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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 33


Page 33 of 42

Mining microbial treasures from toxic sites

Researchers have found microorganisms in toxic sites like the Berkeley Pit, which produce potent molecules with potential human medicine uses. These molecules show anti-cancer and antibiotic activities, offering new hope for treating diseases such as cancer and antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 8, 2019

Phage therapy treats patient with drug-resistant bacterial infection

A 15-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis was treated with genetically engineered bacteriophages to combat a life-threatening, drug-resistant infection. The treatment led to the clearance of skin nodules and improvement in liver function, demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of phage therapy.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 8, 2019

Diabetes complications soar in the US, but not Canada, as teenagers become young adults

A new study found that hospitalizations for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) surge in the US among young adults, but remain relatively low in Canada. The disparity is attributed to differences in healthcare systems and access to insulin, with the US experiencing a significant increase in DKA rates as teenagers become young adults.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 8, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Older adults with obesity may have fewer years of healthy life

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School found that older adults with obesity can expect 6 more years of remaining life with physical limitations and 5 less years without them at age 60. They also observed similar patterns at ages 70 and 80, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or education status.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMay 8, 2019

Workplace discrimination: If they don't fit, they always call in sick?

A study by Florian Kunze and Max Reinwald found that employees who don't fit in teams experience discrimination and absenteeism, which can lead to significant losses for companies. The researchers observed over 800 teams in a Swiss-based service company over seven years and found that dissimilar team members accrue more days of absence.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMay 8, 2019

Creating a global map of the protein shape universe

Protein shapes are crucial for determining their role and effectiveness in the body. Researchers at Purdue University have created a new method to map and classify 3D surface shapes of proteins, which will aid in understanding protein structures and functions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 8, 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.

The smell of dark chocolate, demystified

Researchers identified volatile compounds contributing to dark chocolate's distinctive aroma, including β-ionone and other essential components. By quantifying these substances using stable isotope dilution analysis, the team successfully reconstructed the scents of two dark chocolates with remarkable accuracy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 8, 2019

When sand behaves like oil

Researchers have discovered that granular materials, such as sand and coffee, exhibit similar behavior to immiscible liquids when fluidized. This phenomenon has significant implications for industries like pharmaceuticals and energy production, where efficient processing of granular materials is crucial.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 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.

Novel molecular multi-step photoswitches caught in the act

Scientists have caught a new class of molecular switches in action, revealing the full sequence of structural transformations. The discovery sheds light on how thermal steps work and provides new control mechanisms to improve switch performance.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 8, 2019

Emerging techniques for cardiovascular PET

Cardiovascular PET has grown into a staple of contemporary cardiovascular care, with emerging techniques expanding its applications to CAD, CMD, and vascular plaques. The development of new tracers and absolute flow assessment are poised to further improve diagnostic information and treatment outcomes.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMay 8, 2019

CMU researchers make transformational AI seem 'unremarkable'

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed an approach called Unremarkable AI that aims to make transformational AI seem unobtrusive in clinical decision making. This approach is designed to enable seamless human-AI collaboration by embedding AI-generated predictions and evaluations into existing clinical routines.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 8, 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.

Chronic kidney disease epidemic may be result of high heat, toxins

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that climate change may be contributing to a mysterious epidemic of chronic kidney disease among agricultural workers. The researchers found that heat exposure and heavy labor are common factors in the disease, which is also linked to toxins such as glyphosate and lead.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 8, 2019

Progesterone could increase births in women with early pregnancy bleeding and previous miscarriage

A large trial has found that progesterone treatment can increase the chances of a baby being born for women who experience early pregnancy bleeding and have a history of miscarriage. The study involved over 4,000 pregnant women and showed a significant increase in live births among those receiving progesterone treatment.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 8, 2019

Advancing cell therapy for diabetes

Researchers at Harvard University have improved the laboratory process of converting stem cells into insulin-producing beta cells, increasing purity to 80 percent. This breakthrough may improve beta cell transplants for patients with type 1 diabetes.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMay 8, 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.

VisiBlends, a new approach to disrupt visual messaging

Computer scientists at Columbia University developed VisiBlends, a platform that combines human steps with AI to create visually blended images. The system enabled novice designers to produce 10 times as many creative results as unguided brainstorming sessions.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateMay 8, 2019

Articles focus on psoriasis, risk of mental health disorders

Two studies found a significant association between psoriasis and an increased risk of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, in Denmark and South Korea. The research highlights the importance of addressing the mental health needs of individuals with chronic skin conditions like psoriasis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMay 8, 2019

Teaching children to eat healthy: Repetition is the key

A new study found that repeated exposure and child-centered nutrition phrases increased preschoolers' willingness to try and consume new foods. The study suggests that consistent and accurate nutrition messages can help develop healthy eating behaviors in young children.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMay 8, 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.

Campus energy advances can be optimized and replicated

A new study outlines a roadmap for expanding Stanford's energy system innovations to other campuses, maximizing purchases of electricity during renewable power hours and reducing carbon emissions. Thermal storage tanks offer an affordable alternative to traditional batteries, with costs about 15% lower.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 8, 2019

Wireless movement-tracking system could collect health and behavioral data

Marko, a wireless movement-tracking system, transmits low-power radio-frequency signals to analyze reflections and associate them with specific individuals. The system traces movement patterns to provide insights into behavior and health, offering a new passive way to track functional health profiles of patients at home.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 8, 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.

Rate of radiology resident recognition of non-accidental trauma

A recent study reveals that radiology residents in the US are not adequately trained to identify and report child abuse. The study, presented at the ARRS 2019 Annual Meeting, found that residents correctly identified only 37.6% of non-accidental trauma cases over a five-year period.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·DateMay 7, 2019

Scientists pinpoint potential new target for regulating inflammation

A team of researchers from Trinity College Dublin has discovered that SARM plays an important role in the immune response and regulates inflammation. The study suggests that targeting SARM could provide a new option for treating diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalImmunity·DateMay 7, 2019

Essential tool for precision farming: new method for photochemical reflectance index measurement

Scientists at Lobachevsky University have developed a new method for measuring the photochemical reflectance index using yellow-green light pulses, reducing sensitivity to lighting conditions and improving accuracy. The method has been tested on agricultural plants and found to be more reliable than traditional indicators of photosynth...

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalRemote Sensing·DateMay 7, 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.

Research clarifies role of posterior parietal cortex in decision-making

The study provides new insights into the functional role of the PPC in decision-making, showing that it plays an essential role in making judgments about unknown sensory stimuli. The researchers used a novel behavioral technique and precise manipulation of neuronal activity to demonstrate the causal role of the PPC during decision-making.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 7, 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.

Nursing home cameras aim to protect the vulnerable but present ethical dilemmas

A study by Clara Berridge found that surveillance cameras in nursing homes can record personal moments, compromising resident privacy and dignity. The survey also highlighted issues with consent and the security of camera feeds, highlighting the need for reform and increased funding for long-term care systems.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAJOB Empirical Bioethics·DateMay 7, 2019

Alternative treatment for epileptic seizures in children identified

A new study published in The Lancet has identified levetiracetam as a safe and effective alternative to phenytoin for treating convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) in children. The trial, conducted by the EcLiPSE Team, involved over 300 children and found that levetiracetam may be considered as an alternative treatment to phenytoin.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 7, 2019

Success tastes so sweet

Researchers have identified specific neurons in the brainstem of mice that encode sweetness and convey sweet taste-specific signals. This breakthrough study reveals new information about how different taste qualities are processed by distinct types of neurons.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 7, 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.

Arsenic in drinking water may change heart structure raising risk of heart disease

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that arsenic exposure in drinking water may lead to thickening of the heart's main pumping chamber in young adults, increasing the risk for future heart problems. The study, published online in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging, assessed the effects of arsenic o...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateMay 7, 2019

Paper wasps capable of behavior that resembles logical reasoning

Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that paper wasps possess the ability to use known relationships to infer unknown ones, similar to humans. This cognitive skill may be linked to their complex social behavior and dominance hierarchies, allowing them to rapidly make deductions about novel social relationships.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 7, 2019

Reducing carbon emissions while improving health is economically attractive, study shows

A new climate policy model debuts in Nature Communications, finding that reducing carbon emissions is economically sound due to immediate human health benefits. The study supports the Paris Climate Agreement targets and suggests a target of 2 degrees Celsius is defensible if health benefits are included.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 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 brief: Surface protein editing in bacteria

University of Minnesota researchers have identified a novel circuit in the cell membrane that signals changes to bacterial surface adhesive proteins. This intramembrane signaling system appears to provide a 'fail-safe' mechanism to edit surface proteins and enable bacteria to adhere and colonize different body surfaces.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience Signaling·DateMay 7, 2019

Study shows adult tourniquet suitable for school-age children

Researchers at Nemours Children's Health System have found the military's Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) to be effective in controlling blood flow in children's arms and legs, with a success rate of 100% for upper extremities and 93% for lower extremities.

SourceNemours·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 7, 2019

Arsenic in drinking water may change heart structure

Researchers found that arsenic exposure was associated with thickening of the heart's main pumping chamber and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in individuals with high blood pressure. The study suggests that reducing arsenic exposure may be able to reverse some changes in heart structure.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 7, 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.

New approach shows regeneration of severely damaged lungs

A multidisciplinary team from Columbia Engineering and Vanderbilt University has demonstrated regeneration of severely damaged lungs in a clinically relevant model. The researchers developed a cross-circulation platform that maintained lung viability and function, enabling the recovery of lungs unsuitable for transplant due to injury.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2019

Teen girls more vulnerable to bullying than boys

Researchers found that teen girls are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts compared to boys, regardless of whether they are bullied or not. The study also revealed that relational bullying among females is often hidden from view.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNursing Research·DateMay 7, 2019

Eye's vulnerability to macular degeneration revealed

Scientists discovered differences in Müller cell shape and biology between the retina's macula and peripheral regions, shedding light on the eye's defense mechanism against disease. The study found that macula Müller cells produce more serine, a protective amino acid, but are more susceptible to stress when this production is blocked.

SourceeLife·DateMay 7, 2019

Tumor mutations may predict response to immunotherapy

Researchers found that tumors with a higher degree of microsatellite instability (MSI) are more likely to respond to immunotherapy. MSI-high tumors have a higher amount of indel mutations, which can generate neoantigens recognized by the immune system.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 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.

Tibetan plateau first occupied by middle Pleistocene Denisovans

A recent study published in Nature confirms that Denisovans lived on the Tibetan Plateau during the Middle Pleistocene era. The discovery of a 160,000-year-old human mandible found in Xiahe, China, provides evidence of an early human presence on the plateau, predating modern humans.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateMay 7, 2019

Arctic rivers provide fingerprint of carbon release from thawing permafrost

Researchers used radiocarbon dating to track carbon release from thawing permafrost in Siberian-Arctic rivers. The study found that permafrost and peat carbon contributed significantly to dissolved organic carbon in the rivers, with seasonal differences suggesting gradual thaw of surface permafrost as the main source.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 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.

New multi-player game brings out the science of wargames

Researchers developed an online multi-player game called SIGNAL to explore deterrence and decision-making in escalating conflicts. The game allows for large-N data analysis, collecting insights from thousands of games, which can inform policies, strategies, and tactics.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateMay 7, 2019