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Science News Archive October 2019


Page 14 of 47

Young mums more likely to have kids with ADHD

Research from the University of South Australia found that young maternal age at first birth is strongly associated with an increased risk of having a child with ADHD. The study, published in Nature's Scientific Reports, explored the genetic relationship between female reproductive traits and key psychiatric disorders.

Fungi could reduce reliance on fertilizers

A study by University of Leeds researchers found that introducing fungi to wheat can boost nutrient uptake and potentially lead to new, climate-resilient crop varieties. The partnership between wheat and soil fungi could help reduce the use of fertilizers, a major contributor to global carbon emissions.

Bacterial lifestyle alters the evolution of antibiotic resistance

Researchers found that bacteria living in biofilms develop unique adaptations to resist antibiotics, whereas free-floating bacteria become more resistant but vulnerable to other classes of antibiotics. This discovery highlights the importance of studying bacteria in their natural lifestyle.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Achieving quantum supremacy

Researchers used 53 entangled qubits to solve a complex problem that would take 10,000 years on a classical supercomputer. The feat showcases the power of quantum computing and has significant implications for cryptography, machine learning, and materials science.

Embracing sustainable practices would help some winery tasting rooms stand out

Researchers surveyed consumers in the mid-Atlantic region to investigate wine preferences, recycling attitudes, and behaviors. The study found that about 85% of participants were willing to bring empty wine bottles to a winery for recycling. Wineries can attract younger customers by offering sustainable practices, such as recycling and...

Creating a nanospace like no other

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology and the University of Cambridge built a self-assembled nanocage with antiaromatic walls, defying conventional assumptions. The nanospace was tested with guest molecules, showing significant deshielding effects due to the antiaromatic environment.

Health in old age is a lifelong affair

Researchers found that reducing food intake in old mice has little to no beneficial effect on health and lifespan. Implementing reduced food intake early in life and sustaining it until the end of their lives is crucial for improving health in old age.

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.

Rethinking the science of plastic recycling

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and top universities have developed a catalytic method to selectively convert discarded plastics into higher quality products like lubricant oils or waxes. The catalyst converts polyethylene molecules into value-added commercial products with high yield.

Bio-inspired nano-catalyst guides chiral reactions

A team at the University of Michigan developed a new catalyst that selectively produces the correct version of twisted molecules, which are essential for medicines. The catalyst is made from mineral nanoparticles and can work in water, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Bringing attention to visual neglect in stroke

A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Northeastern University received a $1.2M NSF award to develop a BCI system for detecting, assessing, and rehabilitating unilateral spatial neglect in stroke survivors. The system will use EEG monitoring and augmented reality to provide personalized intervention strategies.

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.

New measurement of Hubble constant adds to cosmic mystery

A new measurement of the Hubble constant has been made using light from extremely distant galaxies, estimating a value of 76.8 kilometers per second per megaparsec. The result is comparable to previous estimates but differs significantly from other methods, sparking debate about potential new physics beyond our current understanding.

Cracking the mystery of nature's toughest material

A team of researchers has revealed how nacre, the rainbow-sheened material lining mussel shells, achieves its remarkable hardness and resilience. By studying the nano-engineering process, they found that combining microscopic 'bricks' of aragonite with organic mortar enables strength without losing resilience, setting it apart from hum...

Study provides framework for 1 billion years of green plant evolution

The One Thousand Plant Transcriptomes Initiative reveals the timing of whole genome duplications and the origins of key gene families contributing to fundamental genetic innovations in green plants. The study provides a framework for understanding plant diversity and evolutionary innovations.

Robots can learn how to support teachers in class sessions

Researchers developed a technique that enables robots to autonomously support teachers in educational activities, with benefits for pupils and potential applications in eHealth and assistive robotics. The study showed that robots can learn to provide consistent support in just three hours, improving teacher-pupil interactions.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Bringing policy and law into fight against buffelgrass

Researchers create spatial-human-ecology model to predict interactions between natural and human systems in Pima County. The team aims to provide resource managers with necessary knowledge and tools for proactive management of emerging threats.

Could taking statins prevent dementia, disability?

The National Institute on Aging has funded a major study to examine the benefits and risks of cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins in adults age 75 or older. The trial, called PREVENTABLE, aims to determine whether statin therapy can help prevent dementia and disability in this age group.

Researchers find risk factors for unemployment with multiple sclerosis vary by age

A recent study found that risk factors for unemployment among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) differ by age group. Factors such as physical symptoms, psychological issues, and person-specific traits were identified as contributing to the high unemployment rate among MS patients, with younger and older adults experiencing diffe...

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.

A weapon to make a superbug to become more deadly

A new strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae was discovered in 2017 and found to be resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. A recent study identified an easily transmitted DNA piece that can make this superbug even more deadly and hyper-virulent, posing a significant threat to human health.

Why are bald eagles such great gliders? It's all in the wrist

A new study published in Science Advances sheds light on the evolution of bird flight styles, highlighting the importance of wing flexibility and wrist movement. Researchers found that birds specializing in gliding, like bald eagles, have a restricted ability to extend their elbows but can move their wrists freely.

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.

Swarm of tiny drones explores unknown environments

A joint research team has successfully designed a swarm of tiny drones to explore unknown environments autonomously. The drones use a novel bug algorithm that enables them to navigate back to a base station while avoiding obstacles and detecting victims, showcasing the potential for swarms in search-and-rescue scenarios.

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.

Pathogenic tau and cognitive impairment are precipitated by a high-salt diet

A high-salt diet can cause cognitive impairment by activating a pathway in the brain that leads to tau protein clumping, according to a new study. The researchers found that this effect is not due to a loss in blood flow to the brain, but rather to the accumulation of tau protein aggregates that interfere with brain cell function.

Choosing the best embryos

Researchers from CRCHUM unveiled a mechanism that likely contributes to the low level of pregnancy success in some fertility clinics. Healthy cells usually have one nucleus, but many fertility clinics transfer so-called 'binucleated embryos' with two nuclei back to patients. The study found that binucleation increases the chances of an...

Study fingers new player in cancer immunity

Researchers found that disrupting the PTPN2 gene boosts anti-tumor immunity, enabling cancer clearance in animal models. Deleting the gene stimulates production and fitness of T-killer cells, which are critical in warding off tumors.

UTSA study warns of security gaps in smart light bulbs

A new study by UTSA researchers reveals that popular smart light brands have significant security holes, including infrared capabilities that can be exploited by hackers. The study warns that smart bulbs could become a prime target for hackers, posing a risk to consumers' personal information.

Stressing cancer with spice

A new study reveals that PGV-1, an analogue of turmeric's curcumin, effectively suppresses tumor cell growth and causes cell death in various types of cancers. The compound's ability to selectively target cancer cells with minimal side effects may lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

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.

Why, sometimes, we don't see what we actually saw

Researchers found that the brain's inability to process information quickly enough can lead to a bottleneck in visual processing, resulting in missed stimuli. By reducing interference between feedforward and feedback signals, they observed improved detection and categorization performance.

Driverless cars could lead to more traffic congestion

New research from the University of Adelaide predicts that driverless cars could increase traffic congestion in Australia's City of Adelaide. The study, which surveyed over 500 commuters, found that autonomous vehicles may lead to an adverse impact on public transport, causing peak period vehicle flows to rise.

Magnets sustainably separate mixtures of rare earth metals

Researchers developed a new method to separate mixtures of rare earth metals using magnetic fields, achieving a doubling in separation performance. This breakthrough has potential applications for recycling and can help address geopolitical and climate issues associated with rare earth mining and recycling.

Pacifier biosensor could help monitor newborn health

Researchers have developed a pacifier-based biosensor that tracks real-time glucose levels in saliva, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of newborns. The device could help diagnose and treat diabetes in infants, providing an alternative to continuous glucose monitoring currently only available in hospitals.

Too many older adults readmitted to hospitals with same infections they took home

A University of Michigan study found that 15% of older adults readmitted to hospitals within a month after discharge, with many returning for preexisting infections. Patients discharged home or to home care were more likely to return with linked infections than those discharged to skilled nursing homes, contradicting conventional wisdom.

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.

Emory researchers to use $15 million NIAID contract to fight influenza

Emory researchers have secured a $15.89 million NIAID contract to test the antiviral drug EIDD-2801 in human trials. The goal is to develop a better drug against influenza, which kills an average of 20,000 people annually in the US. EIDD-2801 has shown promising results in animal models and is effective against multiple RNA-based viruses.

Special cells contribute to regenerate the heart in Zebrafish

Researchers identify a specific subset of cardiomyocytes with enhanced regenerative capacity in zebrafish, which differ from other myocardial cells in gene expression profile. This discovery could provide new insights into human heart regeneration and potentially stimulate the repair process.

Newly discovered protein is the permit to the powerhouse of cells

Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina discover a protein P17/PERMIT that regulates mitochondrial function and could be a connection between age-related diseases. The protein helps recycle aging mitochondria, which can contribute to conditions like cancer and Alzheimer's.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The sweet taste of innovation

A new US food-labeling policy will require packaging to display the amount of added sugars and their daily value. Food companies are developing low- or no-calorie sweeteners, such as allulose, which promises to deliver sugar properties with one-tenth the calories.

Mapping international drug use through the world's largest wastewater study

A seven-year project analyzing sewage samples from 60 million people worldwide shows a worrying trend of drug use globally, with cocaine levels increasing by nearly 13% over five years. Methamphetamine use was particularly high in Australia and North America, linked to health conditions such as mental disorders and domestic violence.

A possible gut-brain connection to 'chemo brain'

Scientists at Ohio State University are studying the potential link between chemotherapy treatment and cognitive problems in patients. Researchers have found that manipulating gut bacteria in mice before chemo may partially reverse side effects such as fatigue and weight loss.

Mayo Clinic studies patient privacy in MRI research

A Mayo Clinic study reveals that commercial facial recognition software can accurately identify people from brain MRI scans, even with image face removal. The study found an 83% success rate in identifying participants using publicly available facial recognition software.

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.

Mapping millet genetics

Researchers have generated genetic resources for three different varieties of millets, which can lead to the development of new crop varieties. The study's findings uncover tiny differences in DNA sequences that may be connected to characteristics like drought tolerance and growth rate.

Women scientists author fewer invited commentaries in medical journals than men

A recent study found that women scientists are 21% less likely to author invited commentaries in medical journals compared to their male peers. The disparity grows as women progress in their careers, reaching up to 40% for the most senior authors. This lack of diversity in perspectives can hamper health research progress.

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.

New center to replace oil and gas with sustainable chemistry

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen are establishing a new center to study catalysis on high-entropy alloys, aiming to develop sustainable chemistry alternatives. The project aims to identify materials capable of combining carbon and oxygen-containing molecules to produce valuable chemicals.

BU researchers accurately estimate the sex of skeletons based on elbow features

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have found that examining the distal humerus (elbow) bone is superior to previous techniques for identifying sex in a non-Asian population. The study used over 600 modern, documented skeletons from Thailand and found that the shape of the elbow differs between females and males.

Clues to improve cancer immunotherapy revealed

A new study reveals that helper T cells play a vital role in cancer immunotherapy, and activating them alongside killer T cells can lead to more effective treatments. The research suggests that combining immune checkpoint therapy with vaccines targeting both types of T cells may be the key to improving treatment outcomes for patients

Drug combination reverses hypersensitivity to noise

Researchers have identified two brain circuits that help tune out distracting sensory information and found a way to reverse noise hypersensitivity in mice by boosting the activity of those circuits. Targeting both circuits is more effective than treating either one alone, suggesting a new approach to treating neurological disorders.

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.