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Science News Archive October 2019


Page 1 of 47

Heavy smoking causes faces to look older

A study published in PLOS Genetics found that heavy smoking causes faces to look older due to accelerated facial aging. Researchers also identified a higher risk of poor lung function and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among smokers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 31, 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.

Status of proteins housing DNA controls how cells maintain identity

New study confirms that mechanisms preserving cell identity are based on how DNA is packaged, with histone modifications playing a key role. Chemical changes to histones determine whether chromatin regions are open or compacted, influencing gene expression and cell behavior.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateOct 31, 2019

Disruptions of salesperson-customer relationships. Is that always bad?

Researchers found that sales relationship disruptions can lead to increased new sale revenue and decreased resale revenue, with total revenue increases ranging from 28.9% to 41.1% in favorable conditions. The study suggests prioritizing efforts on customers subject to a disruption and selecting activities to retain or expand business.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 31, 2019

Study aims at boosting antitumoral activity of compound extracted from an Amazon plant

Researchers in Brazil have successfully developed a modified strain of Uncaria guianensis, a medicinal plant native to the Amazon Rainforest. By modifying its alkaloid production using 'precursor-directed biosynthesis,' the team was able to create more potent chemicals with enhanced therapeutic effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 31, 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.

Immune system targets vitamin B12 pathway to neutralize bacteria

Researchers discovered that itaconate, a compound produced by the immune system, tricks Mtb into using propionate as a growth source. This reaction produces a stable biradical that lingers for over an hour, enabling researchers to grow crystals of the enzyme and understand its mechanism.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 2019

New technique lets researchers map strain in next-gen solar cells

Scientists visualize grain structure of perovskite crystals without damaging solar cells, revealing misorientation as primary contributor to strain buildup. The discovery enables researchers to explore strategies to reduce or eliminate non-radiative recombination, a major efficiency-dampening factor in next-gen solar cells.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJoule·DateOct 31, 2019

Disease-causing protein in cystic fibrosis has ancient roots in sea lamprey

Researchers have identified the oldest known ortholog of the ion channel defective in cystic fibrosis, found in ancient sea lampreys approximately 450 million years ago. The protein diverges significantly from its human counterpart and has unique functional properties, suggesting a distinct evolutionary history.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 31, 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.

People with autism have a more symmetrical brain

A large-scale study found that people with autism spectrum disorder have less brain asymmetry, particularly in cortical thickness. The findings suggest altered development of the brain's left-right axis is involved in autism, affecting widespread brain regions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2019

High levels of two hormones in the blood raise prostate cancer risk

A large study of over 200,000 men found that high levels of 'free' testosterone and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. The research suggests that these hormones could be modified to reduce prostate cancer risk, taking us a step closer to strategies for prevention.

SourceNational Cancer Research Institute·DateOct 31, 2019

Cocktail proves toxic to leukemia cells

Researchers at Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a combination of drugs that target mitochondria can selectively kill leukemia cells while leaving healthy blood cells unaffected. This breakthrough could lead to more effective personalized treatment for patients with leukemia.

SourceRice University·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateOct 31, 2019

Researchers find new signaling systems in human cells

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have identified five new GPCRs activated by 17 peptide ligands, expanding the known peptide-GPCR network. This discovery has high translational potential as therapeutic targets for various diseases, including genetic, nervous system, and neoplastic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell·DateOct 31, 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.

Scientists tame Josephson vortices

Researchers from MIPT Laboratory of Topological Quantum Phenomena discovered a way to locally control and manipulate Josephson vortices using a magnetic force microscope. This breakthrough enables the creation of future superconducting quantum computing machines.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2019

A new ranavirus threatens US amphibian diversity

A new chimeric ranavirus, RCV-Z2, discovered in North America has the potential to decimate tadpole populations quickly through multiple transmission pathways. The virus can spread efficiently through direct contact, necrophagy, and waterborne transmission.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·JournalEcological Modelling·DateOct 31, 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.

Unlocking the black box of embryonic development

A team of international scientists has developed a new method for culturing primate embryos in the lab, allowing them to study early developmental processes for the first time. The breakthrough provides valuable insight into embryonic development and potentially informs approaches to advance regenerative medicine in humans.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 2019

Bound by blood

A study by researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that vampire bats form lasting social bonds, even when released back into the wild. The bats' social networks were tracked using miniaturized computers weighing less than a penny, showing daily changes in their relationships.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Discovery may help derail Parkinson's 'runaway train'

Researchers have identified a new enzyme that inhibits the LRRK2 pathway, which is responsible for most genetic cases of Parkinson's disease. The discovery provides hope for developing new treatments and suggests that the enzyme could benefit all individuals, regardless of whether they have Parkinson's or not.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·DateOct 31, 2019

Palestinian farmers benefit from Birmingham water technology project

University of Birmingham scientists developed an off-grid desalination system powered by solar energy to combat water shortages in the Jordan Valley. The prototype, built from affordable parts, can recover up to 80% of salinized water for irrigation purposes.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalDESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT·DateOct 31, 2019

Adults in lower walkability neighborhoods found to have a higher predicted cardiovascular risk

A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that living in less walkable neighborhoods is associated with a higher predicted 10-year cardiovascular risk, up to 33% higher than in the most walkable areas. Individuals in these neighborhoods also experience higher blood pressure and increased odds of prior diabetes diagnosis.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 31, 2019

Fishery in Lake Shinji, Japan, collapsed 1 year after neonicotinoid use

A study by Masumi Yamamuro and colleagues found that neonicotinoid pesticide use led to a 83% decrease in average springtime zooplankton biomass, causing the collapse of two commercial fisheries on Lake Shinji. The impact was felt throughout the aquatic food chain, with smelt harvests plummeting from 240 tons to 22 tons in just one year.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 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.

Even 'Goldilocks' exoplanets need a well-behaved star

Astronomers refine search for potentially habitable planets by modeling stellar activity and its effect on planetary magnetic fields. Researchers estimate that some exoplanets could lose their atmospheres in as little as 100 million years due to intense radiation from their stars.

SourceRice University·DateOct 31, 2019

Study results may provide a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a link between the brain's extracellular matrix and Alzheimer's disease, finding that elastin-like polypeptides increase amyloid-beta peptide accumulation in cell and animal models. This discovery offers new insights into the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 31, 2019

Simple injection of air proves successful in releasing child's tongue trapped in bottle, inspired by opening a wine bottle

A new technique using air injection has been shown to be effective in releasing a tongue trapped in a bottle, with no need for general anaesthesia or invasive procedures. This method was inspired by the author's experience opening a wine bottle and involved injecting air into the bottle to produce positive pressure.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateOct 31, 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.

Are we 'brainwashed' during sleep?

Researchers at Boston University have made the first-ever images of cerebrospinal fluid washing in and out of the brain during sleep. The study shows that CSF pulses in rhythmic waves, closely tied to brain wave activity and blood flow, which could provide insights into age-related impairments and neurological disorders.

SourceBoston University·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Milk from teeth: Dental stem cells can generate milk-producing cells

Researchers have discovered that dental epithelial stem cells from young mice can regenerate mammary glands and produce milk-producing cells. This breakthrough highlights the exceptional plasticity of these stem cells, which can generate not only dental tissues but also other cell populations.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCells·DateOct 31, 2019

'Fungal feature tracker' could accelerate mycology research

A new software tool called Fungal Feature Tracker can analyze images of filamentous fungi to quantify their spores, branch networks and growth patterns, enabling faster data collection than traditional manual techniques. This advancement could improve our understanding of fungal biology and morphology.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 31, 2019

Measles virus infection destroys immune system memory

A recent study published in Science reveals that measles virus infection can eliminate up to 73% of a child's protective antibodies, rendering them defenseless against other viruses. The discovery underscores the importance of widespread vaccination and highlights the potential consequences of measles infection on the immune system.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 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.

1,100 plants examined in massive, 9-year genomic diversity study

A global collaboration of scientists has examined the diversification of plant species, genes and genomes across 1 billion years. The study, published in Nature, involved 200 researchers from over 30 countries, including University of Tennessee faculty members C. Neal Stewart Jr. and Ed Schilling.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 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.

HVTN study confirms correlates of risk associated with decrease in HIV transmission

A recent HVTN study found that antibody-mediated and cellular-mediated immune responses correlate with a decrease in HIV transmission. The study demonstrated that measuring both types of immune responses can predict the transmission of HIV, providing new insights into potential correlates of protection (CoP).

SourceHIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 31, 2019

Zoo animal research skewed towards 'popular' species

Research on zoo animals reveals a bias towards 'popular' mammal species, such as chimpanzees, with globally more fish and birds in zoos. The study suggests that zoos offer unique opportunities to study underrepresented species, contributing valuable insights into animal health, conservation, and welfare.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPalgrave Communications·DateOct 31, 2019

Malaria parasite lives on the edge

The malaria parasite expresses genes for proteins needed in later stages using two separate schemes of translational repression, which could be exploited to fight the disease. Researchers identified two programs that operate simultaneously and independently, allowing the parasite to quickly respond to changes in its environment.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 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.

Evading Heisenberg isn't easy

Researchers at EPFL have found unexpected constraints on the achievable sensitivity of measurements, even with backaction-evading techniques. Tiny deviations in optical and mechanical frequencies can cause mechanical oscillations to amplify out of control, affecting quantum sensors and applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review X·DateOct 31, 2019

Mimicking body's circulatory AC could keep airplanes, cars and computers cooler

Drexel researchers developed a computational platform that can quickly produce designs for 3D printing carbon-fiber composite materials with an internal vasculature optimized for active-cooling. Microvascular composites offer many advantages over existing liquid and air-cooling systems, including being much lighter and durable.

SourceDrexel University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateOct 31, 2019

Molecular gatekeepers that regulate calcium ions key to muscle function

Researchers have identified a crucial protein that regulates calcium ions in muscles, revealing its importance in maintaining healthy muscle function. The protein, mitochondrial calcium uptake1 (MICU1), helps balance calcium levels in the mitochondria, and its loss leads to muscle weakness, fatigue, and damage.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 31, 2019

Screening tool administered in pediatric ER accurately gauges suicide risk

A two-minute questionnaire has been shown to identify over 2,000 patients who may benefit from mental health treatment and resources. The tool, known as the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ), was implemented in pediatric ERs six years ago and has since become a standard of care.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 31, 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.

Shedding new light on the charging of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new mechanism to speed up lithium-ion battery charging using concentrated light. By exposing the cathode to white light, the charging time is reduced by a factor of two without degrading battery performance.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2019

WFIRST will add pieces to the dark matter puzzle

WFIRST's wide-field surveys will study galaxy distributions and dark matter effects, providing new insight into its fundamental nature. The mission aims to fill gaps in understanding dark matter, tracing its role in galaxy formation and evolution.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 31, 2019

Electrifying science: New study describes conduction through proteins

Researchers discovered enzymes can efficiently conduct electricity under proper conditions, enabling new innovations in medical diagnostics and DNA sequencing. The study's findings could lead to the development of biological parallel processors and revolutionize the field of nanotechnology.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 31, 2019

Why music makes us feel, according to AI

Researchers used AI to analyze brain activity and physical responses while listening to music, finding that dynamic variability, new instruments, and complexity levels stimulate emotional responses. The study also found a correlation between specific musical notes and emotions.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateOct 31, 2019