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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 45


Page 45 of 47

Researchers repurpose failed cancer drug into printable semiconductor

Researchers from the University of Illinois have discovered a way to repurpose biological molecules, once considered for cancer treatment, as organic semiconductors. These molecules can interact with biological material with high specificity, making them good candidates for use in biosensors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2019

Quantum vacuum: Less than zero energy

A research team investigated the possibility of negative energy in quantum physics, finding that while energy can be less than zero under certain conditions, it must be paid back. The study placed tight bounds on negative energy and connected it to quintessential properties of quantum mechanics.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 2, 2019

Going to sleep on your back in late pregnancy

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that sleeping on one's back during the third trimester of pregnancy may be associated with average lower birth weights. The study investigated this potential link and found a correlation between back sleepers and smaller newborns.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 2, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Recommendations to prevent secondary fractures in adults 65+ with osteoporosis

A multistakeholder coalition has issued clinical recommendations to prevent secondary fractures in older adults with osteoporosis. The guidelines recommend increased communication with patients regarding fracture risk and mortality outcomes, as well as fracture risk reduction strategies.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateOct 2, 2019

Stanford-made exhibit plunges people in the world of microbes

Researchers at Stanford University and the Exploratorium developed an immersive exhibit allowing visitors to interact with single-cell organisms called Euglena. Visitors spent twice as much time engaging with interactive exhibits compared to traditional microscope-only displays.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 2, 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.

Swimming toward an 'internet of health'?

The authors propose an 'internet of health' where wearable sensors provide non-intrusive data on a person's health, correlated with environmental factors. This could lead to early disease prevention and personalized medicine.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateOct 2, 2019

Decades-long drop in breast cancer death rate continues

The breast cancer death rate has slowed in recent years, but the gap between black and white women remains significant. Breast cancer incidence rates have continued to rise, with a greater increase seen in hormone receptor-positive disease.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateOct 2, 2019

FODMAPs diet relieves symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease

A new study from King's College London found that a low FODMAP diet improved certain gut symptoms such as swelling of the stomach and flatulence in patients with IBD. The diet reduced gut inflammation and improved health-related quality of life, with 52% of patients reporting adequate relief of gut symptoms.

SourceKing's College London·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateOct 2, 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.

Texas Biomed awarded $2.8 Million NIH grant for novel TB research

Researchers at Texas Biomedical Institute are studying lung macrophages and their role in TB infection, with the goal of developing a new set of biological pathways critical to the body's response. The findings could lead to a new strategy for host-directed therapy and potentially cure TB.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·DateOct 1, 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.

Scientists improve voiceprint collection

Researchers have developed a new method for ensuring quality in automatic voice recording, reducing error rates down to 2% and allowing for real-time processing. The algorithm assesses pronunciation stability and displays a color chart showing the dependence of speech quality on time.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalMeasurement Techniques·DateOct 1, 2019

Why are there no animals with three legs?

A graduate student's essay explores why there are no animals with three legs, citing the challenges of stability and balance. Thomson notes that tripod stances and three-limbed movement exist in some animals, but the evolutionary pressures favor bilateral symmetry.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalBioEssays·DateOct 1, 2019

Neuroimaging reveals hidden communication between brain layers during reading

Researchers used laminar fMRI to investigate brain activation at different layers during word reading, revealing top-down projections from language areas to deep layers. This breakthrough finding expands cognitive neuroimaging knowledge of brain networks.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2019

New research identifies the strengths and weaknesses of super material

The study measures and sets guidelines for the use of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in bolted joints, revealing its tensile strength compared to high-strength steel. UHMWPE's unique properties make it an attractive material for various applications, including shipping, armour, and textiles.

SourceAarhus University·JournalInternational Journal of Solids and Structures·DateOct 1, 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.

Mob mentality rules jackdaw flocks

Researchers found that jackdaws can identify individual calls and assess group size when deciding to join a mob. While they use a form of counting, there may be cognitive limitations to their ability.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 1, 2019

Collagen fibers encourage cell streaming through balancing act

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that collagen fiber length can affect how cells move collectively, with longer fibers supporting streaming out of colonies and elongating cells. The study suggests that a balance between aggressiveness and cooperation is crucial for cell movement.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateOct 1, 2019

Predators and hidey-holes are good for reef fish populations

The study found that the presence of Nassau grouper had a positive effect on fish abundance, with groups having both a resident grouper and complex habitat producing the highest numbers of fish. Habitat complexity also significantly benefited fish populations, with degraded sites having fewer than 50 fish on average.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMarine Biology·DateOct 1, 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.

Study: Better sleep habits lead to better college grades

A recent study by MIT professors found a strong correlation between students' grades and their sleep habits, with consistent sleep quality playing a crucial role. The study discovered that the timing of bedtime also affects performance, with going to bed after 2 a.m. leading to poorer grades regardless of total sleep hours.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·Journalnpj Science of Learning·DateOct 1, 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.

Cracking how 'water bears' survive the extremes

Tardigrades' protein Dsup protects cells from X-rays and hydroxyl radicals by binding to chromatin and forming a shield. This mechanism may help develop animal cells that can live longer under extreme conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 1, 2019

NIH researchers develop MRI with lower magnetic field for cardiac and lung imaging condition

Researchers at NIH and Siemens developed a low-magnetic-field MRI system that improves image quality of lungs and other internal structures, making medical imaging more affordable and accessible. The new system also reduces the risk of heating and allows for safer procedures for patients with pacemakers or defibrillators.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalRadiology·DateOct 1, 2019

New research puts Australia at forefront of blue carbon economy

Australian marine ecosystems absorb and emit large amounts of greenhouse gases, including 20 million tonnes of CO2 annually. Human damage causes 3 million tonnes to be released back into the atmosphere, highlighting the importance of conservation and restoration.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2019

Telescope seeking new planets launches via football field-sized balloon

The University of Massachusetts Lowell's PICTURE-C telescope was launched via a football field-sized helium balloon to study objects hidden by stars' glare. The instrument boasts an optical control system and can block out direct light from stars, allowing for the detailed study of nearby planets.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateOct 1, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Radiology organizations publish statement on ethics of AI in Radiology

The multi-society statement focuses on three areas: data, algorithms, and practice. It emphasizes the importance of ethical use of AI in radiology, ensuring benefits and harms are distributed fairly among stakeholders. Radiologists will need to acquire new skills to work effectively with AI tools.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateOct 1, 2019

Virtual medical visits get wary welcome from older adults, poll finds

A new national poll suggests that older adults are hesitant to try virtual health visits due to concerns about technology and quality of care. Despite this, many (64%) would be interested in telehealth options if they became unexpectedly ill while traveling or needed follow-up on previous care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateOct 1, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Modeling the complexity of the world's water

A national team of researchers, led by Xu Liang from the University of Pittsburgh, has received a $1.3 million grant to create CyberWater, an open framework that integrates diverse data sets and models for investigating water resources and climate-related environmental issues.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateOct 1, 2019

NIH awards $15.2M grant to UTEP for biomedical training

The NIH awarded UTEP's BUILDing SCHOLARS program a $15.2 million grant to train the next generation of biomedical researchers in the US Southwest, focusing on cancer, addiction, environmental health, and more. The program aims to increase diversity in the biomedical research workforce.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·DateOct 1, 2019

Stem cell treatments for shoulder and elbow injuries flourish, but so far there's little evidence they work

Researchers warn that stem cell therapies for shoulder and elbow injuries have far outpaced supporting scientific data, with many treatments still unproven. The clinical data for these treatments are currently limited, and a greater understanding of optimal formulations and dosing schedules is needed to determine their effectiveness.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery·DateOct 1, 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.

Genomic fluke close-up

A recent study reveals that parasitic flukes have a long evolutionary history, with genome comparisons showing significant adaptations to different hosts. The research team found that fasciolid flukes may have originated in ancient African elephants and later expanded into Eurasian herbivores.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 1, 2019

Shape affects performance of micropillars in heat transfer

Researchers found that different shapes of micropillars affect liquid retention, with triangular pillars showing reduced critical burst volume for high surface-tension liquids. The study aims to develop an evaporative heat exchange device.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalLangmuir·DateOct 1, 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.

A metronome for quantum particles

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new measurement protocol that enables direct measurement of the quantum phase of electrons. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of important phenomena in photosensors and photovoltaics.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 1, 2019

Earthquake in the cell

The study revealed that loss of Lamin A/C acetylation results in softened nuclei prone to mechanical pressure and eventual breaking. Nuclear blebs and micronuclei are more likely to form under these conditions, posing a risk to genetic material integrity.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 1, 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.

Protozoans and pathogens make for an infectious mix

A team of researchers discovered that single-celled organisms like protozoa can protect pathogenic bacteria and prime them for human infection. The bacteria are expelled into the environment after being ingested by protozoa and become more infectious in humans, potentially threatening public health.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·DateOct 1, 2019

Discovered new regulation for infant growth

Researchers at the University of Bergen identified new genetic signals regulating infant growth, which may help combat growth-related diseases like obesity and malnutrition. The study found that different BMI-signals exist for children and adults, with varying genetic influences during childhood.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 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.

NSF's national optical-infrared astronomy research laboratory launched

The new laboratory combines existing and new facilities, fostering innovative scientific programs, idea exchange, and creative development in ground-based optical-infrared astronomy. The lab enables breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing state-of-the-art observatories and providing data products for a diverse community.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·DateOct 1, 2019