Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 33


Page 33 of 41

Skull features among Asian and Asian-derived groups differ significantly

Skull shape differences were found among Asian and Asian-derived groups, enabling more nuanced ancestry estimations in forensic casework. The study provides population-specific methods for estimating biological profiles, aiding victim identification in mass disasters.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateNov 7, 2019

Friends of BrainHealth fund innovative new research projects

The Center for BrainHealth has awarded five scientists with innovative research grants to study brain health and performance. These studies aim to improve understanding of brain disorders and develop new treatments, including biomarkers for dementia and multiple sclerosis.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·DateNov 7, 2019

Implantable artificial kidney achieves preclinical milestone

Researchers at UCSF have successfully implanted a bioreactor containing human kidney cells into pigs without triggering an immune reaction or blood clots. The device, similar to the size of a deck of cards, maintained healthy kidney function and demonstrated progress towards eliminating dialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateNov 7, 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.

Go with the flow: Scientists design new grid batteries for renewable energy

Researchers develop a versatile yet affordable battery membrane technology using AquaPIMs, enabling long-lasting and low-cost grid batteries. The new membrane reduces costs by eliminating expensive fluorinated polymer membranes, making flow batteries more viable for widespread adoption.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJoule·DateNov 7, 2019

NASA's NICER catches record-setting X-ray burst

NICER detected a record-breaking X-ray burst from pulsar SAX J1808.4-3658, revealing a two-step change in brightness caused by the ejection of separate layers from the pulsar surface. The observations also show X-rays reflecting off of the accretion disk and burst oscillations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 7, 2019

Penn State awarded $3.3M to develop more efficient gas turbines

The US Department of Energy has funded three Penn State projects to enhance combustion turbine performance and efficiency in fossil fuel power generation. Researchers will utilize additive manufacturing techniques to improve cooling effectiveness, fuel injection hardware, and ceramic matrix composite turbine vanes.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 7, 2019

Hubble captures a dozen galaxy doppelgangers

The Hubble Space Telescope reveals a remote galaxy split into multiple images by gravitational lensing, allowing astronomers to study its structure and environment. The Sunburst Arc, 11 billion light-years away, resembles galaxies from an earlier time in the universe's history.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 7, 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.

Biology: Artic sea ice loss may facilitate disease spread in marine mammals

A study published in Scientific Reports found that Arctic sea ice reduction facilitates the spread of disease among marine mammals, particularly through open water routes. Widespread exposure to Phocine distemper virus (PDV) was observed in sea mammals across the North Pacific Ocean, peaking in 2003-2004 and again in 2009.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 7, 2019

For first time, potential treatment path becomes clear for subtype of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Scripps Research scientists have discovered a way to stop a problematic enzyme from wreaking havoc on peripheral nervous system cells in patients with a specific subtype of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. By preventing the enzyme's entry into the nucleus, researchers achieved a complete rescue of symptoms in fruit fly models.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Can our thoughts alter our brains?

The study found that BCI training alters specific regions of the brain involved in motor and visual tasks. This suggests potential therapeutic benefits for conditions like stroke rehabilitation. The changes occur within a short period, raising hopes for more efficient decoding of BCI activities.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateNov 7, 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.

Mated female mosquitoes are more likely to transmit malaria parasites

Research reveals that mated female mosquitoes are more susceptible to transmitting malaria parasites, highlighting the importance of targeting male mosquitoes in vector control measures. This study provides new insights into the impact of mating on mosquito susceptibility to P. falciparum.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 7, 2019

Protein decoy stymies lung cancer growth in mice, Stanford-UCSF study finds

Researchers at Stanford and UC-San Francisco have developed an experimental drug that targets lung cancer by neutralizing a single protein, slowing its growth. The decoy version of the receptor protein was engineered to preferentially bind to the protein, repelling other proteins involved in tumor growth.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 7, 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.

Thorium superconductivity: Scientists discover new high-temperature superconductor

Researchers at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have synthesized a new superconducting material called thorium decahydride (ThH10), which exhibits high-temperature superconductivity at 161 kelvins. This breakthrough is significant as it could lead to the development of more practical applications for superconductors.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalMaterials Today·DateNov 7, 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.

Hurt in the east -- distance in the west

The project Generation 1975 -- being 14 in the new Germany examines the transformation process after the Wall came down, with feelings of condescension and trauma prevalent in the east. Life plans were destroyed, but positive memories of a childhood in the GDR remain.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·DateNov 7, 2019

World's most comprehensive study of a deadly heart condition yields 1st results

Researchers have developed a comprehensive registry of over 2,750 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, allowing for more accurate predictions of patient risk and identification of best treatments. The study's findings will help doctors better understand the condition and its complexities.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 7, 2019

Sounds of mosquito mating rituals could lead to quieter drones

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that mosquitoes use sound to communicate during mating, which could lead to quieter drones. The study also found that targeting the specific frequency of the sound can disrupt breeding and population growth.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateNov 7, 2019

NASA-NOAA satellite finds Tropical Storm Nakri affecting Kalayaan

Tropical Storm Nakri, known as Quiel in the Philippines, has maintained strength with maximum sustained winds near 60 knots (69 mph/111 kph). The storm is forecast to cross the South China Sea and make landfall in Vietnam on Nov. 12, potentially affecting Kalayaan municipality.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 7, 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.

The medieval Catholic church's influence on psychology of Western, industrialized societies

A study by Jonathan Schultz et al. reveals how the medieval Catholic Church's marriage policies replaced extended kin networks with nuclear households, contributing to increased individualism and less conformity in Western populations. The researchers controlled for variables such as education and income to support their findings.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 7, 2019

$2 million grant will support development of 'magnetic camera'

Researchers will build a quantum mechanical magnetic camera using $2 million grant from NSF, enabling them to capture snapshots of weak magnetic fields emanating from quantum materials. The device aims to reveal intricacies of magnetic interactions and may have industrial applications in quality control and medical diagnostics.

SourceBrown University·DateNov 7, 2019

Study finds sex bias in bird conservation plans

A new study reveals that conservation plans often overlook habitats used by females, putting declining species at greater risk. Researchers found that female birds face a higher threat to their habitats than males, highlighting the need for inclusive conservation strategies.

SourceCornell University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateNov 7, 2019

Stem cell transplants used to grow fully functional lungs in mice

Scientists at Columbia University have successfully grown fully functional lungs in mouse embryos using transplanted stem cells. The innovative technique has shown promising results, suggesting that it may eventually be possible to generate human lungs in animals for transplantation and studying new treatments.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 7, 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.

Researchers find potential new target for treatment of inflammatory disease

A team of researchers from the University of Birmingham has found a potential new target to treat inflammatory disease. They discovered that lactate build-up in inflamed tissue exacerbates the inflammatory response, and molecules involved in transporting sodium lactate could be a target for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 7, 2019

Research reveals potential dangers during skin-to-skin contact for mother and baby following cesarean section birth

Researchers warn of risks in allowing skin-to-skin contact between mothers and newborns after a C-section, as cardiac activity can interfere with electrocardiogram readings. Both cases involved abnormal heart rhythms triggered by the baby's touch on ECG electrodes, highlighting the need for safe protocols.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateNov 7, 2019

Targeted gene modification in animal pathogenic chlamydia

Scientists adapted a genetic tool to modify virulence factors in zoonotic Chlamydia, revealing distinct sets of factors determine host infection and disease. The study sheds light on the molecular mode of action of SinC and IncA, opening new avenues for investigating these pathogens.

SourceUmea University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 7, 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.

Catalyst switching means four become one

Scientists at KAUST have successfully combined four polymers to form a single substance using a novel approach called catalyst switching. This breakthrough could lead to the development of materials with enhanced properties, such as improved energy storage and tissue engineering applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 7, 2019

Study provides insights on the effects of cannabidiol on severe form of epilepsy

A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that cannabidiol may not have a significant antiepileptic effect on seizure frequency in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. However, the interaction between cannabidiol and clobazam could be responsible for the reduction in seizures.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateNov 7, 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.

SwRI demonstrates balloon-based solar observatory

Southwest Research Institute successfully demonstrated a miniature solar observatory on a high-altitude balloon, collecting 75 minutes of solar images. The SwRI Solar Instrument Pointing Platform provides optical precision equivalent to imaging a dime from a mile away, supporting the development of custom solar instruments.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateNov 7, 2019

Neural network fills in data gaps for spatial analysis of chromosomes

A new machine learning method called SNIPER has successfully applied to nine cell lines, providing missing information for how DNA is organized in the cell nucleus. This enables scientists to study differences in spatial organization related to subcompartments across those lines.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2019

Researchers discover how cells know their future and forget their past

Researchers from University of Copenhagen have discovered how stem cells can 'forget' their past and develop into specific cell types. The study reveals that transcription factors play a key role in regulating gene expression, rather than driving cellular development.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2019

Debunking common misperceptions of Asian community health

Research published in Public Relations Review debunks myths about Asian American health, revealing a lack of awareness and reluctance to seek care. Community engagement is crucial for addressing health disparities and promoting participation in healthcare initiatives.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPublic Relations Review·DateNov 7, 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.

Federal funding targets critical need in disability education

The University of Arizona is receiving $2.5 million in federal funding to train students as educational interpreters and teachers for K-12 students with visual impairments. This program aims to address a shortage in these fields, providing opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateNov 6, 2019

Liver-chip identifies drug toxicities in human, rat, and dog models

A new study reveals that the Liver-Chip model can recreate species-specific toxicity responses to known tool and drug compounds, improving safety predictions in humans. The research demonstrates how this platform could help ensure that safe and effective therapeutics are identified sooner.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 6, 2019

Anorexia nervosa comes in all sizes, including plus size

A new study from UCSF finds that adolescents and young adults with plus-size anorexia nervosa are at risk of cardiovascular complications, including slow heart rate and electrolyte imbalances. The study challenges traditional views of anorexia nervosa as solely affecting underweight individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 6, 2019

Earthquake impact can be affected by seasonal factors, historical study shows

Researchers found that a shallow frozen ground layer likely caused more ground failure in the 1911 Kemin earthquake due to its ability to inhibit drainage of pore-pressure excess. The study suggests seismologists should consider seasonality in soil characteristics when making probabilistic liquefaction or ground failure assessments.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateNov 6, 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.

Exceptional fossils may need a breath of air to form

Research by The University of Texas at Austin found that the presence of oxygen is necessary for fossilization, not its absence. Low-oxygen environments helped set the stage for fossilization once oxygen became available, preserving delicate marine specimens from the Early Jurassic period.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPalaios·DateNov 6, 2019

Time in host country -- a risk factor for substance abuse in migrants

A nationwide cohort study of 1.2 million people found that refugees and migrants who stay in their host country for longer are more likely to adopt local alcohol and drug behaviors and access healthcare. The study suggests that acculturative processes may lead to an increased risk of substance use disorders over time.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 6, 2019

Nature might be better than tech at reducing air pollution

Restoring native vegetation could cut air pollution by an average of 27 percent, according to a new study published in Environmental Science & Technology. The research found that nature-based solutions might be cheaper options for cleaning the air near industrial sites and other pollution sources.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 6, 2019

On the way to intelligent microrobots

The Paul Scherrer Institute has developed a micromachine that can perform different actions using magnetic fields. The robot measures only a few micrometres across and can be reprogrammed to flap its wings, hover, turn, or side-slip. This technology is an important step towards micro- and nanorobots that can carry out various tasks.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 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.

The cost of waiting in emergency departments

A new study published in Economic Inquiry reveals that prolonging emergency department wait times increases hospital costs, with moderate and severe cases bearing the brunt of the expenses. The study found a 3-6% cost increase for moderately severe cases and 6% for serious cases.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateNov 6, 2019

Tumor-specific therapy targets ovarian cancer

Nami Therapeutics develops nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, offering increased efficacy and reduced toxicity. The platform selectively targets ovarian cancer metastasis in the peritoneal cavity, improving survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·DateNov 6, 2019

New measurement yields smaller proton radius

Physicists have produced a new value for the proton's radius in an experiment conducted at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, measuring 0.831 fm, smaller than previous results and in agreement with recent muonic atomic spectroscopy results. The new method used electron scattering and novel techniques to improve precision.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 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.