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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 41


Page 41 of 47

Long-term mental health benefits of gender-affirming surgery for transgender individuals

A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that gender-affirming surgery significantly reduces mental health treatment use among transgender individuals with gender incongruence. The study, which analyzed over 2,500 individuals, showed a 8% reduction in mental health treatment odds for every year since receiving ...

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 4, 2019

The 'Goldilocks' principle for curing brain cancer

University of Minnesota Medical School researchers have made a breakthrough in combating glioblastoma, the most common form of adult brain cancer. By combining ultrasound with engineered glass particles, they were able to create a 'Goldilocks' balance that awakens the body's immune response and boosts the effectiveness of immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalAdvanced Therapeutics·DateOct 4, 2019

Study pinpoints Alzheimer's plaque emergence early and deep in the brain

A new study by MIT neuroscientists pinpointed the earliest emergence of amyloid protein plaques in the human brain, finding they correlate strongly with disease progression. The research uses a mouse model to track plaque development and shows that these regions eventually spread throughout the brain.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 4, 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.

NIH funding bolsters rare diseases research collaborations

The NIH has awarded $31 million in grants to support consortia studying rare diseases, with a focus on clinical research and collaboration. The funding aims to develop improved approaches for diagnosis and treatment, ultimately moving potential treatments closer to the clinic.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·DateOct 3, 2019

Mounting brain organoid research reignites ethical debate

Researchers are expanding brain organoid research, raising concerns about the potential for consciousness in host animals. The authors propose an ethical framework grounded in scientific principles to address these issues and ensure responsible use of this technology.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 3, 2019

MIT sets out to model Alzheimer's disease complexity on a chip

MIT researchers are developing a multicellular integrated chip platform to model the complexity of Alzheimer's disease. They will integrate blood vessels and key cell types, including neurons, immune cells, and oligodendrocytes, to provide a powerful testbed for personalized research.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·DateOct 3, 2019

Combustion behavior of aromatics may provide keys to enhancing heavy oil extraction

Researchers at Kazan University's In-Situ Combustion Lab have studied the combustion behavior of aromatic compounds and their impact on heavy oil extraction. The study found that certain aromatic compounds can promote high-temperature oxidation and inhibit low-temperature oxidation, leading to more efficient extraction methods.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry·DateOct 3, 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.

Why the language-ready brain is so complex

Neuroscientist Hagoort challenges the classical view that language is confined to two major areas in the left half of the brain, instead proposing a multi-brain-network view that incorporates multiple regions and operations, including those shared with other cognitive domains like music and arithmetic.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2019

Different views on vaginal birth after previous caesarean section (VBAC)

A European study found significant variations in vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) rates among six European countries, with Finland, Netherlands, and Sweden having high VBAC rates. In contrast, Ireland, Italy, and Germany have low VBAC rates due to a heterogeneous pro-against-VBAC culture.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalWomen and Birth·DateOct 3, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Golden ratio observed in human skulls

A recent study published in The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery found that human skull dimensions follow the Golden Ratio. However, less related species such as dogs and monkeys diverged from this ratio, suggesting unique evolutionary patterns.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateOct 3, 2019

Cause of rare but deadly neurological disease identified

A deadly neurological disease that affects infant boys has been linked to increased sensitivity to iron in the brain. A new study has identified a potential treatment, which enhances the survival of cells involved in the disorder.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 3, 2019

NASA finds a transitioning cyclone Mitag filling the sea of Japan

Tropical Storm Mitag is undergoing extratropical transition, losing its tropical characteristics and becoming a larger system with increasing wind field size. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 40 knots (46 mph/74 kph) as it moved east-northeast towards landfall over northern Honshu, Japan.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 3, 2019

Heart failure and the obesity paradox

Researchers found that overweight individuals had the lowest mortality risk among those with established heart failure, contrary to previous expectations. The 'obesity paradox' suggests that obese patients may tolerate disease-modifying and prognostic medications better than non-obese patients.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHeart·DateOct 3, 2019

Plants alert neighbors to threats using common 'language'

New research from Cornell University reveals that plants communicate with each other using airborne chemicals when under attack from pests. This phenomenon, known as open-channel communication, allows neighboring plants to pick up on warning signals and prepare for the perceived threat.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 3, 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.

Study presents first genome sequence of Florida panther

The study presents the first genome sequence of the Florida panther, revealing increased genetic variation in the population. Genetic rescue efforts led to a tripling of genetic diversity in two offspring, alleviating genetic defect threats and promoting population growth from 20-30 to 120-230 individuals.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateOct 3, 2019

Sentinels in the mouth

Researchers found special sensory cells in the gums that detect irritants and bacteria, triggering an immune response to control oral microbiome. The discovery could lead to personalized dental treatments against gum disease.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 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.

Key to learning and forgetting identified in sleeping brain

A new study by UC San Francisco researchers reveals that two distinct types of slow brain waves, slow oscillations and delta waves, compete to determine whether new information is consolidated or forgotten. Disrupting one type of wave enhances memory retention, while disrupting the other leads to forgetting.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateOct 3, 2019

Scientists predict the areas of the brain to stimulate transitions between different brain states

Researchers developed a method to characterize brain states and simulate brain activity, enabling prediction of stimulation effects on brain state transitions. The study found that systematic external stimulation can awaken the brain in sleep states and may enhance recovery from psychiatric diseases.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2019

Exposure to air pollution increases violent crime rates, study finds

A new study by Colorado State University researchers found a strong link between short-term exposure to air pollution and aggressive behavior, including aggravated assaults and other violent crimes across the continental United States. The results showed a 1.4% increase in violent crimes for every 10 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase ...

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateOct 3, 2019

Response rate to albumin-bound paclitaxel plus gemcitabine plus cisplatin treatment among patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: A phase 1b/2 pilot clinical trial

A phase 1b/2 clinical trial found that adding cisplatin to a standard-of-care regimen resulted in 71% tumor shrinkage and increased survival beyond one year. The treatment showed encouraging results, with 64% of patients alive after one year and 40% alive after two years.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 3, 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.

Study finds large potential range for invasive spotted lanternfly

A new habitat-modeling study reveals large swaths of US and Europe are likely to be vulnerable to the invasive spotted lanternfly if it continues to spread. Suitable habitat for the tree and fruit pest was found in most New England and mid-Atlantic states, as well as parts of central US and Pacific Northwest globally.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateOct 3, 2019

Paleontology: New Australian pterosaur may have survived the longest

A previously unknown species of pterosaur was discovered in Australia, with characteristics suggesting it may be a late-surviving member of the Anhanguera genus. The fossil, which includes parts of the skull and five vertebrae, is considered the most complete pterosaur specimen ever found in Australia.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 2019

Placenta pathology may clarify racial disparities in preemie health outcomes

A recent study found that African-American preterm births are associated with chronic inflammation of the placenta and underdeveloped vessels, leading to poor growth and increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairments. These abnormalities suggest that the fetus was not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients from the placenta.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalPlacenta·DateOct 3, 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.

New parents? Tired of nighttime feedings? Bees can relate

A recent study by Hebrew University researchers found that bumble bee workers sleep less while caring for young, even when not their own offspring. This suggests a mechanism allowing them to reduce sleep without a cost to health or cognitive performance.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 3, 2019

The phenological index

Researchers have developed a new quantitative measure of phenological status called the 'phenological index' to improve scoring of developmental stage in herbarium specimens. This approach allows for more accurate predictions of ecosystem responses to climate change.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateOct 3, 2019

TAU and Ichilov researchers develop treatment for familial adenomatous polyposis

Researchers at TAU and Ichilov Hospital developed a new antibiotic treatment that significantly reduces intestinal polyp numbers and improves quality of life for FAP patients. The innovative therapy, which targets 'nonsense mutations' in the APC gene, showed promising results in a clinical trial.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateOct 3, 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.

Glowing gas reveals faint filaments of the cosmic web

Researchers detected individual filaments of intergalactic gas in a newly forming cluster, providing insight into the Universe's evolution and galaxy formation. The analysis found that these filaments are arranged like long threads, extending over one million parsecs, and fueling star formation and super massive black hole growth.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2019

Confronting colony collapse

Researchers sequenced the genomes of two Varroa mite species that parasitize honey bees, finding distinct strategies for survival and evolution. The study sheds light on how parasites and hosts co-evolve, potentially revealing new approaches to combat colony collapse.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 3, 2019

Global wildlife trade is higher than previous estimates show

The study found that at least 5,579 animals are currently being traded globally, with impacts tend to be higher among certain groups and in threatened species. The researchers predict that up to 8,775 species could soon be at risk of extinction due to future commodification.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2019

Bumble bee workers sleep less while caring for young

A new study reveals that bumble bee workers tending to pupae sleep significantly less than other bees, even when the offspring are not their own. This finding suggests that substances produced by the pupae may drive the reduction in sleep.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 3, 2019

First maps of areas suitable for spotted lanternfly's establishment in US and world

Maps identifying suitable areas for the spotted lanternfly's establishment in the US and world have been published by Agricultural Research Service scientists. The insect has already spread to several countries and is predicted to become established in most of New England, mid-Atlantic states, and Pacific coastal states.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateOct 3, 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.

Grant will test 'home delivery' for CRISPR cancer treatment

Researchers at UC Davis aim to deliver CRISPR genome editing machinery to gut cells to fix genes responsible for a rare form of familial cancer. They will use an engineered, non-infectious hepatitis E virus to orally deliver CRISPR into cells in the gastrointestinal tract of mice.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 3, 2019

Kidney function may affect risks associated with prescription opioids

A study found that prescription opioids are associated with a higher risk of death and hospitalization compared to other pain medications, especially at high doses. The risk is highest among individuals with lower kidney function, who may experience reduced clearance of the active compounds from their bodies.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 3, 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.

How the influenza virus achieves efficient viral RNA replication

New insights into the influenza virus polymerase have revealed that its subunits co-evolve to guarantee proper levels of dimerization and optimal inter-subunit cooperation. This finding has significant implications for the development of novel antiviral drugs targeting viral RNA replication.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 3, 2019

High lead levels during pregnancy linked to child obesity, NIH-funded study suggests

A recent NIH-funded study reveals that children born to mothers with high blood lead levels are more likely to be overweight or obese. Folate intake after giving birth may help reduce this risk. The study analyzed data from the Boston Birth Cohort and found a significant association between maternal lead exposure and childhood obesity.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 3, 2019

Keeping cool with quantum wells

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have introduced a new method for evaporation cooling using semiconductor quantum wells, reducing waste heat in portable electronics. Devices with this technology may be integrated into smart devices to prevent overheating issues.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2019

How much are you polluting your office air just by existing?

A team of engineers at Purdue University conducted a study using thousands of sensors in an office building to identify indoor air contaminants. They found that people and ventilation systems greatly impact the chemistry of indoor air, with volatile organic compounds lingering even after occupants leave.

SourcePurdue University·DateOct 3, 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 long does memory last? For shape memory alloys, the longer the better

Researchers found that rapidly cooled copper-based shape memory alloys performed better than slowly cooled samples due to the formation of nickel-rich dots. This discovery could lead to more energy-efficient HVAC and refrigeration systems using heat pumping technology.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateOct 3, 2019

Stem cell studies offer hope for childhood neurological condition

Researchers develop novel therapies to reverse or prevent myelin loss in PMD patients, identifying iron toxicity as a key factor and discovering a potential treatment using an FDA-approved agent. Clinical trials are planned to test the effectiveness of this treatment in slowing or halting disease progression.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 3, 2019

New method to purify cell types to high purity

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute have created a new method called GateID that allows for the purification of cell types to high purity without using antibodies or genetic reporters. This enables the detailed study of individual cell types, such as stem cells and tumor cells, which are crucial for understanding their properties and...

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 3, 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.

Tooth loss associated with higher risk of heart disease

Adults with tooth loss due to nontraumatic events are more prone to heart attacks and strokes. Researchers analyzed 316,588 US participants aged 40-79, finding a significant association between oral health and cardiovascular disease.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateOct 3, 2019

UNH researchers find northern forests have lost crucial cold, snowy conditions

Researchers at UNH found a significant decline in frost days and ice days in northern forests across the US and Canada. This change could have serious implications for ecosystems, water supplies, economies, tourism, and human health. Cold temperatures help prevent disease spread and manage insects detrimental to trees.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 3, 2019

New ideal housewife image being created by social media influencers and bloggers

Researchers found that social media influencers are creating a new ideal of the 'housewife' as an entrepreneur and consumer, showcasing their glamorous lifestyle on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. This new image challenges traditional notions of femininity and highlights the tension between private and public lives.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Cultural Economy·DateOct 3, 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.

NASA sees Post-tropical Cyclone Lorenzo affecting Ireland

NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible image of Post-tropical Cyclone Lorenzo as it neared Ireland on Oct. 3, showing frontal features and cloud-filled center of circulation west of Ireland. Met Eireann has issued rainfall and wind warnings for Ireland due to the storm's heavy rains and high winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 3, 2019