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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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.