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Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 14


Page 14 of 41

New hybrid device can both capture and store solar energy

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new hybrid device that can capture and store solar energy, offering promise for applications from power generation to distillation and desalination. The device achieves high efficiency harvesting and storage, with up to 90% efficiency and 80% recovered energy at night.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJoule·DateNov 20, 2019

Largest study ever finds that urban green space can prevent premature deaths

A systematic review and meta-analysis of nine longitudinal studies involving over eight million people found that increasing green areas can prevent premature all-cause mortality. The analysis revealed a 4% reduction in premature mortality per each increment of 0.1 in vegetation score within 500 meters of the residence.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateNov 20, 2019

Scientists find promising drug combination against lethal childhood brain cancers

Researchers identified a panobinostat-marizomib combination that effectively kills childhood brain cancer cells and counters genetic mutations. The study uncovered a previously unrecognized vulnerability in cancer cells, which may lead to new strategies against the disease.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·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.

To navigate, flies make flexible mental maps of the world

Researchers found that fruit flies can build and update mental maps of their surroundings by linking visual features to compass neurons, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. This flexible mapping ability has implications for how other animals navigate in the wild and may even influence human navigation.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2019

Probing the role of an inflammation resolution sensor in obesity and heart failure

Researchers found that mice lacking an inflammation resolution sensor developed spontaneous obesity, heart disease, and shortened lifespan, indicating impaired inflammation resolution. This study sheds light on the sensor's integrative role in managing cardiometabolic health and inflammation-resolution processes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateNov 20, 2019

DDT linked to higher risk of diabetes among Asian Indian immigrants to US

A study from the University of California, Davis found a link between high levels of DDT and increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic disease in Asian Indian immigrants. Prior exposure to the pollutant may contribute to their higher rate of diabetes, even after migration to the US.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 20, 2019

New IOF-ESCEO position paper offers practical guidance for osteoporosis management

The new position paper provides practical guidance for managing postmenopausal osteoporosis, including easy-to-use algorithms that illustrate decision pathways based on absolute risk of fracture. The paper aims to offer the most appropriate interventions to patients, with a focus on targeting therapeutic interventions for low, high and...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·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.

Unruly T cells complicate the intended benefits of HIV vaccines

Research reveals that activated T helper cells can hinder HIV vaccine efficacy, as they migrate to mucosal tissues and express coreceptors that facilitate viral entry. This discovery highlights the need for careful consideration of T cell responses in vaccine development.

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

A super-fast 'light switch' for future cars and computers

A team of scientists at ETH Zurich has developed a novel electro-opto-mechanical switch that can assess surroundings quickly and recognize people and obstacles. The switch uses plasmonics technology, which enables fast and compact switching with low losses.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2019

Would people be willing to give their personal data for research?

A study published in PLOS ONE found that over half of people would be willing to donate their personal data for research. The researchers developed a new questionnaire to explore individuals' motivations, which identified three key reasons: serving society, gaining personal benefits, and understanding data purpose.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·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.

Behavioral sciences in the promotion of oral health

The article highlights the importance of behavioral sciences in dentistry, expanding the understanding of oral health beyond 'disease' to a broader concept. Recent studies have shown promising results in employing cognitive behavioral therapy for managing dental anxiety and pain, as well as addressing oral health inequalities.

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

A wirelessly-controlled and wearable skin-integrated haptic VR device

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong and Northwestern University have created a skin-integrated virtual reality system that can simulate touch with vibration wirelessly. The device is powered by radio frequency energy and can be controlled within a distance of one meter.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2019

Black carbon found in the Amazon River reveals recent forest burnings

International researchers have found that most of the black carbon transported to the Atlantic Ocean is 'young' and likely results from recent forest fires. The study, published in Nature Communications, used radiometric dating and molecular composition analysis to quantify and characterize the black carbon flowing in the Amazon River.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2019

Soft skin-like robots you can put in your pocket

A new robotic skin called ElectroSkin has been created, which can crawl across surfaces using artificial muscles and electrical charges. This innovative technology could lead to the development of soft robots for environmental monitoring, robot grippers, and wearable technologies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalSoft Robotics·DateNov 20, 2019

Underwater robotic gliders provide key tool to measure ocean sound levels

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed an effective method to use underwater robotic gliders to measure sound levels over broad areas of the sea. The gliders can conduct repeated surveys of a region, providing real-time measurements of changing noise levels and helping scientists track ocean sound pollution.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·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.

Smart buildings face challenges but have plenty of potential

Researchers identified 120 publications on occupant-centric control (OCC), but only 42 studies included field implementation. OCC's reliance on data raises technological and privacy issues, including secure data storage and whole-building approaches.

SourceConcordia University·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateNov 20, 2019

Study: Young children can learn math skills from intelligent virtual characters

A new study examined whether young children's verbal engagement with an onscreen interactive media character could boost their math skills. Children who had stronger emotional feelings for the character and talked more to the character about math had quicker and more accurate math responses during virtual game play.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 20, 2019

Asking if behavior can be changed on climate crisis

Researchers found that reflecting on past sacrifices made by others for future generations can increase a sense of moral obligation to protect the environment. However, this approach has limited impact in increasing pro-environmental attitudes or motivations, and may even evoke feelings of unworthiness.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·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.

Dog and sheep bones help injured pigeons fly again

A new treatment using whittled sheep and dog bones has been found to be an effective alternative to metal pins for stabilizing fractured wings in pigeons. Pigeons with the bone implants were able to fly as well as before the operation, with no rejection of the implanted bones.

SourceCell Press·JournalHeliyon·DateNov 20, 2019

Obesity embargo alert for December 2019 issue

A population-based study found that only 1.3% of eligible patients received weight-loss medications, highlighting a significant gap in treatment access. The study also showed that phentermine was prescribed for over 75% of medication days, with most patients filling it for more than four months.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateNov 20, 2019

Researchers develop new database of druggable fusion targets

Researchers have identified 111,582 gene fusions in eight species, including humans, mice, and cattle. The ChiTaRS database provides a list of over 800 druggable fusions useful for personalized therapy in complex diseases like cancers and Alzheimer's.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·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.

Li-ion battery components to be printed on an inkjet printer

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University have successfully printed electrodes for miniature li-ion batteries using an inkjet printer. The proposed technological approach utilizes a lithium and manganese-enriched cathode material, which can lead to further miniaturization of these power supplies.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalEnergy Technology·DateNov 20, 2019

NASA's Fermi, swift missions enable a new era in gamma-ray science

The detection of record-setting gamma-ray bursts by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has provided new insights into the mechanisms driving these events. The blasts produce an initial pulse of gamma rays, followed by afterglows that can be detected at longer wavelengths.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2019

Menopause isn't the only reason for low libido in older women

A study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that up to 40% of women over age 60 experience low libido. The most surprising theme was that many women identified sexual dysfunction in their male partners as a major contributor to their own lack of desire for sex.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMenopause·DateNov 20, 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.

First detection of gamma-ray burst afterglow in very-high-energy gamma light

An international team of researchers has successfully detected a gamma-ray burst in very-high-energy gamma light, challenging current understanding of these phenomena. The detection was made using the H.E.S.S. telescope and reveals the presence of extremely accelerated particles that exist long after the explosion.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2019

When grown right, palm oil can be sustainable

A new study by EPFL and WSL found that oil palm crops planted on former pastures in Colombia have an unchanged total carbon storage over time. The research suggests a carbon-friendly alternative to deforestation, using large areas of abandoned pastures that could be converted favorably.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 20, 2019

Evidence of two quakes extends rupture history in Grand Tetons National Park

New findings published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America extend the history of Teton Fault earthquakes, suggesting multi-section ruptures may have occurred. The study, which analyzed trenches around Leigh Lake, estimates a 10,000-year-old earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 to 7.2.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateNov 19, 2019

Predicting Alzheimer's disease-like memory loss before it strikes

A new study by Gladstone Institutes reveals that specific patterns of brain activity can predict Alzheimer's symptoms in young mice. By analyzing sharp-wave ripples and short gamma power, researchers found that deficits in these activities at an early age can predict memory problems decades later.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 19, 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.

Studies continue to highlight benefits of bariatric surgery in teens

Recent studies highlight the benefits of bariatric surgery in adolescents, showing significant improvements in musculoskeletal pain, physical function, and quality of life after three years. Additionally, researchers found that patients may be at risk for iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies years after surgery.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 19, 2019

Decarbonizing the power sector

Using a first-time combination of multiple modelling systems, researchers show that relying mainly on wind and solar would bring most co-benefits for the health of people and planet. Land use requirements for power production will increase in all scenarios, with bioenergy being the most land-devouring method.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2019

New analytical screening tools for the detection of cardiovascular disease

Researchers propose a novel framework to analyze thousands of complete data sequences from stress echocardiography, revealing early signs of cardiovascular disease. The method uses Multiple Kernel Learning (MKL) to project heterogeneous data into a low-dimensional space, distinguishing between healthy and pathological responses.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalMedical Image Analysis·DateNov 19, 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.

Bats in attics might be necessary for conservation

A new study highlights the importance of building roosts for little brown bats' survival during maternity season. Researchers found that 84% of reproductive females roost in attics, while males prefer rock crevices or trees.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcosphere·DateNov 19, 2019

UTHealth awarded $3.3 million to expand popular literacy program

The Developing Talkers program has been successful, with over 6,000 Texas teachers using the adapted programs in their classrooms. The new grant aims to develop and test a more advanced version of the program with 200 kindergarten teachers and 800 students.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateNov 19, 2019

Demographic shifts, voter fears, and presidential voting

Research reveals that communities experiencing demographic change moved towards pro-immigration Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, contradicting conventional wisdom. The study used a novel approach analyzing voting precincts instead of large geographic areas.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2019

Consuming cholera toxin counteracts age-associated obesity

A research team found that consuming cholera toxin B stimulates health-protective immune responses that counteract age-associated obesity. The study used animal models and found that the toxin helped restore immune homeostasis and reduce inflammation, leading to leaner physiques and improved health outcomes.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateNov 19, 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.

SwRI-developed direction-finding antenna wins 2019 R&D 100 Award

The AF-369 VHF/UHF terrestrial antenna increases useable bandwidth by 80%, providing accurate direction finding across a wide frequency range. This innovation reduces the overall cost and complexity of monitoring systems, enabling critical spatial awareness for intelligence analysts.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateNov 19, 2019

Endangered whales react to environmental changes

Researchers found that right whales were present throughout the year in Massachusetts Bay, with a significant increase in detections during winter-spring months. This shift has implications for conservation efforts, as it suggests that whales are adapting to changing conditions and may be entering areas without protections.

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 19, 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.

Majority of childhood sex-abuse survivors achieve complete mental health

A new study found that two-thirds of adult childhood sexual abuse survivors met the criteria for complete mental health, highlighting factors associated with resilience and flourishing. Social isolation, chronic pain, and a history of substance dependence or depression are impediments to recovery.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateNov 19, 2019

When do alcohol-dependent mothers parent harshly?

Research reveals alcohol-dependent mothers exhibit harsher parenting when children express intense negative emotions or frustration. Harsh parenting decreases among non-alcohol dependent mothers over time, while increasing among those with greater psychological-behavioral difficulties stemming from alcohol impairment.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateNov 19, 2019

Trying to help parents decide to vaccinate kids against HPV? Consider storytelling

A recent study by Drexel University researchers found that anti-vaccine messages on Instagram, which feature narratives, experience higher engagement than pro-vaccine posts. The team suggests that pro-vaccine posts could garner greater engagement if they provide information and evidence through a more narrative structure.

SourceDrexel University·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateNov 19, 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.

Scientists develop a new method to detect light in the brain

Researchers from Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, University of Salento, and Harvard Medical School have developed a new light-based method to capture and pinpoint the epicenter of neural activity. The approach allows for novel ways to map connections across different brain regions.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 19, 2019

Tiny filters help detect cancerous blood cells

Researchers developed a microfluidic device with tiny pillars to capture malignant plasma cells from blood samples. The device shows great potential as an early detection or monitoring tool for MM disease progression.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateNov 19, 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.

Study identifies barriers high schools face when implementing, enforcing concussion laws

A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that many high schools struggle to implement and enforce state concussion laws due to inadequate education materials, lack of buy-in from parents and coaches, and ineffective communication systems. The barriers can lead to athletes not reporting symptoms or being removed from play too late.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateNov 19, 2019

Cell death or cancer growth: A question of cohesion

Researchers found that CD95 activation triggers apoptosis in individual cells, but stimulates growth in clusters of cancer cells. The study suggests new ways to transform growth-stimulating signals into cell death signals for cancer cells.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 19, 2019

Artificial intelligence algorithm can learn the laws of quantum mechanics

Researchers have developed a deep machine learning algorithm that can predict the quantum states of molecules, enabling faster design of drug molecules and new materials. The algorithm can process complex quantum chemical data in seconds on a laptop or mobile phone, revolutionizing computational chemistry and molecular physics.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 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.