Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 26


Page 26 of 41

Mount Sinai researchers examine the metabolic effects of an oral blood cancer drug

A study by Mount Sinai researchers found that more than half of patients taking ruxolitinib gained over 5% in body weight, associated with increased systolic blood pressure and liver enzymes. The study highlights the need for physicians to counsel patients about potential metabolic effects.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 12, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Vaccine reduces likelihood of severe pneumonia

A new study finds that a vaccine against pneumococcal bacteria reduces the likelihood of severe pneumonia in children by 35%. The research also highlights the importance of vaccinating children to protect the whole community and reduce the spread of pneumococcus. By evaluating the effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccines in Asia, the stu...

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·DateNov 12, 2019

Songbirds sing species-specific songs

Researchers found that gene activity in brain regions called song nuclei is associated with species-specific patterns of singing in songbirds. The study identified a signaling molecule called BDNF as a mediator of changes in trans-regulated genes, which disrupted the structures of learned songs in adult zebra finches.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2019

Larger than life: Augmented ants

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have created the first augmented reality experience to pair with a taxonomic research paper, presenting six new species of Strumigenys ants from Fiji. The app, Insects3D, allows users to view 3D models of ant specimens in AR and magnify them up to the size of a lion.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalInsect Systematics and Diversity·DateNov 12, 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.

Etalumis 'reverses' simulations to reveal new science

Etalumis, a probabilistic programming framework, has been developed to control existing simulators and run on large-scale HPC platforms. It enables researchers to interpret vast volumes of experimental data by essentially 'reversing' simulations, bringing new insights into complex physics problems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateNov 12, 2019

Engineers help with water under the bridge and other tough environmental decisions

Civil engineers create a sustainability-based optimization algorithm to help policymakers make informed decisions on projects like bridges, school roofs and waterfront developments. The algorithm considers the costs of a project over its lifetime and externalized costs, providing a more comprehensive view.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Science and Technology·DateNov 12, 2019

Low-cost, portable system takes OCT beyond ophthalmology

Researchers developed a low-cost, portable OCT system that can image structures in hard-to-reach areas like joints. The device uses an endoscopic delivery system to provide real-time quantitative information on cartilage thickness without damaging the tissue.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateNov 12, 2019

Using sound waves to remotely target drugs to tumors

Biomedical engineers have combined ultrafast ultrasound imaging with ultrasonic tweezers to precisely track and target drug carriers within a phantom blood vessel. This new method could enable acoustic control and real-time tracking of drug release within the body, potentially improving targeted therapeutics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 12, 2019

Small RNAs link immune system and brain cells

A recent study by Goethe University Frankfurt identified 17 microRNA families that play a crucial role in the interface between the immune and neuronal systems, showing sex-specific differences in gene expression. These findings may lead to new therapeutic approaches for psychiatric diseases.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 12, 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.

Superconducting wind turbine chalks up first test success

A team of researchers has successfully tested a superconducting rotor on an active wind turbine, demonstrating the compatibility of this technology with operational environments. The achievement marks a significant step towards wider adoption of superconducting generator technology in wind turbines.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateNov 12, 2019

ACP addresses high cost of prescription drugs in new policy papers

The American College of Physicians recommends improving transparency, lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients, and enhancing access to affordable medications. The policies aim to stem the escalating costs of prescription drugs by increasing oversight and regulation of Pharmacy Benefit Managers and public health plans.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 12, 2019

New spin directions in pyrite an encouraging sign for future spintronics

Researchers have discovered unconventional energy- and direction-dependent spin textures on the surface of pyrite-type crystals, enabling both in-plane and out-of-plane spin components. This finding opens new possibilities for topological spintronics devices and unlocks the potential of pyrite in future spintronics applications.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·DateNov 12, 2019

Brookhaven-Commonwealth Fusion Energy Project wins DOE funding

The Brookhaven-CFS project aims to develop breakthrough technologies for the fusion power industry, focusing on quench detection and protection systems. The team will collaborate to characterize high-temperature superconductors and test their ability to withstand damage-inducing events.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateNov 12, 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.

Listening to music while driving reduces cardiac stress

A study by Brazilian researchers found that listening to instrumental music attenuates cardiac stress while driving, increasing parasympathetic nervous system activity and reducing sympathetic nervous system activation. This can contribute to the creation of cardiovascular preventative measures for situations of acute stress.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalComplementary Therapies in Medicine·DateNov 12, 2019

This is what the monsoon might look like in a warmer world

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum and University of Oxford studied a dripstone from India's Mawmluh Cave to reconstruct the Indian monsoon's past climate. They found the monsoon was less reliable 125,000 years ago, suggesting global warming may lead to similar changes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 12, 2019

Last Arctic ice refuge is disappearing

New research reveals the last remaining Arctic ice refuge is disappearing due to increased ocean currents and atmospheric winds, with the oldest ice declining twice as fast as the rest. The Last Ice Area will soon be gone, threatening wildlife survival and potentially leading to the loss of species.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 12, 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.

Some hoppy news: Hops don't need to go dormant in order to flower

Researchers at Colorado State University have found that hops can be induced to flower without the traditional vernalization period, enabling year-round indoor production. This breakthrough could lead to a new era of sustainable and locally grown hops, supporting the craft brewing industry.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 12, 2019

Stress with disrupted body clock increases risk of metabolic disease

A study published by Professor Henrik Oster suggests that daily stress coupled with a disrupted internal clock increases the risk of developing metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This is because environmental stress can affect food intake, promote weight gain, and have long-lasting effects on stress responses.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·DateNov 12, 2019

Depression linked to nutrition in middle-aged and older Canadians

A new study found that depression is linked to nutrition in middle-aged and older Canadians, with lower intakes of fruits and vegetables being a risk factor. The study also found that immigrant women were more likely to experience depression than Canadian-born women.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateNov 12, 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.

Researchers find new way to target childhood cancer

Researchers have identified a new target molecule for treating childhood cancer neuroblastoma, which may lead to more effective treatments. The study found that high levels of a long non-coding RNA called 'lncNB1' are associated with poor prognosis, and its inhibition can cause cancer cells to die.

SourceChildren's Cancer Institute Australia·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2019

Deep learning assists in detecting malignant lung cancers

A deep convolutional neural network-based software improved radiologist detection of malignant lung nodules by 70.3%, reducing false positives to 0.18 per X-ray. The study suggests machine learning methods can help overcome challenges in detecting lung lesions on chest X-rays.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateNov 12, 2019

A fast and precise look into fiber-reinforced composites

Researchers at Paul Scherrer Institute have improved a method for small angle X-ray scattering to investigate fibre orientation in composites, enabling faster analysis with conventional X-ray tubes. This innovation has potential applications in medicine and security.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 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.

7T MRI offers new insights into multiple sclerosis

Researchers used powerful imaging technology to discover a common indicator of brain inflammation in early-stage MS patients and its link to gray matter damage. The study found LME was present in nearly two-thirds of the patients, with significant correlations to lesions in gray matter regions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal·DateNov 12, 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.

New research shows the more women on a company's board, the more market value is lost

A study by INFORMS journal Organization Science found that one additional woman on the board results in a 2.3% decrease in market value on average, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. This negative effect is amplified for firms with higher diversity ratings across the organization.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOrganization Science·DateNov 12, 2019

Practice characteristics and job satisfaction among GPs in 11 countries

Job dissatisfaction among general practitioners (GPs) varies greatly across countries, with higher rates found in Germany and lower in Norway. Factors such as workload, administrative burdens, and limitations on appointments contribute to dissatisfaction.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 12, 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.

Deep neural networks speed up weather and climate models

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed domain-aware neural networks to replace expensive parameterizations in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. These algorithms can predict environmental data more accurately with significantly less training data, enabling faster and higher-resolution simulations.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·DateNov 12, 2019

Cats of the sea offer insights into territorial behavior of wild fishes

A new study by the University of Plymouth explores how wild fishes behave spatially when reacting to an artificial stimulus, such as a laser. Researchers found that certain species would 'chase' the lasers, up to five metres, and that there were differences based on size and gender within species.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Applied Ichthyology·DateNov 12, 2019

Good noise, bad noise: White noise improves hearing

Researchers from the University of Basel found that adding white noise to a quiet environment improves the brain's ability to distinguish subtle tone differences. This is achieved through reduced neuronal activity in the auditory cortex, allowing for more precise sound perception and potentially improving cochlear implant results.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 12, 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.

AI-driven single blood cell classification

A new AI-driven approach can accurately classify single blood cells, improving leukemia diagnostics and reducing variability. The method, trained on over 20,000 images, was compared to human expert accuracy, showing comparable performance in identifying diagnostic blast cells.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateNov 12, 2019

Nuclear warheads? This robot can find them

A US Department of Energy-backed robotic system has successfully identified the source of nuclear radiation and verified if it was shielded. The 'inspector bot' could be part of a swarm to inspect facilities like gas centrifuge enrichment plants, detect undeclared uranium use, or verify disarmament treaties.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateNov 12, 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.

Protein could offer therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer

A study published in Nature Cell Biology has identified a protein called CD9 that drives growth of pancreatic cancer and could be a target for new treatments. The researchers found that CD9 is present on the surface of cancer stem cells, which are a driving force behind cancer growth.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 12, 2019

Drug discount cards could actually cost patients more

New research finds that brand-name drug discount cards lead to higher health care spending in Canada, with private insurer costs increasing by 46 per cent. However, for some patients, using a discount card can result in increased out-of-pocket costs, potentially up to $10 more.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 12, 2019

Delivering large genes to the retina is problematic

A new study shows that a commonly used vector for large gene transfer can deliver genes to retinal cells, but provokes an acute inflammatory response when injected subretinally into rats. The researchers conclude that further work is needed to understand the inflammatory pathways involved and modulate the immune response.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateNov 12, 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.

New SLAS Technology auto-commentary released

The new SLAS Technology auto-commentary discusses the challenges of gathering analytical measurements and introduces realized-based measurement systems as potential replacements. These systems use robots as central system integrators, providing flexibility and enabling decentralized open systems.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS TECHNOLOGY·DateNov 12, 2019

Contraceptive drug shows promise for preventing and regressing cervical cancer

A new study published in The American Journal of Pathology suggests that medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is effective in preventing the development of cervical cancer in mice with precancerous lesions. MPA also decreased existing precancerous lesions, offering a non-invasive approach to combat cervical cancer.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateNov 12, 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.

New exploration method for geothermal energy

A new method for locating potential drilling sites covered by water has been presented by an international research team, combining bathymetry measurements with geochemical profiles. This approach allows the distinction between permeable and non-permeable structures, enabling more precise location of promising locations for drilling.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 12, 2019

Long-term blood pressure variation and risk of dementia

A population-based cohort study found that people with substantial changes in blood pressure over time were at greater risk of dementia. Variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure led to similar findings, suggesting potential to prevent dementia through targeting blood pressure variability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 12, 2019

Penn team discovers epigenetic pathway that controls social behavior in carpenter ants

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered an epigenetic pathway that controls social behavior in carpenter ants. The study found that Major ant soldiers can be successfully reprogrammed up to 5 days after they hatch, but not beyond 10 days, revealing a narrow window of epigenetic plasticity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 12, 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.