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Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 3


Page 3 of 41

Researchers say animal-like embryos preceded animal appearance

A new study reveals that animal-like embryos existed 609 million years ago, long before the emergence of definitive animals. The research found that Caveasphaera fossils displayed stages of development similar to those seen in living animals, including humans.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 27, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

First measures of Earth's ionosphere found with the largest atmospheric radar in the Antarctic

Researchers used a fine-resolution atmospheric radar to make the first measurements of Earth's ionosphere in the Antarctic region. The study provides valuable information about electron density, ion velocity, and temperature in the ionosphere, shedding light on atmospheric and ionospheric phenomena.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateNov 27, 2019

Neonicotinoids: Despite EU moratorium, bees still at risk

Researchers detected imidacloprid residues in 48% of rape fields, posing a non-negligible risk to pollinating bees. Persistent use of neonicotinoids with certain crops threatens bee populations, highlighting the need for reinforcement of pesticide controls.

SourceCNRS·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 27, 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.

Air pollution linked with new causes of hospital admissions

Fine particulate air pollution has been linked to several common diseases that cause hospitalizations, including septicemia, fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, and skin and tissue infections. The study found substantial health care and economic costs associated with even small increases in PM2.5 exposure.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 27, 2019

Early antiretroviral treatment shrinks the HIV reservoir in infected infants

A two-year study shows that starting antiretroviral therapy within hours of birth significantly reduces the HIV reservoir and improves immune responses in infants. This finding suggests that early treatment may substantially improve health outcomes in infants with HIV.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 27, 2019

Researchers identify protein that governs human blood stem cell self-renewal

Scientists at UCLA have discovered a key protein that enables human blood stem cells to self-renew in laboratory conditions. Activating this protein, MLLT3, increases the number of blood stem cells by at least twelvefold, opening up new possibilities for treating blood disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2019

Bad news for Nemo

A study found that clownfish in Kimbe Bay are unable to adapt genetically to habitat changes and renew their population. The quality of the anemone providing a home to the fish is crucial to its survival, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these marine species.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 27, 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.

COP25 special collection: Keep climate change impacts under control by making biodiversity a focus

A new study predicts that 80-83% of New Guinea's language areas will experience decreased plant species diversity by 2070 under a 2°Celsius warming scenario. The Science Advances Special Collection proposes climate-smart expansion of protected areas to account for biodiversity and cultural traditions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2019

Biodiversity and wind energy

Expert survey reveals conflict between renewable energy and bat protection, with most stakeholders agreeing that ecosystem sustainability is crucial. Possible solutions include accepting reduced wind turbine efficiency to compensate for shutdown times and prioritizing bat conservation over green electricity production.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateNov 27, 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.

Photosynthesis -- living laboratories

Cyanobacteria and plants use similar mechanisms to regulate cyclic electron flow during photosynthesis, according to LMU biologists Marcel Dann and Dario Leister. Two proteins, PGRL1 and PGR5, mediate control of CEF in plants.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2019

Molière most likely did write his own plays

Researchers from CNRS disprove theory that Corneille wrote Molière's plays using authorship attribution techniques. Their study finds significant differences in writing habits and speech mannerism between Molière and other authors of the time.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2019

Clown fish survival depends on environment more than genetics

Researchers observed four generations of clown fish in Papua New Guinea's Kimbe Island lagoons to find no genetic variation for reproductive success. Environmental conditions, particularly sea anemones, play a vital role in clown fish survival and population replenishment.

SourceCNRS·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 27, 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.

Head-to-head comparison finds three anti-seizure drugs equally effective for severe form of epilepsy

A new study reveals that levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate are equally safe and effective in treating patients with refractory status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition characterized by prolonged seizures. The three drugs stopped seizures and improved responsiveness in approximately half of the study participants.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 27, 2019

Material for safer football helmets may reduce head injuries

Researchers have developed elastic microlattice pads that can withstand both single hits and repeated impacts better than existing state-of-the-art foams. The new material absorbs up to 48% more energy efficiently compared to the top vinyl nitrile foam during repeated impacts.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateNov 27, 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.

Scholars find that irregularly shaped parks reduce mortality risk

A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that residents near irregularly shaped community parks have a lower mortality risk compared to those living near traditional square-shaped parks. The researchers, led by Huaquing Wang and Lou Tassinary, analyzed land cover data from Philadelphia and discovered that the compl...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateNov 27, 2019

Animals could help humans monitor oceans

A team led by the University of Exeter suggests that animals carrying sensors can fill gaps in ocean monitoring, particularly in areas near poles and shallow coastal regions. The study highlights the potential for animal-borne sensors to enhance our understanding of climate variability and weather patterns.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 27, 2019

New vaccine will stop the spread of bovine TB

Researchers developed a novel vaccine that protects against bovine tuberculosis (TB) without interfering with the tuberculin skin test. The new vaccine allows for simultaneous protection and accurate diagnosis of TB in cattle.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Why do we freeze when startled? New study in flies points to serotonin

A Columbia University study finds that serotonin is the chemical that drives a fly's startle response, causing it to freeze momentarily. The research provides insights into the biology of this ubiquitous phenomenon and offers clues about what may happen in human bodies when we get startled.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 27, 2019

Puffins stay cool thanks to their large beak

Researchers from McGill University and the University of California, Davis, discovered that puffin beaks can drop by 5°C within 30 minutes of landing, suggesting an evolutionary trait to cool down during flight. This study suggests that large bills may have evolved to help birds dissipate heat from energetically demanding activities.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 27, 2019

Research affirms imaging technique's ability to characterize healthy and non-healthy tissue

A study published in SPIE Journal of Biomedical Optics found that diffuse reflectance spectroscopy can reliably discriminate between healthy tissue and tumor tissue, regardless of neoadjuvant chemotherapy status. The technique's feasibility for tumor-margin assessment during breast-conserving surgery has been demonstrated.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateNov 27, 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.

Contagious cancer in shellfish is spreading across the Atlantic Ocean

A study discovered contagious cancer in shellfish that has spread across the Atlantic Ocean and into the Pacific. Researchers believe ships may have transported infected mussels, delivering the disease to new regions. The findings could help develop plans to protect marine life and inform human cancer metastasis research.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateNov 27, 2019

Humans co-evolved with immune-related diseases -- and it's still happening

Researchers describe how ancestral origins impact the likelihood of developing immune-related diseases, including Crohn's disease and cardiovascular diseases. The human immune system is evolving depending on a person's location or lifestyle, leading to new diseases emerging as our lifespans increase.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Immunology·DateNov 27, 2019

Not seeing the trees for the wood

Higher brain areas provide feedback to primary visual cortex, reducing surround-suppression effect. Understanding this process is crucial for developing prosthetics that enable blind people to see again.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 27, 2019

Beware of swimming if you use deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's

Researchers identified nine cases of people who lost their ability to swim after receiving deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. The study highlights the potential risk of drowning and emphasizes the need for supervised assessment before engaging in deep water activities.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 27, 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.

Prostate cancer 'super responders' live for 2 years on immunotherapy

A phase II clinical trial found that a small proportion of men with end-stage prostate cancer responded to pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy treatment, and lived for two years or more. The study identified a group of patients with DNA repair gene mutations who responded particularly well to the treatment.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 27, 2019

Case report: Stem cells a step toward improving motor, sensory function after spinal cord injury

A clinical trial enrolled 10 adults with traumatic spinal cord injuries to receive stem cell injections, with the first patient demonstrating significant improvement in motor and sensory functions. The study's early findings suggest that patient response varies, but the treatment may offer a new option for improving physical function a...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateNov 27, 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.

Exploring drug repurposing to treat glioblastoma

Researchers found that MALT1 levels correlate with patient survival in brain cancer, and blocking the gene with MALT1 inhibitors causes glioblastoma stem cells to undergo cellular suicide. This discovery points to the potential of further exploring MALT1 inhibitors as a treatment for glioblastoma.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 27, 2019

Deportation worries may increase high blood pressure risk

A four-year study found that immigration deportation worries double the risk of developing high blood pressure in Mexican-born women, highlighting potential negative impacts on cardiovascular health. The study suggests considering immigration policies' effects on stress levels and subsequent blood pressure outcomes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 27, 2019

Helper protein worsens diabetic eye disease

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a new pathway contributing to degeneration of the light-sensitive tissue in the eye. A potential treatment involves blocking a protein called angiopoietin-like 4, which acts synergistically with VEGF activity.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 27, 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.

Better way to interpret blood tests to diagnose pulmonary embolism

A new approach to interpreting D-dimer blood tests can help rule out pulmonary embolism and reduce the need for CT scans, freeing up resources and reducing radiation exposure. The study found that a higher-than-usual D-dimer level can be considered a negative result in patients with low probability of having a pulmonary embolism.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 27, 2019

Cutting nanoparticles down to size -- new study

Researchers have developed a method to precisely control the size and shape of nanoparticles, which could lead to more effective drug delivery systems. By modifying a base nanoparticle with a second polymer, scientists can create nanoparticles of specific dimensions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 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.

CMU algorithm rapidly finds anomalies in gene expression data

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed an algorithm to identify and correct mistakes in gene expression data, a major breakthrough in biological research. The CMU algorithm has detected 88 previously unknown anomalies in widely used RNA-seq libraries, opening up new avenues for investigation.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCell Systems·DateNov 27, 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.

Gunshot injuries have long-term medical consequences

Researchers studied gunshot injury patterns and found that patients with chest or abdominal wounds were more likely to be readmitted to the hospital. The study aimed to identify injury patterns and predict future outcomes for victims of gun violence.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 27, 2019

Thermo-chemical power generation integrated with forced convection cooling

This study demonstrates a novel self-sustaining liquid-cooling system that partially recovers lost thermal energy through electric power generation. The integration of thermo-electrochemical conversion with forced convection cooling enables the use of wasted heat for pumping coolant, reducing the need for active cooling.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateNov 27, 2019

Chinese Academy of Sciences leads discovery of unpredicted stellar black hole

A Chinese-led team of international scientists has discovered a massive stellar black hole with a mass 70 times greater than the Sun, located 15 thousand light-years from Earth. The discovery challenges current models of stellar evolution and forces theorists to re-examine how such massive black holes can form.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2019

New launch communications segment empowers Artemis

The Kennedy Uplink Station is a critical component of NASA's Launch Communications Segment, providing uplink and downlink communications between Artemis astronauts and mission controllers. The segment has reduced costs and simplified operations, enabling NASA to save tens of millions of dollars in operating costs over its lifetime.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 27, 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.