltreatment and e-cigarette use during young adulthood. Childhood maltreatment was also associated with negative urgency, leading to impulsive behavior when distressed, which contributes to increased e-cigarette use.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal on Addictions·DateMay 9, 2019

Gravitational forces in protoplanetary disks may push super-Earths close to their stars

Researchers at Penn State have found that gravitational forces within protoplanetary disks can cause super-Earths to migrate closer to their host star. This simulation shows that chaotic interactions among planets and the gas disk can lead to synchronized orbits, resulting in super-Earths being pushed towards the star.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 9, 2019