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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 36


Page 36 of 42

Study reveals final fate of levitating Leidenfrost droplets

A team of researchers has detailed the final fate of levitating Leidenfrost droplets, finding that smaller drops escape and larger ones explode violently. The study's findings suggest that contaminants play a crucial role in determining the droplets' behavior, with minute quantities having significant effects on their lifetime.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 2019

New computational tool improves gene identification

A new bioinformatics tool analyzes CRISPR pooled screen data to identify candidate genes involved in diseases, outperforming existing methods. The web-based tool is quicker and more user-friendly, empowering non-bioinformaticians to analyze data.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 6, 2019

Origin of Sino-Tibetan language family revealed by new research

Researchers have discovered that the Sino-Tibetan language family, including Chinese and Tibetan, originated about 7,200 years ago in North China among millet farmers. This finding was made using a phylogenetic analysis of ancient and modern languages, revealing complex patterns of evolution and expansion.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Patients reading visit notes report striking benefit over time

A large-scale assessment of over 20,000 patients found that reading office visit notes offers considerable benefits, particularly for those from underserved populations. Patients reported increased control and understanding of their care, as well as improved adherence to treatment plans and medications.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMay 6, 2019

UNH researchers discover new strain of canine distemper in wild animals in New Hampshire, Vermont

Researchers have identified a new strain of canine distemper virus in wild animals in New Hampshire and Vermont, which is highly contagious to domesticated dogs. The virus has been found in eight infected mammals, including gray foxes, raccoons, and skunks, and is significantly distinct from vaccine strains.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation·DateMay 6, 2019

A brain region for Pokémon characters?

Researchers identify preferential activation of a brain region to Pokémon characters in adults who played videogames extensively as children. The study sheds light on the development of dedicated brain regions for processing visual stimuli.

SourceStanford University·DateMay 6, 2019

Carbon from permafrost in Siberian rivers

A recent study reveals that around 17% of total organic carbon in Siberian rivers originates from thawing permafrost and peat deposits. The research found that particulate organic carbon contributed to more than half of the river's total organic content.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2019

Low-cost intervention boosts undergraduate interest in computer science

A recent study found that an online growth mindset intervention increased interest in computer science among undergraduates, with no direct impact on performance. The intervention led to a positive, indirect effect on students' final grades, highlighting the value of fostering a growth mindset in computer science education.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMay 6, 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.

Prison tobacco ban significantly reduces secondhand smoke

A new University of Stirling study found that banning smoking in prisons significantly reduced secondhand smoke levels across Scotland. The study, which measured air quality before and after the ban's introduction, showed an average 81% decrease in fine particulate matter concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalTobacco Control·DateMay 6, 2019

Unexpectedly big wins improve two kinds of memory

Brown University researchers discovered that unexpectedly good outcomes enhance the memory of specific events, which may have implications for treating individuals with depression. The study found that participants were better at remembering specific images from rounds where they had a high likelihood of winning.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 6, 2019

Immediate HIV treatment initiation: Increased but not yet universal in NYC

Despite improved timeliness, nearly 25% of New York City residents with a new HIV diagnosis in 2015 had not initiated treatment within six months. The study also found that only 35% of people diagnosed with HIV had less advanced HIV disease.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMay 6, 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.

A new approach to targeting tumors and tracking their spread

Researchers develop nanobodies that home in on ECM proteins surrounding cancer cells, allowing for early detection and treatment of tumors. The technique has shown promise in imaging and delivering therapeutic treatments to tumors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2019

Female flies respond to sensation of sex, not just sperm

A recent study has discovered that female fruit flies can sense the sensation of sex and reject unwanted partners, independent of sperm presence. The 'copulation effect' involves a neural circuit that allows females to quickly determine if they've successfully mated.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNeuron·DateMay 6, 2019

Improving the well-being of heart-failure patients

A six-week web-based intervention has been shown to significantly improve anxiety, depression and psychosocial well-being in heart-failure patients. The program combined psychological and medical help, was found to have lasting benefits and can be integrated into routine healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMay 6, 2019

Sensor can detect spoiled milk before opening

Researchers developed a sensor that can detect spoiled milk by reacting to gas produced by bacterial growth, changing color in the process. The breakthrough aims to improve food safety and shelf life by providing a more accurate expiration date system.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFood Control·DateMay 6, 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.

Bacteria causing infections can be detected more rapidly

A team of researchers at POSTECH has developed a fluorescent probe called BacGo that can detect Gram-positive bacteria precisely and promptly. The probe is more sensitive than the traditional Gram staining method, which has several limitations, including slow detection and limited selectivity against Gram-positive bacteria.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 6, 2019

Heat-tolerant corals create bleach-resistant nurseries

Researchers found that heat-tolerant coral species retain heat tolerance in nurseries, resulting in reduced bleaching and maintained genetic diversity. Selecting these colonies could aid the development of climate-resilient corals for reef restoration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 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.

Ash dieback is predicted to cost £15 billion in Britain

A new study predicts that Ash dieback will have a devastating impact on the UK's economy, with estimated costs of £15 billion over the next decade. The disease is expected to kill 95-99% of ash trees in Britain, leading to significant losses in ecosystem services such as water and air purification and carbon sequestration.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 6, 2019

Tip sheet: Studies on opioid-prescribing practices

Researchers found that certain surgeries, such as colorectal and cardiovascular surgeries, increase the likelihood of patients continuing to refill opioid prescriptions. Generalist nurse practitioners and physician assistants may also be overprescribing opioids, suggesting a need for education and better oversight.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Surgery·DateMay 6, 2019

UrFU student developing 3D printer for creating implants

A URFU student is developing a 3D printer that can create high-temperature implants, such as polyetheretherketone, which have a density comparable to the musculoskeletal system. This innovation has the potential to reduce physical exertion in patients with endoprostheses.

SourceUral Federal University·DateMay 6, 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.

Social media and life satisfaction

A study of over 12,000 adolescent participants found that social media use was associated with improved life satisfaction across multiple domains. Girls showed a stronger link between social media and life satisfaction compared to boys.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2019

Kinship and violence in Neolithic Poland

A genomic study of a mass grave in Neolithic Poland reveals an extended family structure, with mothers and children together, but older males absent. The analysis suggests that the massacre may have been linked to the expansion of Corded Ware groups, supporting the notion that violence was a common response to population pressure.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 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 power of randomization: Magnetic skyrmions for novel computer technology

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have successfully developed a key constituent of probabilistic computing using magnetic skyrmions. The newly created device can randomly rearrange binary sequences without losing any information, making it suitable for novel computer technology.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 6, 2019

Five things to know about physician suicide

Physician suicide is a serious issue with increased suicidal ideation beginning as early as medical school, nearly 1 in 4 students reporting suicidal thoughts within the last 12 months. Suicidal physicians face unique barriers to care due to confidentiality and stigmatization concerns from peers, employers, and licensing bodies.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 6, 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.

Homemade cat food diets could be risky

A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that most homemade cat food recipes are nutritionally inadequate and may contain toxic ingredients. Only a few recipes met all but one of the essential nutrient requirements.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateMay 6, 2019

Secrets of the 'blue supergiant' revealed

Astronomers observed blue supergiants for the first time using data from NASA space telescopes, discovering wave patterns on their surface that reveal properties of these stars. The discoveries confirm two types of waves, providing new prospects for studying massive stars.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 6, 2019

New model improves staging and risk predictions for esophageal cancer patients

A new nomogram developed by researchers can accurately predict the likelihood of occult lymph node metastases in esophageal cancer. This tool may help clinicians identify high-risk patients who would benefit from neoadjuvant therapy, leading to more informed treatment discussions and potentially improved patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·DateMay 6, 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 disease discovered by CU Anschutz researchers

Scientists at CU Anschutz Medical Campus identified a rare genetic mutation causing an immune dysregulation syndrome, characterized by recurrent infections and autoimmune complications. The discovery provides unique insights into cell biology and suggests the possibility of treating the disease with gene therapy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 6, 2019

Cryptic mutation is cautionary tale for crop gene editing

Researchers from CSHL discovered a cryptic mutation in tomatoes that had unexpected effects on growth and yield. By understanding the interaction between this mutation and another gene, they found that duplicating the mutated gene restored its function, providing a solution to agricultural production issues.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·DateMay 6, 2019

Taming defective porous materials for robust and selective heterogeneous catalysis

Researchers develop metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with tailored defects that enhance the selective catalysis of ethylene dimerization. By simulating realistic MOF systems using computational resources, they found that unsaturated metal centers drive activity while bimetallic nature controls selectivity.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 6, 2019

Airbnb vs. hotels: New research sheds light on how they can compete and benefit

Airbnb's flexible lodging capacity can help stabilize demand during peak travel seasons, offsetting higher hotel prices. The platform disrupts traditional pricing strategies in some markets, minimizing seasonal pricing needs. Higher-end hotels are most affected by Airbnb's business traveler targeting

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateMay 6, 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.

Blue supergiant stars open doors to concert in space

Researchers discovered that almost all blue supergiants shimmer in brightness due to waves on their surface, enabling the study of their internal physics and chemistry. This breakthrough enables astronomers to probe the progenitors of supernovae from a novel perspective.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 6, 2019

Obesity reprograms immune cells in breasts to promote tumor formation

Researchers at the University of Chicago discover that obesity reprograms immune cells in breasts to promote tumor formation in triple-negative breast cancers. Obesity promotes inflammation through metabolically-activated macrophages, which fuel tumorigenesis and encourage tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 6, 2019

Direct dispensing of naloxone by pharmacists can cut opioid overdose deaths, study finds

A new study from the RAND Corporation found that allowing pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a physician's prescription can sharply reduce fatal opioid-related overdoses. States that adopted laws enabling direct dispensing of naloxone by pharmacists saw a significant decrease in overdose deaths, with an average reduction of 27% d...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 6, 2019

Twisting whirlpools of electrons

Scientists at EPFL demonstrate for the first time that it is possible to use light to dynamically twist an individual electron's wave function. This enables the creation of an ultrafast vortex electron beam that can be used to encode and manipulate quantum information, as well as control magnetic materials.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 6, 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.

Show your hands: Smartwatches sense hand activity

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a smartwatch that can recognize 25 different hand activities, including typing on a keyboard, washing dishes, and petting a dog, with around 95% accuracy. The device uses accelerometer data to detect hand motions and bio-acoustic sounds associated with these activities.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 6, 2019

Filming how our immune system kills bacteria

Researchers use atomic force microscopy to track the formation of deadly holes in bacterial surfaces, discovering a bottleneck that prevents harm to human cells. The study provides insight into how the immune system kills bacteria and may guide the development of new therapies harnessing the immune system against bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 6, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Oxygen linked with the boom and bust of early animal evolution

A recent study has discovered a significant correlation between surges in oxygen levels and bursts in animal evolution and biodiversity during the Cambrian explosion. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, suggests that oxygen content in the atmosphere was a major controlling factor in animal evolution.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 6, 2019

Driving chemical reactions with light

Scientists from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and Rice University have discovered that the chemical nature of surface molecules affects plasmon resonance in metal nanoparticles. This finding could lead to new methods for harnessing light-driven processes like photocatalysis.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 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.

Bullying among adolescents hurts both the victims and the perpetrators

A new study reveals that bullying has a profound impact on both victims and perpetrators, leading to increased substance abuse and social issues. Research found that girls are more likely to internalize problems and exhibit psychosomatic complaints, while boys and girls are equally likely to engage in risk behaviors after being bullied.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateMay 6, 2019

Researchers find protein that suppresses muscle repair in mice

A team of researchers found that a protein called leucine tRNA-synthetase influences muscle regeneration and regrowth in an unexpected way. Lower levels of this protein enable mice to recover from muscle injury more quickly than those with normal levels, leading to stronger regenerated muscles.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 6, 2019

Social media has limited effects on teenage life satisfaction

A large-scale Oxford Internet Institute study of UK teenagers found that social media use had limited effects on life satisfaction, with some bidirectional effects observed. The researchers used improved data and statistical approaches to test the relationship between social media use and life satisfaction, finding modest trends.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2019