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Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 8


Page 8 of 41
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.

Toxicity of crumb rubber from artificial turf

Researchers exposed chicken embryos to pollutants in crumb rubber, leading to mass loss and developmental issues, as well as gene dysregulation. The findings suggest a need to reassess the potential toxicity of crumb rubber used in playgrounds and athletic fields.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

Environmental enrichment corrects errors in brain development

Research in mice found that environmental enrichment can partially correct mis-mapped neurons in the visual pathway, leading to vision issues in adulthood. Mice raised in enriched environments showed less mapping errors than those in standard cages.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateNov 25, 2019

Screen time patterns of kids

A study analyzed nearly 3,900 children's screen time use and its association with parental education levels and child sex. The findings highlight the importance of considering sociodemographic characteristics when examining screen time patterns.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 25, 2019

Newly discovered immune cells contribute to toxic shock

MAIT cells play a key role in group A streptococcal toxic shock, producing large amounts of cytokines that cause over-reaction. The discovery has potential implications for diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening conditions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 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.

Russian influence on US Twitter users

Researchers analyzed tweets from 1,239 Republicans and Democrats to find no evidence that Russian trolls significantly influenced ideology or attitudes. The study suggests IRA accounts may not have polarized the US public due to interacting with highly polarized individuals.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

Periodontal disease: Patent for new treatment method

Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed biodegradable rods containing an antibiotic to treat periodontal disease, reducing side effects and inflammation. The innovative treatment uses a combination of minocycline and magnesium stearate, releasing the antibiotic slowly and locally in the mouth.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateNov 25, 2019

Gut microbes alter characteristics of norovirus infection

Researchers found that normal gut bacteria boost norovirus severity in the lower small intestine but block it in the upper small intestine. The study suggests manipulating the gut environment through bile acids or microbiome could stimulate the immune system to shut down norovirus infection.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 25, 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.

Coated seeds may enable agriculture on marginal lands

Researchers have developed coated seeds that can grow in salty soils by providing a protective coating and fertilizer-generating microbes. These seeds showed improved health and growth compared to untreated seeds in unproductive soil fields.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

Why cigarettes initially feel disgusting and how this could help smokers quit

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered the brain cells responsible for nicotine aversion in mice, paving the way for new treatments to help smokers quit. The study found that dopamine neurons signal reward and GABA neurons signal aversion in the ventral tegmental area.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

Cellular origins of pediatric brain tumors identified

A research team identified that several types of highly aggressive pediatric brain tumors originate from stalled development of progenitor cells in the pons and forebrain. The findings represent a significant advance in understanding these diseases, which are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 25, 2019

Global health viewpoint: Poor data prevent accurate measurement of UN goals

A global health viewpoint emphasizes the need for accurate data to measure progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The lack of data in low- and middle-income countries, combined with inconsistent international standards, is hindering efforts to track progress.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateNov 25, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ocean deoxygenation and nitrogen cycle

Researchers discovered that lower dissolved oxygen levels trigger a shift in the marine nitrogen cycle, with ammonium replacing nitrate as the main fixed nitrogen component. This change indicates a significant biogeochemical vulnerability to ocean deoxygenation, potentially affecting nutrient availability.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

Air pollution linked to higher glaucoma risk

A new UCL-led study found that living in a more polluted area is associated with a greater likelihood of having glaucoma, a debilitating eye condition that can cause blindness. People in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter pollution were 6% more likely to report having glaucoma than those in less-polluted areas.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateNov 25, 2019

Cells study helping to crack the code to Alzheimer's disease

A Monash University study has made key discoveries into the role of gene expression in individual cell types of the brain, contributing to Alzheimer's disease. The research highlights the importance of understanding non-neuronal cells in treating this devastating condition.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 25, 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.

New study looks to biological enzymes as source of hydrogen fuel

Researchers have made breakthrough in recreating nature's efficient machinery for generating hydrogen gas using biological enzymes. The study focuses on iron-iron hydrogenase enzyme, which is faster and more efficient than current industrial process.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

Konstanz-based CRC 969 to receive additional funding

The University of Konstanz's Collaborative Research Centre 969 will continue its research in cellular proteostasis with a new funding period starting January 2020. The centre will focus on studying complex processes and networks of proteostasis, developing new techniques to make these processes visible and controllable.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·DateNov 25, 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.

New discovery in C. difficile biology could lead to treatments for dangerous infections

A new study published in Nature Microbiology has discovered that epigenetic chemical modifications play a crucial role in the survival and spread of C. difficile bacteria. The research found that inhibiting these modifications can reduce bacterial populations by up to 100 times, paving the way for potential treatments for this deadly i...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 25, 2019

High amounts of screen time begin as early as infancy, NIH study suggests

Children's daily screen time increased significantly from age 12 months to 3 years, with an average of 150 minutes per day at 3 years. Higher levels of parental education and being born to first-time mothers were associated with higher screen time.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 25, 2019

Anchored by a dense neighborhood: What stops cells from going astray

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have found that cells can attach to the fibrous protein meshwork surrounding them only if the fibres are spaced close enough. This finding has implications for understanding abnormal motility patterns in cancer cells and could lead to the development of new therapeutic targets.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 25, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

NASA spots first tropical cyclone of Southern Pacific season

Tropical Cyclone Rita formed on Nov. 24 as a tropical storm and was analyzed by NASA's Aqua satellite using infrared light for temperature data. MODIS found powerful thunderstorms circling its center with cold cloud top temperatures indicating strong storms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 25, 2019

Tree maladaptation to current climates

A study on valley oak found that populations grow faster at cooler temperatures, suggesting the need for new conservation methods to mitigate warming temperature effects. Selecting seed sources based on genotype may alleviate declining growth rates.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

Researchers reach milestone in quantum standardization

Cycle benchmarking provides a solution to compare the capabilities of quantum processors across different architectures and applications. Researchers have made significant progress in characterizing errors in quantum systems, paving the way for establishing universal standards for measuring quantum computer performance.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 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.

Changes in oxygen concentrations in our ocean can disrupt fundamental biological cycles

Researchers found that a decline in ocean oxygen can break down feedback mechanisms controlling the marine nitrogen cycle, which is essential for all forms of life. The team used a data-constrained earth system model to show that extreme deoxygenation can lead to a collapse of the ocean's bioavailable nitrogen inventory.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

A missing link in haze formation

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania has discovered a crucial link between alcohol molecules and haze formation. Alcohols like methanol reduce particle formation by consuming sulfur trioxide, converting it to more sticky compounds that promote growth.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 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.

Hops compounds help with metabolic syndrome while reducing microbiome diversity

Researchers found that xanthohumol and its derivatives can decrease microbiome diversity while reducing inflammation and improving energy metabolism in laboratory animals with high-fat diets. The study suggests that hops compounds may help combat metabolic syndrome by altering bile acid metabolism and changing gut microbiota.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateNov 25, 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.

Using gene scissors to detect diseases

A team of scientists at the University of Freiburg has created a microfluidic chip that recognizes small RNA fragments, enabling faster and more precise disease diagnosis. The CRISPR biosensor can detect increased levels of miRNA in blood samples from patients with brain tumors.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 25, 2019

Encouraging normal liver cells to fight cancer

Researchers discover that non-cancerous liver cells around tumors have the capacity to kill nearby tumor cells when hyperactivated, leading to reduced tumor burden and longer survival in mice. The study identifies YAP and TAZ genes as driving this anti-tumor mechanism.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalScience·DateNov 25, 2019

NASA's Webb to unveil the secrets of nearby dwarf galaxies

The James Webb Space Telescope will study dwarf galaxy companions to the Milky Way and Andromeda, gaining insights into galaxy formation and dark matter. By measuring star motions, researchers hope to determine if some galaxies are grouped in a flat plane, which would have significant implications for understanding their formation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 25, 2019

New approach to treating incurable leukemia in children discovered

Researchers at the University of Zurich have identified a new target for treating incurable leukemia in children by analyzing the molecular causes of the disease. They found that an abnormal protein activates genes at the wrong time, triggering the formation of malignant white blood cells and causing leukemia.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 25, 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.

A new world map rates food sustainability for countries across the globe

A new global map assesses the sustainability of food systems, considering factors beyond productivity and nutrition. The study identifies knowledge gaps and provides a standardized framework for measuring food system sustainability.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalScientific Data·DateNov 25, 2019

Drag can lift birds to new heights, Stanford researchers find

Researchers at Stanford University found that birds utilize drag to support their body weight during takeoff, employing lift as a brake in landings. This new understanding challenges conventional wisdom about the role of drag and lift in flight.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2019

MRI reveals brain damage in obese teens

Researchers found brain damage in obese adolescents related to inflammation, particularly in regions controlling appetite and emotions. The study used MRI to track white matter damage and correlated it with inflammatory markers such as leptin and insulin.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 25, 2019

Meeting the challenges facing fisheries climate risk insurance

The world's first 'Fisheries Index Insurance' scheme aims to protect Caribbean fishing communities from extreme weather events. However, policymakers must complement climate risk insurance with adaptations actions in coastal ecosystems to ensure its effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 25, 2019

Not all changeups are created equal; seam shifted wake baffles hitters

Researchers studied the effects of a baseball's wake on its movement towards home plate. A stable seam position can create a pressure gradient that forces the ball downward or upward, left or right. The study highlights the potential for pitchers to manipulate the ball's trajectory and speed using this technique.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 24, 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.

Otago scientist excavates medieval Uzbek cemetery

A bioarcheologist excavated a medieval Uzbek cemetery, discovering evidence of degenerative joint disease and healed fractures that suggest a heavy workload and level of care within the community. The dig site provides insight into how people adapted to harsh desert environments and interacted with other communities along trade routes.

SourceUniversity of Otago·DateNov 24, 2019

Cancer patients are at higher risk of dying from heart disease and stroke

A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that over one in ten cancer patients die from cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. The study analyzed data from over 3.2 million US patients diagnosed with cancer between 1973 and 2012, revealing that certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate ca...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 24, 2019

Scratching the surface of perovskites

Researchers at OIST have characterized the structural defects that prompt ion movement in perovskite materials, which can destabilize the device. The study's findings may inform future engineering approaches to improve perovskite solar cells' performance and stability.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 24, 2019

Communities must band together to protect against bushfires

A new study by the University of South Australia found a significant disconnect between individual bushfire preparedness and community-level protection plans. To mitigate this risk, communities must band together to ensure everyone is informed and prepared for bushfires, including those living in peri-urban areas.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalGeoforum·DateNov 24, 2019

NUS researchers create new metallic material for flexible soft robots

The NUS researchers developed a novel metal-based material using platinum and burnt paper, which is half as light as paper and can withstand temperatures up to 800°C. This material enables the creation of flexible and lightweight prosthetic limbs with real-time strain sensing capabilities.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalScience Robotics·DateNov 24, 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.

'Magic bullet' takes aim at pancreatic cancer

Researchers at the University of South Australia are developing a new radioimmunotherapy agent to target and kill pancreatic cancer cells, potentially minimizing side effects. The treatment uses alpha particles to deposit energy inside cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue intact.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateNov 24, 2019

Heating techniques could improve treatment of macular degeneration

Researchers suggest a thermally induced fluid mixing approach could improve the delivery of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents to target tissue. This technique may reduce the amount of drug injected into the vitreous and increase effective treatment outcomes for patients with macular degeneration.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 23, 2019

Shaking head to get rid of water in ears could cause brain damage

Researchers at Cornell University and Virginia Tech found that shaking the head to free trapped water in the ear canal can cause brain damage in small children, due to acceleration of up to 10 times gravity. A solution using liquids with lower surface tension, such as alcohol or vinegar, may help remove water without causing harm

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 23, 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.