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Science News Archive November 2019


Page 23 of 41

Could cytotoxic T-cells be a key to longevity?

Scientists have discovered that supercentenarians, people over 110, have an excess of cytotoxic CD4 T-cells, which may be key to their immunity. This finding could provide new insights into the mechanisms of healthy aging and immunosurveillance.

Urban development reduces flash flooding chances in arid West

Researchers found that urbanization decreases 'flashiness' -- rise and fall rates of water flow in streams -- in arid urban watersheds. This is the opposite pattern observed in wetter regions like the East. The study suggests lessons for better stormwater management everywhere.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Turning (more) fat and sewage into natural gas

North Carolina State University researchers have developed a more efficient method for converting sewage sludge and restaurant grease into methane. By increasing the amount of grease in the mixture, they were able to achieve a 75% ratio of grease to biosolids, resulting in a significantly higher methane yield.

How self-reactive immune cells are allowed to develop

Researchers at Lund University have discovered a protein, Lin28b, that allows self-reactive B-1 cells to develop in mice. These cells produce antibodies against the body's own substances, but are beneficial in cleaning up dead cells and preventing inflammation.

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.

Scientists spearhead 'major step forward' for malaria vaccine

Researchers have identified key antibodies that can protect against severe forms of malaria, providing hope for the development of an effective vaccine. The study's findings, published in Cell Host & Microbe, show promise for new approaches to combatting the disease.

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.

Predicting evolution

A team of Harvard researchers has developed a new method to track rapid evolution in yeast, using DNA 're-barcoding' to follow specific genomes over approximately 1,000 generations. This approach could lead to more accurate predictions for the dominant influenza strains, enabling effective flu vaccine development.

Genetics of species-specific birdsong revealed

Scientists uncover genetic differences in gene expression that underlie species-specific songs, revealing a key role for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in song learning. The study sheds new light on the evolution of animal behaviors.

Talking with trained doctors can help abused women

A new study found that trained family doctors can significantly reduce depression in abused women by improving their perceived doctor support and increasing their self-efficacy. Women who received counseling from a doctor trained to recognize and respond to domestic violence reported greater confidence, support, and reduced depression.

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.

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.

Lithium can reverse radiation damage after brain tumor treatment

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that lithium can reverse cognitive problems caused by radiation damage in mice, improving memory capacity and learning capability. The study suggests a potential new treatment for damage caused by brain tumor radiotherapy.

Sex workers' preferences for HIV prevention center on convenience

A new study in Malawi found that sex workers prioritize convenience when accessing HIV-prevention medication, with family planning clinics and non-governmental drop-in centers being preferred locations. The women also emphasized the importance of extra health services, male healthcare providers, and convenient dosing schedules.

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.

Crick researchers unravel protective properties of telomere t-loops

New study from the Francis Crick Institute reveals that telomere t-loops are crucial for protecting chromosomes from damage by adopting a lasso-like structure. The research also uncovered the mechanism that regulates the winding and unwinding of these t-loops, essential for maintaining chromosome integrity.

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.

Climate change expected to shift location of East Asian Monsoons

A new study by Berkeley Lab suggests that the East Asian Monsoon will shift geographically as the climate warms, leading to less rainfall in certain regions. The researchers used global climate models to investigate changes in the Hadley cell, resulting in a contraction of monsoon rains towards the equator during summer months.

Phage therapy shows promise for treating alcoholic liver disease

Researchers successfully applied phage therapy to mice with alcohol-related liver disease, eradicating the disease by targeting destructive gut bacteria. Nearly 90% of patients with cytolysin-positive alcoholic hepatitis died within 180 days, but phage therapy showed promise in treating the condition.

New technique could optimize PSMA-targeted prostate cancer therapy

Researchers discovered a new way to optimize PSMA-targeted prostate cancer treatment by adjusting peptide concentrations, reducing tumor uptake and salivary gland damage. The study suggests that setting an optimal molar activity level can minimize adverse effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.

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.

Improving trauma pain outcomes

A 7-year prospective cohort study found that early use of regional anesthesia is associated with sustained pain benefits throughout rehabilitation and recovery. The study suggests that effective, agile pain interventions can play an important role in reducing future pain.

Discovery: New biomarker for cancer stem cells

A new biomarker, plectin, has been identified in cancer stem cells, which govern cancer survival and spread. Plectin's translocation onto the cell surface is linked to tumor invasion and metastasis, making it a potential target for drug development.

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.

The effects of a mock shelter environment on sleep

Researchers found that emergency blankets provided insufficient thermal insulation, leading to decreased sleep efficiency and increased fatigue. The study suggests that simple measures such as wearing down jackets can help regulate body temperature and improve sleep quality in low-temperature environments.

Stretchable, degradable semiconductors

Researchers have developed a new material that combines semiconducting properties with intrinsic stretchability and full degradability. The material can be stretched to twice its normal length without compromising electrical performance and degrades completely within 10 days in a weak acid.

Black hole mergers: Cooking with gas

A new study suggests that researchers might be able to detect black hole mergers by observing the effect of their merger on a nearby gas disk. If successful, this would allow astronomers to pinpoint the cosmic location of these events and study them in greater detail.

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.

Few-cycle pulses break the 300 W barrier

A team of researchers has generated multi-millijoule 3-cycle pulses at an unprecedented average power level of 318 W, paving the way for industrial applications. The achievement marks a significant milestone in few-cycle laser technology and opens up new possibilities for highly parallelized material processing.

Study finds no such thing as a low-risk surgery for frail patients

A new study reveals that frail patients are at a significantly higher risk of death after even minor surgeries, including laparoscopic gallbladder removal. The researchers found that patients classified as frail or very frail had mortality rates of up to 43% after moderate-stress procedures.

Study raises new warnings about frail surgery patients

A VA-funded study found that frail surgery patients are at a significantly higher risk of mortality, even after low-risk procedures. Mortality rates were alarmingly high, with 30-day death rates ranging from 1.6% to 43%. The researchers recommend assessing frailty before any surgical procedure and focusing on pre-operative interventions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Epitaxially-grown molybdenum oxide advances as a bulk-like 2D dielectric layer

Researchers developed a scalable method to grow orthorhombic molybdenum oxide (α-MoO3) nanosheets on graphene substrates using van der Waals epitaxial growth. The nanosheets retain bulk-like structural and electrical properties even at thicknesses of 2-3 layers, making them suitable for optoelectronic devices and power electronics.

Mysteries behind interstellar buckyballs finally answered

A team of researchers from the University of Arizona has discovered a mechanism creating complex carbon molecules, such as C60, in a simulated planetary nebula environment. The study suggests that these molecules are derived from silicon carbide dust made by dying stars and can be dispersed throughout the interstellar medium.

Yale study finds 'hyperhotspots' that could predict skin cancer risk

Yale researchers have discovered hyperhotspots in the human genome that are up to 170-times more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, potentially leading to a new way of predicting skin cancer risk. By analyzing these hyperhotspots, doctors could gain a better understanding of a patient's exposure history and skin cancer risk.

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.

The smell of old books could help preserve them

Researchers developed an electronic nose that can non-destructively detect odors emitted by books of different paper compositions and ages. The device distinguished between paper from cotton, linen, or wood, as well as identified acidic and yellowing papers.

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.

A new parallel strategy for tackling turbulence on Summit

Researchers at DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory develop novel parallel strategy for turbulent flow simulation on Summit. The approach successfully solves large-scale problems, revolutionizing the field of computational fluid dynamics.

Climate impact of hydropower varies widely

A new study reveals that hydropower's climate impact is not as environmentally friendly as thought, with some facilities emitting more greenhouse gases than fossil fuels. However, in the long-term, hydropower has a smaller climate benefit compared to methane emissions.

AI to determine when to intervene with your driving

Researchers at KAIST developed AI technology that automatically detects safe moments for AI agents to provide conversation services to drivers. The technology was tested on a real-world driving dataset and demonstrated an accuracy of 87% in determining opportune moments for driver interruption.

NASA provides an infrared analysis of Tropical Storm Fengshen

Tropical Storm Fengshen strengthened in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Terra satellite detecting very high-powered storms and cold cloud top temperatures circling the center. Infrared data indicates strong storms capable of generating heavy rainfall.

Graphene: The more you bend it, the softer it gets

New research reveals that multilayer graphene behaves differently when bent a little versus a lot, with two distinct regimes of stiffness and flexibility identified. This discovery has implications for the creation of machines that can interact with cells or biological material.

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.