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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 30


Page 30 of 47

Brain reorganization during human evolution

Researchers found moderate levels of covariation between human and chimpanzee brain and braincase features, but distinct positions of brain sulci relative to cranial sutures in humans. The study suggests that changes in braincase morphology may be related to increased encephalization and bipedalism.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2019

Unique sticky particles formed by harnessing chaos

Researchers at NC State University have developed soft polymer microparticles with hierarchical branching on the micro- and nanoscale, exhibiting strong adhesion and structure-building properties. These materials, inspired by gecko feet, have potential applications in various fields such as gels, pastes, foods, nonwovens, and coatings.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 14, 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.

Microbleeds may worsen outcome after head injury

Researchers discovered traumatic microbleeds are a form of blood vessel injury following brain trauma, and predict poor outcomes. The study found that patients with severe head injuries were more likely to have microbleeds and greater disability.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalBrain·DateOct 13, 2019

New brain research could change how concussions are treated

A recent study has found greater signs of blood vessel damage than nerve damage in traumatic brain injuries, challenging the ongoing hypothesis that blunt force causes nerve damage. The researchers' discovery could influence the development of new treatments and therapies for TBI.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalBrain·DateOct 13, 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.

New design strategy can help improve layered superconducting materials

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a new layered superconducting material with four distinct sublayers, achieving unparalleled customizability and higher critical temperatures. By introducing different elements, they were able to raise the critical temperature from 0.5K to above 2.0K and later to 3.0K.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 12, 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.

Jumping genes can cause rare developmental disorders in children

Researchers discovered that jumping genes cause genetic changes in some patients with undiagnosed neurodevelopmental diseases. Diagnoses were achieved for three previously undiagnosed children, helping their families access support and understand disease risks.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2019

Deep Purple -- future biological darkening of the Greenland Ice Sheet

Researchers studying glacier algae in the Greenland Ice Sheet found that purple-pigmented ice algal blooms cause increased melting by darkening the surface and absorbing more sunlight. The project aims to understand the complex interactions between light-absorbing particulates and predict where and when biological darkening will occur.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·DateOct 11, 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.

Illumination of abnormal neuronal activities caused by myelin impairment

A study published in GLIA found that myelin impairment causes uncoordinated electrical impulse transmission between neurons, affecting motor learning in mice. The research also showed that compensating for impaired motor learning by pairing actions with brain photo-simulation can promote synchronization of neuronal activities.

SourceKobe University·JournalGlia·DateOct 11, 2019

Creating 2D heterostructures for future electronics

Northwestern University researchers have successfully integrated graphene and borophene into 2D heterostructures, enabling the creation of ultrahigh density devices. The achievement demonstrates a significant step towards creating integrated circuits from these nanomaterials.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 11, 2019

Physics: DNA-PAINT super-resolution microscopy at speed

Researchers optimized DNA-PAINT for faster image acquisition using orthogonal DNA sequences, achieving sub-10nm spatial resolution and multiplexing capabilities. This improvement allows for biomedically relevant high-throughput studies, such as diagnostic applications.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Liquid metals the secret ingredients to clean up environment

Researchers have discovered that liquid metals, such as gallium, indium, bismuth, and tin, can be used to create catalysts for the conversion of CO2 into useful byproducts. By heating an alloy of these metals, they can melt at a lower temperature than individual metals, producing eutectic alloys with unique properties. These alloys can...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2019

Expanding the use of AI through the Internet of Things

Researchers at the University of Delaware are developing new memory devices that can support neural networks in low-power embedded systems. These advancements aim to improve the lifetime and reliability of IoT devices, which currently struggle with battery power and memory constraints.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 11, 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.

Opioids' imprint on the developing fetal brain

A multi-million dollar study is enrolling pregnant women to track newborns' brain development and behavior after opioid exposure. Researchers will analyze brain images taken at various ages to identify early biomarkers of neurological dysfunction.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateOct 11, 2019

Cuts in alcohol duty linked to 2000 more alcohol-related deaths in England

Research from the University of Sheffield's School of Health and Related Research found nearly 2000 more alcohol-related deaths in England since 2012 due to government cuts. The study modeled the impact of changes to alcohol duty policy, resulting in a one percent rise in alcohol consumption leading to additional deaths.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateOct 11, 2019

A reliable clock for your microbiome

Researchers developed a bacterial genetic oscillator that records changes in microbiome growth patterns, providing an objective measurement of time. The system uses an oscillating gene circuit to track cell divisions and analyze bacterial growth rates, offering insights into the dynamics of the gut microbiome.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2019

Chronobiology: Sleep and synaptic rhythms

Research by LMU Munich chronobiologists reveals that sleep-wake cycles drive cycles of protein abundance and phosphorylation in synaptic proteins. Synaptic phosphorylation plays a key role in regulating synaptic function, particularly during sleep-wake transitions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2019

2nd ERC Synergy Grant goes to GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences

A team of scientists will investigate the evolution of Earth's chemical composition and physical processes over 4.4 billion years using melt inclusions in olivine and zircon crystals. The project aims to understand the recycling of chemical elements and its impact on plate tectonics.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·DateOct 11, 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.

Deciphering the early stages of Parkinson's disease is a matter of time

Scientists observed how alpha-synuclein protein variants change over time, identifying initial stages of protein aggregates linked to early onset familial cases. They also found evidence of which protein species are important for amyloid filament growth and distinct structures depending on the mutation.

SourceInstituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB)·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 11, 2019
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.

Under time pressure, people tell us what we want to hear

A study published in Psychological Science found that when asked to answer questions quickly and impulsively, people tend to respond with a socially desirable answer. The researchers argue that the 'quick-answer' technique may be flawed as it can lead participants to misrepresent themselves.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 11, 2019

Family of crop viruses revealed at high resolution for the first time

A team of researchers has developed a method to generate sufficient quantities of Luteoviridae viruses, allowing them to study their structures in high resolution. The technique involves using plant expression technology to create virus-like particles, which can be observed by cryo-electron microscopy.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalStructure·DateOct 11, 2019

How preprocessing methods affect the conversion efficiency of biomass energy production

A new study published in Bioresource Technology Reports examines the impact of biomass preprocessing on conversion efficiency. Researchers found that comminution and particle size play a significant role in determining energy expenditure, with miscanthus showing improved efficiency under certain conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBioresource Technology·DateOct 11, 2019

Type 2 diabetes and obesity could be treated by new, less invasive procedure

A new medical device called Sleeveballoon has been tested in rodents and produced impressive results on body weight, fatty liver, and diabetes control. The device reduces food intake by 60% and blood glucose levels by 65%, mimicking the effects of traditional bariatric surgery with a minimally invasive approach.

SourceKing's College London·JournalEBioMedicine·DateOct 11, 2019

Coffee bean extracts alleviate inflammation, insulin resistance in mouse cells

Researchers found that coffee bean extracts reduced fat-induced inflammation and improved glucose absorption and insulin sensitivity in mice. The compounds protocatechuic acid and gallic acid showed promise as a strategy for preventing obesity-related chronic illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·DateOct 11, 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.

UTHealth leads effort to enhance Texas' financial exploitation investigations of seniors

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is partnering to enhance Texas Adult Protective Services' financial exploitation investigations and client services. The three-year grant will provide statewide access to forensic accountants and enhanced training for caseworkers to investigate claims of financial exploitation.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateOct 11, 2019

The impact of human-caused noise pollution on birds

Researchers analyzed continental-scale data to investigate the impact of human-caused noise pollution on birds, finding that breeding in modified habitats increases ANP levels by twice as much as forested habitats. The study suggests vocal traits like song complexity could be useful for understanding ANP effects across spatial scales.

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateOct 11, 2019

CO2 emissions cause lost labor productivity, new Concordia research shows

A new study by Concordia researchers finds that extreme heat days caused by CO2 emissions lead to lost labor productivity, with lower-income countries experiencing stronger economic impacts. The research estimates that every trillion tonnes of CO2 emitted could cause global GDP losses of about half a percent.

SourceConcordia University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 11, 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.

Antibody-based eye drops show promise for treating dry eye disease

Researchers have identified a new class of therapy for dry eye disease by targeting anti-citrullinated protein autoantibodies (ACPA) with antibody-based eye drops. The treatment has shown statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in corneal damage and symptoms in patients with severe dry eye disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalThe Ocular Surface·DateOct 11, 2019

SLAS Discovery releases special issue

The October issue of SLAS Discovery features a two-part special issue on membrane proteins, highlighting the importance of these targets for novel drug design. The issue includes reviews and original research papers on various aspects of membrane protein biology, such as targeting specific transporters and channels.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateOct 11, 2019

Slower walkers have older brains and bodies at 45

Research found that 45-year-old slow walkers have 'accelerated aging' on a 19-measure scale, with poorer lung function, teeth, and immune systems compared to faster walkers. Early life neurocognitive testing also predicted walking speed at age 45.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 11, 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.

Food-insecure Canadian households may have trouble affording prescription medication

A new study of over 10,000 Canadian households reveals a strong correlation between food insecurity and nonadherence to prescription drugs. Food insecure households are more likely to experience cost-related nonadherence, which can exacerbate health issues associated with food insecurity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCMAJ Open·DateOct 11, 2019

Population aging to create pockets of climate vulnerability in the US

A new study reveals that rural areas in the US are aging faster than cities, leading to greater climate change vulnerability. The research projects a divide in population age structure across the country, with thinly-populated counties in the Midwest and Rocky Mountains facing the most drastic aging.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 11, 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.

Hydrologic simulation models that inform policy decisions are difficult to interpret

Researchers evaluated the accuracy of a commonly used numerical model in hydrology, finding that its results can be difficult to interpret correctly even when properly calibrated. The study recommends using a combination model called SWATmf to improve representation of hydrologic systems.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateOct 11, 2019

Overcoming the blood-brain-barrier: Delivering therapeutics to the brain

Scientists have developed a simple way to transport medication into the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The new technique uses engineered particles that can be packed with drugs and delivered through an intravenous injection, offering a minimally invasive solution for treating neurological disorders.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 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.

Public reporting on aortic valve surgeries has decreased access, study finds

A new study found that public reporting of aortic valve replacement outcomes has resulted in fewer surgeries for people with endocarditis, particularly those with injection drug use. The researchers analyzed data from 2010 to 2015 and found that these patients were 30% less likely to receive the surgery two years after outcomes data be...

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateOct 11, 2019

Bacteria contradict Darwin: Survival of the friendliest

A new study at the University of Copenhagen reveals that bacteria prioritize cooperation over competition, leading to stronger and more resilient communities. This discovery challenges Darwin's theory of evolution and has significant implications for biotechnology and disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateOct 11, 2019

Lung cancer screening guidelines do not detect disease among first responders

A new study presented at the IASLC 2019 North America Conference on Lung Cancer found that lung cancer screening guidelines are inadequate to diagnose patients who contract lung cancer from occupational exposure, including first responders. Low-dose computed tomography was shown to detect disease earlier in this population.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateOct 11, 2019