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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 4


Page 4 of 42

Chimps caught crabbing

A study by Kyoto University reveals that chimpanzees habitually catch and consume freshwater crabs, suggesting a year-round source of protein and salts for females and growing juveniles. This finding sheds light on human evolution and the diverse diets of our closest genetic relatives.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateMay 29, 2019

'Slothbot' takes a leisurely approach to environmental monitoring

Researchers designed SlothBot to linger in the forest canopy for months, measuring environmental factors like weather and chemicals, to observe changes over long periods. This approach leverages energy efficiency, avoiding the high energy needs of fast-moving robots, and aims to provide a fail-safe transition between cables.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMay 29, 2019

Birds perceive 'warm' colors differently from 'cool' ones

A Duke University study shows that birds mentally sort hues on the blue-green side of the spectrum into two categories, but the line between them is fuzzier. Birds are better at distinguishing subtle differences within each color category than in recognizing distinct boundaries.

SourceDuke University·DateMay 29, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Five-year outcomes for Brigham face transplant recipients

Patients who underwent face transplants experienced significant improvements in motor function and sensory perception, with a notable trend towards enhanced quality of life. The study's findings support the potential benefits of this surgery for patients with severe facial injuries.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 29, 2019

Study could lead to 'cognitive therapy in your pocket'

A study by McLean Hospital researchers shows that CBM-I, a way to change mental habits without visiting a therapist, can be effective when combined with CBT in an acute psychiatric setting. The smartphone app version of CBM-I has great promise for individuals with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, offering on-dem...

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalBehavior Therapy·DateMay 29, 2019

New regulator of immune responses discovered

Researchers at the University of Leeds have identified a new internal regulator that helps control the body's response to fight infection. The discovery has the potential to help find new drugs to tackle autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and scleroderma, by suppressing the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 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.

A new vision for genomics in animal agriculture

A new blueprint for animal genomics research prioritizes improvements in efficiency, livestock welfare and production to meet the demands of a growing global population. The research focuses on using genomic technology to predict how environmental variation and management practices affect production.

SourceIowa State University·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateMay 29, 2019

Snowflakes inform scientists how tooth enamel is formed

Researchers at University of Helsinki and Aalto University developed a new model to explain tooth enamel formation, proposing that differences in enamel thickness are regulated by nutrient diffusion rates. This discovery helps uncover why human and orangutan teeth have distinct characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 29, 2019

Outsmarting deep fakes: AI-driven imaging system protects authenticity

Researchers at NYU Tandon developed an AI-driven imaging system that can spot manipulated photos and videos with a detection rate of over 90%. The system introduces digital watermarks into images during acquisition, which are sensitive to manipulation. This approach optimizes image integrity and authentication, making it difficult for ...

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateMay 29, 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.

$9.5 million aimed at detecting autism earlier in childhood

A multicenter research team will scan the brains of 250 infants in North America using MRI scans while they are sleeping, from 6 and 12 months old, to analyze brain structure and function. The goal is to identify differences in the brain that accurately predict which children are most likely to develop autism spectrum disorder.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateMay 29, 2019

Outstanding university computing students recognized

The ACM Student Research Competition, sponsored by Microsoft, recognizes promising computer science students who receive travel grants to present their original research at well-known conferences. The top three winners in both graduate and undergraduate categories receive prizes of $500, $300, and $200, respectively.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateMay 29, 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.

The grammar of cell development branching time

A new technology extracts branching development time from single-cell data, enabling a better understanding of cell development and differentiation events. This method uses topological grammars and has been used to analyze thousands of cells from various organisms.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 29, 2019

Researchers identify new roles for common oncogene MYC

Researchers discovered MYC's new roles in cancer cell efficiency and protein production. High MYC levels stimulate specific mRNAs translation into respiratory complex proteins, fueling growth. This study reveals MYC regulates metabolic enzymes and immune receptors in lymphoma cells.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 29, 2019

A research study analyzes employment hiring practices in Europe

A study by the European GEMM Project found worrying levels of discrimination against young people with immigrant parents in five European countries. The research analyzed data from over 19,000 companies and compared responses to candidates with identical CVs but different parental backgrounds.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateMay 29, 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.

Cycling lanes, not cyclists, reduce fatalities for all road users

A study by University of Colorado Denver researchers found that cycling infrastructure significantly reduces fatalities and improves road safety outcomes. Cities like Portland and Seattle saw a decrease in fatal crash rates after introducing protected bike lanes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·DateMay 29, 2019

Farmers and food companies hit the dirt to improve soil health

Big food brands invest in soil health programs to help farmers improve sustainability, cut costs and reduce environmental impact. These programs provide education and data gathering tools for farmers to adopt strategies such as organic production, cover crops and cost-sharing initiatives.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 29, 2019

Study reports ibrutinib and venetoclax combo effective as front-line therapy for select chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients

Researchers found that the combination of ibrutinib and venetoclax was highly effective in achieving complete remission with undetectable minimal residual disease in high-risk CLL patients. The study also showed that this combination therapy had no new toxic effects compared to individual agents.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 29, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Study could improve fire monitoring in Brazilian savana

Scientists investigated satellite data collections for burned areas in the Cerrado biome, improving Brazil's space research output. The study refined data to provide more precise information on burned areas, including emissions and land use patterns.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·DateMay 29, 2019

Healthy fat hidden in dirt may fend off anxiety disorders

Researchers have identified an anti-inflammatory fat in a soil-dwelling bacterium that may be responsible for quelling stress-related disorders. The discovery brings the researchers one step closer to developing a microbe-based 'stress vaccine'.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateMay 29, 2019

NIH-funded study links microbiome composition to African American preterm birth risk

A research project funded by the National Institutes of Health has identified differences in vaginal bacteria that may raise the risk of preterm birth among pregnant African-American women. The study found that women who delivered preterm had a more diverse microbiome in early pregnancy compared to those who delivered at term.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 29, 2019

Artificial intelligence boosts proteome research

Researchers have developed an AI-powered approach that enables faster and more accurate analysis of proteins, revolutionizing the field of proteomics. The new method has been trained on a vast dataset and can recognize proteins with high accuracy, enabling researchers to better understand life processes and diseases.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 29, 2019

Model identifies high-risk areas for lumpy skin disease in cattle

Researchers combined two models to identify high-risk areas for lumpy skin disease virus in cattle, highlighting the importance of ecological conditions and wind patterns. The study predicts potential spread in regions such as Russia, Turkey, Serbia, and Bulgaria.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateMay 29, 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.

Surprisingly, inbred isle royale wolves dwindle because of fewer harmful genes

Inbred Isle Royale wolves have fewer harmful genes than expected, with a higher proportion of paired recessive alleles. This discovery has broader implications for conservation efforts, suggesting individuals from smaller populations may be more beneficial due to fewer potentially harmful alleles.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 29, 2019

Study helps develop new treatment option for multi-drug resistant infections

A new study has helped develop a treatment option for multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections, including complicated urinary tract infections. The treatment, tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide, is an oral antibiotic agent that may facilitate earlier discharge from hospital or treat complex infections in the community.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateMay 29, 2019

Genetic analysis of cannabis is here

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new method to analyze the genetic characteristics of cannabis strains, providing a powerful tool for addressing industry claims and concerns. The analysis reveals distinct gene networks orchestrating each strain's production of cannabinoids and terpenes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateMay 29, 2019

Early statin treatment may help children with Fragile X

Research suggests that early lovastatin treatment in infancy can prevent learning problems in children with Fragile X Syndrome. The drug corrected memory and learning issues in rats with the genetic alteration, with benefits persisting for months after treatment ended.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 29, 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.

NIST study identifies chemical blends as possible alternative refrigerants

A NIST study identified 22 chemical blends that could serve as alternative refrigerants with lower global warming potential and reduced risk of fire, compared to the current standard R-134a. The blends combine R-134a with other commercial refrigerants and offer a reduction in GWP of up to 99%.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalInternational Journal of Refrigeration·DateMay 29, 2019

Study examines youth suicides after '13 Reasons Why'

The study found a 13% increase in suicide among individuals 10 to 19 in the three months after the show's release, with larger proportional increases among females. The results highlight the need for public health and entertainment industry collaboration to prevent harmful portrayals of suicide.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 29, 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.

Study sheds new light on the harms of air pollution

Researchers found 69 metabolites changed significantly when air pollution fluctuated during the Beijing Olympics, affecting systems like cardiovascular and nervous systems. The study identified two major metabolic signatures, including lipids and dipeptides, which were involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and other processes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 29, 2019

Some songbird nests are especially vulnerable to magpie predation

A new study found that magpies are the most common predators of songbird nests, accounting for 70% of visits. Nests within magpie breeding territories were also more likely to be predated, especially in late season when magpies have young. The research highlights the need to identify and remove problem individuals to improve management...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of Wildlife Research·DateMay 29, 2019

Asia's glaciers provide buffer against drought

A new study reveals that Asia's high mountain glaciers provide a significant buffer against drought, supplying water to major river basins during dry seasons. The glaciers release 36 cubic kilometres of meltwater annually, equivalent to the annual municipal and industrial needs of several countries.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 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.

Colombia could lose 60% of land suitable for irrigated rice due to climate change

A new study warns that Colombia's rice production may shift to higher altitudes without climate action, with potential losses of 4.4 million hectares of arable land by the 2050s. The research highlights the need for complex decisions on land-use change and crop cultivation to ensure food security.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalMitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change·DateMay 29, 2019

Patterns of chronic lymphocytic leukemia growth identified

Researchers identify three patterns of CLL growth: exponential, logistic, and indeterminate, with the former often driven by a high number of genetic alterations. The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these differences, potentially enabling prediction of disease course.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2019

Texas A&M researcher makes breakthrough discovery in stretchable electronics materials

Researchers at Texas A⚬M University discovered a new type of fracture in silicone elastomer that allows for greater stretchability and resistance to tears. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more tear- and fracture-resistant materials for applications in healthcare, energy and military industries.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 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.

Earth recycles ocean floor into diamonds

New research has confirmed that salts trapped in many diamonds come from ancient seabeds buried deep beneath the Earth's crust. Marine sediment reacts under extreme pressures and temperatures to produce a balance of salts found in diamond.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 29, 2019

Using nature to adapt to climate change

A novel framework for nature-based solutions to climate threats is proposed, highlighting the importance of collaborative design and implementation. The framework aims to unite parties in the face of common threats, despite potential pitfalls such as research timelines and academic reward structures.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateMay 29, 2019

Potential novel biomarker for alcohol dependence

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified salivary microRNAs that differentiate people with alcohol dependence from healthy controls. The study uses machine learning to predict alcohol dependency with high accuracy, offering potential for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEpigenomics·DateMay 29, 2019

Polysubstance use, social factors associated with opioid overdose deaths

A new study reveals that polysubstance use, where individuals combine opioids with other substances like stimulants, is now the norm in Massachusetts. Social determinants of health, including homelessness and mental illness, are significantly associated with these overdose deaths.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMay 29, 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.

Seeing disfigured faces prompts negative brain and behavior responses

A new study from Penn Medicine researchers found that people have implicit negative biases against individuals with scars, birthmarks, and other facial differences. These biases are present even when participants are not consciously aware of them, and they can affect neural responses in the brain, leading to reduced empathy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 29, 2019

The 'projects' are nice now finds study on HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration Program

A study on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's RAD program found mostly positive results among residents at three conversion sites in Central California. Residents reported improved unit conditions, safety, and resident resources, but also safety concerns and pest infestations that were not fully resolved.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHousing Policy Debate·DateMay 29, 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.