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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 5


Page 5 of 42

Humans used northern migration routes to reach eastern Asia

Researchers argue that wetter climates may have allowed Homo sapiens to expand across deserts of Central Asia by 50-30,000 years ago. This new perspective challenges traditional views on human migration, suggesting that northern and central Asia were not impassable barriers.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 29, 2019

Secure metropolitan quantum networks move a step closer

A joint team of Chinese scientists has demonstrated CV-QKD transmission over commercial deployed fiber links with distances of up to 50 kilometers. The system achieved higher secret key rates compared to previous laboratory tests, overcoming challenges such as environmental perturbations and equipment losses.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalQuantum Science and Technology·DateMay 29, 2019

Coral reefs can't return from acid trip

Researchers found that corals and coralline algae, crucial for reef structure, are vulnerable to ocean acidification. The study suggests a significant shift in the composition and function of future reefs if they can survive climate change.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature Climate Change·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.

Graphene to enable future space exploration

Researchers use graphene to improve loop heat pipes, essential for satellites and equipment in space. The Graphene Flagship project aims to integrate these devices into satellites and the international space station in the next few years.

SourceGraphene Flagship·DateMay 29, 2019

'Ecstasy' shows promise for post-traumatic stress treatment

A recent study published in Psychopharmacology found that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy significantly improved PTSD symptoms, with 54% of participants no longer meeting criteria after two sessions. The therapy was compared to small doses or non-drug psychotherapy and showed promising results.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalPsychopharmacology·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.

Brain size and fertility in mammals may depend on who cares for offspring

A study found that brain size in offspring is associated with paternal care, while higher fertility is linked to alloparental care from non-biological parents. This suggests that energy inputs from different caregivers may impact brain development and reproductive output in mammals.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMay 29, 2019

Early onset colorectal cancer rising fastest in the west

Early-onset colorectal cancer incidence has been increasing rapidly in Western US states, despite low rates of smoking and physical inactivity. The study found that rates rose faster for rectal tumors than colon tumors, with average increases exceeding 2.5% per year in ten states.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·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.

WVU biostatistician studies link between microbiome and preterm birth

A recent study by WVU biostatistician Snehalata Huzurbazar found a correlation between the vaginal microbiome and preterm birth rates, particularly in African American women. The researchers identified specific bacteria species that proliferated in women who gave birth prematurely, which may help predict and prevent preterm births.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 29, 2019

Scientists offer designer 'big atoms' on demand

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have successfully created colloidal particles that mimic atomic behavior, allowing for controlled interactions and assembly. By exposing these particles to different light sources, they can switch between attractive and repulsive forces.

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

More than victims: Migration images provide a chance to tell a greater story

A study analyzing 800 photos from the 2015 Syrian refugee crisis found that most depicted migrants as victims, with only 186 showing agency or positive moments. The research highlights the responsibility of photojournalists to convey a more comprehensive story, one that goes beyond shocking images.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Communication Gazette·DateMay 29, 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.

Texas A&M chemists develop nanoscale bioabsorbable wound dressing

Researchers created a nanoscale bioabsorbable wound dressing using chitosan, which shows promise in reducing blood loss and improving hemostasis. The dressing can be applied, left in the injury site, and eliminates the need for subsequent physical removal.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 29, 2019

Mass die-off of puffins recorded in the Bering Sea

A mass die-off of puffins and Crested auklets was recorded in the Bering Sea due to climate-driven food shifts, with reduced prey resources potentially leading to starvation. The study suggests that future research should investigate seabird resilience in a changing environment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 29, 2019

Let's clear the air

A long-term partnership between researchers and local community members has led to significant improvements in air quality and environmental awareness in Pittsburgh's East End. The program, EJCAM, trained community leaders and advocated for green initiatives, resulting in a more informed and engaged citizenry.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·DateMay 29, 2019

Chimpanzees catch and eat crabs

Researchers observed chimpanzees in Guinea catching and eating fresh-water crabs year-round, regardless of fruit availability. Crab consumption was more common among female chimps and their offspring, suggesting it provides essential nutrients like fatty acids.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·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.

New findings from Human Microbiome Project reveal how microbiome is disrupted during IBD

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard found that changes in the gut microbiome during IBD trigger an unhealthy inflammatory reaction. The research, part of the Human Microbiome Project, identified specific chemicals and microbial shifts that contribute to disease activity.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2019

A rose inspires smart way to collect and purify water

A new device for collecting and purifying water, developed at the University of Texas at Austin, uses a rose-inspired design to improve upon current methods. The device can produce more than half a gallon of water per hour per square meter and removes contamination from heavy metals and bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 29, 2019

New study evaluates transcatheter dialysis conduit procedures over 15 years

A new study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found significant growth in hemodialysis conduit angiography utilization, increasing by 1700% nationally from 2001 to 2015. This trend was particularly pronounced among nephrologists, with a 24.0% increase in procedures performed annually in office settings.

SourceHarvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMay 29, 2019

New research suggests sugar taxes and labeling are effective

A new study suggests that implementing sugar taxes and labeling on packaged products can lead to a reduction in sugar consumption. The study found that consumers were more likely to choose products with less sugar when prices increased due to taxes or when nutrition labels were displayed on the front of packages.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·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.

Thinning forests, prescribed fire before drought reduced tree loss

A study from the University of California, Davis found that thinning forests and prescribed burns reduced tree mortality during a severe drought and bark beetle epidemic. The treatment also helped to increase forest resilience by reducing water stress and making trees more resistant to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEcological Applications·DateMay 29, 2019

How to quell a cytokine storm: New ways to dampen an overactive immune system

Researchers have deciphered the structure of a complex involved in regulating the immune system, finding new molecular targets for fighting autoimmunity. The discovery has implications for treating autoimmune disorders such as lupus and may lead to the development of new drugs targeting this complex.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2019

Compostable food containers could release PFAS into environment

Researchers found that compostable food packaging can leach per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into compost, raising concerns about potential health effects on crops. The study's results contributed to the passage of a bill banning PFAS in paper food packaging in Washington state.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateMay 29, 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.

Among older women, 10,000 steps per day not needed for lower mortality

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that older women who took 4,400 steps per day had significantly lower mortality rates compared to those taking 2,700 steps per day. Risk of death continued to decrease with more steps taken, leveling off at around 7,500 steps per day.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 29, 2019

Self-healing DNA nanostructures

DNA nanotubes designed by Yi Li and Rebecca Schulman can heal themselves in serum, extending lifetimes from 24 hours to over 96 hours. The researchers developed a self-repair process using smaller DNA tiles that repair damaged structures by replacing or joining to the nanotube ends.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 29, 2019

Quantum information gets a boost from thin-film breakthrough

Researchers have developed a new method to create thin films that emit single photons at precise locations, enabling the scalability of quantum materials. This breakthrough paves the way for beyond-lab-scale quantum information technologies, including all-optical quantum computing and quantum key distribution.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 29, 2019

Immune system discovery inspires a new barometer for inflammatory diseases

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered two distinct neutrophil states in blood, which vary depending on patient health and infection status. These findings may lead to new models for disease detection and monitoring, such as tracking primed neutrophils to predict inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Faculty of Dentistry·JournalBlood Advances·DateMay 29, 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.

Climate driving new right whale movement

Scientists discover that rapid warming in the Gulf of Maine's depths is changing food availability and increasing risk to North Atlantic right whales. The study reveals that climate-driven changes are rippling throughout the ecosystem, making conservation efforts challenging.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalOceanography·DateMay 29, 2019

Renegade fat cells induce bone-damaging lesions in multiple myeloma

Researchers discovered that reprogrammed fat cells release enzymes that suppress bone formation and promote bone breakdown in multiple myeloma. Targeting a molecular complex may help heal bone lesions by restoring PPARγ activity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 29, 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.

Structural sexism: FSU researcher offers new perspective on gender and health inequality

A new study by FSU Assistant Professor Patricia Homan found that living in a state with high levels of structural sexism worsens health outcomes for both men and women, with chronic conditions and poor physical function on the rise. States with lower levels of sexism, such as Maryland and California, had better health profiles.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMay 29, 2019

From viruses to social bots, researchers unearth the structure of attacked networks

A new statistical machine learning framework has been developed to reconstruct the original network after a viral attack, which is crucial for designing new medicines or gene therapies against viruses and diseases like cancer. The framework actively incorporates the influence and causality of the attack into its learning algorithm.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 29, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

'Fettuccine' may be most obvious sign of life on Mars, researchers report

Researchers have identified a bacterium, Sulfurihydrogenibium yellowstonense, as a potential sign of life on Mars. The bacterium can thrive in harsh environments with low oxygen levels and forms unique rock formations that resemble pasta, making it an easy target for detection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAstrobiology·DateMay 29, 2019

New evidence: It's not necessary to fast before complete cholesterol test

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that nonfasting lipid levels were similar to fasting lipid levels in the same individuals, predicting cardiovascular risk just as well. The results suggest it may be unnecessary for most patients to fast before having bloodwork done to measure lipid levels.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateMay 28, 2019

Steroids can reduce lung cancer risk in COPD patients

A new study from the University of British Columbia found that steroid inhalers can lower lung cancer risk in COPD patients. The research, published in European Respiratory Journal, analyzed data from 39,676 adults with COPD and found a 25-30% reduction in lung cancer risk among those using steroids.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateMay 28, 2019

High LDL linked to early-onset Alzheimer's

Researchers found a link between high LDL cholesterol levels and early-onset Alzheimer's, suggesting LDL may play a causal role in the development of the disease. APOE E4 and other gene variants also explain some cases, but the study suggests cholesterol could be an independent risk factor.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 28, 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.

New compounds could be used to treat autoimmune disorders

Researchers at Rockefeller University developed small molecules that inhibit cGAS, an enzyme implicated in misguided immune responses. These compounds could lead to new treatments for people with certain autoimmune disorders and shed light on autoimmunity.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2019

New organic flow battery brings decomposing molecules back to life

Researchers have discovered how to rejuvenate organic anthraquinone molecules that decompose over time, extending the lifetime of an organic flow battery by at least a factor of 40. By exposing the molecule to oxygen and avoiding overcharging, the researchers were able to recover up to 70% of lost capacity.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 28, 2019

Pollen allergies occur more frequently in anxiety sufferers

Research finds that anxiety disorders are linked to an increased incidence of seasonal and perennial allergies. The study also reveals a positive correlation between perennial allergies and depressive episodes. Furthermore, the team found no significant influence of psychological factors on food and drug allergies.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalInternational Archives of Allergy and Immunology·DateMay 28, 2019

Release of solar panel dataset helps cities make power grids more safe, reliable

Engineers have released a freely available quality-controlled dataset from 1,287 residential installations across Australia to improve solar forecasting and grid management. The dataset provides six months' worth of measurements from three different cities, allowing for controlled analysis and spatial analysis.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateMay 28, 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.

Paula S. Bontempi selected as Fellow of The Oceanography Society

Dr. Paula S. Bontempi has been selected as a Fellow of The Oceanography Society for her groundbreaking work in satellite-based ocean ecology. Her dedication to advancing the field through innovative projects and mentorship has made significant contributions to ocean research and education.

SourceThe Oceanography Society·DateMay 28, 2019

Inconsistent choice-making a normal part of how the brain evaluates options

Researchers observed brain activity while participants made choices between lotteries, finding neural activity responsible for both rational and irrational decision-making. The study suggests that occasional inconsistent choices are fundamental to how a typical brain works, contradicting previous theories.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2019

Finding a cell's true identity

Researchers developed two AI methods that decipher complex gene activity controlling cell fate decisions in retina development, relating this gene activity to other tissues and across different species. The findings provide key insights into human disease and highlight the potential for AI to shed light on cancer treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Systems·DateMay 28, 2019

A warming Arctic produces weather extremes in our latitudes

A climate model has been developed that accurately depicts the winding course of the jet stream, a major air current over the Northern Hemisphere. The new model shows that climate change is causing the jet stream to falter, leading to extreme weather conditions in Central Europe and North America.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 28, 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.