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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 15


Page 15 of 47

Turning plastic trash into treasure

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new catalytic method to upcycle single-use plastics into high-quality liquid products, such as motor oils, lubricants, and cosmetics. This breakthrough improves current recycling methods, producing fewer greenhouse gases and toxic byproducts, while contributing to a circular economy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 23, 2019

The long arm of childhood conditions

A new IIASA study found that childhood socioeconomic conditions play a significant role in determining health satisfaction in adults. The study's results indicate that policies to mitigate early disadvantages are crucial for improving health outcomes.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 23, 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.

Building blocks of all life gain new understanding

A new study on an enzyme crucial for photosynthesis has uncovered a structural understanding of how light activates chlorophyll synthesis. The researchers discovered how the enzyme captures light and channels it to drive a biological reaction, paving the way for bioengineering artificial light-activated enzymes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateOct 23, 2019

Increasing Google searches for marijuana chemical component CBD

A study analyzing Google searches from 2004 to 2019 found significant increases in interest for CBD, a chemical component of marijuana, with substantial growth in search volumes between 2017 and 2018. The researchers urge attention to CBD as a public health priority to understand its use and potential effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 23, 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.

Study examines first use of flavored tobacco products

A nationwide study of over 38,400 participants found a link between using flavored tobacco products for the first time and subsequent continued use. The findings suggest that flavored tobacco products may pose a significant public health risk, particularly among young adults.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 23, 2019

Dartmouth-Hitchcock, West Health to create rural geriatric ED

The collaboration aims to develop and implement protocols, resources, and specialized care areas for geriatric emergency care in rural hospitals. The project will evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine in extending the reach of a geriatric emergency department to rural facilities.

SourceDartmouth Health·DateOct 23, 2019

By popular demand

Researchers developed an algorithm to recommend tags for social media posts, resulting in a 20% boost in popularity. The system takes into account user popularity and content emotional impressions to suggest effective tags.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·DateOct 23, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pathogens from the sea

Researchers identified specialized 'adventurer' cells in Vibrio parahaemolyticus that facilitate its dissemination and prevalence. These cells enable the bacterium to colonize new habitats and spread disease globally.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateOct 23, 2019

Antibiotics with novel mechanism of action discovered

Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered a new family of synthetic antibiotics that target essential outer membrane proteins in Gram-negative bacteria, disrupting their synthesis and leading to cell bursting.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 23, 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.

Turning wood into pharmaceutical ingredients

Researchers have developed a method to produce pharmaceutical ingredients from woodchips, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. The process utilizes lignin, a component of wood, to synthesize potential drug candidates with promising antibacterial and anticancer activity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 23, 2019

A single, master switch for sugar levels?

Researchers identified a single glucose-sensing neuron that controls insulin and glucagon hormone balance in flies, maintaining ideal glucose homeostasis. Silencing this neuron led to hyperglycemia, similar to diabetes in humans, supporting its critical role in regulating sugar levels.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature·DateOct 23, 2019

Strategies of a honey bee virus

Scientists analyzed the virus' course of action and discovered how it captures host ribosomes using a structured RNA sequence called IRES. This finding advances research into feeding bees RNA molecules that interfere with the virus's RNA, potentially offering a solution to Colony Collapse Disorder.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 23, 2019

AcuraStem triggers $3M phase II Fast Track SBIR Grant

AcuraStem has secured a $3 million Phase II funding for its AS-1 Program, a lead small molecule program targeting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The award allows the company to accelerate the AS-1 program and expand its iNeuroRx technology platform.

SourceAcuraStem, Inc.·DateOct 23, 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.

Artificial intelligence system gives fashion advice

A University of Texas at Austin team developed an AI system named Fashion++ that analyzes outfits and suggests tweaks for a more fashionable look. The tool uses visual recognition systems to consider color, pattern, texture, and shape, offering alternative outfits to users.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateOct 23, 2019

Are humans changing animal genetic diversity worldwide?

Researchers at McGill University found that human activities are altering genetic variation in thousands of animal species, including birds, fish, insects, and mammals. The loss of genetic diversity may hinder species' ability to adapt to changing environments, potentially leading to extinctions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEcology Letters·DateOct 22, 2019

IQSEC1 gene mutations cause new intellectual disability syndrome

Researchers identified a new neurological syndrome caused by IQSEC1 gene mutations, affecting five patients from consanguineous families in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The study used fruit flies and mice to demonstrate that defective IQSEC1 proteins contribute to intellectual disability and neural development defects.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 22, 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.

English proficiency associated with hospital revisits, readmissions

A study published in JAMA found that patients with limited English proficiency are more likely to experience hospital readmissions and return emergency department visits. The observational study examined two Toronto hospitals and found that those with limited proficiency were more prone to complications and required additional care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 22, 2019

Neural network technique identifies mechanisms of ferroelectric switching

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence technique that uses deep neural networks to analyze data from experiments on nanoscale ferroelectrics. This method has identified geometrically-driven differences in ferroelectric domain switching, providing new insights into the mechanisms of ferroelectric switching.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2019

Fish pass 'hot genes' onto their grandchildren

Researchers found that fish can pass on heat-tolerant genes to their children and grandchildren, allowing them to cope with warmer waters. This adaptation could help coral reef fish populations survive projected ocean warming of up to three degrees Celsius.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateOct 22, 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.

Study shows how circulating tumor cells target distant organs

A USC study reveals that circulating tumor cells have a unique molecular signature that predicts specific organ targets, such as the brain. The discovery provides potential treatment targets to prevent cancer spread and improves detection and monitoring methods.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 22, 2019

World first study with drone cameras now separates living from the dead

Researchers have developed a computer vision system that can distinguish between survivors and deceased bodies from 4-8 meters away. Using cardiopulmonary motion, the technology detects tiny chest cavity movements indicating heartbeat and breathing rate, providing a more accurate means of detecting signs of life in disaster zones.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalRemote Sensing·DateOct 22, 2019
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.

Research identifies earlier origin of neural crest cells

A UC Riverside-led research team discovered that neural crest cells originate from the epiblast of chick embryos before the appearance of a definitive ectoderm or mesoderm. This finding provides new insight into the formation of this unique embryonic stem cell population and has implications for human development and health.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateOct 22, 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.

Underwater grandmothers reveal big population of lethal sea snakes

A group of seven snorkelling grandmothers has helped scientists document a large and previously underestimated population of venomous greater sea snakes in the bay. The project revealed over 249 individual snakes, with new information on breeding patterns and numbers of young.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalEcosphere·DateOct 22, 2019

$2.3 million DOE grant to advance ethanol fuel research

Researchers at Purdue University have developed predictive analytical models to simplify the design and construction of biorefineries, enabling robust operation and minimizing downtime due to plugging problems. The models address machinery and operating conditions, reducing reliance on chemical agents in ethanol fuel production.

SourcePurdue University·DateOct 22, 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.

Survey completeness of a global citizen-science database of bird occurrence

A global assessment of eBird data found strong geographic and seasonal patterns in bird occurrence information. Survey completeness was highest in North America, Europe, and southern India during spring migration, highlighting the potential of citizen science initiatives to address biodiversity knowledge gaps.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcography·DateOct 22, 2019

Women less likely to receive Canadian federal research funding

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that women are significantly less likely to receive Canadian federal research funding than men, with a risk ratio of 0.89 for grant awards and 0.75 for personnel awards. The disparity was observed across various research content areas, with some exceptions, such as Aboriginal People's Health...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 22, 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.

New insights into how the brain perceives and processes odors

Researchers have made significant advancements in understanding olfactory perception and processing, highlighting the role of dynamic features, sniffing speed, and odorous landmarks in guiding behaviors like navigation and finding resources. The study's findings provide new insights into how the brain represents smells and its importan...

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 22, 2019

Promising lessons learned from PROMISE

The PROMISE program demonstrates the importance of family engagement, early work experiences, and targeted case management services in improving employment outcomes for youth with disabilities. The six-year experiment showed that evidence-based employment services delivered through coordinated case management are significant predictors...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·DateOct 22, 2019

Optoacoustic imaging shows potential for noninvasive diagnostics for thyroid disorders

Researchers developed a novel noninvasive imaging technique using multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) and ultrasound to diagnose thyroid disorders. MSOT/ultrasound images revealed significant biomarker changes in Graves' disease and malignant thyroid nodules, showing promise for improved diagnostics.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 22, 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.

Kirigami inspires new method for wearable sensors

Researchers developed a method to adopt kirigami architectures for graphene-based sensors, achieving strain-insensitivity up to 240% uniaxial strain. The design redistributes stress concentrations, enabling directional mechanical attributes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalMaterials Today·DateOct 22, 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.

New portable DNA sequencer quickly and accurately diagnoses wheat viruses

A new portable DNA sequencer has been developed to rapidly diagnose wheat viruses with high accuracy. The technology has been tested on four wheat samples from western Kansas and detected three different viruses, including a new strain. This breakthrough has broad applications for plant disease identification and field diagnostics.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateOct 22, 2019

Lead isotopes a new tool for tracking coal ash

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new forensic tracer that uses lead isotopes to detect coal fly ash in dust and other solids. The tracer can distinguish between the chemical signature of lead from coal ash and lead from other sources, providing a powerful tool for tracking exposure risks near coal ash ponds and landfills.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateOct 22, 2019
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.

Machine-learning analysis of X-ray data picks out key catalytic properties

Scientists developed a machine-learning approach to extract catalytic properties from x-ray signatures of catalysts. This method helps identify the active phase of the catalyst, which converts carbon dioxide to methane, and guides the design of more efficient catalysts.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 22, 2019

New way to wrap liquid drops could improve drug delivery

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a faster and cheaper method to coat liquid medication, using gravity and natural forces to wrap drops in a protective shell. The new technology enables rapid production of capsules with improved stability and flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateOct 22, 2019