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Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 13


Page 13 of 41

Skipping breakfast linked to lower GCSE grades

A new study from the University of Leeds found that students who rarely ate breakfast on school days achieved lower GCSE grades. Students who frequently ate breakfast scored an average of nearly two grades higher than those who rarely did.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateNov 20, 2019

The ever-changing brain: Shining a light on synaptic plasticity

Scientists discovered that AMPA receptors continually form and disintegrate within a fraction of a second, allowing for novel mechanisms of synaptic plasticity to occur. This finding may lead to the development of new treatments for epilepsy by targeting specific subunit compositions in the brain.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 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.

Exposure to air pollutants from power plants varies by race, income and geography

A recent study found that exposure to air pollutants from power plants varies significantly by race, income, and geography in the US. The researchers estimated that in 2014, approximately 16,700 premature deaths were caused by power plant emissions, with African Americans facing the highest mortality rates.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 20, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Wind more effective than cold air at cooling rooms naturally

Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that wind-driven ventilation can increase room ventilation rates by up to 40% compared to temperature-driven ventilation. The study's results suggest that designing buildings with natural ventilation principles can help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateNov 20, 2019

How plants handle stress

An international research team investigated how evolutionary changes in receptor proteins led to the development of sensing mechanisms that aid plant stress responses. They found that the closest living algae relatives of land plants have a complete set of genes that strongly resemble the genetic framework used by land plants.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2019

The good side of carbon monoxide

At low concentrations, carbon monoxide has a beneficial effect by interacting with signaling proteins, suppressing inflammation and protecting tissues from oxidative stress. Researchers are exploring safe and effective delivery methods to harness its therapeutic potential for diseases such as sepsis and cancer.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 20, 2019

Exposure to PM 2.5 pollution linked to brain atrophy, memory decline

A nationwide study published in Brain found that higher exposure to fine particle pollution, or PM 2.5, was associated with greater declines in memory performance and more Alzheimer's-like brain changes in older women. The researchers used data from 998 women aged 73-87 and adjusted for other factors.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalBrain·DateNov 20, 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.

Suicides reduced by 17 per cent in new collaborative prevention programme

A new collaborative suicide prevention programme has shown a significant reduction in deaths, from 17%, thanks to swift access to specialist care and telephone follow-ups. The SUPREMOCOL programme addresses key issues, including lack of mental health care visibility and poor communication between healthcare providers.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateNov 20, 2019

Neural compass

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have decoded how visual inputs alter the activity of compass neurons in fruit flies, maintaining an accurate sense of direction. By studying the brain's response to visual cues, the team found that R neurons inhibit compass neuron activity in a spatially specific manner.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2019

A new link between migraines, opioid overuse may be key to treating pain

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found a peptide called PACAP links migraine pain and opioid-induced pain, offering potential new treatments for episodic migraines. The study's findings support the development of therapies targeting PACAP and its receptor.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateNov 20, 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.

Inflammatory processes drive progression of Alzheimer's and other brain diseases

Researchers found that inflammatory processes triggered by the NLRP3 inflammasome play a key role in emerging tau pathology, a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study suggests that modulating the immune response could be a promising approach for treating these conditions.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2019

Vanishing ice puts reindeer herders at risk

A new study suggests that global temperatures are causing the 'eternal ice' in the Sayan Mountains to melt faster than ever, threatening the livelihoods of traditional reindeer herders. This loss of cultural heritage could have long-lasting impacts on human knowledge and adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 20, 2019

Photoinitiators detected in human breast milk

Scientists have detected 15 different photoinitiators in human breast milk, with benzophenone being the most prevalent. The researchers estimate that breastfeeding infants ingest high amounts of these compounds, but predict a low health risk due to levels below safe thresholds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateNov 20, 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.

New report: The impact of energy booms on local workers

A new report from IZA World of Labor finds that energy booms lead to lower unemployment and higher wages in the short term. However, the long-term picture is less clear, with some studies suggesting reduced educational attainment and neutral or negative economic prosperity.

SourceIZA World of Labor·JournalIZA World of Labor·DateNov 20, 2019

WSU genetic discovery holds implications for better immunity, longer life

Researchers found that the nervous system controls a worm's skin-like barrier against bacterial infections, challenging traditional views on innate defense. The discovery may have implications for human health and longevity by regulating collagen production, a key protein in maintaining tissue structure.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 20, 2019

Planting on pasture land may provide sustainable alternative for oil palm plantations

Researchers found that converting degraded pasture to oil palm plantations reduces stored carbon loss associated with rainforest clearing, but can lead to initial soil organic carbon loss. However, the carbon is later redistributed within the soil, resulting in long-term recovery of topsoil organic carbon.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 20, 2019

Walking changes vision

Research reveals that walking changes how we perceive our environment, especially in the peripheral visual field, which enhances processing for navigation. This shift in visual preference makes sense due to the role of peripheral input in tracking movement and direction.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 20, 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.

70% of teens surveyed engaged with food and beverage brands on social media in 2017

A study from the UConn Rudd Center found that nearly all teen engagement with food and beverage brands on social media was for unhealthy products. The study also revealed that brand engagement was highest among Black teens, Spanish-speaking Hispanic teens, and teens with lower education levels, raising public health concerns.

SourceUConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity·JournalAppetite·DateNov 20, 2019

Designer lens helps see the big picture

Researchers at KAUST have developed a novel method for quantitative phase and intensity imaging in microscopy, overcoming limitations of existing techniques. This new approach enables high-resolution images to be acquired quickly and accurately using affordable optics and common light sources.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 20, 2019

Energy research -- Economizing on iridium

Researchers have developed a novel, highly porous material that enables efficient hydrogen production from water using less expensive catalysts. The new electrode surpasses commercial systems in terms of activity and achieves significant reductions in iridium usage.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 20, 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.

Successful study of Swedish vaccine candidate against diarrhea

A phase I/II study of the Swedish vaccine candidate ETVAX found it to be safe and broadly immunogenic, inducing impressive immune responses in young children and infants. The vaccine showed high response rates among children aged 2-5 years and infants, with some even showing enhanced immune responses when given with an adjuvant.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 20, 2019

Turning up the heat to create new nanostructured metals

Scientists developed a new approach to create metal-metal composites with a 3-D interconnected structure in thin films. The heat-driven process, called thin-film solid-state interfacial dealloying (SSID), has potential applications in catalysis, energy generation and storage, and biomedical sensing.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateNov 20, 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.

Bot can beat humans in multiplayer hidden-role games

The MIT researchers developed a bot equipped with artificial intelligence that can beat human players in tricky online multiplayer games where player roles and motives are kept secret. The bot uses deductive reasoning to identify friend or foe, ensuring victory over humans in certain games.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 20, 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.

Want more women & minorities in STEM? Address social oppression in the classroom, says new research

A new study reveals that integrating students' experiences of social oppression into the classroom strengthens entrepreneurial and STEM skills among underrepresented groups. Community college students who participated in a five-week social entrepreneurship program reported large gains in confidence and technology readiness.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·DateNov 20, 2019

Researchers design an improved pathway to carbon-neutral plastics

A new system converts CO2, water, and renewable energy into ethylene under neutral conditions, offering a carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels. The improved catalyst reduces side products and increases selectivity for ethylene production.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2019

Study examines Appalachian Kentucky's breast cancer care disparities

Women from Appalachia are less likely to receive breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy due to lack of adequate care and patient education. Researchers highlight the need for better comprehensive breast cancer care, including access to reconstructive plastic surgeons.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalAnnals of Plastic Surgery·DateNov 20, 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.

'Epidermal VR' gives technology a human touch

Northwestern University researchers create a thin, wireless system that adds a sense of touch to virtual reality experiences, enabling new applications in social interactions, prosthetics, telemedicine, and entertainment. The device transmits touch patterns through miniature vibrating actuators embedded into a soft, flexible material.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2019

NASA estimates tropical storm Sebastien's rainfall rates

NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission provides near-real-time rain estimates for Tropical Storm Sebastien, revealing moderate rainfall rates of up to 17.0 mm/hour east of the center. The storm is expected to become an extratropical cyclone in a couple of days and be absorbed by a cold front on Friday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 20, 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.

Researchers discover molecular light switch in photoreceptor cells

Scientists from Osaka University have discovered a molecular 'light switch' that helps control vision in response to changes in light intensity. The enzyme Cul3-Klhl18 ubiquitin ligase regulates photoreceptor cell adaptation, and its inhibition may help treat conditions like age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 20, 2019

The tera from outer space

Researchers discovered the most energetic gamma-ray burst ever recorded, emitting 1 tera-electron-volt of energy. This breakthrough confirms theoretical predictions and opens new avenues for understanding these powerful cosmic events.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2019

Artyom Yurov, IKBFU physicist: 'Can quantum effects occur at mega-scale?'

Artyom Yurov's research suggests the Universe may have quantum properties due to decoherence theory. The phenomenon states objects exist in multiple places until interacting with their environment, causing 'collapse'. This theory challenges traditional understanding of large-scale quantum effects.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateNov 20, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Addressing challenges in inter-rater reliability in traditional chinese medicine

A systematic review found that levels of agreement were low to moderate, highlighting the need for better experimental controls and more thorough reporting of outcomes in TCM research. New statistical approaches may also be suited to analyze Traditional Chinese Medical patterns.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateNov 20, 2019

How do gliomas evolve?

A recent study by the Glioma Longitudinal Analysis (GLASS) Consortium discovered highly variable and patient-specific genomic alterations in diffuse gliomas over time. The research team characterized initial and recurrence samples from 222 patients, revealing that gliomas do not evolve consistently under cancer therapies.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 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.

The evolution of neuroscience as a research

The Journal of Dental Research Centennial article 'The Evolution of Neuroscience as a Research Field Relevant to Dentistry' highlights novel insights gained through neuroscience research into pain, sensorimotor disorders and neural pathways. The study reveals the clinical relevance of these findings for diagnosis and management of diso...

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateNov 20, 2019

Predicting treatment outcome for leishmaniasis

Researchers identified genetic factors and parasite numbers that predict treatment success in cutaneous leishmaniasis. A small difference in parasite numbers makes a big difference in patient response.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 20, 2019

Hubble studies gamma-ray burst with highest energy ever seen

The study reveals the location of the most energetic outburst ever seen, sitting in a dense environment within a bright galaxy 5 billion light years away. The high-energy radiation was produced by a collapsing star at nearly the speed of light, creating a shock that triggered the gamma-ray burst.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 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.

Carnegie Mellon system locates shooters using smartphone video

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a system called Video Event Reconstruction and Analysis (VERA) that can accurately locate a shooter based on video recordings from as few as three smartphones. VERA uses machine learning techniques to synchronize video feeds and calculate the position of each camera, with audio p...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateNov 20, 2019

Icebergs as a source of nutrients

A study published in Nature Communications found that while climate change increases iceberg production, it doesn't necessarily lead to increased iron input into the oceans. Ice samples from around the world revealed varying levels of iron content, with some ice containing up to a million times more iron than others.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2019