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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 34


Page 34 of 47

April Kloxin wins NIH innovator award

University of Delaware Professor April Kloxin wins NIH Director's New Innovator Award to develop synthetic models of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal disease affecting over 3 million people globally. Her research aims to uncover insights into the underlying causes and potential treatments for lung fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 9, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

β-blockers build heart muscle, may help infants with congenital heart disease

Researchers found that β-blockers can stimulate proper cell division in infant heart tissue and improve heart function. In mouse studies, propranolol treatment resulted in 30% more cardiomyocytes and better recovery from heart attacks. The pathway to clinical translation is promising, as the drug was synthesized nearly 60 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 9, 2019

$1 million Walmart Foundation grant to fund Tata-Cornell ag study

The Tata-Cornell Institute will assess challenges facing small-farm aggregation models in India and Mexico, with a focus on creating lessons, tools, and resource pathways to strengthen small farm aggregators. The two-year study aims to identify successful and unsuccessful strategies for making these organizations economically sustainable.

SourceCornell University·DateOct 9, 2019

Chlamydia in testicular tissue linked to male infertility

A recent study has found chlamydia in the testicular tissue biopsies of infertile men with no identified cause, indicating a potential link between the bacteria and male infertility. Chlamydia was detected in 45.3% of fixed testicular biopsies, suggesting a significant impact on fertility.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateOct 9, 2019

Physics vs. asthma

The study reveals the detailed 3D structure of the CysLT1 receptor, which plays a crucial role in inflammatory processes and allergic diseases like asthma. The researchers used advanced X-ray sources to determine the receptor's mechanism of operation, providing insights into improving asthma medications.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 9, 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.

First entirely digital clinical trial encourages physical activity

A new study published in The Lancet Digital Health found that a digital clinical trial using the MyHeart Counts app increased physical activity by 10% in participants. The trial, which enrolled over 1,000 participants and ran for 18 months, showed that even simple prompts from a smartphone app can encourage people to exercise more.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateOct 9, 2019

Maintaining weight loss beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that individuals who lost a significant amount of weight and then maintained 75% of their weight loss had improved risk factors, such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure. However, those who regained weight saw deteriorated benefits, highlighting the importance of long-term maintenance.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 9, 2019

Global analysis of submarine canyons may shed light on Martian landscapes

Researchers analyzed global images of submarine canyons to find fundamental differences in their shapes and profiles compared to land-based canyons. The study suggests that processes forming submarine canyons are periodic landslides, seismic activity, or large winter storms, leading to new insights into Martian landscapes.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalGeology·DateOct 9, 2019

UT human development specialist recognized with National Excellence in Extension Award

Matthew Devereaux, a UT human development specialist, has been honored with the National Excellence in Extension Award for his visionary leadership and innovative programming that positively develops youth in afterschool settings. His research on social-emotional learning programs has shown significant gains in student grades and stand...

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateOct 9, 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.

Reef fish caring for their young are taken advantage of by other fish

Biologists have discovered that coral reef fish take advantage of parental care to raise their own young. Genetic tests revealed that many parents were caring for mixed broods of young from different species. The study found evidence of both adoption and brood parasitism, with unrelated young fish benefiting from parental protection.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateOct 9, 2019

Fresh insights could lead to new treatments for liver disease

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified three new sub-types of cells involved in liver scarring, accelerating the disease progression. The discovery is expected to accelerate the development of new treatments for liver diseases, which affect one in five people in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateOct 9, 2019

Study finds prehistoric humans ate bone marrow like canned soup 400,000 years ago

Scientists have found evidence of prehistoric humans storing and consuming animal bone marrow at Qesem Cave, dating back to around 400,000 years ago. The discovery suggests that early Paleolithic people had a sophisticated understanding of food preservation, allowing them to store bone marrow for up to nine weeks before feasting on it.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 9, 2019

Study links sleep disturbances and Alzheimer's among Hispanics

A new study led by a University of Miami neurologist found that sleep disturbances among Hispanics may increase their risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Insomnia and prolonged sleep duration were linked to declines in memory, executive function, and processing speed, which can precede the onset of dementia.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·DateOct 9, 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.

Women and black Americans more likely to face severe adult obesity

A multi-national study reveals that children of normal weight who later become severely obese are often girls or from black populations, highlighting the need for tailored monitoring and prevention efforts. The study provides a predictive tool for doctors to focus intervention on high-risk individuals.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateOct 9, 2019

No soil left behind: How a cost-effective technology can enrich poor fields

A new cost-effective technology, subsurface water retention technology (SWRT), has the potential to significantly improve harvests in sub-Saharan Africa's poor fields. SWRT increases water retention and organic material accumulation, making soils more fertile, resulting in higher maize yields and carbon sequestration.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·DateOct 9, 2019

Unique immune cell could help stop breast cancer

Researchers identified gamma delta T cells in breast tissue, which are associated with remission and higher survival rates. The study suggests that these cells may be used to develop new treatments for breast cancer.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 9, 2019

More patients with cardiovascular disease now die at home than in the hospital

A study by Haider Warraich and colleagues found that 31% of cardiovascular disease deaths occur at home, exceeding hospital fatalities. The research analyzed over 12 million deaths from 2003 to 2017, revealing disparities in place of death among underserved racial and ethnic groups.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 9, 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.

Humans have salamander-like ability to regrow cartilage in joints

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a mechanism for cartilage repair similar to salamanders' limb regeneration. Cartilage age depends on joint location, with ankles being younger, knees middle-aged, and hips older. MicroRNAs regulate this process and may be developed into arthritis medicines.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 9, 2019

How to make biocatalysts immortal

A research team from Bochum and Marseille has developed a self-defence mechanism in biocatalysts that shields them from oxygen, extending their service life up to 22,000 years. The new design uses tiny molecular spheres to create an extremely thin protective film that maintains efficiency.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 9, 2019

Mapping white clover heritage

Researchers in New Zealand have developed a comprehensive map of white clover heritage and genetic landscape, providing a valuable resource for breeders. The 'pedigree map' reveals the history of the species, including its origins and genetic makeup, enabling more informed breeding decisions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateOct 9, 2019

Study examines timing of weight gain in children

A new study analyzed data from 2010 to 2015 and found that body mass index of Wisconsin children rose in the summer and decreased in the fall. The study suggests that school-based obesity prevention initiatives may benefit from additional weight management support delivered at the start of the school year.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateOct 9, 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.

Can being neighborly reduce depression in older adults?

A study of over 10,000 Chinese older adults found that living in neighborhoods with higher levels of social participation was associated with lower rates of depression. This increased social connection led to more physical activity and contact with neighbors and own children.

SourceWiley·JournalHealth & Social Care in the Community·DateOct 9, 2019

NUS researchers show potential liver cancer treatment by targeting cancer stem-like cells

A new study from National University of Singapore (NUS) researchers has demonstrated a potential method for treating advanced liver cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Targeting the JAK/STAT signalling pathway, they found that a class of small molecule drugs can effectively reduce cancer progression in preclinical models, with...

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateOct 9, 2019

WVU researchers tackle rising health care costs with artificial intelligence

Researchers at WVU are using artificial intelligence to develop more efficient and accurate diagnoses of cardiovascular diseases, potentially leading to cost savings and improved patient outcomes. The four-year project aims to address research challenges associated with AI in healthcare, including data analysis efficiency and privacy m...

SourceWest Virginia University·DateOct 9, 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.

New mechanism fueling brain metastasis discovered at Wistar

Scientists at The Wistar Institute have identified a novel mechanism by which astrocytes promote cancer cell growth and metastasis in the brain. The pro-metastatic effect is mediated through the activation of the PPAR-gamma pathway, providing a new lead for PPAR-gamma antagonists in cancer therapy.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 9, 2019

Binghamton University professor wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry

M. Stanley Whittingham's work on lithium-ion batteries has revolutionized energy storage and utilization, enabling widespread use of portable electronics. His research has been instrumental in advancing the development of these batteries, paving the way for significant technological advancements.

SourceBinghamton University·DateOct 9, 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.

Virtual review of cancer clinical trial treatment options quicker than conventional method

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center developed a virtual review method that reduces the time needed to assess a cancer patient's tumor profile and suitability for clinical trials from 14 to 4 days. The method also increased the number of cases that could be assessed, with over 2,000 clinical trials evaluated.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateOct 9, 2019

Electronic solid could reduce carbon emissions in fridges and air conditioners

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have identified a promising replacement for toxic greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners. The device, based on layers of oxygen and metallic elements PST, displays the largest electrocaloric effects yet observed in a body large enough for cooling applications.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateOct 9, 2019

Chemical evolution -- One-pot wonder

Researchers propose a cascade of chemical reactions to produce RNA's four genetic building blocks, creating a pivotal step in chemical evolution. The process requires simple precursor molecules and can occur under homogeneous environmental conditions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateOct 9, 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.

Deep3DFly: the deep-learning way to design fly-like robots

Deep3DFly uses computer science and neuroscience to model fly movements and poses, enabling robots to climb challenging terrain. The system can automatically predict and correct errors in calculations, opening up new possibilities for robotics and medicine.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateOct 9, 2019

New study supports nervous system's role in age-related weakness

Researchers found that older adults experience physical weakness due to impairments in brain and nerve function, rather than muscle changes. The study suggests that addressing the nervous system's role could improve quality of life for older adults with age-related strength loss.

SourceOhio University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 9, 2019

Social determinant screening useful for families with pediatric sickle cell disease

A new study from Boston Medical Center demonstrates that hematologists can identify patients' specific needs through universal screening, connecting them to local resources. Two-thirds of patients screened positive for at least one unmet socioeconomic need, most commonly food insecurity and difficulty paying utilities.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateOct 9, 2019

Human gut microbes could make processed foods healthier

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that certain strains of gut microbes can break down harmful compounds in processed foods and produce beneficial nutrients. These microbes could potentially make unhealthy snacks healthier when added to their composition.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 9, 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.

Helping conservation initiatives turn contagious

A study published in Nature Sustainability found that most conservation initiatives follow a slow-fast-slow model, where initial adoption is slow but grows quickly as more adopters connect with potential adopters. This understanding can help policymakers design and promote effective conservation programs.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 9, 2019

Patient-derived organoids help predict how patients respond to chemotherapy

Researchers created a test using tumor organoids to predict how patients with advanced colorectal cancer respond to chemotherapy treatment. The test correctly classified 80% of patients treated with irinotecan, suggesting it could help identify those who won't benefit from toxic chemotherapies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 9, 2019

Highly virulent listeriosis pathogen discovered

Researchers identified a new, highly virulent form of Listeria monocytogenes that causes severe diseases in animals and humans. The strain was discovered in China and combines the virulence characteristics of various highly pathogenic Listeria species into a single isolate.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 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.

Rest may help reduce PTSD symptoms, UCL study finds

A new UCL study has found that a period of rest following a traumatic event can reduce the development of involuntary 'memory intrusions' in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study suggests that increasing memory consolidation, which involves storing and contextualizing memories, may help prevent these disturbances.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 9, 2019

Blood test could help to accelerate brain cancer diagnosis

A new blood test has been developed to accelerate brain cancer diagnosis, distinguishing patients with brain cancer from healthy individuals correctly 87% of the time. The technology uses infrared light and artificial intelligence to identify the signs of cancer in a blood sample.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 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.

Scientists find gender-distinct circuit for depression

Research found a single circuit in mice that activates during stress, controlled by testosterone, driving different behaviors in males and females. In female brains, the circuit is active under stress but quietens with testosterone introduction, making them resistant to depression-like behaviors.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 9, 2019

How chromosomes change their shape during cell differentiation

The study observed changes in A/B compartments of mouse embryonic stem cells, correlating with gene expression and replication timing changes. Chromosome conformation changes preceded gene expression changes, suggesting a physical mechanism for transcriptional regulation.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 9, 2019

Physicists couple key components of quantum technologies

Researchers at the University of Münster have created an interface that couples light sources with nanophotonic networks, enabling the integration of quantum optical circuits on chips. The interface uses photonic crystals to enhance a specific wavelength range and can be replicated using established nanofabrication processes.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalAdvanced Quantum Technologies·DateOct 9, 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.

Threshold-dependent gene drives in wild populations

Threshold-dependent gene drives offer a potential solution to controlling the spread of gene drives in wild populations, increasing control and reducing the risk of unchecked spread. The authors discuss this concept in detail, highlighting its potential benefits and challenges.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateOct 9, 2019