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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 7


Page 7 of 47

Scientists warn of new health threat caused by global warming

Researchers found a significant link between daily mean temperatures and hospitalisations for undernourishment in Brazil. The study estimated that 15.6% of undernutrition hospitalisations could be attributed to heat exposure, with the greatest impact on individuals aged over 80 and those between 5-19 years.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 29, 2019

Telehealth effectively diagnoses/manages fetal congenital heart disease in rural patients

A recent study found that telehealth effectively diagnosed and managed fetal congenital heart disease (CHD) in rural patients, achieving significant cost savings while maintaining high patient satisfaction. The study used real-time video consultation between medical experts and pediatric cardiologists, resulting in improved diagnostic ...

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 29, 2019

Testing HIV testers

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing used a mystery shopper methodology to evaluate the quality of HIV/STI testing services for young men who have sex with men. The results showed variable performance across cities and testing sites, emphasizing the need to improve these services.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·DateOct 29, 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.

When money is scarce, biased behavior happens faster

A Cornell University study reveals that discrimination may occur faster than the blink of an eye, especially when money is scarce. Under conditions of economic scarcity, participants took significantly longer to process black faces than white faces, allocating less money to black recipients.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 29, 2019

Study identifies role of specific gene in hardening of blood vessel walls

Researchers found patients with significant blood vessel calcification were more likely to have a specific variant of HDAC9, implicating the gene in cardiovascular disease. The study suggests HDAC9 causes abnormal changes in vascular cells, resembling bone cells, leading to hardening of arteries.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 29, 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.

Scientists learn how to make oxygen 'perform' for them

Researchers at Ohio State University created a method to keep the collective behavior of oxygen isotopes moving long enough for scientists to study it well. This enables the understanding of the structure around oxygen and allows the creation of better materials, such as stronger glass and ceramics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateOct 29, 2019

Report outlines social determinants' role in cancer and public health

A new report outlines social determinants' critical role in population health, highlighting systemic inequalities that cut across multiple factors. The report recommends policy actions to address socioeconomic disparities in cancer incidence, including addressing income inequality and supporting targeted provisions.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateOct 29, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Decoding plant chatter could lead to stronger crops

Researchers aim to leverage quantum dot technology to understand how living things conduct internal communications and send messages to other organisms. They will track the movement of extracellular vesicles and their cargo using quantum dots, which offer superior brightness and stability.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 29, 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.

How 'knowing less' can boost language development in children

Researchers found that children learn new words better when taught in the context of both well-known and unfamiliar objects, not just familiar ones. This suggests a new approach to boosting language development in young children.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateOct 29, 2019

Flexing for success from Saudi Arabia to Silicon Valley

Asrar Damdam, a KAUST Ph.D. student, has developed a silicon-based platform that can change shape and stretch in various directions, exceeding human skin's 20% stretchability limit. Her design has potential for integration into wearable electronics devices and soft robotics.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 29, 2019

Bird bacteria is key to communication and mating

Researchers at Michigan State University have found that scents emitted by songbirds are produced by certain bacteria in preen glands, which identify a bird to other birds. Altering these bacteria can disrupt the bird's ability to communicate and find a mate, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced microbiome.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 29, 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.

Study finds inequities in access to heart failure care

Patients who self-identified as black, Latinx, female or over the age of 75 were less likely to be admitted to cardiology service despite heart failure diagnosis. The study highlights racial inequities in access to specialized care, which may contribute to disparities in readmissions and outcomes.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateOct 29, 2019

Stanford increasing access to 3D modeling through touch-based display

Researchers at Stanford University created a touch-based display that mimics the geometry of 3D objects, enabling blind users to design and create independently. The system received positive feedback from test users, who praised its ability to provide multiple perspectives of an object, enhancing their understanding and creativity.

SourceStanford University·DateOct 29, 2019

Pediatric cancers: Why some forms of leukemia only affect children

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)-M7 is the most aggressive subtype of leukemia affecting children, with a poor prognosis. Research reveals that this disease develops specifically in young patients due to differences in fetal cells, and that targeting surrounding proteins may improve treatments.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 29, 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.

New method identifies aggressive breast cancer

A new method has been developed to identify aggressive breast cancer by analyzing tumor tissue signatures, showing a correlation with poor outcome in patients. The study used mouse models and bioinformatics expert to isolate macrophages from mice affected by breast cancer and compared them with those from healthy breast tissue.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 29, 2019

WSU study identifies potential new target for treatment of gout

Researchers at Washington State University have identified a new therapeutic target for the treatment of gout, a common type of arthritis that causes episodes of painful and stiff joints. Blocking the signaling molecule TAK1 can suppress inflammation caused by gout, according to the study.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·DateOct 29, 2019

First structure of human cotransporter protein family member solved

Researchers solved the three-dimensional structure of potassium chloride cotransporter 1 (KCC1) using cryo-electron microscopy. The study's findings provide new insights into the protein's role in regulating cell volume, particularly in the kidneys and brain, and shed light on potential treatments for hereditary epilepsy.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2019

Cracking the colon code -- new light shed on gut function

Researchers at Flinders University have unraveled the neural circuits of the enteric nervous system, revealing how food is slowly mixed and propelled along the digestive tube. This understanding could lead to more effective treatments for conditions like constipation, diarrhea, and pain.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateOct 29, 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.

USC study implicates flavored e-cigs in the teen vaping epidemic

A USC study found that teens who vape candy- or fruit-flavored e-cigarettes are more likely to stick with the habit and vape more heavily. The study suggests that regulations reducing youth exposure to flavored e-cigarettes may aid in preventing young people from becoming long-term e-cig users.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 28, 2019

New clues as to why mutations in the MYH9 gene cause broad spectrum of disorders in humans

Researchers used in vivo imaging to observe how cells move and generate forces in living tissues, revealing new clues on why MYH9 gene mutations lead to various diseases. The study demonstrates that altered myosin activity results in defects in epithelial morphogenesis due to slower cell movements.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

The Lancet Psychiatry: Insufficient evidence that medicinal cannabinoids improve mental health

A meta-analysis of 83 studies found inadequate evidence for the effectiveness of medicinal cannabinoids in relieving depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, or psychosis. Despite some low-quality evidence suggesting pharmaceutical THC may improve anxiety symptoms, the overall risks and ne...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateOct 28, 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.

Go-ahead for international stellarator project

The Helmholtz International Lab for Optimized Advanced Divertors in Stellarators (HILOADS) has been approved to conduct research on stellarator projects. HILOADS brings together institutions from Germany and the US, including the Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The project aims to develop o...

SourceMax-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP)·DateOct 28, 2019

Lend me a flipper

Researchers at Kyoto University found that bottlenose dolphins can coordinate their behavior in a rope-pulling task, with initiators waiting for followers to reach the task and followers matching the initiator's swimming speed. This flexible coordination is likely rooted in their patterns of affiliative behavior.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPeerJ·DateOct 28, 2019

In Wisconsin, 3 in 5 people with Down syndrome diagnosed with dementia by age 55

A new study shows that nearly all adults with Down syndrome harbor signs of dementia by age 40, and by age 55, three in five will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a similar neurodegenerative condition. The study highlights the need for early diagnosis and support services for people with Down syndrome as they age.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 28, 2019

Climate engineering: International meeting reveals tensions

The 'hidden politics' of climate engineering were exposed at the UNEA-4 meeting, highlighting concerns about governance, transparency, and funding. The discussion revealed a significant split between the US and EU on geoengineering strategies, with the US opposing a preliminary governance framework.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 28, 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.

New research finding gives valleytronics a boost

A UC Riverside-led research team has discovered a new quantum process in valleytronics that can speed up the development of this emerging technology. The breakthrough, which uses local energy minima in semiconductors, enables the creation of information processing schemes superior to current charge-based technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateOct 28, 2019

New venture team success requires collective ownership -- with boundaries, study says

A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that successful startups require leaders who both seek input and set boundaries with their team members. The researchers call this 'territorial-marking' behavior beneficial for startups. Leaders who establish limits signal their psychological investment, encouraging team members to inv...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of information and organizational sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Obesity rates in China have tripled over the past 10 years

China's obesity rates have nearly tripled over the past decade, reaching 14% for general obesity and 32.4% for abdominal obesity among adults. A cluster of high obesity prevalence was identified in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this growing health concern.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 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.

Workplace sales ban on sugared drinks shows positive health effects

A study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found that a workplace ban on sugared drinks led to a 48.5% reduction in consumption and improvements in insulin resistance and total cholesterol levels among participants.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 2019

Treating the TOTAL patient: clinical trial reduces relapse

A clinical trial at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that adding chemotherapy doses in the cerebrospinal fluid improved CNS control without increasing toxicity for high-risk patients. The study reduced CNS relapse rates from 5.7% to 1.8%, making it the lowest among reported studies.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 28, 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.

Biodiversity and agricultural commodities

Research reveals connections between soy sourcing and habitat loss for giant anteater species, highlighting the impact of global agricultural trade on biodiversity. The study examined soy production and exportation from Brazil between 2000-2010 and found significant links between consumption patterns and biodiversity loss.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Environmental and health impacts of food

Consuming fish, fruits, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, and vegetables reduces risk of mortality and diet-related diseases, while unprocessed red meats increase risk. These dietary changes may also support environmental sustainability by lowering environmental impacts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 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.

McLean's Brain Bank receives new contract from NIH

The McLean Hospital Brain Bank has received a new contract from the NIH to fund 180 brains per year, allowing for enhanced procedures and deeper understanding of brain pathology in psychiatric disorders. The center is part of the NeuroBioBank national resource for investigators using postmortem brain tissue.

SourceMcLean Hospital·DateOct 28, 2019

Salt helps proteins move on down the road

Rice University scientists have developed a strategy to make polymer membrane-based separation of proteins more efficient using salt. The researchers identified competing forces at the nylon surface that could be tuned by salt concentration, allowing for improved separation efficiencies.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Lenalidomide may delay onset of myeloma-related bone, organ damage

A study by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group found that lenalidomide delayed disease progression and improved overall survival in high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma patients. The treatment reduced serious adverse events, but it is unclear if it affects overall survival.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 28, 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.

Follow the dotted line

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new method to precisely create droplets using a jet of liquid, offering greater flexibility and precision than standard techniques. This breakthrough enables the quick generation of drops with finely controlled sizes and locations within a 3D space.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

NASA tracking Eastern Atlantic's late season Tropical Storm Pablo

Tropical Storm Pablo formed on Oct. 25 and strengthened into a hurricane before weakening back into a tropical storm. NASA's satellite imagery captured the storm's formation and rapid changes, revealing a small-scale cyclone with well-defined winds within a larger low-pressure area.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 28, 2019