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Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 37


Page 37 of 41

Talk to the hand

Researchers at the University of Missouri found that when a person loses a hand, both 'hand areas' of the brain become dedicated to the remaining healthy hand. Functional MRI scans revealed that the brain reorganizes its neural map and reroutes functions to the remaining hand after deprivation of input from a lost hand.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNeuroImage·DateNov 5, 2019

Why is ice so slippery

A thin layer of liquid water, much thinner than expected, is found to reduce friction on ice, with complex viscoelastic properties. This film's unusual behavior contradicts existing theories and offers new insights into ice gliding and winter sports.

SourceCNRS·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 5, 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.

Weight-loss surgery may counter genetic risk for developing breast cancer

Women with a genetic predisposition for breast cancer were 2.5 times more likely to develop malignancy without weight-loss surgery, but the risk was significantly reduced after bariatric or weight-loss surgery. The study found that weight-loss surgery cut the overall risk of developing cancers linked to obesity by 20 percent.

SourceAmerican Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery·DateNov 5, 2019

Ultrafast quantum motion in a nanoscale trap detected

Scientists have developed a protocol to measure ultrafast electronic dynamics with picosecond resolution, revealing the spatial oscillation of electrons at sub-terahertz frequencies. The detection scheme utilizes a quantum-mechanical resonant state formed beside the trap, providing new insights into nano-electronics and quantum computing.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 5, 2019

Birth control options out of reach for many low-income women

Young, low-income women in Canada are more likely to use no contraception or condoms only, compared to those with higher incomes. The study found that lower household income is associated with decreased use of effective birth control methods and increased risk of unintended pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCMAJ Open·DateNov 5, 2019

Conservatives more likely to support climate policy if they report harm due to extreme weather

A new study finds that conservatives who report personal harm from extreme weather events, such as wildfires or floods, are more likely to support climate change mitigation policies. The study surveyed over 1,600 residents in communities affected by extreme weather events and found a significant link between reported harm and support f...

SourceOregon State University·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateNov 5, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Are students getting enough air?

A recent study found that only 15% of California K-12 classrooms met the recommended ventilation standard, leading to high CO2 levels and thermal discomfort. The researchers recommend improvements such as commissioning, fan operation, filter replacement, and CO2 monitoring to ensure adequate air quality.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateNov 5, 2019

Persistent drizzle at sub-zero temps in Antarctica

Researchers recorded persistent drizzle at temperatures below minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit in Antarctica, with the presence of low concentrations of airborne particles contributing to its formation. The findings have implications for improving the accuracy of climate models in polar regions.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 5, 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.

Scientists studied the reasons for plant extinction in different world regions

A recent study found that plant extinction rates have increased significantly, particularly in biodiversity hotspots, due to human activities such as agriculture and urbanization. The research group also discovered that the extinction rates of perennial herb plants growing in temperate regions are among the most threatened.

SourceUniversity of Tyumen·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 5, 2019

Teen vapers prefer mint flavored e-cigarettes, USC study shows

A new USC study reveals that mint is the most popular flavor among U.S. teens who vape, contradicting previous studies that linked fruit flavors to teen vaping. The findings cast doubt on the effectiveness of JUUL's voluntary product removal and federal regulations aimed at reducing youth vaping.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA·DateNov 5, 2019

Marker reveals if benign-appearing meningiomas are perilous

Researchers discovered a modified protein in benign-appearing meningiomas that can reveal which are truly benign and which are more dangerous. The finding may inform the discovery of drugs to treat these tumors more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 5, 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.

Infectious cancer in mussels spread across the Atlantic

A study published in eLife reveals that an infectious cancer has spread to two different species of mussels on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, likely due to accidental transport on ships. The cancer is believed to have originated from a single mussel with a primary cancer and has since infected multiple species across the globe.

SourceeLife·DateNov 5, 2019

New 'bike helmet' style brain scanner used with children for first time

Researchers have successfully used a new 'bike helmet' style brain scanner with young children for the first time, measuring brain activity during natural activities. The technology enhances Magnetoencephalography (MEG) to study healthy brain function and neurological conditions in children.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 5, 2019

NASA tracking remnants of Tropical Cyclone Matmo

The remnants of Tropical Cyclone Matmo are being monitored by NASA's Aqua satellite for signs of regeneration. Forecasters believe the low-pressure system has developed thunderstorms and is moving north towards Bangladesh.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 5, 2019

When managing a company, less is more

Michigan State University researchers identified key elements of a company's product portfolio and brand strategy that drive success in marketing. The study found that developing high-quality brands within a portfolio and innovating products are critical to maximizing sales and market share.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateNov 5, 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.

World scientists declare climate emergency

A global team of scientists declares a climate emergency, warning of 'untold human suffering' without drastic shifts in human activities contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The declaration outlines six areas of action, including energy conservation, reducing short-lived pollutants, and stabilizing the global population.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBioScience·DateNov 5, 2019

New assessment could identify risks of frailty

Researchers developed a new assessment to identify risks of frailty through blood biomarkers, providing potential solutions for personalized treatment. The study involved analyzing 1191 elderly people and identified 12 metabolites that differentiate between frail and non-frail individuals.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 5, 2019

AI blood test can spot signs of brain tumor to speed up diagnosis

Researchers developed an AI-powered blood test that can spot chemical clues indicative of brain tumors, allowing for quicker diagnoses and improved survival rates. The test, combining infrared spectroscopy with AI analysis, accurately identified 82% of brain tumors in a study of 400 patients.

SourceNational Cancer Research Institute·DateNov 5, 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.

NASA's coating technology could help resolve lunar dust challenge

A new coating technology being tested on the International Space Station has shown promise in reducing electrical charges that can damage spacecraft electronics. The coating, developed using atomic layer deposition, could also help make spacesuits more conductive and reduce lunar dust's electrostatic charge.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 5, 2019

IBR awarded $1.95 million NIH grant to study rare diseases

The Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities has received a $1.95 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support Dr. Gholson Lyon's research on rare human diseases. Dr. Lyon plans to expand his studies on Ogden syndrome and other diseases related to N-terminal acetylation, aiming to better understand ...

SourceNYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities·DateNov 5, 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.

Study shows invasive blue catfish can tolerate high salinities

Researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science have found that blue catfish, an invasive species in Chesapeake Bay tributaries, can survive in waters with high salinity levels. The study suggests that these fish may be able to expand their range into mainstem Chesapeake waters and new Bay tributaries.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 5, 2019

To save biodiversity, scientists suggest 'mega-conservation'

The researchers propose a strategic approach to conservation, focusing on keystone ecosystems that support large numbers of dependent species. This mega-conservation approach has the potential to enhance biodiversity and facilitate effective global-scale conservation efforts.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateNov 5, 2019

Spherical exosomes may deliver what an injured kidney needs

Researchers studying spherical exosomes, tiny cargo-filled spheres that arrive at the scene of acute kidney injury, aim to learn more about their role in repair and restore function. They suspect these exosomes can be controlled to better treat injuries and prevent permanent damage.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateNov 5, 2019

Cooperating may result in better self-driving experience

Researchers argue that using cooperative game theory to model human-drone interactions can lead to better steering angle control and safer lane-change maneuvers. By taking into account human drivers' real-life experience, automated steering technology can achieve better shared control.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateNov 5, 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.

Identical twin kidney transplants warrant gene sequencing, researchers say

Researchers found that identical twin kidney transplants have high success rates, but patients often require immunosuppressive drugs due to misidentification. The study proposes genetic testing and management guidelines for identical twin transplants to minimize side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateNov 5, 2019

Study calculates links between prescription medications and risk for suicide

A new study from UChicago identifies 44 drugs that may prevent suicide attempts, including folic acid and several antidepressants. The research used a statistical tool to analyze data on 922 prescription medications and found that just 10 were associated with an increased rate of suicide attempts.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalHarvard Data Science Review·DateNov 5, 2019

Physical activity may protect against new episodes of depression

A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that increased physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of depression, even among those with a high genetic risk. Individuals who engaged in at least several hours of exercise per week were less likely to be diagnosed with new episodes of depression.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateNov 5, 2019

CBD, THC use during early pregnancy can disrupt fetal development

A new study shows that components of marijuana, including its cannabinoids CBD and THC, can cause brain and facial birth defects in mice when used during the first trimester of pregnancy. The research also found that combining CBs with alcohol increases the likelihood of these birth defects.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 5, 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.

China meets ultra-low emissions in advance of the 2020 goal

China's coal-fired power plants met ultra-low emission (ULE) standards early, reducing annual emissions by 65% for sulfur dioxide and 72% for particulate matter. The country achieved these results thanks to its strict supervision system and nationwide ULE technology application.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 5, 2019

Feast or famine: Scientists find key bio 'switch' that helps cells adapt

Researchers from UNC School of Medicine and Stanford University found that crotonyl marks on histones help cells adapt to low-nutrient conditions by repressing growth genes. This mechanism may be a future target for cancer therapy, as proteins similar to the identified yeast protein are often disrupted in cancers.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 5, 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.

Declaration of a climate emergency and next steps for action

A coalition of scientists argues that too little action has been taken to curb climate change, citing 'profoundly troubling signs' from human activities. The authors propose six key objectives to alleviate climate change, including energy sector reform and a carbon-free economy.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateNov 5, 2019

Black holes sometimes behave like conventional quantum systems

Researchers at Skoltech found that black holes thermalize through the same mechanism as conventional quantum systems, providing insight into quantum gravity. The study confirms the Eigenstate Thermalization Hypothesis in spatially-extended systems, a long-sought proof.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 5, 2019

'Big data' for life sciences

A new co-regulation map of the human proteome has been created, enabling the prediction and assignment of functions to uncharacterized human proteins. The map reveals unexpected partnerships between proteins, including peroxisomal membrane protein PEX11β with mitochondrial respiration factors.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 5, 2019

Zooming into cilia sheds light into blinding diseases

Researchers developed new imaging methods to study retinal cilia, discovering previously unknown compartments and pinpointing protein locations in diseased cilia. These findings contribute to a better understanding of structural defects leading to cilia-related blindness.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2019

Gene-OFF switches tool up synthetic biology

Researchers developed programmable repressor elements that can switch off protein production in response to specific stimuli, enabling sophisticated diagnostic, environmental and biofabrication approaches. The new tools have the potential to improve applications in next-generation diagnostics, environmental reporting and biomanufacturing.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 4, 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.

Increased risk of suicide for teens who visit emergency for self-harm

Youth who self-harmed were five times more likely to have repeat visits to the emergency department and eight times more likely to die from suicide than their non-self-harming peers. Serious mental conditions, including anxiety and substance abuse issues, were common among adolescents with recurrent self-harm hospitalizations.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 4, 2019

Eelgrass acid and resveratrol produced by cell factories for the first time

Researchers demonstrate the production of a wide range of sulfated aromatic compounds, including antifouling agents and pharmaceuticals, using microbial hosts. The process enables the large-scale production of sulfated phenolic compounds, offering potential applications in medicine, nutraceuticals, and other industries.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2019

Rich resources of private schools give pupils educational advantage

A study of over 5,800 pupils found that private school students scored 27% higher in 'facilitating' A-level subjects, with better university access and labor market rewards as a result. The significant resource gap between private and state schools is cited as the primary driver of this academic advantage.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalOxford Review of Education·DateNov 4, 2019

Teens who visit the emergency department for self-harm at increased risk of suicide, repeated self harm

A recent study found that teens who visit emergency departments for self-harm are five times more likely to have repeat visits and three times more likely to die from any cause compared to non-self-harming youth. The study also reveals that these adolescents incur significantly higher health costs over the following five years.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateNov 4, 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.

New approach uses light to stabilize proteins for study

Researchers developed a new technique using light to stabilize proteins for study, allowing scientists to observe how specific proteins contribute to health, development, and disease. The method, called GLIMPSe, involves attaching a short peptide sequence that signals the cell to degrade the protein, which can be controlled using light.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateNov 4, 2019

Preventing smoking -- evidence from urban emergency department patients

Studies found that urban emergency department patients who face unemployment and food insufficiency are more likely to smoke. Socioeconomic stressors also affect the likelihood of smoking among men and women, with certain groups showing different patterns.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalTobacco Use Insights·DateNov 4, 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.

How many NCAA team doctors, trainers are women, men?

A study found that in NCAA teams, more men (73%) than women (27%) held positions as head physicians or athletic trainers. The distribution was most pronounced in Divisions I, II, and III teams, where only 5% of the personnel were women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 4, 2019

Diet and gut microbiome of African megafauna

Researchers studied African megafauna diet and gut microbiome, finding correlations between diet composition and microbiome composition. Seasonal changes in diet and microbiome were observed, with some species exhibiting little variability and others showing significant differences.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019