Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 11


Page 11 of 41

Decoding the fundamental mechanisms of human salivary lubrication

Researchers unveil molecular mechanisms governing saliva's lubrication properties, resolving distinct roles played by mucin- and non-mucinous proteins. Hydrated mucin forms a mesh-like nano-reservoir trapping water molecules, while positively-charged small molecular proteins aid boundary lubrication.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateNov 21, 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.

A new antibiotic to combat drug-resistant bacteria is in sight

Researchers have discovered a novel peptide, Darobactin, effective against antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria. The substance binds to the BamA protein, disrupting the bacterial external membrane and leading to its death. This finding presents a promising lead for developing a new antibiotic.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNature·DateNov 21, 2019

Trials promise good news for countries with dengue and Zika virus

Researchers have found an effective and environmentally sustainable way to block the transmission of dengue virus using a new strain of Wolbachia bacteria. In trials carried out in Malaysia, the strain reduced cases of dengue by 40% and established itself even in hot temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 21, 2019

New type of e-cigarette vaping injury described in CMAJ

A previously healthy 17-year-old male was hospitalized with life-threatening bronchiolitis after a week of persistent cough. The case suggests a new form of damage from vaping products, similar to popcorn lung, and highlights the need for further research and regulation.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateNov 21, 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.

Neighborhood matters for fentanyl-involved overdose deaths

A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that fentanyl-involved overdose deaths are concentrated in resource-deprived neighborhoods. The research used census block group-level data to examine the local geographic distribution of drug overdoses, revealing a unique perspective on overdose locations.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 21, 2019

Predicting metastasis from primary tumor size

A new mathematical model predicts the presence of undetectable metastases based on primary tumor size, which is associated with a poorer prognosis. The model accurately reflects clinical study data for several cancer types, highlighting the potential dangers of delays in surgery for smaller tumors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 21, 2019

Study shows lower mortality from induction of labor at 41 weeks

A Swedish study of 2,760 women found that induction of labor after 41 full gestational weeks resulted in no deaths, whereas six cases of perinatal death were recorded when labor was waited for until 42 weeks. The study suggests a safer alternative for mothers and babies.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 21, 2019

New Alzheimer's risk gene discovered

A new study has identified a genetic variation in the Mucin 6 gene that may contribute to late-onset Alzheimer disease. The findings suggest a strong association between the genetic variant and the disease, implying a large effect size and opening up possibilities for future therapeutic targets.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology·DateNov 21, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists help soldiers figure out what robots know

A US Army Research Laboratory team developed new algorithms to integrate context into artificial intelligence, advancing robotics and AI processes in areas like natural language communication and world model development. The research supports the Next Generation Combat Vehicle by integrating context-driven AI within human-autonomy teams.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalAI Magazine·DateNov 21, 2019

Life under extreme conditions at hot springs in the ocean

Marine researchers investigated adaptability of marine organisms to highly acidified seawater after earthquake and typhoon hit a volcanic island. Organisms were able to adapt to changes in biogeochemistry, providing insights into effects of ocean acidification on marine communities.

SourceKiel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 21, 2019

Human songs share universal patterns across world's cultures

Human songs share common patterns despite cultural diversity, with predicted social functions and contexts emerging from musical features. The study provides insights into cognitive universals underlying music creation and enjoyment.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 2019

Climate change reassessment prompts call for a 'more sober' discourse

An international research team has called for a more sober discourse around climate change prospects, highlighting the understatement of potential warming's speed and the scope for practical mitigation. Despite this, global decarbonization has accelerated to trend on course to achieve the Paris 2C target.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 21, 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.

CUHK Faculty of Engineering develops novel imaging approach

The CUHK Faculty of Engineering has developed a novel imaging approach that enables faster 3D imaging for biomedical research. The new method uses compressive sensing and multi-focus laser scanning to reduce the number of measurements by up to 90%, resulting in significantly faster image acquisition times.

SourceThe Chinese University of Hong Kong·JournalOptics Letters·DateNov 21, 2019

Animal study finds link between MAP2 mutation and hereditary hair diseases

A recent animal study found a link between a MAP2 mutation and hereditary hair diseases, such as alopecia and thinning hair. The researchers identified a missense mutation in the MAP2 gene that led to decreased hair follicle density and abnormal hair formation.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 21, 2019

Pancreatic cancer tumor classification could optimize treatment choices

Researchers developed a new two-subtype system to classify pancreatic cancer tumors based on treatment response data from clinical trials. The study found that patients with basal-like tumors showed poor responses to common therapies and worse survival outcomes.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 21, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Grid reliability under climate change may require more power generation capacity

Researchers developed a new modeling approach that considers climate and water impacts on electricity infrastructure development, revealing the U.S. power grid may require an additional 5.3% to 12% of capacity to meet demand and reliability requirements. The study suggests viable solutions include tradeoffs in regional technology choic...

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·DateNov 21, 2019

Algorithm for preventing 'undesirable behavior' works in gender fairness and health tests

A new framework for designing machine learning algorithms helps prevent undesirable behavior, including biases in medical diagnoses and financial predictions. The approach shifts the burden from users to designers, making it easier to create 'well-behaved' algorithms without requiring extensive domain knowledge or complex data analysis.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 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.

Breaking (and restoring) graphene's symmetry in a twistable electronics device

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new way to control the properties of two-dimensional materials by adjusting the twist angle between them. By creating multiple moiré patterns in a graphene-boron nitride device, they were able to study the effects of coexisting moiré superlattices on a layer of graphene.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 21, 2019

Mental health program helps teens recognise and support peers at risk

A novel mental health program, tMHFA, improves teenagers' ability to recognise and support friends at risk of suicide. Researchers found students who participated in the training were 35 times more likely to report adequate suicide first aid than those in a control group.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 21, 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.

Excellent mental health for 2/3 of Indigenous people off reserve

A study by the University of Toronto found that two-thirds of Indigenous people living off reserve in Canada have excellent mental health. Social support and having a post-secondary degree were significant factors contributing to this positive outcome.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalTranscultural Psychiatry·DateNov 21, 2019

New research finds signal of decreased early post transplant survival in new heart transplant system

Researchers have identified a decrease in heart transplant survival rates following the implementation of a new donor allocation system in the US. The study found that patients receiving hearts are sicker than in previous systems, leading to an increase in post-transplant mortality.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·DateNov 21, 2019

Chemists create new route to PHAs: naturally degradable bioplastics

Colorado State University scientists create a novel chemical catalysis pathway for producing PHAs with enhanced mechanical and physical properties. This breakthrough offers a scalable solution to the plastics crisis, enabling faster production and tunability of biodegradable materials.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 2019

Survey: Most teenagers in legalized states see marijuana marketing on social media

A study found that 94% of adolescents in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington reported exposure to marijuana marketing on social media. This exposure is linked to recent marijuana use by adolescents. The researchers suggest that current restrictions on social media content are not effective in preventing exposure.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateNov 21, 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.

Magnetic wave flows under better control from now on

Researchers at the Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics have created a new model to simulate the flow of magnetic waves through magnonic crystals. This breakthrough allows for better control over the material's properties, which is crucial for applications in spintronics and electronics.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 21, 2019

Texas Heart Institute perfusion student awarded prestigious scholarship

Leslie Gonzalez, a Texas Heart Institute perfusion student, has been awarded the prestigious Perfusion Without Borders scholarship. She will travel with The Novick Cardiac Alliance to Medellin, Colombia in February 2020, gaining experience on global perfusion practices and preparing for lifelong involvement in mission work.

SourceTexas Heart Institute·DateNov 21, 2019

Secure data transmission with ultrasound on the mobile phone

Researchers at St. Pölten UAS have developed an open-source protocol for secure data transmission using ultrasound, enabling users to control app communication and protect user privacy. The technology, called SoniTalk, has potential applications in industries such as IoT, Industry 4.0, and digitalisation.

SourceSt. Poelten University of Applied Sciences·DateNov 21, 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 antitumoral drug release strategy created for breast cancer treatment

Researchers have developed a novel approach to treat breast cancer by harnessing the power of bacterial proteins to deliver targeted therapies. The new strategy involves the use of non-toxic bacterial amyloids as reservoirs for antitumoral proteins, leading to a sustained release and increased efficacy.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 21, 2019

Using controlled environment food production to solve food shortages

Researchers explore controlled environment agriculture as a means to address urban food systems, offering advantages such as year-round crop production and reduced energy consumption. The study highlights the potential for controlled environments to increase food security and support local economies.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 21, 2019

Sugar delivered to Earth from space

Researchers found ribose and other essential sugars in meteorites, indicating an extraterrestrial origin. The discovery suggests that these sugars could have contributed to the formation of primordial RNA on Earth.

SourceTohoku University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 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.

Deep learning to analyze neurological problems

A new study uses deep neural networks to accurately assess neurological disorders in rats and mice, identifying key features of motor impairments. This breakthrough technology has the potential to standardize diagnosis and monitoring of neurological disorders, enabling early interventions and improved patient outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 21, 2019

Competing signals shrink or grow liver tumor at the margins

In a mouse model of liver cancer, researchers found that activating the Hippo molecular signaling pathway in tumor cells drives growth, while suppressing it in surrounding healthy cells inhibits tumor growth. Systemic inhibition of Yap and Taz could have unwanted consequences by blocking tumor-suppressing abilities of healthy cells.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 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.

Pollinator friendliness can extend beyond early spring

A study found that certain bulbs can persist in warm-season lawns, providing nutrition for pollinating insects. Five bulbs persisted for multiple years, including crocus and grape hyacinth, which attracted pollinators. The researchers suggest incorporating proven forage sources into landscapes to support pollinator health.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 21, 2019

Bone breakthrough may lead to more durable airplane wings

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to strengthen bone structure using computer software, potentially treating osteoporosis and creating lightweight materials for the aerospace industry. The team found that horizontal rod-like struts play a crucial role in extending the fatigue life of bone.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2019

Magnesium deprivation stops pathogen growth

A study by University of Basel researchers found that a cellular pump restricts bacterial growth in host cells by causing magnesium shortage. This discovery provides new insights into the role of NRAMP1 transporter in combating intracellular pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 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.

Escher's angels and demons woodcut predicts how matter deforms

Researchers used Escher's woodcut to predict crystalline body deformation under external forces, revealing a connection between hyperbolic spaces and plastic deformation. The study proposes a new mathematical description of complex material deformation phenomena.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 21, 2019

How to fight illegal cocoa farms in Ivory Coast

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that regular foot patrols in two forest reserves reduced illicit activity by over half between 2012 and 2016. The patrols led to the arrest of six poachers, destruction of hundreds of hectares of cocoa farms, and a significant decline in gunshots and snares used to capture game.

SourceOhio State University·JournalTropical Conservation Science·DateNov 21, 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.