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Science News Archive October 2019


Page 4 of 47

Epidemic of deaths due to heart failure underway in US

Kaiser Permanente research identifies a national trend of increasing deaths due to heart failure among US seniors, with over 647,000 people dying from heart disease in 2017. The study highlights the importance of addressing heart health in older adults as the population continues to age and grow.

Genetic history of endangered Australian songbird could inspire an encore

A genetic study on the critically endangered regent honeyeater found that while genetic diversity remains intact, habitat protection is key to saving the species from extinction. The researchers used DNA samples from museums and wild birds to compare genetic makeup before and after severe population decline.

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.

Immune response against skin-dwelling viruses prevents cancer

Researchers found that commensal papillomaviruses on human skin can induce immunity protecting against squamous cell carcinoma. The presence of these viruses in patients with suppressed immune systems was shown to reduce the risk of skin cancer, suggesting a novel method for prevention using a vaccine to boost the immune system.

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.

What makes the Earth's surface move?

A team of scientists found that two-thirds of the Earth's surface moves faster than the underlying mantle, with the surface dragging the interior. The study suggests that the balance of forces changes over geological time, especially for continents.

Study examines fetal exposure to acetaminophen, risk of childhood ADHD, ASD

A study of nearly 1,000 mother-child pairs found an association between fetal exposure to acetaminophen and increased risk of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The research used umbilical cord blood samples to investigate potential developmental effects.

Crab disease poses threat to shellfish stocks

Researchers found 13.6% of shore crabs infected with Hematodinium parasite, highest rates in spring and male crabs. Environmental DNA analysis revealed early stages of parasite development not present in crabs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

TalTech immunologists develop new leucocyte markers

Researchers at TalTech have identified a new receptor, P2X4, in human eosinophils that plays a key role in the communication between the immune system and nervous system. The discovery has implications for understanding multiple sclerosis and cancerous lesions.

Faster heartbeat helps deer mice to survive at high altitudes

Researchers discovered a genetic variant in the Epas1 gene that enables high-altitude deer mice to survive by increasing their heart rate in response to low oxygen levels. This adaptation is also found in Tibetans living at high altitudes, suggesting potential benefits for long-term survival.

Tumors turn gut 'brain cells' into tumor growth promoters

Enteric glial cells convert into tumor growth promoters when exposed to secretions from colon tumors, regulating important intestinal functions and interacting with cancer stem cells. The study identifies key molecules involved in this process and offers new potential targets for cancer therapies.

Surgeons report that 12-hour shifts improve patient outcomes, lower costs

A study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center found that shortening surgeon shifts from 24 hours to 12 hours resulted in shorter hospital stays and lower overall costs for patients with acute appendicitis. This change also led to faster patient access to the operating room and reduced infection rates.

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.

In blacks with Alzheimer's gene, higher education may be protective

A new study found that higher education may protect against cognitive decline in older non-Hispanic black people with the APOE e4 gene, a major genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study showed that individuals with more than a high school degree performed similarly to non-carriers on memory tests.

Astronomers catch wind rushing out of galaxy

Researchers have made a novel discovery about galactic winds, observing a huge outflow of gas extending far beyond a galaxy. The study's findings provide direct evidence for the role of galactic winds in creating the circumgalactic medium.

How Chlamydia gain access to human cells

Researchers discovered that Chlamydia pneumoniae uses a protein called LIPP to transport phosphatidylserine, normally found on the inner membrane leaflet, to the outer surface of human cells. This transport mechanism helps Chlamydium enter cells more easily and avoids triggering cell death.

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.

Double-sided tape for tissues could replace surgical sutures

A new adhesive developed by MIT engineers can tightly bind tissues such as lungs and intestines within five seconds. The double-sided tape can also be used to attach implantable medical devices to tissues, offering a promising alternative to surgical sutures.

For teens, multitasking makes them feel better -- and worse

A new study finds that adolescents experience mixed feelings about multitasking, with positive emotions increasing feelings of reward and pleasantness, but not reducing subsequent multitasking. Negative emotions have no effect on later actions.

Nanoceramics from the ball mill

Researchers have found a way to produce corundum nanoparticles using simple mechanochemistry in a ball mill, which could lead to more robust and easier-to-manufacture automotive catalysts and ceramics. The production method involves grinding lumps of boehmite in a ball mill for 3 hours and then heating them briefly.

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.

System provides cooling with no electricity

A new system designed by MIT and Chilean researchers uses radiative cooling with an aerogel insulation layer to cool objects by up to 23 degrees Fahrenheit, eliminating the need for electricity. The device blocks incoming sunlight while allowing infrared heat to radiate away into space, achieving significant cooling powers.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

AI reveals nature of RNA-protein interactions

A new AI-powered computational tool, NucleicNet, has been developed to infer RNA-binding properties of proteins. The software provides additional biological insights that could aid in drug design and development, by revealing detailed RNA-binding properties of these proteins.

Lithium ion battery design can charge an electric vehicle in 10 minutes

Researchers have developed a lithium ion battery design that can charge an electric vehicle in just 10 minutes, increasing its driving range. The design uses elevated temperatures to increase reaction rates and keeps the cell cool during discharge, eliminating the risk of lithium plating and improving cycle life.

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.

Malaria pathogen under the X-ray microscope

Scientists used X-ray microscopy to study the digestive process of malaria parasites, revealing that they store hemoglobin in their digestive vacuole. The parasites then crystallize toxic hemozoin molecules, which active compounds may prevent from forming by disrupting their detoxification process.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric puts Latino patients' health at risk

A UCSF study found that anti-immigrant rhetoric from the White House harms Latino patients' perceptions of safety and access to emergency care, with 75% of undocumented immigrants feeling unsafe. The study also showed that patients were afraid to come to the ED for care, delaying treatment by two days on average.

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.

Alongside Ötzi the Iceman: a bounty of ancient mosses and liverworts

A study released in PLOS ONE identified 75 species of mosses and liverworts preserved alongside Ötzi, providing insights into the ancient Alps ecosystem. The bryophyte community around 5,000 years ago was similar to today's, while non-local species confirm Ötzi's route through the Schnalstal valley.

Using probiotics to protect honey bees against fatal disease

Researchers found that probiotic supplementation increased immunity against American Foulbrood and reduced the survival rate of infected bees. The study demonstrated a significant increase in Defensin-1 expression, a key antimicrobial peptide in honey bee defense.

Artificial networks shed light on human face recognition

A new study reveals that human brains process faces in a similar way to artificial intelligence systems, with unique activation patterns playing a key role in recognition. The researchers found parallels between the human visual system and deep neural networks, which can improve face recognition capabilities.

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.

Bionic breakthrough

The Utah Bionic Leg, developed by the University of Utah, enables amputees to walk with more power and better balance. The prosthetic limb features sensors, motors, a computer processor, and artificial intelligence that work together to provide assistance during walking and other activities.

Bundlemers (new polymer units) could transform industries

Researchers created a new fundamental unit of polymers called bundlemers, which can be customized and linked to create rigid, self-assembling chains. These bundles have surprising stiffness and potential applications in industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace.

In one direction or the other: That is how DNA is unwound

A study published in PNAS reveals that DNA helicases unwind the double strand more easily in one direction than the other, with the speed of unwinding depending on the sequence composition of the bases. This discovery has implications for understanding gene expression and the regulation of cellular activities.

Twisted physics

A new study reveals twisted bilayer graphene can exhibit superconducting and insulating regions, increasing its usefulness for electronic devices. The discovery is a significant advance in the emerging field of Twistronics, enabling the creation of materials with high-temperature superconductivity.

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.

Tiny swimming donuts deliver the goods

Researchers created microscopic, 3D-printed tori (donuts) coated with nickel and platinum to mimic biological behavior. These 'micro swimmers' can swim in water, respond to signals, and transport particles, potentially delivering targeted drugs or aiding in micromixing.

Avocados may help manage obesity, prevent diabetes

Researchers have discovered that avocatin B, found only in avocados, counters incomplete oxidation in skeletal muscle and the pancreas, reducing insulin resistance. The study found significant weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in mice fed with a high-fat diet supplemented with AvoB.

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.

Two-legged robot mimics human balance while running and jumping

Researchers at MIT and University of Illinois develop method to control balance in two-legged, teleoperated robot. The approach enables humanoid robots to exert force or push against something without falling, paving the way for high-impact tasks in challenging environments.

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.

Seizures in babies: UVA sheds light on why they have lifelong effects

New research by UVA neonatologist Jennifer Burnsed suggests that seizures caused by inadequate oxygen and blood flow can lead to behavioral issues and learning disabilities later in life. Mapping brain activity during infant seizures may help predict outcomes and inform treatment options.

A plethora of states in magic-angle graphene

Researchers from ICFO have observed a variety of previously unseen superconducting and correlated states in magic-angle graphene, including an entirely new set of magnetic and topological states. The discovery has led to a record-high superconducting transition temperature above 3 kelvin.

Bariatric surgery may not lead to lower health care costs

A Veterans Affairs study found that bariatric surgery did not result in lower healthcare costs for nearly 10,000 veterans over a 10-year period. Despite the benefits of weight loss and improved health, patients required additional treatment for short-term complications, such as nausea and dehydration, which increased costs.