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Science News for September 2, 2019


Chronic cocaine use modifies gene expression

Research in mice reveals that chronic cocaine use changes gene expression in the hippocampus, leading to epigenetic modifications of the FosB gene. This modification enables the formation of drug associations and contributes to addiction.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateSep 2, 2019

Lifestyle, not genetics, explains most premature heart disease

A study of 1,075 patients under 50 found that healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, and managing cholesterol levels can significantly reduce the risk of premature heart disease. In contrast, genetics played a less significant role in those with multiple modifiable risk factors.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 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.

Antarctic ice sheet observations from radar data

A team of researchers has digitized and archived over 400,000 km of Antarctic ice-penetrating radar data to track changes in the ice sheet's thickness and englacial features over four decades. The study suggests that the Thwaites Eastern Ice Shelf thinned by 10-33% between 1978 and 2009.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Concurrent drought and aridity

Climate simulations suggest that land-atmosphere feedbacks can increase atmospheric aridity, leading to high probabilities of concurrent soil drought and extreme aridity. The study also predicts more frequent and intense drought and aridity in the coming century with significant human and ecological implications.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Sleeping too much -- or too little -- boosts heart attack risk

A new study of nearly half a million people found that sleeping between 6 and 9 hours nightly can cut the risk of heart attack by up to 18% for those with genetic predisposition. Sleeping too little or too much also boosts heart attack risk, with optimal sleep duration being critical for overall heart health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 2, 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.

Mumps study shows immunity gaps among vaccinated people

A study by Emory Vaccine Center and CDC found immunity against mumps virus insufficient in a fraction of college-aged people who received MMR as children. The results highlight the need for better understanding of immune response to mumps and vaccines.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Enzyme known for promoting cancer found to also protect healthy cells

Researchers discovered that telomerase, which promotes unlimited cell division in cancer cells, also prevents tumors and slows a key stage in normal cell death. In healthy adult cells, telomerase activates just before cell death, buffering cells from aging stresses and reducing DNA damage.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 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.

Bacteria in pneumonia attack using bleaching agent

Researchers at Umea University found that bacteria release hydrogen peroxide to inactivate inflammasomes, a key component of the immune system. Vitamins like Vitamin C may boost anti-bacterial immunity by neutralizing hydrogen peroxide.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2019

It takes a community to lower cardiovascular risk

A community-based intervention involving non-physician health workers and personal supporters significantly reduced cardiovascular risk in patients with hypertension. The study found a 40% reduction in cardiovascular risk, improved blood pressure control, and enhancements in medication adherence, physical activity, and diet.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 2, 2019

Novel math could bring machine learning to the next level

Researchers use TDA to inject knowledge of real world into neural networks, reducing training time and increasing intelligibility. This approach enables machines to focus on meaningful features and improve performance in tasks like face recognition.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateSep 2, 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.

Website rates security of internet-connected devices

The website rates internet-connected devices for their security, providing scores from 28 to 100. Researchers found wide variations in security depending on the manufacturer, with some devices performing better than others. The site aims to educate consumers and encourage device manufacturers to prioritize security.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateSep 2, 2019

How much carbon the land can stomach with more carbon dioxide in the air

Scientists have found that rising carbon dioxide concentration in the air enhances land carbon sink, a process known as carbon dioxide fertilization. For every 100-ppm increase in CO2, terrestrial carbon sink increases by 0.64 billion tons of carbon per year globally.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 2, 2019

Researchers uncover how popular drug helps in heart failure

Treatment with sacubitril/valsartan significantly improves cardiac structure and function in patients with reduced ejection fraction heart failure. The drug's neprilysin inhibition also reduces blood levels of biomarker NT-proBNP, associated with lower risk of death and hospitalization.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateSep 2, 2019

Poor diet can lead to blindness

A young patient's blindness was caused by a 'junk food' diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals. Researchers recommend clinicians consider nutritional optic neuropathy in patients with unexplained vision symptoms and poor diets.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 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.

New feedback phenomenon found to drive increasing drought and aridity

A new study found that concurrent soil drought and atmospheric aridity are driven by land-atmosphere processes and feedback loops, leading to increased frequency and intensity of extreme events. The researchers warn that future intensification of these events would be disastrous for ecosystems and human lives.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Igneous rock record of atmospheric oxygen

Researchers found two dramatic decreases in thorium-uranium ratios at 2.35 and 0.75 billion years ago, consistent with established dates for the Great Oxidation and Neoproterozoic Oxygenation Events.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Major grant strengthens leading Danish position in protein research

The Novo Nordisk Foundation has awarded EUR 93.5m to the University of Copenhagen's Center for Protein Research to map proteins in the human body and understand their function. This will enable the development of new drugs and improve diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Rainfall enhancement using desert plantations

Researchers modelled desert plantations in Israel and Oman, finding they can initiate convection and enhance rainfall. The Global Feedback Index suggests suitable desert environments for this precipitation enhancement method.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 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.

Sex bias in mammalian specimen collections

Researchers found sex biases in fossil and museum collections of mammals, with approximately 75% male bison specimens and 64% male bear specimens identified. The study suggests that larger male ranges may increase their fossilization potential, potentially leading to biased scientific analyses.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Methylation of microRNA may be a new powerful biomarker for cancer

Researchers from Osaka University found that microRNA methylation levels can discriminate cancer patients from healthy individuals with high sensitivity and specificity. The study suggests that methylation of specific mature microRNAs could be a more powerful indicator of early-stage pancreatic cancer than existing biomarkers.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2019

Heart attack care in Sweden superior to UK

A new study comparing heart attack care in Sweden and the UK found that patients in Sweden had lower mortality rates for both STEMI and NSTEMI forms of heart attacks. The results suggest improved outcomes due to increased use of invasive treatments and recommended medications in Sweden.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateSep 2, 2019

Early life environment may lead to high blood pressure in children

Exposure to built environment, outdoor temperature, and chemicals during pregnancy may contribute to prehypertension and hypertension in childhood. Children whose mothers lived in urban areas with access to green spaces had lower blood pressure.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 2, 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.

eLTER RI takes the next big step

The European Commission has approved €14 million in funding for the preparation of the European Long-Term Ecosystem Research Infrastructure, enabling significant development of the eLTER Research Infrastructure. The project will involve 34 partners from 24 countries and cover all biogeographical zones in Europe.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·DateSep 2, 2019

A comprehensive catalogue of human digestive tract bacteria

A comprehensive catalogue of human digestive tract bacteria has been identified, revealing novel interactions and associations between bacterial strains and health outcomes. The study provides a foundation for future research into the mechanisms underlying microbiome dynamics and their impact on human health.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 2, 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.

Scotland's genetic landscape echoes Dark Age populations

A comprehensive genetic map reveals Scotland is divided into six clusters, mirroring ancient kingdoms such as Strathclyde and Pictland. This analysis could aid the discovery of rare DNA differences related to human disease.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Anthropogenic disturbances, climate change, and mammalian extinction

Historical analysis of 9,000 records reveals associations between human disturbance, climate change and local mammalian extinction. Large mammals experienced earlier and larger population declines, highlighting the impact of global cooling and warming on habitat sizes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Impact of climate change on global banana yields revealed

A new study reveals that climate change could significantly reduce or eliminate gains in banana crop yields worldwide, with 27 countries experiencing increased yields since 1961. By 2050, 10 major producers including India and Brazil are predicted to see significant declines in yields.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 2, 2019

Researchers find a new pathological mediator of ALS

Researchers at Tohoku University have identified a new pathological mediator of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that could lead to further understanding of the disease's molecular breakdown. The study found that a mutated version of FUS gene causes toxic gain of function, leading to axonal branching and degeneration.

SourceTohoku University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateSep 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.

Iris and sclera coloration in great apes

Scleral pigmentation plays a role in eye morphology across great apes, with varying levels of contrast between irises and sclerae among species. The study suggests that some nonhuman great apes may use gaze as a social cue, similar to humans.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Breast cancer can form 'sleeper cells' after drug treatment

Researchers at Imperial College London found that hormone treatments can induce a dormant state in breast cancer cells, known as 'sleeper cells'. This could provide clues to why some cancers become resistant to treatment and may lead to new ways of preventing recurrence. Further research is needed to unlock the secrets of these cells.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2019

Parkinson's disease may originate in the intestines

Researchers at Aarhus University have found evidence that Parkinson's disease may arise in the intestinal system, with harmful proteins like alpha-synuclein migrating to the brain and heart. This new study suggests that understanding how the disease starts could lead to more effective treatments.

SourceAarhus University·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateSep 2, 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.

AI learns complex gene-disease patterns

Researchers developed a deep learning model that extracts patterns from gene locations and functions to identify disease associations. The KAUST model achieves better accuracy than state-of-the-art methods by combining multiple datasets and incorporating graph convolutional networks.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·DateSep 2, 2019

Sequencing assay for single-droplet serum

Researchers developed SILVER-seq to detect extracellular RNA in 5-7-microliter droplets of blood serum. The assay distinguishes between biopsies from patients with breast cancer and control samples, suggesting its potential use in diagnostic trials.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Unique fingerprint: What makes nerve cells unmistakable?

A study reveals that alternative splicing controls the identity and function of nerve cells, allowing for a complex neuronal network with limited genes. The research team mapped splice variants in different types of neurons, identifying unique repertoires that shape their characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 2, 2019

How humans have shaped dogs' brains

New research reveals that human selective breeding has altered dog brain structure and behavior, with breeds exhibiting unique brain networks correlated to specific characteristics.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateSep 2, 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.

Poor diet causes blindness in a young 'fussy eater'

A poor diet caused permanent vision loss in a 14-year-old patient, according to a case report published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Vitamin B12 deficiency and inadequate nutrient intake led to nutritional optic neuropathy, a rare condition that can cause irreversible blindness if left untreated.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 2, 2019

Mystery solved about the machines that move your genes

New research reveals that microtubules in chromosome-dividing spindles are propelled forward by collective motion due to entanglement with neighboring tubes. This understanding aims to improve the study of cellular machinery and prevent errors like missing or extra chromosomes.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 2, 2019

Single atoms as catalysts

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have successfully incorporated individual metal atoms into a surface, enabling precise control over their chemical behavior. This breakthrough enables the creation of more efficient catalysts for environmentally friendly processes.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 2, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Environmental exposures in pregnancy and childhood could affect blood pressure in children

A new exposome-based approach analyzing over 200 environmental exposures found associations between certain exposures and higher blood pressure in children. Moderate fish intake during pregnancy was linked with lower blood pressure, while exposure to tobacco smoke and bisphenol-A were associated with increased risk.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 2, 2019

What drives plate tectonics?

Researchers found 'switches' between continental rupture, collision, and oceanic subduction initiation in the Tethyan evolution. Oceanic slabs drove continental fragments into their final positions, controlling supercontinent assembly and breakup cycles.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Toxic frogs with weak defenses persist in the gene pool alongside stronger competitors

A team of evolutionary biologists found that diversity exists even when expecting otherwise, as rare warning colors in poison frogs persist alongside stronger signals. The research suggests that predators learn to avoid more distasteful yellow frogs and generalize this avoidance to white frogs.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Native birds in South-eastern Australia worst affected by habitat loss

A new study has found that habitat loss is a major concern for hundreds of Australian bird species, particularly those in south-eastern Australia. The research, led by the University of Queensland, used the Loss Index to quantify the impact of habitat destruction on native bird populations.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 2, 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.

Body representation in monkeys' brains

Researchers investigate the neuropsychological basis of body representation in monkeys using a combination of illusions and behavioral tasks. The study reveals how the brain establishes a sense of body ownership, with activity in the premotor cortex correlating with perceived arm position.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Population structure of Scotland and isles

A recent study used genome analysis to explore Scottish and island populations. The research identified distinct genetic clusters within Scotland, with most Scots sharing ancestry from the northeast or southwest regions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019