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Science News for November 8, 2019


Machine learning enhances light-beam performance at the advanced light source

Researchers have successfully demonstrated how machine-learning tools can improve the stability of light beams' size for experiments by adjusting parameters that largely cancel out fluctuations. The technique has been shown to reduce beam width errors from a few percent down to 0.4 percent, with submicron precision.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 8, 2019

Scientists develop method to standardize genetic data analysis

Researchers have created EphaGen software to provide a straight answer to whether a patient has a mutation. The new method uses a novel evaluation approach to assess the reliability of 'no mutation' results, enabling doctors to make informed decisions.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 8, 2019

Predicting risk of chronic kidney disease

A new study used data from over 5 million people to develop equations predicting the five-year risk of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a key indicator of chronic kidney disease. The findings can help identify individuals at increased risk and potentially prevent or manage the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 8, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study shows biomarker accurately diagnoses deadly infant disease

A diagnostic study found a protein involved in managing bacteria to be a reliable biomarker for the noninvasive detection of NEC. Elevated levels of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (iAP) protein linked to NEC were shed in stool samples, with accuracy rates of 97% and 76% for severe and suspected NEC, respectively.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 8, 2019

New technique to identify a common cause to TMA diseases for which there is a treatment

Researchers develop a new technique to detect activated complement pathway in patients with thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA), allowing clinicians to determine potential use of existing treatment for other diseases. The technique could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of secondary TMAs, such as pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 8, 2019

Stress hormone helps control the circadian rhythm of brain cells

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that stress hormones, such as corticosterone, play a crucial role in controlling the circadian rhythm of brain cells. By using test rats and a new method involving medical micropumps, they were able to restore the rhythmic activity of clock genes in the cerebellum even after t...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalEndocrinology·DateNov 8, 2019

From plants, UVA extracts a better way to determine what our genes do

Scientists at UVA have developed a new method to determine the genetic causes of diseases by analyzing the effects of genes on proteins. The technique, using plant extracts, enables researchers to sort immediate from complex reactions, revolutionizing gene function study.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 8, 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.

What and how much we eat might change our internal clocks and hormone responses

A high-caloric diet alters the time-of-day dependent metabolic cycle in mice, suggesting lean and obese patients may respond differently to steroid therapy. The study also highlights the biological function of daily hormone secretion cycles and their impact on sugar and fat storage or release by the liver.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 8, 2019

NASA finds a stronger Matmo headed for landfall

Matmo strengthened from a tropical storm to a storm with hurricane-force in the overnight hours of Nov. 7, according to NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite imagery. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts Matmo to make landfall near the border of India and Bangladesh on Saturday, Nov. 9.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 8, 2019

Early dispersal for quadrupedal cetaceans: amphibious whale from middle Eocene

The discovery of Peregocetus pacificus, an amphibious whale from middle Eocene deposits in Peru, provides evidence of the earliest known quadrupedal whales crossing the South Atlantic from Africa to South America. The fossil specimen reveals webbed feet and terrestrial locomotion abilities, dating back over 40 million years.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateNov 8, 2019

New study first to reveal growth rates of deep-sea coral communities

A new study has estimated the growth rates of deep-sea coral communities in Hawaii, revealing a pattern of ecological succession over centuries to millennia. The research found that Coralliidae, pink coral, were the first to colonize, followed by Isididae, bamboo coral, and Antipatharia, black coral.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateNov 8, 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.

Depressed MS-patients suffer debilitating symptoms earlier

A recent study published in Neurology reveals that individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) who also suffer from depression are more likely to experience debilitating symptoms earlier than those without depression. The research highlights the need for early recognition and treatment of depressive symptoms in patients with MS.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNeurology·DateNov 8, 2019

High-impact clinical trials yield results that could improve kidney care

Several high-impact clinical trials have yielded promising results, including the ATHENA trial showing azathioprine to be as effective as mycophenolate mofetil in preventing chronic kidney rejection, and the NOBILITY trial demonstrating that obinutuzumab improves kidney health in patients with lupus nephritis. Additionally, a phase 3 s...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 8, 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.

Arctic shifts to a carbon source due to winter soil emissions

A NASA-funded study reveals that winter carbon dioxide loss from the Arctic permafrost region could increase by 41% over the next century if greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current pace. This would mark a stark reversal for the Arctic, which has captured and stored carbon for tens of thousands of years.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 8, 2019

Using AI to predict where and when lightning will strike

Researchers at EPFL developed a simple and inexpensive AI-based system to predict where and when lightning will strike, using standard meteorological data. The method has been proven correct almost 80% of the time and offers a new way to predict complex phenomena like lightning strikes.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateNov 8, 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.

Turbulence creates ice in clouds

Researchers from Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research found that vertical air motions increase ice formation in mixed-phase clouds. This correlation has important implications for understanding the water cycle and predicting precipitation.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateNov 8, 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.

A distinct spin on atomic transport

The study demonstrates simultaneous control over transport and spin properties of cold atoms, enabling the exploration of spintronics and solid-state physics. The efficiency of the atomic spin filter matches that of equivalent electronic systems, opening up new perspectives for studying quantum transport dynamics.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 8, 2019

Copper hospital beds kill bacteria, save lives

A new study found that copper hospital beds in ICUs harbor 95% fewer bacteria than traditional beds, maintaining low-risk levels throughout patient stays. This could lead to improved patient outcomes, lives saved, and healthcare cost savings.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 8, 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.

Many teens have low iron, B12 levels years after bariatric surgery

A new study from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveals that many teenagers who undergo bariatric surgery experience low iron and B12 levels years later. Regular nutrition check-ups and supplementation can minimize these risks, emphasizing the importance of annual assessments.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateNov 8, 2019

New tool facilitates genetic mapping of polyploid plants

A new genetic mapping system for polyploid species has been developed in Brazil, allowing researchers to analyze the genes of complex organisms like sugarcane, kiwi, and blueberry. The open-source software package, MAPpoly, can be downloaded free of charge and has already been adopted by researchers at seven institutions worldwide.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateNov 8, 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.

Oral health for older adults

Oral health risks for older adults include increased incidence of tooth decay, gum disease, and complete loss of teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene, using fluoride treatments, and getting regular dental care can help prevent these complications.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 8, 2019

NASA sees Nakri strengthen into a Typhoon

Typhoon Nakri intensified into a stronger typhoon after satellite imagery showed better organization and increased winds, moving westward towards Vietnam. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center expects landfall on Nov. 10 or 11, near Danang.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 8, 2019

Study finds glutamates such as MSG can help reduce Americans' sodium intake

A new study published in the journal Nutrients found that glutamates such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) can be used to reduce sodium in the food supply. The substitution of glutamates for salt can reduce sodium intake by up to 7-8 percent, according to the study. This finding is consistent with previous research and dietary guidelines ...

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalNutrients·DateNov 8, 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.

DNA technology as a novel strategy for delivery of anti-HIV antibodies

Scientists at The Wistar Institute have developed a synthetic DNA-based platform to drive in vivo production of broadly neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies. These results show that the platform can produce potent antibodies with strong neutralization ability, comparable to recombinant antibodies. Additionally, combining multiple antibodie...

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2019

Coastlines' contribution to climate change might have been underestimated

A new study found that eroding permafrost coastlines in the Arctic can release significant quantities of carbon dioxide, potentially exacerbating climate change. The research simulated erosion effects in a lab experiment and found CO2 was released as rapidly from thawing permafrost in seawater as it is from thawing permafrost on land.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 8, 2019

Century-old food testing method updated to include complex fluid dynamics

Researchers have developed a new method to test the rheology of complex liquids, such as gelled desserts, using ultrasonic spinning rheometry. This updated method can capture time-dependent properties and has applications in chemical engineering, civil engineering, and cosmetics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 8, 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.

Bushfires on east coast of Australia out of control

A record number of bushfires are raging on Australia's east coast, spanning across New South Wales and Queensland. The fires, fueled by hot and dry weather, have burned over 365,000 hectares, with temperatures expected to remain high for the next week.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 8, 2019

High numbers of youth report using prescription opioids in the past year

A new analysis found that 21% of adolescents and 32% of young adults used prescription opioids in the past year. Misuse rates were higher among young adults, with 57% obtaining them from friends or relatives. The study highlights the importance of screening for opioid use in this vulnerable population.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 8, 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.

Allergy patients equally satisfied with telemedicine and in-person appointments

A recent study by the American College of Allergy and Asthma found that most pediatric allergy patients are satisfied with telemedicine visits for allergies and asthma. Among surveyed parents, 37% were more satisfied, while 63% reported equal satisfaction, indicating a positive experience with telemedicine appointments.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 8, 2019

Physicians create guide for identifying, treating vaping lung illness

A new diagnostic/treatment algorithm complements early guidance from the CDC for managing vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI). The tool was developed by pulmonary and toxicology experts at the University of Rochester Medical Center and the New York State Department of Health.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateNov 8, 2019

Study finds brains of girls and boys are similar, producing equal math ability

A study published in the journal Science of Learning found that children's brains function similarly regardless of their gender when it comes to math skills. The research team, led by Jessica Cantlon, used functional MRI to compare brain activity in young girls and boys while watching educational videos on early math topics.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·Journalnpj Science of Learning·DateNov 8, 2019

For older adults, new hepatitis C treatments are safe and effective

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that interferon-free direct-acting antivirals are effective in treating hepatitis C in older adults, with high cure rates reported despite comorbid conditions. The treatment offers similar effectiveness as it does in younger patients.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 8, 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.

Illinois researchers to develop smartphone diagnostics lit for infectious diseases

Researchers at the University of Illinois are developing a smartphone-based diagnostic system that can detect pathogens in less than 30 minutes using a single drop of blood. The system, which will be handheld and cost less than $10, has the potential to provide fast and affordable results for patients in developing countries.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateNov 8, 2019

Air pollution in India is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found a strong association between air pollution and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in peri-urban South India. People exposed to higher levels of fine particles had a higher CIMT index, indicating a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 8, 2019

New tool predicts five-year risk of chronic kidney disease

A new risk calculator tool predicts accurate five-year risk of chronic kidney disease based on variables like age, hypertension, and diabetes status. The tool enables healthcare providers to identify patients at high risk and benefit from preventive interventions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateNov 8, 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.

Study vaccine protects monkeys against four types of hemorrhagic fever viruses

Scientists developed an investigational vaccine that protected cynomolgus macaques against Ebola, Sudan, Marburg, and Lassa viruses, all causing severe disease and death. The quadrivalent VesiculoVax vaccine showed promising results in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2019

Conservation scientists call for reverse to biodiversity loss

A group of international conservationists is urging governments to adopt a new approach to address the impact of economic development on the natural world. The new approach aims to achieve a net gain for nature and has been published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. The proposal calls for more ambitious measures to ensure greater benefit...

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 8, 2019

Breaking news on oral food challenges

Oral food challenges (OFCs) are the most effective way to diagnose a food allergy, say two new studies. A child with atopic dermatitis and suspected peanut allergy passed an OFC despite prior skin testing results, while another boy who had removed peanuts from his diet after eczema flares developed anaphylaxis to peanut

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 8, 2019

TTUHSC researchers publish preclinical data on new drug combination to treat neuroblastoma

Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center have developed a novel drug combination using fenretinide and venetoclax to treat high-risk neuroblastoma. The study found that the combination of these two drugs showed significant activity against neuroblastoma cells, with multiple complete responses achieved in patients.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateNov 8, 2019

Supplements don't preserve kidney health in Type 2 diabetes

A large clinical trial found that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid supplements did not slow the decline of kidney function in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study involved over 1,300 participants and measured their kidney function over five years.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateNov 8, 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.

Breaking news on penicillin allergy

Women are disproportionately affected by penicillin allergies, with a significantly higher rate of positive skin tests and reactions. Direct oral challenges without preliminary testing can safely rule out penicillin allergy in low-risk children, allowing them to have the allergy label removed from their medical records.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 8, 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.

Clemson scientists further refine how quickly the universe is expanding

A team of Clemson University astrophysicists has devised a new measurement of the Hubble Constant, which describes the rate of expansion of the universe. Their analysis of data from orbiting and ground-based telescopes yields a measurement of approximately 67.5 kilometers per second per megaparsec.

SourceClemson University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 8, 2019

Superfood for Mesozoic herbivores? Emerging data on extreme digestibility of equisetum and implications for young, growing herbivorous sauropods

A study by Carole Gee and colleagues confirms equisetum's importance as a digestible and nutritious food source for herbivorous dinosaurs in Mesozoic times. The researchers found that young and growing sauropods, which require rapid growth, would have relied on equisetum as a major food source.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateNov 8, 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.

Photosynthesis seen in a new light by rapid X-ray pulses

Researchers used ultrashort X-ray pulses to study Photosystem I, a large biomolecular system converting sunlight into chemical energy. This breakthrough paves the way for time-resolved studies on electron transfer in photosynthesis, with potential applications in medicine and next-generation solar energy storage.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 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.