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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 22


Page 22 of 47

The composition of species is changing in ecosystems across the globe

A team of scientists mapped global biodiversity change, revealing greater changes in species composition in marine systems than on land. The study highlights the importance of protecting regions with high biodiversity loss rates and improving monitoring for conservation strategies.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

First generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from domestic cats

Scientists successfully induce pluripotency in adult cat cells, generating stem cells that can differentiate into various cell types. The breakthrough may lead to the development of cellular models for genetic diseases affecting domestic cats and similar human disorders.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateOct 17, 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.

Tennessee researchers join call for responsible development of synthetic biology

Researchers from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture join a global call for responsible synthetic biology development. The authors highlight four major areas where improvements are needed to advance the field, including genome design, DNA synthesis, genome editing, and chromosome construction.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

Parasite paralysis: A new way to fight schistosomiasis?

A research team has isolated a potent compound that paralyzes parasitic worms causing devastating health problems. The discovery could lead to new ways to fight schistosomiasis, a disease with no alternative treatment besides praziquantel.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 17, 2019

Mathematical modelling vital to tackling disease outbreaks

A new study by researchers at the University of Waterloo highlights the importance of mathematical modelling in tackling disease outbreaks. The study concludes that combining data from multiple medical and public health sources can provide more informative insights for public health planners, enabling effective intervention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 17, 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.

Photosynthesis olympics: can the best wheat varieties be even better?

Researchers conducted a 'Photosynthesis Olympics' study to identify the most efficient wheat varieties, finding that top performers were up to 90% better than worst ones due to genetic differences. The results have significant implications for breeders and farmers, offering potential for improved yields with reduced inputs.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateOct 17, 2019

Figuring out Alzheimer's

Researchers at the IPC PAS have discovered how beta-amyloid molecules interact with cell membranes, revealing that small oligomers destroy the membrane and large ones aggregate to form fibrils. Their research may lead to new treatments by modifying amyloid interaction with membranes.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalLangmuir·DateOct 17, 2019

Training social workers in fight against opioids

The University of Texas at Arlington will train more addiction recovery specialists with a new $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. The project aims to provide evidence-based practices for working with opioid users through hands-on training.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 17, 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.

Scientists unwind mystery behind DNA replication

Researchers found that intrinsic mechanical properties of chromatin determine how fibers entwine during DNA replication, preventing tangles and ensuring proper segregation. The study highlights the importance of physical principles in biological processes and provides new insights into chromatin behavior.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell·DateOct 17, 2019

Ancient stars shed light on Earth's similarities to other planets

A new method used to analyze geochemistry of planets outside our solar system implies that Earth is not unique, with rocks from asteroids and white dwarf stars showing similarities to those on Earth and Mars. The study's findings suggest that oxidation plays a significant role in shaping the chemistry of rocky planets.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

Fertiliser scheme could solve Mexico's seaweed problem

University of Exeter scientists are working on a scheme to collect Sargassum seaweed, which can be converted into high-quality, low-cost fertiliser and biofuel through hydrothermal liquefaction. This process could help clear beaches in Mexico and the Caribbean, while also addressing marine plastic pollution.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateOct 17, 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.

CNIO researchers obtain the first mice born with hyper-long telomeres

Researchers have successfully created mice with hyper-long telomeres, which live longer and healthier lives without any genetic modification. This breakthrough shows that lengthening telomeres can increase longevity and delay metabolic ageing, paving the way for potential future treatments.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2019

Combination of AI & radiologists more accurately identified breast cancer

A new AI tool, trained on a large dataset of mammography images, accurately identified breast cancer with 90% accuracy when combined with radiologist analysis. The study suggests that AI can augment human radiologists' diagnoses, reducing false-positive and false-negative results.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateOct 17, 2019

Exposure to secondhand smoke associated with eye differences among children

Exposure to secondhand smoke has been associated with differences in choroidal thickness among children, with non-exposed kids showing healthier eyes. The study examined over 1,400 young children in Hong Kong and found significant differences in eye health between those exposed and not exposed to secondhand smoke.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateOct 17, 2019

Stranded whales detected from space

Researchers develop method to count whales from space, revolutionizing stranding detection in remote areas. The technique provides early insight into whale mortality, enabling rapid response and conservation efforts.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 17, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Future flash drought will increase over humid regions

A recent study found a significant increasing trend of flash drought frequency over China during 1961-2005, driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. The exposure risk in southern provinces with humid climates is expected to increase by up to 40% in the middle of this century.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 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.

Blanket of light may give better quantum computers

Scientists at DTU Physics have created a two-dimensional lattice structure of 30,000 entangled light pulses, paving the way for less expensive and more powerful quantum computers. This breakthrough uses room-temperature materials and avoids the need for costly refrigeration technology.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

Online abortion medication demand highest in states with restrictive abortion policies

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that US residents requesting online abortion medications cited difficulty accessing clinical care and personal preferences as reasons for their requests. The demand was highest in states with restrictive abortion policies, with Mississippi leading the way.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 17, 2019

Health care intervention: Treating high-need, high-cost patients

A novel intervention integrating psychological values-based approach with coordinated care management significantly improved daily functioning for vulnerable patients. The 'values-based' approach identified patients' values and goals to engage them in appropriate care, reducing hospital costs and improving quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateOct 17, 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.

Male and female mice have different brain cells

Researchers discovered unique brain cell types specific to male and female mice in the hypothalamus region, which governs aggression and mating behaviors. The study found 17 distinct cell types, with some abundant in males and others only in females.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateOct 17, 2019

Aspirin use after biliary tract cancer diagnosis

Researchers found that aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of death among patients with biliary tract cancer, which includes gallbladder cancer. The observational study included nearly 3,000 patients and suggests that long-term aspirin use may be beneficial for these patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 17, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Is there evidence of the 'immigrant health paradox' among Arab Americans?

A recent study led by Boston College researcher Nadia Abuelezam found little evidence of the 'immigrant health paradox' among Arab Americans. In contrast to previous research on Asian and Latino immigrants, first-generation Arab immigrants had poor health profiles compared to second- or third-generation immigrants.

SourceBoston College·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 17, 2019

Image analysis to automatically quantify gender bias in movies

A KAIST research team developed an advanced system to automatically analyze visual information in films and quantify gender bias. The study found that female characters are often depicted in passive emotions and surrounded by specific objects, promoting public awareness of the importance of prudence when creating characters.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateOct 17, 2019
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.

A new approach to tackle superbugs

A novel approach to tackle superbugs has been discovered using nanocapsules made of natural ingredients, which can prevent bacteria from attaching to stomach cells. The research aims to reduce antibiotic-resistant strains and is a potential preventative measure.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateOct 17, 2019

Scientists discover new species of wasp-mimicking praying mantis

Scientists have discovered a new species of praying mantis that conspicuously mimics a wasp, offering insights into the evolutionary biology and defense mechanisms of this unique behavior. The newly described Vespamantoida wherleyi joins one previously known species within the newly erected genus Vespamantoida.

SourceCleveland Museum of Natural History·JournalPeerJ·DateOct 17, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Mapping global biodiversity change

A recent study mapping global biodiversity change reveals varying rates of loss and gain in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The research found that some regions are recovering while others are experiencing significant declines, with changes occurring faster in marine than terrestrial assemblages.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

Pitt study: Sexual selection alone could spark formation of new species

A University of Pittsburgh study found that sexual selection alone could spark the formation of new species through imprinted behaviors. The research, which focused on strawberry poison frogs, suggests that females prefer mates with similar colors to their mothers and males become more aggressive against rivals with matching colors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature·DateOct 17, 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.

Collective behavior 480 million years ago

Researchers studied fossilized Moroccan Ampyx trilobites and found evidence of orderly lines during storms, suggesting ancient group behavior. This discovery implies that group behavior may have conferred an evolutionary advantage on early animals, allowing them to survive environmental stress.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 17, 2019

Faulty signalling pathway linked to congenital heart condition

A faulty signalling pathway is linked to left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), a congenital heart condition where muscular projections fail to transform into compact heart muscle. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying LVNC and may lead to potential therapies.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 17, 2019

Green areas in cities promote wellbeing

A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that larger green areas in urban neighborhoods are associated with higher wellbeing. Participants who spent more time in green spaces showed reduced activity in the brain region responsible for processing negative emotions.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 17, 2019

Industrial melanism linked to same gene in 3 moth species

Three moth species, including the peppered moth, rely on the same gene for industrial melanism, a response to environmental change. The mutations likely occurred hundreds of years before the industrial revolution, suggesting adaptive evolution uses similar genetic machinery across deep evolutionary time.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 17, 2019

Crop-improvement lab established with $25M USAID grant

The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Crop Improvement will support national breeding programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America with advanced technologies and methods. This project aims to deliver staple crops that can increase yields, enhance nutrition, and show greater resistance to pests and diseases.

SourceCornell University·DateOct 17, 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.

From waste to wealth: Researchers to transform anaerobic digestion

A multi-institutional team led by Colorado State University aims to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of anaerobic digestion. They plan to redesign bioreactors using renewable electrons to produce valuable products such as hexanoic acid and isobutanol, reducing methane production and carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceColorado State University·DateOct 17, 2019

First demonstration of a 1 petabit per second network node

The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) has developed a large-scale optical switching testbed capable of handling 1 Petabit per second optical signals. This breakthrough demonstrates the feasibility of ultra-high capacity petabit-class backbone networks, which can support increasing internet services ...

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateOct 17, 2019

Embryo's early development revealed in a dish

Bioscientists at Rice University have created a system to form all major cell types of ectoderm in a culture dish, allowing for the most comprehensive analysis yet of signaling pathways that drive patterning. The balance between two signaling pathways, BMP and Wnt, is critical, and cells can take more than one road to get there.

SourceRice University·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 17, 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.

Lessons from Ridgecrest

A comprehensive analysis of the Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence reveals a web-like network of interconnected faults, challenging standard models of large seismic events. The complexity of the rupture is only clear due to the combined data from orbiting radar satellites and ground-based seismometers.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

Highest throughput 3D printer is the future of manufacturing

Northwestern University researchers have developed HARP, a high-throughput 3D printer that can print large parts in hours and small parts at high resolutions. The technology bypasses heat limitations with a nonstick liquid interface, enabling fast and large-scale manufacturing without molds or warehouses.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 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.