Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 2


Page 2 of 47

Artificial pancreas system better controls blood glucose levels than current technology

A multi-center trial found that the artificial pancreas system improved users' blood glucose control throughout the day and overnight, reducing hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia events. The study showed significant benefits of the new system over existing treatments, with no severe hypoglycemia events occurring in either group.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 31, 2019

Ancient rhinos roamed the Yukon

A team of scientists has discovered ancient fossil teeth in the Yukon, which are believed to belong to a long-extinct cousin of modern rhinoceroses. The discovery provides a gap in the fossil record and sheds light on the migration patterns of animals during the Tertiary Period.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAmerican Museum Novitates·DateOct 31, 2019
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.

Butterfly genes flow

Researchers analyzed genome assemblies of 20 butterfly species and found a high amount of gene flow among them, even between distantly related species. This challenges the idea that species are fixed entities and suggests hybridization as a key process in biological diversity.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 2019

A kinase identified as possible target to treat heart failure

Researchers have identified HIPK2 as a novel regulator of heart failure progression. The kinase was found to play a critical role in maintaining cardiac function, with its deletion leading to progressive deterioration and apoptosis in heart muscle cells.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCirculation·DateOct 31, 2019

Skull dimensions of Dominicans and Haitians differ despite close physical proximity

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that Dominican and Haitian individuals can be differentiated with statistical certainty despite their close physical proximity. The study highlights the importance of conducting research on understudied groups to aid forensic specialists in identifying missing persons.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalForensic Science International·DateOct 31, 2019

Agriculture of the future: Neural networks have learned to predict plant growth

Researchers trained neural networks to predict plant growth patterns using computer vision algorithms and efficient graphics processing units. The system uses Raspberry Pi with Intel Movidius graphics card to calculate and predict the optimal ratio of nutrients, enabling continuous monitoring and prediction in artificial growing systems.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement·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.

Novel research aims to identify new medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing have discovered that GLP-1 receptor agonists can reduce oxycodone self-administration and relapse in rats. The study suggests a novel role for GLP-1 receptors in opioid-mediated behaviors, providing a potential new target for medications treating opioid use disorder.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateOct 31, 2019

Potential genetic markers of multiple sclerosis severity

A study at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified three complement system genes linked to MS-caused vision loss. The researchers found that patients with specific genetic changes in these genes were more likely to experience severe vision problems, opening up new avenues for precision medicine and potential treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBrain·DateOct 31, 2019

How measles wipes out the body's immune memory

A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that the measles virus depletes antibody repertoires, erasing immune memory to most previously encountered pathogens. This supports the immune amnesia hypothesis, suggesting that the vaccine's extended protective effects stem from preventing measles infection.

SourceHarvard Medical School·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.

A protein that pulls the brake on nerve growth

Scientists at DZNE have discovered a protein called RhoA that regulates nerve cell growth by pulling the brake, potentially leading to new approaches for spinal cord injury treatment.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2019

Evidence of cross-species filovirus transmission from bats to humans

A study reveals that bats can transmit filoviruses to humans during bat-hunting festivals in Nagaland. The team found antibodies against two distinct filoviruses in human and bat blood samples, suggesting bats are the source of viral spillover events.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 31, 2019

Survey suggests mentorship in medical school is vital to future of hematology

A three-year longitudinal study found that having a hematologist mentor during medical education is associated with an increased likelihood of fellows specializing in hematology. Fellows who co-authored papers or engaged in research activities with mentors in hematology were more likely to pursue careers in the field.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·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.

Vampire bats give a little help to their 'friends'

Researchers observed vampire bats developing strong social bonds during captivity that persisted in the wild, suggesting shared history plays a role in maintaining relationships. The study used pioneering technology to track bat interactions and found test bats had stronger bonds with each other than control bats.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2019

Deaths from liver cancer have tripled in past 20 years in England

The incidence of liver cancer has tripled in the UK over the past 20 years, with the majority of cases diagnosed in men. The most deprived fifth of the population accounts for 25% of HCC cases, many of which have cirrhosis and are not treatable by surgery due to advanced scarring.

SourceNational Cancer Research Institute·DateOct 31, 2019

Complex cellular machine visualized to yield new insights in cancer

Researchers have developed a high-resolution visual map of the RSC complex, a crucial regulator of chromosome structure and gene expression. This study provides new insights into how RSC-like complexes are involved in cancer development and has implications for understanding chromosomal genes in healthy and cancer cells.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalScience·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.

Study finds racial disparities in culturally competent cancer care

A new study from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and University of Texas Southwestern finds that non-white minority cancer survivors are less likely to receive treatment from culturally competent providers, with significant disparities in access to these physicians. The study highlights the critical need for culturally competent care in c...

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 31, 2019

U. Iowa team is developing new delivery tools for gene editing

Researchers at the University of Iowa have made significant breakthroughs in delivering gene-editing proteins to airway cells without causing harm. The new peptide-based platform shows promise in treating diseases like cystic fibrosis, COPD, and asthma by repairing or modifying disease-causing mutations.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2019

Slow-wave sleep critical to brain's automatic 'self-rinse' cycle

Researchers found that slow-wave sleep triggers waves of cerebrospinal fluid that flush out toxic metabolic waste products from the brain. This process supports memory processing and consolidation, and may be crucial for preventing neurodegeneration and diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 2019

DNA exchange among species is major contributor to diversity in Heliconius butterflies

A new study finds that hybridization significantly influences the evolutionary history of Heliconius butterflies, contributing to their unique wing patterns. The research suggests that hybridization can provide genetic material for rapid adaptive divergence and radiation, leading to beneficial consequences in species evolution.

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

Oil and gas wastewater used for irrigation may suppress plant immune systems

A Colorado State University study found that crops irrigated with oil and gas wastewater have weakened immune systems, making them more vulnerable to bacterial and fungal pathogens. The study's authors suggest assessing plant immune response impacts before reusing treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation.

SourceColorado State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateOct 31, 2019

Researchers discover universal mechanisms controlling terrestrial and astrophysical explosions

A new study published in Science reveals the critical criteria for driving a flame to self-generate turbulence and transition into detonation, applicable to both Type Ia supernovae and hypersonic jet propulsion. This discovery may aid the understanding of certain kinds of supernovae and potentially lead to advancements in air and space...

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 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.

Study examines kidney injury in patients taking immunotherapy cancer medications

A new study finds that acute kidney injury affects 17% of patients taking immunotherapy medications for cancer, while proton pump inhibitors increase the risk of sustained AKI. Nephrologists and oncologists must recognize these factors to diagnose and treat patients effectively.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 31, 2019

Delayed neural communication may underlie anticipatory behaviors

Computational modeling suggests delayed neural communication underlies anticipatory behaviors, such as tapping along with a metronome or coordinating rowing. The study found that non-musicians exhibit a larger anticipatory tendency than musicians due to pruned attention towards external stimuli.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 31, 2019

Assessing effect of prescribing fewer opioids after corneal surgery

A recent study observed a significant reduction in opioid use and improvement in pain control among patients receiving fewer opioid tablets after corneal surgery. This decrease is attributed to the reduced prescription of opioids, highlighting the potential benefits of more conservative treatment approaches.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateOct 31, 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.

A new hazelnut has cracked its competitive marketplace

Researchers have released a new cross-bred hazelnut cultivar, 'PollyO', which boasts high nut yield and resistance to eastern filbert fungal blight. The variety has been recommended for areas with similar climates and is well-suited for baked goods and chocolate products.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateOct 31, 2019

NCI awards UCLA prostate cancer program with Research of Excellence grant

The UCLA prostate cancer program has been awarded an $8.7 million SPORE grant to develop new approaches for improving diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of prostate cancer. The grant will fund three translational research projects to find better ways to treat men with advanced stages of the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateOct 31, 2019

In unvaccinated children, 'immune amnesia' occurs in the wake of measles infection

In unvaccinated children, measles infection can cause a significant weakening of the immune system, leading to impaired immunity against viruses and bacteria for months or even years. This phenomenon, known as 'immune amnesia,' was observed in two separate studies published in Science Immunology and Science.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 2019

Discovery of 'cellular bike couriers' clue to disease spreading

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a previously unknown cellular component called intracellular nanovesicles (INVs) that deliver proteins in heavy traffic. INVs are approximately 30 nanometres across and could provide clues to the process that allows cells, such as cancer cells, to migrate within the body.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·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.

Better vaccines, immune response with new additives

OHSU researchers have been awarded $2.1 million to develop new adjuvants that can enhance immune responses against infectious diseases. The goal is to create a range of adjuvants that can be used with different vaccines to protect against various pathogens.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateOct 31, 2019

Bats in Northeast India carry filoviruses that can infect humans

Researchers found filovirus antibodies in 5.9% of human samples and up to 13.3% of bat species, including those with Ebola virus, Bundibugyo virus, Sudan virus, Marburg virus, and Mengla virus antibodies. The study highlights the need for surveillance at the human-animal interface.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 31, 2019

Scientists may have discovered whole new class of black holes

Researchers found evidence for low-mass black holes, potentially opening up a new area of study about star explosions and formation. The discovery uses data from the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment and identifies a class of black holes smaller than previously known.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·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.

Rare mutations drive cystic fibrosis in Caribbean

A comprehensive genome sequencing study reveals rare CFTR mutations in Puerto Rican and Dominican patients, driving the disease's progression. This finding underscores the need for diverse clinical trials to develop personalized therapies, as transformative new drugs may not benefit minority populations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPediatric Pulmonology·DateOct 31, 2019

Non-GM produce earns 'halo effect' under new labeling laws

A Cornell University study found that non-GMO labeled produce experiences a significant boost in demand when accompanied by a GMO label on other products. The 'halo effect' suggests consumers perceive non-GMO labels as more trustworthy and desirable.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 31, 2019

Cycles of reward: New insight into ADHD treatment

Researchers at OIST discover a feedback loop that modulates dopamine levels in response to methylphenidate, suggesting therapeutic effects may be indirect consequences of this regulatory process. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between dopamine systems and ADHD treatment.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProgress in Neurobiology·DateOct 30, 2019
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.

Insect decline more extensive than suspected

A large-scale biodiversity study found that insect decline is more extensive than previously thought, with many species affected in both grasslands and forests. The researchers identified the biggest losses in grasslands surrounded by intensively farmed land, where the most heavily impacted species were those unable to travel far.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2019

Research brief: Invention of shape-changing textiles powered only by body heat

Researchers at the University of Minnesota's DAMSL and WTL labs created temperature-responsive textiles using shape memory alloys, enabling self-fitting garments with adjustable fit and conformance to irregular body shapes. The technology has significant implications for medical, aerospace, and commercial applications.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateOct 30, 2019

Researchers double sorghum grain number to improve food supply

Plant scientists have doubled the amount of grains a sorghum plant can produce by identifying novel genetic variations in the MSD2 gene. This breakthrough could lead to improved crop yields and address global food production challenges related to climate change and population growth.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 30, 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.

Study gives Ontario men access to advanced prostate cancer imaging

A multi-centre registry trial is testing the use of a new PSMA tracer to detect early recurrence of prostate cancer. The trial provides valuable insights and has already shown promising results for patients like Wayne Smith, who was able to have a shorter round of hormone therapy.

SourceLawson Research Institute·DateOct 30, 2019

Study shows how climate change may affect environmental conservation areas

A study of 993 Brazilian protected areas found 258 moderately vulnerable and 17 highly vulnerable to climate change. The Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest biomes are at greatest risk due to climate-driven changes in vegetation and native species distribution.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalConservation Biology·DateOct 30, 2019

Movement patterns predict frailty and disability in the elderly

Elderly individuals with random changes in daily movement are at greater risk of frailty, disability, and death. Analyzing daily motor activity using fractal physiology may help predict wellness and health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 30, 2019
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.

A stretchable stopwatch lights up human skin

Researchers have developed a stretchable light-emitting device that operates at low voltages and is safe for human skin. The device can be used in smart wearables, soft robotics, and human-machine interfaces.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Materials Letters·DateOct 30, 2019

New evidence that bacteria drive biodiversity in the Cape Floral Region

Researchers at Stellenbosch University have discovered a unique association between the Cape geophyte genus Oxalis and the nitrogen-fixing bacterial genus Bacillus. The bacteria help Oxalis fix nitrogen from the air and perform extraordinary feats of germination, with some species inheriting the bacteria from mother plant to seed.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateOct 30, 2019