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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 32


Page 32 of 47

Carnivorous plant study captures universal rules of leaf making

Researchers studied the cup-shaped traps of Utricularia gibba and found that differential rates and orientations of growth are involved in shaping. A polarity field comparable to that proposed for flat leaves was also detected, providing a unified explanation behind diverse leaf forms.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 10, 2019

Light-based strategy effectively treats carbon monoxide poisoning in rats

A new phototherapy strategy has been shown to effectively remove carbon monoxide from the blood of rats with and without lung injury. The treatment increased CO elimination rates by threefold compared to ventilation alone, leading to improved survival rates among affected animals.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 10, 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.

Explained: The lifetime of an evaporating liquid drop

The University of Warwick has developed a new theory to accurately predict the lifetime of evaporating liquid droplets, which can be exploited for engineering design. The research reveals fascinating new physics in vapour flow, including jumps in temperature across just a few molecules.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 10, 2019

Viagra shows promise for use in bone marrow transplants

Researchers have demonstrated a new method to obtain donor stem cells for bone marrow transplants using a combination of Viagra and Plerixafor, which can be collected from the blood more quickly and with fewer side effects than traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 10, 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.

Sweating for science

A study by MU researcher Bradley Ferguson found that 60% of the time before an individual showed behavioral issues, there was a rise in electrodermal activity - indicating physiological stress response. This allows parents and caregivers to intervene and de-escalate situations, ensuring health and safety.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateOct 10, 2019

Study seeks to guide maternal weight gain in twin pregnancies

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health have established evidence-based guidelines for maternal weight gain during twin pregnancies. Gaining within targeted ranges reduces the risk of poor health outcomes. Women should discuss safe weight gain amounts with their healthcare providers to minimize risks.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 10, 2019

Electrochemistry to benefit photonics: Nanotubes can control laser pulses

Skoltech scientists have developed a method to control the nonlinear optical response of carbon nanotubes using electrochemical gating. This approach enables designing devices that can control the duration of laser pulses, opening up new possibilities for universal laser systems with controllable pulse duration.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 10, 2019

Study identifies 5 patterns of gun ownership by motivation, practices, other features

A study of California firearm owners has identified five distinct patterns of gun ownership linked to varying levels of risk. The research found that different combinations of survey responses to questions about firearms, storage practices, and motivations are associated with higher or lower risks of injury and death.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInjury Prevention·DateOct 10, 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.

2019 Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award winners announced

Molly Schumer and Bérénice Benayoun are the 2019 recipients of the Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award. Schumer investigates hybridization in non-mammalian organisms, while Benayoun explores genomic regulation and aging in humans. The award recognizes outstanding genetics research.

SourceGenetics Society of America·DateOct 10, 2019

Researchers identify new therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation in the SFTPA1 gene that causes idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease characterized by scar tissue buildup. Inhibiting necroptosis, a cell death pathway, could be a new therapeutic approach to treating IPF.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 10, 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.

Watching energy transport through biomimetic nanotubes

The researchers developed a microfluidic platform to study an artificial light-harvesting complex inspired by photosynthetic bacteria. They found that at low light intensities, the system absorbs photons efficiently, while high intensities trigger the release of excess energy as a safety valve.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2019

Compound in breast milk fights harmful bacteria

Researchers identified glycerol monolaurate in human breast milk as a compound fighting pathogenic bacteria while allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive. Human breast milk has more than 200 times the amount of GML found in cows' milk and infant formula.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 2019

Archaeology -- Social inequality in Bronze Age households

Archaeological analysis of Bronze Age cemeteries in southern Germany reveals that nuclear families lived with foreign women and individuals from lower social classes. The study, published in Science, suggests a complex social structure where wealth was correlated with biological kinship or foreign origin.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateOct 10, 2019

Researchers discover how chlamydia takes up new DNA from host

A recent study by researchers at the University of Kansas has identified a crucial gene in chlamydia that allows it to acquire new DNA from its host. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding this process, which is essential for developing targeted therapeutics against the disease.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalmBio·DateOct 10, 2019

Global model reveals a future without nature's crucial contributions to humanity

A new global model shows that as many as five billion people could face water and food insecurity by 2050, particularly in Africa and South Asia. The model highlights the urgent need to determine where nature's contributions matter most to people and who is most at risk if these contributions cease.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 10, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Babies burdened by environmental estrogens in mothers' wombs

Researchers have discovered that zearalenone, a widespread food estrogen, can pass through the placenta and affect fetal development. The study found that even low concentrations of zearalenone can have a significant impact on the unborn child's hormonal balance.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateOct 10, 2019

One in five cardiac rehab patients are depressed, anxious, or stressed

A study found that 18% of cardiac rehab patients had moderate to severe depression, anxiety, or stress. These conditions were associated with higher rates of dropout from rehabilitation and reduced improvements in symptoms. Clinicians are urged to screen for mental health issues and offer additional support.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateOct 10, 2019

Honeybees are math stars

Honeybees can learn to distinguish between quantities of three and four, but fail at finer differences. Training with a bitter-tasting quinine-flavored water reward improves their math skills, enabling them to differentiate between four and five shapes.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 10, 2019

Beyond the 'replication crisis,' does research face an 'inference crisis'?

Cognitive psychology researchers found substantial variability in experts' judgments on the same data, suggesting a serious inference problem. The study aimed to test the accuracy of theoretical conclusions made by researchers and found that some applied complex techniques, while others made misleading conclusions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateOct 10, 2019

Research shows that doing the twist is hot, unwinding is cool

An international team of scientists has developed a novel refrigeration technology that utilizes the twisting and untwisting of fibers to achieve cooling. The twistocaloric cooling method shows promise in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, with potential applications in commercial refrigerators and textile industry.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalScience·DateOct 10, 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.

New tool visualizes nature's benefits worldwide

A new interactive global map reveals where people receive the most benefits from nature, with up to 5 billion at higher risk by 2050. The study highlights inequitable distribution of environmental impacts, with developing countries bearing a disproportionate share.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateOct 10, 2019

Study identifies religious bias against refugees

A recent study by researchers at the University of California San Diego and others found that religion is a primary driver of anti-refugee sentiment in the US. The study shows that Muslims face significant bias, regardless of age, gender, or fluency in English.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 10, 2019

New research highlights vast undertreatments in psoriasis

New research reveals a striking proportion of psoriasis patients remain untreated, with doctors investing too little time into patients. The study found that over half of patients are not currently visiting a physician to help with treatment, indicating a need for improved care and patient engagement.

SourceSpink Health·DateOct 10, 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.

'Sticky' gene may help Valium calm nerves

Researchers found that a 'sticky' gene called Shisa7 plays a critical role in regulating inhibitory neural circuits and sedative effects of benzodiazepines. The discovery could lead to more effective treatments for neurological disorders caused by problems with these circuits.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience·DateOct 10, 2019

Buttons and flies help Hopkins solve longtime DNA mystery

Biologists study flies to understand how chromosomes fold up in microscopic cells, finding that certain regions 'button' together easily while others don't. This discovery lays the foundation for better understanding human development and gene expression, particularly in cases of genetic anomalies leading to disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 10, 2019

Sunlight degrades polystyrene faster than expected

A Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution study finds that polystyrene breaks down faster than previously thought when exposed to sunlight, transforming into CO2 and other compounds. The research suggests additives in polystyrene play a key role in its breakdown.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateOct 10, 2019

E-cigarettes, tobacco and cannabis products are littering high schools

A recent study by UCSF researchers found hundreds of waste items from e-cigarettes, combustible tobacco products, and cannabis products at Bay Area high schools. The study highlights the environmental hazard posed by these products' toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which are contaminating school environments and surrounding areas.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateOct 10, 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.

Right whale mothers 'whisper' to their calves to avoid attracting predators

Researchers found that North Atlantic right whale mothers significantly reduce their vocalizations when communicating with their calves, using a quiet, short sound instead of the typical loud 'up call'. This behavior, called acoustic crypsis, helps avoid attracting orcas and sharks, key predators of young whales.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 10, 2019

Enhancing memory network via brain stimulation

Researchers used repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to increase functional connectivity of a neural network implicated in memory. The study, published in eNeuro, confirms the effectiveness of this technique for experimental and clinical applications.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateOct 10, 2019

Modelling ion beam therapy

Researchers developed a consistent theoretical interpretation of ion beam energy deposition in liquid water jets, crucial for simulating interactions with human tissue. The new model allows for precise targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to adjacent normal tissue.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 10, 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 science on cracking leads to self-healing materials

New studies from Princeton University reveal that individual grains of clay and human skin shrink as they dry, leading to predictable cracking patterns. This knowledge enables the creation of advanced materials with spontaneous healing properties.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 10, 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.

TTUHSC study shows brain mechanisms have potential to block arthritis pain

A study by TTUHSC researchers suggests that activating certain brain receptors can reduce pain and anxiety associated with arthritis. The compound LY379268 has been shown to produce pain-relieving effects and relieve anxiety, offering potential as a new pain medication.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateOct 10, 2019

Skin cancer above the neck more likely to spread, research shows

A recent study found that malignant melanoma (MM) on the neck has a higher chance of spreading beyond the skin compared to MM below the neck. Researchers investigated 45 patients over six months and discovered that out of the 37 below neck MM patients, none had distant metastases, while two out of eight above neck MM patients did.

SourceSpink Health·DateOct 10, 2019

Keeping cool by twisting and coiling 'twistocaloric' yarns

Scientists have discovered a novel cooling method using twistocaloric yarns, which can cool materials by up to 4.7 degrees Celsius in a single cycle. This technology has the potential to replace traditional vapor-compression refrigeration systems with more energy-efficient and sustainable alternatives.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 10, 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.

Impacts of low-dose exposure to antibiotics unveiled in zebrafish gut

Researchers at the University of Oregon found that low-dose antibiotic exposure can cause significant changes in gut bacterial communities, leading to severe drops in bacterial populations. The study used zebrafish as a model organism and showed that the physical activity of the intestine amplifies the effects of weak antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 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.

Nanostructures help to reduce the adhesion of bacteria

Researchers found that nanostructured surfaces reduce bacterial adhesion, making it harder for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to form biofilms and resist antibiotics. The study suggests optimizing surface topography can minimize bacterial attachment and prevent biofilm formation.

SourceSaarland University·JournalNanoscale·DateOct 10, 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.

What doesn't crack them makes them stronger

Scientists discover that tiny holes in materials like concrete increase strength by spreading force and protecting weak zones. The phenomenon only applies where strong and weak zones are unevenly distributed, and it has the potential to predict material failure.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physics·DateOct 10, 2019