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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 40


Page 40 of 42

New chemical probe for visualizing brain immune cells

Researchers developed a chemical probe that enables live-imaging of microglia in the brain, crucial for understanding brain development and disease. The probe, CDr20, labels microglia in both human- and primate-derived cells, allowing for clinical-relevant studies.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 2, 2019

Topical cream found as less-toxic therapy to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis

A randomized, double-blind study conducted in Panama found that paromomycin-based topical treatments are effective in curing cutaneous leishmaniasis with an 80% cure rate. The treatment showed high efficacy in children under 12 and teens from 12-17, with cure rates of 84% and 82%, respectively.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 2, 2019

A new method to select the right treatment for advanced prostate cancer

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified blood-based biomarkers that can determine which patients with advanced prostate cancer will benefit from continued hormonal therapy. The study suggests that patients with a normal TP53 gene and fewer AR resistance markers may benefit more from treatment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMay 2, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Promising material could lead to faster, cheaper computer memory

Researchers at the University of Arkansas have discovered a promising new material that can efficiently store information using both magnetic and electric fields. The study suggests this material, bismuth ferrite, could lead to faster and cheaper computer memory.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 2, 2019

Researchers find gene for urethral obstruction

A team of researchers has identified the first gene associated with LUTO, a rare condition causing urinary tract obstruction in boys. The study found that variants of the BNC2 gene are linked to the disease, which can lead to kidney damage and other complications.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 2, 2019

Medical costs create hardships for more than half of Americans

A new study by American Cancer Society researchers finds that more than half of Americans experience medical financial hardship, with 56.0% of adults reporting at least one domain of hardship. The study estimates that 137.1 million adults in the US suffer from this issue, which can lead to delays in care, distress, and economic hardship.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 2, 2019

Novel healthcare program for former prisoners reduces recidivism

A Yale study reveals that a healthcare program tailored to the needs of recently released prisoners can significantly reduce recidivism by providing community-based primary care. The approach employs community health workers with histories of incarceration, who accompany patients to appointments and provide social support.

SourceYale University·JournalBMJ Open·DateMay 2, 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.

How could a changing climate affect human fertility?

A study found that climate change may lead to increased fertility due to reduced resources for education, as people allocate time and money for child-rearing. The researchers used a quantitative model to examine the economic channels through which climate change affects fertility, finding that it worsens inequalities in richer countries.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 2, 2019

ESA tipsheet for May 6, 2019

A study reveals that nearly half of protected areas face staffing shortages, affecting conservation progress. Meanwhile, researchers identify remote high-elevation areas with ancient trees in China. Fuel breaks aim to prevent wildfires but may create new problems, such as altering predator migration routes.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMay 2, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

New study tracks perils of water polo head injuries

A new study by University of California, Irvine researchers tracked several dozen male collegiate water polo players over three seasons to map out the frequency of head injuries in the sport. The study found that offensive players were more likely to get battered than defensive and transition positions.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 2, 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.

Scientists discover evolutionary link to modern-day sea echinoderms

A new species of edrioasteroid echinoderm, Totiglobus spencensis, has been discovered, providing insight into the evolution of echinoderms from living stuck to marine sediment grains to attached to hard surfaces. This discovery sheds light on a critical time in the evolution of organisms and marine ecosystems.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBulletin of Geosciences·DateMay 2, 2019

Two neutron stars collided near the solar system billions of years ago

Astronomers discover that a violent neutron star collision near the solar system created 0.3% of Earth's heaviest elements, such as gold and platinum, 4.6 billion years ago. This cosmic event is believed to have occurred in our neighborhood, about 1000 light years from the cradle of Earth.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature·DateMay 2, 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.

What happens when schools go solar?

Research suggests that US schools can harness the power of solar panels to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. The study found that schools in sunny states like Texas, California, and Florida have the greatest potential for generating electricity from solar panels on school rooftops.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 2, 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.

Sexuality continues to change and develop well into adulthood, finds study

A new study found that traditional labels of 'gay', 'bisexual', and 'straight' do not accurately describe the complex patterns of attraction and identity over time. Women showed greater fluidity in sexual preference, with one in six identifying as bisexual or in the middle of the sexuality continuum.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateMay 2, 2019

Obstacles to overcome before operating fleets of drones becomes reality

A team of researchers has developed a mathematical model to calculate the cost - time and energy - to complete a task based on the number of drones and recharging stations available. The model considers the energy required for each drone to complete its portion of the task and fly to a charging station as needed.

SourceIowa State University·DateMay 2, 2019

Gulf killifish adapts to pollution with help of gene exchange with non-native cousin

The Gulf killifish has developed adaptive resistance to pollutants in Galveston Bay, Texas, through hybridization with the Atlantic Killifish. This genetic exchange has enabled the species to persist in polluted waters, highlighting the role of inter-species connectivity in adaptation to environmental changes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 2, 2019

Andrea Alù receives Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship

Andrea Alù, a leading researcher at The Graduate Center, has been awarded the Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship to develop novel materials for extreme wave manipulation in thermal radiation and heat management. His research aims to advance various technologies, including infrared sources and detectors.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·DateMay 2, 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.

The quiet loss of knowledge threatens indigenous communities

A study analyzed 57 indigenous communities' knowledge of palm trees, revealing that the network is fragile and minimal loss has significant consequences. The researchers highlighted the importance of cultural factors and transdisciplinary collaboration to strengthen indigenous resilience.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2019

Researchers crack the peanut genome

The study provides a reference framework for breeding and improvement of the peanut crop, revealing the origin of peanut in South America and genetic mechanisms that generated diversity. The team mapped the entire peanut genome, identifying key traits like seed size and disease resistance.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 2, 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.

Bronx river turtles get a check-up

A team of scientists conducted a comprehensive health evaluation on Bronx River turtles, discovering the presence of various environmental contaminants, including PCBs, heavy metals, viruses, and bacteria. The study established a baseline for future comparisons, expanding knowledge of turtle health markers and ecosystems.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateMay 2, 2019

Machine set to see if lithium can help bring fusion to Earth

Researchers have upgraded a device to test lithium's ability to maintain heat and protect walls in a tokamak, which could help bring fusion energy to Earth. The machine uses a coating of lithium to cover the interior wall of the small tokamak, aiming to replicate fusion on Earth for virtually inexhaustible power.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateMay 2, 2019

An evolutionary rescue in polluted waters

A species of fish in Texas' Houston Ship Channel adapted to extreme pollution due to its large population, good genes, and luck. The Gulf killifish benefited from genetic resources from a long-distant relative, the Atlantic Coast killifish, which helped it develop resilience and resistance to toxins.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateMay 2, 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.

Immigrants: citizens' acceptance depends on questions asked

A UNIGE study found that the number of immigrants Switzerland welcomes greatly affects citizens' opinions, with figures in the media playing a significant role. The researchers discovered that anchoring bias influences public opinion, with high or low initial numbers leading to differing responses.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Applied Social Psychology·DateMay 2, 2019

India could meet air quality standards by cutting household fuel use

A new analysis suggests that eliminating emissions from dirty household fuels like wood, dung, coal, and kerosene could bring India's outdoor air pollution levels below the country's standard. This could reduce air pollution-related deaths by approximately 13% and save around 270,000 lives annually.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2019

Research on Reddit identifies opioid addiction self-treatment risks

Researchers identified risks associated with popular alternative treatments like kratom, Imodium, and Xanax, which can cause substantial side effects and high abuse rates. The study also found that 'stacks' or kits combining substances are being used to combat withdrawal symptoms.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMay 2, 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.

Spider venom is a dangerous cocktail

Researchers at the University of Bern studied spider venom from the Cupiennius salei species, discovering a dual prey-inactivation strategy involving neurotoxins and metabolic pathways. This complex effect mechanism attacks an organism's muscles, nervous system, and internal homeostasis, causing paralysis, pain, and inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalToxins·DateMay 2, 2019

Study shows birds use social cues to make decisions

Researchers found that Zebra Finches preferentially visit nests with large broods, based on chick calls, and not visual cues. This study provides the first evidence that wild birds can use calls from chicks as a social signal to infer breeding success.

SourceOxford University Press USA·DateMay 2, 2019

Controlling primate neural activity using artwork from artificial neural networks

Researchers controlled specific neurons in macaques' brains with images generated by artificial neural networks, demonstrating a new tool for neuroscientists to design experiments. This breakthrough uses current computer vision applications to predict and control visually evoked neural responses in primate brains.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 2, 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.

Hippos, the animal silicon pumps

Hippos play a key role in transporting silicon from land to water through their faeces, influencing over 76% of the total silicon transported along the Mara River. This process is crucial for ecosystems like Lake Victoria, where a lack of silicon can lead to food shortages and ecosystem collapse.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 1, 2019

Harnessing sunlight to pull hydrogen from wastewater

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a process to isolate hydrogen from industrial wastewater using sunlight and bacteria. This technique doubles the currently accepted rate for scalable technologies that produce hydrogen by splitting water.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 1, 2019

Searching for lost WWII-era uranium cubes from Germany

Researchers have discovered the history of hundreds of lost WWII-era uranium cubes from Germany, which were part of a secretive and ultimately failed effort to build a working nuclear reactor. The findings highlight the differences between German and American nuclear research programs, with the former being divided and competitive.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics Today·DateMay 1, 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.

New research: Airbnb's impact on peak-season hotel pricing

The study proposes strategies for hotels to cope with competition from Airbnb, including abandoning seasonal pricing and adjusting rates. Hotels in cities with high demand for leisure travel and low-end options may need to re-evaluate their pricing strategies.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalMarketing Science·DateMay 1, 2019

Chemical records in teeth confirm elusive Alaska lake seals are one of a kind

Scientists confirm Alaska lake seals, a distinct population from ocean-dwelling cousins, rely on freshwater food sources throughout their lives. The study provides critical baseline information for developing conservation strategies, particularly as the region faces proposed industrial developments and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalConservation Biology·DateMay 1, 2019

Genes hold the key to birthweight

A large-scale international collaboration has identified 190 genetic links to birth weight, with two-thirds discovered for the first time. Research found that a baby's genes play a substantial role in determining their birth weight, while also influencing factors in their intrauterine environment.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 1, 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.

Walnuts may help lower blood pressure for those at risk of heart disease

A randomized controlled trial found that participants who ate whole walnuts daily had lower central blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular risk factors. Walnuts were found to have additive benefits on heart health, with alpha-linolenic acid and other bioactive compounds contributing to the positive effects.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 1, 2019