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Science News Archive September 2019


Page 32 of 43

A 'super-cool' method for improving donated liver preservation

A new technique has been developed to improve donated liver preservation by super-cooling it to subzero temperatures, allowing for a significant extension of the time it can be stored outside the body. This breakthrough could greatly expand organ availability and reduce discard rates.

Registrational data from LIBRETTO-001 trial

The LIBRETTO-001 trial showed that selpercatinib achieved high response rates of up to 68% in patients with RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer. The median duration of response was also notable at 20.3 months, with an intracranial objective response rate of 91%.

An oral splint that can reduce Tourette syndrome tics

Researchers at Osaka University developed an oral device that effectively reduces motor and vocal tics in Tourette syndrome patients. The study found that the oral splint improved tic symptoms for both children and adults, with long-lasting effects.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Overcoming resistance in pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a way to tackle the development of resistance in pancreatic cancer by targeting the ERBB signaling pathway. This approach has shown promise in shrinking pancreatic tumors in mice, providing a potential avenue for overcoming resistance and improving treatment outcomes.

Precious metal flecks could be catalyst for better cancer therapies

Researchers have developed a molecular shuttle system to deliver precious metal catalysts directly to cancer cells, potentially reducing side effects of chemotherapy. The new method uses artificial exosomes to transport palladium catalysts straight to primary tumours and metastatic cells.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

WVU researcher finds link between deprivation and rural suicide rates

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that rural residents in the US are disproportionately affected by suicide, with socioeconomic deprivation being a significant factor. The researchers suggest that improving access to mental healthcare and reducing social isolation may help mitigate this issue.

The diet-microbiome connection in inflammatory bowel disease

A new study found that a special diet can alter the gut microbiome in dogs with Crohn's-like disease, mirroring changes seen in children with the condition. The diet-induced changes led to increased production of secondary bile acids, which alleviated disease symptoms.

New results on fungal genetics

Researchers discovered physically linked mating type loci in 24 Trichosporonales fungi species, with highly conserved gene sequences. This is unusual, as mating type chromosomes tend to degenerate during evolution, and the mechanisms stabilizing these loci will be analyzed in future studies.

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.

Warm on top, cold below: Unexpected greenhouse gas effect in lakes

A study by the University of Basel found that global warming can cause lakes to cool at the bottom despite warming at the surface, leading to increased carbon burial and reduced greenhouse gas production. The research suggests that this effect is most pronounced in small and shallow lakes worldwide.

Volatile organic compounds and isoprene concentrations

Researchers measured VOC concentrations using unmanned aerial vehicles over central Amazonia's plateau and slope forests. Isoprene levels were found to be significantly higher in near-canopy atmosphere over plateau forests compared to slope forests.

New flying reptile species was one of largest ever flying animals

A newly identified species of pterosaur, Cryodrakon boreas, has been found in Canada with a massive wingspan of up to 10 meters, making it comparable to the giant Quetzalcoatlus. The discovery provides valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of predatory pterosaurs in North America.

Fewer children seeing family physicians in rural areas

A Vermont study reveals a declining proportion of rural children receiving care in family medicine practices, shifting instead to pediatric clinics. The trend is attributed to national declines in prenatal care by family physicians and limited capacity for new patients.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

NASA estimates Hurricane Dorian's massive rainfall track

Hurricane Dorian brought heavy rainfall totals of over 36 inches to the Bahamas and an area off northeastern Florida, with smaller amounts affecting the US East Coast. The storm also caused wind damage and power outages in eastern Canada.

Liquid biopsies reveal genetic alterations linked to cancer drug resistance

A clinical study comparing liquid and tissue biopsies finds multiple resistance mechanisms in individual patients, which could explain why targeted therapies often fail. The results suggest possible molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance, pointing the way to new and more personalized therapeutics.

Making and controlling crystals of light

Scientists at EPFL have developed perfect soliton crystals in optical microresonators, allowing for the generation of pulse trains with high repetition rates and enhanced power. This breakthrough enables applications in spectroscopy, distance measurements, and low-noise terahertz radiation.

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.

Dimethylsulfide emissions from the Arctic

Research reveals a 33% decadeal increase in Arctic dimethylsulfide emissions, primarily driven by reduced Arctic ice cover. The authors predict a possible doubling of emissions if the entire Arctic summer ice disappears.

Offering children a variety of vegetables increases acceptance

A new study found that offering children a variety of vegetables increased their acceptance and consumption. Families who introduced multiple vegetables saw a significant increase in consumption, with parents reporting it as easy to follow the provided instructions.

National lung matrix trial (NLMT)

The NLMT trial tests eight targeted therapies tailored to specific molecular changes in cancer cells. Researchers found promising responses with single-agent targeted therapy, particularly in oncogene-addicted NSCLC, and identified potential biomarkers for further research.

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.

Researchers identify negative impacts of food insecurity on children's health

A new study by researchers at Boston University and American University confirms the negative impact of food insecurity on child health, highlighting its unique and pervasive effects. The study suggests an urgent need for policies to address this issue, with potential solutions including increased federal SNAP benefits.

Tiny capsules offer alternative to viral delivery of gene therapy

Researchers at UW-Madison have developed tiny customizable nanocapsules to deliver gene-editing payloads, reducing the risk of unintended genetic edits. The nanocapsules are expected to improve the efficiency and safety of gene therapies, potentially treating inherited diseases and stubborn viral infections.

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.

Afterglow sheds light on the nature, origin of neutron star collisions

A team led by Northwestern University has captured the deepest optical image of a first neutron star collision using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The study sheds light on the nature and origin of neutron star collisions, including the jet created during the merger and its relation to shorter gamma ray bursts.

US political sanctions on Iran curtailing global scientific progress

The US political sanctions on Iran are curtailing global scientific progress by denying Iranian scientists publishing opportunities, access to supplies, and attending meetings. This is hindering international collaboration and nations' ability to respond to health crises and narrow inequalities.

'Building blocks' of bird calls resemble human languages

Researchers identified two distinct sound elements in chestnut-crowned babbler calls that are shared across different arrangements and convey no specific meaning. The findings suggest that the capacity to generate meaning from meaningless building blocks is widespread in animals, similar to human language construction.

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.

Employee contract structures in startups can be determining factors of success

A new study by Evgeny Kagan and colleagues found that incentive clauses in contracts work best for high-performing team members, while those who may not be high performers do not benefit from incentives. The researchers suggest delaying contracting to learn about team member personalities and adjusting contract structures accordingly.

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.

'Clamp' regulates message transfer between mammal neurons

The study reveals that complexin cannot be the fusion clamp in mammals, but syt-1 is, preventing errant signals across synapses. The discovery highlights the importance of fusion clamps in the nervous system's speed and accuracy, with implications for neurological diseases.

Food consumption during Great Irish Famine

A study of 42 skeletons from the Kilkenny Union Workhouse identified corn and milk as primary sources of starch and protein in the victims' diets. This research provides insight into historical diet patterns and offers new methods for analyzing skeletal remains to reconstruct past nutritional habits.

ENT researchers showcase studies at Otolaryngology's Annual Meeting

Researchers presented innovative studies on head and neck cancer, cochlear implants, and treatment options for conditions like laryngotracheal stenosis and obstructive sleep apnea. The selected studies highlighted outstanding scientific merit and innovation in the field of otolaryngology.

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.

Scientists triple storage time of human donor livers

Researchers develop new method to preserve human livers for transplantation, extending viability from 9 hours to up to 27 hours. The new protocol uses a combination of technologies to prevent ice nucleation and deliver protective solution uniformly throughout the organ.

Prolonged antibiotic treatment may alter preterm infants' microbiome

Treating preterm infants with antibiotics for more than 20 months can lead to less diverse bacterial populations in their gut, containing more antibiotic resistance genes. The study suggests that early-life antibiotic use may promote allergies and other health issues later in life by reducing the diversity of microbial communities.

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.

Hidden danger from pet dogs in Africa

Dogs in Africa are susceptible to severe and often fatal disease if bitten by infected tsetse flies, characterized by symptoms such as corneal cloudiness. Researchers have developed molecular methods to accurately diagnose the disease, revealing a surprising link between canine and human cases.

Online crowdfunding to pay for cancer care

The study found that online crowdfunding efforts can significantly increase access to cancer care, particularly for low-income individuals. By leveraging online platforms, patients with financial burdens can receive essential treatments and services.

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.

High-fat diets affect your brain, not just your physical appearance

A recent Yale study found that high-fat diets stimulate hypothalamic inflammation, leading to changes in microglial cells and regulating energy homeostasis. The research suggests a neurological mechanism controlling food intake, with potential implications for obesity and diseases like Alzheimer's.

Dietary supplement may help with schizophrenia

A dietary supplement called sarcosine may help people with schizophrenia by improving glutamate receptor function. Researchers urge clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness and establish guidelines for its use.

Messenger RNA therapy in mice

Administering nanoparticles carrying messenger RNA for the arginase gene restored urea cycle function and prolonged lifespan in genetically deficient mice. This treatment approach holds promise for treating inherited metabolic disorders like arginase deficiency.

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.

Feeling legs again improves amputees' health

Researchers developed an interface to connect a leg prosthesis with residual nerves, providing sensory feedback that reduces effort during walking and phantom limb pain. The system also increased confidence in prosthetic use, enabling users to devote more attention to other tasks.

Researchers unearth 'new' extinction

Scientists have confirmed a new mass extinction event occurred 260 million years ago, affecting life on land and in the seas. The event is correlated with massive flood-basalt eruptions, similar to those causing other known severe mass extinctions.

The ever-winning lottery ticket: Mathematicians solve a dusty mystery

University of Copenhagen researchers Asger Dag Törnquist and David Schrittesser solved the long-standing problem of an 'ever-winning lottery ticket.' They found that complete coincidence does not exist in lottery numbers, preventing the existence of a winning ticket. The team's solution confirms Mathias' 1969 hypothesis.

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.

How the justice system can affect physical, mental health

A North Carolina State University study found that being convicted of a crime is associated with a decline in physical health, even without jail time. The research also confirms previous work on the adverse mental health effects of arrests, regardless of charges or outcomes.