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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 3


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Mitochondrial activity in lung tumors predicts response to drug inhibitor

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a new biomarker tracking mitochondrial activity in lung tumors using noninvasive imaging. This level of activity may predict favorable response to complex I inhibitor and inform treatment decisions for individuals with lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2019

Blockchain offers promise for securing global supply chain

Researchers explore the potential of blockchain to secure international trade by improving speed, security, and traceability. The technology has the potential to reduce fraud and enhance cargo tracking, but widespread adoption faces challenges such as data sharing and regulatory frameworks.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalInternational Journal of Production Research·DateOct 30, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

News about drug delivery

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered how increasing amounts of active ingredients in polymeric micelles reduce their dissolution and solubility. The study aims to improve drug delivery systems by understanding molecular interactions and potential structural changes to enhance absorption and dissolving capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 30, 2019

Name that tune: Brain takes just 100 to 300 milliseconds to recognize familiar music

The human brain can recognize a familiar song within 100 to 300 milliseconds, with rapid pupil dilation and cortical activation related to memory retrieval. The study suggests that the brain's temporal circuitry is fast and efficient in recognizing familiar music, which may have implications for music-based therapeutic interventions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 30, 2019

Artificial intelligence learns muscle anatomy in CT images

A new AI tool uses deep learning to automate the segmentation of individual muscles from CT images, enabling the creation of personalized musculoskeletal models. This advancement has significant implications for patients with musculoskeletal diseases, such as ALS, and high-performance athletes seeking to improve their performance.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateOct 30, 2019

Mass General team publishes on highest resolution brain MRI scan

A multidisciplinary team of MGH researchers has created the highest resolution MRI scan of the human brain, with a resolution of 1,000 times more detailed than standard clinical scans. This dataset has broad applications in understanding brain anatomy and diseases.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScientific Data·DateOct 30, 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.

Lost Lou Reed recording for Andy Warhol discovered by Cornell musicologist

A cache of 12 previously unreleased songs by Hall of Fame artist Lou Reed has been unearthed on a cassette tape from 1975, according to a study published in the Journal of Musicology. Cornell musicologist Judith Peraino discovered the rare recordings while conducting archival research at the Andy Warhol Museum.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Musicology·DateOct 30, 2019

Study calls for screening for drug-resistant E. coli in capsulized fecal transplants

A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers highlights the risk of drug-resistant E. coli infections in patients receiving fecal microbiota transplants, particularly those who are immunocompromised. The study's findings emphasize the need for improved donor screening to prevent transmission of these resistant organisms.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 30, 2019

Building a better way to figure out how cells work

Researchers developed a nondestructive TFM platform allowing for high-throughput cell measurements. The new platform uses a regular array of fluorescent markers to enable zero-stress state measurements, reducing the need for cell removal or relaxation.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateOct 30, 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.

How did weight-loss surgery affect long-term health care expenses?

The study found that weight-loss surgery significantly reduced healthcare expenditures for veterans with severe obesity over a period of up to 10 years. The observed decrease in medical costs was attributed to improved health outcomes and reduced need for ongoing medical interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateOct 30, 2019

Microrobots clean up radioactive waste (video)

Researchers have created tiny, self-propelled robots that can remove radioactive uranium from wastewater. The microrobots use a rod-shaped material called ZIF-8 and propel themselves using hydrogen peroxide fuel, successfully removing 96% of the uranium in an hour.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 30, 2019

Researchers use 3D printing to make glass optical fiber preform

The researchers developed a method to print silica optical fibers using additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for precise core centering. This allows for the creation of complex fiber designs and applications, such as fiber optic sensors, with reduced costs and improved longevity.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 30, 2019

Small decrease in calorie purchases

A new study found that calorie labeling in a fast-food restaurant franchise resulted in an initial small decrease of 60 calories per transaction, equivalent to a 4% reduction. This effect was short-lived, with calorie purchases increasing over time.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 30, 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.

Racial discrimination linked to suicidal thoughts in African-American men

A new U-M study found that various forms of discrimination are associated with increased rates of depression and suicidal thoughts among African American men. The researchers suggest that expanding current mental health interventions to include culturally relevant suicide prevention resources may be a viable option.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalArchives of Suicide Research·DateOct 30, 2019

Bacteria and fungi show a precise daily rhythm in tropical air, finds NTU

Scientists found 725 different microorganisms in Singapore's air, with bacteria dominating during the day and fungi at night. The discovery reveals a complex community structure that follows environmental conditions and has significant implications for human health and ecosystem sustainability.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2019

How do you know it's perfect graphene?

Scientists at DOE/Ames National Laboratory have found a broad diffraction pattern in high-quality graphene samples, indicating defect-free and uniform layers of atoms. This discovery enables the reliable identification of structurally perfect graphene, a crucial step towards optimizing its properties for various applications.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review B·DateOct 30, 2019
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.

Two million-year-old ice provides snapshot of Earth's greenhouse gas history

Scientists have discovered a clear link between carbon dioxide levels and temperature in the past 2.8 million years, providing a new baseline for understanding climate science. The study reveals that highest CO2 levels matched recent warm periods, while lowest levels did not reach those found in ice ages of the last 800,000 years.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2019

House developers could be the secret weapon to improving air quality

A University of Surrey study suggests that clear guidelines for green infrastructure can maximize benefits and reverse air pollution effects. The researchers argue that housing developers, urban planners, and politicians need easy-to-follow guidelines to create healthier built communities.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEnvironment International·DateOct 30, 2019

NIH-funded study suggests acetaminophen in pregnancy linked to higher risk of ADHD, autism

A recent NIH-funded study suggests that exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase the risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The study found that higher levels of acetaminophen exposure were associated with a significantly increased risk of both conditions.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateOct 30, 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.

Intact forest loss 'six times worse' for climate

Research shows that losing intact tropical forests results in a 626% increase in climate impact, equivalent to two years of global land-use change emissions. The study highlights the devastating effects of deforestation on the climate and emphasizes the need for better funding and conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 30, 2019

To survive in the human gut, bacteria need genetic 'passcode'

Scientists have discovered that human gut bacteria require a unique genetic code to thrive, which is different from person to person. The study found that immunity genes from one bacterium are often shared by others, suggesting a complex and adaptive immune system in the gut.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2019

Traffic exhaust at residential address increases the risk of stroke

A Swedish study found that long-term exposure to traffic exhaust at home increases the risk of stroke in low-pollution environments. The researchers discovered that black carbon from traffic exhaust was the primary culprit, with a 4% increased risk for every 0.3 micrograms per cubic meter.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 30, 2019

Mayo scientists reverse fibrosis in preclinical studies

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a way to slow and reverse fibrosis by targeting a dopamine receptor, which blocks the growth of scar-forming cells. The approach reversed fibrotic processes in lung and liver models, offering a new treatment concept for fibrotic diseases.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 30, 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.

Human reflexes keep two-legged robot upright

A two-legged robot named Little Hermes has been developed to walk, run, jump and interact with the environment synchronously with a human operator. The robot is guided by a person from a remote location who feels the same physical forces as the robot.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Robotics·DateOct 30, 2019

Detection dogs and DNA on the trail of endangered lizards

A new method uses detection dogs and genetic species identification to survey lizard populations without direct contact. The technique was successfully used to identify 78% of 327 samples collected over four years, with most being from blunt-nosed leopard lizards.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateOct 30, 2019

Climate models and geology reveal new insights into the East Asian monsoon

The study found that the monsoon system's development was more sensitive to changes in geography than carbon dioxide levels. The monsoon peaked around five million years ago, with 'super-monsoons' stronger than today. Understanding its behavior is crucial for agriculture and industrial development of over 1.5 billion people.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 30, 2019

Blood test can predict prognosis in deadly brain cancer

Researchers developed a blood test that measures cell-free DNA (cfDNA) to predict prognosis in glioblastoma patients. The test correlates with progression-free survival and detects genetic mutations not found in solid tissue biopsies, offering a complementary view of the tumor's molecular profile.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 30, 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.

It takes more than a catchy headline for health awareness campaigns to inspire action

A study published in Lancet Oncology reveals that online popularity of health awareness campaigns does not always lead to increased interest in related health behaviors. Researchers analyzed Google Trends data for specific keywords associated with each campaign and found that only breast cancer-related searches were influenced by the P...

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateOct 30, 2019

Bacterial arms race may shape gut microbiome

A new study found that certain gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides species, have acquired large immunity gene clusters to neutralize toxins from other bacteria. These clusters are actively acquiring new genes to protect against emerging threats.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2019

Research on antibiotic use desperately needed as resistance crisis looms

Research gaps exist in antibiotic stewardship programs aimed at reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, with a need for standardized processes and outcome metrics. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America calls for additional clinical evidence to inform optimal antibiotic prescribing practices.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 30, 2019
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.

Gut bacteria is key factor in childhood obesity

A recent study published by Wake Forest Baptist Health suggests that the microbes living in our gut play a key role in childhood obesity. The review of existing studies reveals how a mother's health, diet, exercise level, and birth method can affect the risk of obesity in her children.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalObesity Reviews·DateOct 30, 2019

A new high-resolution map of how the brain is wired

Researchers at the Allen Institute have mapped the mouse brain's neural connections, revealing an underlying hierarchy of brain circuitry. The study provides a detailed view of how neurons communicate with each other and offers insights into diseases such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2019

Will lithium-air batteries ever take flight?

Lithium-air batteries offer a maximum specific energy of 3,460 W h/kg, but scientists need to overcome obstacles such as unstable electrolytes and interference from air pollutants. The technology uses oxygen to oxidize a lithium-metal anode and could be powered by a plane's onboard air storage and filtration systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 30, 2019

Preserved pollen tells the history of floodplains

Researchers have found that fossil pollen can be preserved in floodplain soils, allowing scientists to reconstruct past climate dynamics and land use patterns. The study used soil properties such as organic matter concentration and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to predict pollen abundance, providing a new tool for climate reconstruction.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateOct 30, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Parasite manipulates algal metabolism for its own benefit

Researchers found that a pathogenic fungus alters the metabolism of its host algae, producing carbolines that benefit the fungus while harming the algae. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between microorganisms and their hosts in oceanic ecosystems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2019

Predicting frailty, disability and death

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that irregular fluctuations in daily motor activity can predict increased risk of frailty, disability, and mortality in older adults. The researchers analyzed data from 1,275 participants and found that random activity fluctuations were associated with a 31% increase in frailty risk, 15-25%...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 30, 2019

Quality and use of green spaces may determine their health benefits

Two studies by ISGlobal found that the quality of green spaces influences physical activity, social contacts and emotional well-being. The presence of green space was associated with a higher frequency of physical activity, more time spent performing health-related activities, and increased social contacts with neighbours.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateOct 30, 2019

New technique may reveal the health of human hair follicles

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a new method to examine the activity of human hair follicles using magnetic fields. The technique measures electrical activity in individual study subjects and has shown promise as a biomarker for treating hair loss conditions like alopecia.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 30, 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.

How will your thinking and memory change with age?

A study found that childhood thinking skills are associated with improved performance on cognitive tests at age 70, even after accounting for education level and socioeconomic status. Participants with amyloid-beta plaques in the brain scored lower on cognitive tests, but this was not linked to sex or other factors.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 30, 2019

When a major injury occurs again in children, it's too often no accident

A study of pediatric major trauma cases found that nearly 3% of U.S. children who survive major trauma experience another sudden injury in the same year, with violence being a significant risk factor. Repeated injuries are more common among children from lower-income families and those with mental health issues.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·DateOct 30, 2019

Cannabis use disorder is declining among young adolescents and young adults

Research suggests that the prevalence of cannabis use disorder has decreased among frequent users between 2002-2016, with significant declines observed across all age groups. This decline may be attributed to changes in social attitudes and perceptions of risk associated with cannabis use, as well as increased legalization.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateOct 30, 2019

Research debunks myth of Super Bowl sex trafficking, improves media narrative

Researchers at University of Texas at Austin and University of Minnesota debunked the myth of a correlation between Super Bowls and sex trafficking, citing empirical evidence that shows no causal link. A study found that online ads for sex may temporarily increase during large public events, but this is not the same as trafficking.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAnti-Trafficking Review·DateOct 30, 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.

First South American insect that emits blue light is discovered

Brazilian researchers have discovered a new species of fungus gnat that emits blue light, which is the first record of such a species in the Neotropics. The larvae produce three lanterns and emit blue light, while adult insects do not.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 30, 2019