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Science News for September 6, 2019


9/11 World Trade Center exposure linked to heart disease among NYC firefighters

A new study found that NYC firefighters' exposure to 9/11 World Trade Center dust is associated with a significantly increased long-term risk of cardiovascular disease. Those who arrived first at the site have a 44% higher risk of experiencing primary and secondary CVD events compared to those who arrived later.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 6, 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.

Biomarker identified for early beta cell death in Type 1 diabetes

Researchers have identified microRNA-204 as a biomarker for early beta cell death in Type 1 diabetes, which can identify disease onset in children and adults with recent-onset Type 1 diabetes. Serum miR-204 levels were found to be elevated in individuals with Type 1 diabetes and inversely correlated with remaining beta-cell function.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateSep 6, 2019

Mysterious vaping illness characterized by fat-laden cells in the lung

Researchers at University of Utah Health identified large immune cells containing oily droplets in the lungs of vaping patients, enabling faster diagnoses and shedding light on the mysterious condition. The discovery may lead to better treatment options and a deeper understanding of the illness's causes.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 6, 2019

Teens who don't date are less depressed and have better social skills

Research from the University of Georgia found that adolescents who were not in romantic relationships during middle and high school had good social skills and low depression. Non-dating teens fared equally well or even better than their peers who dated, according to a new study.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of School Health·DateSep 6, 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.

Innovative method provides unique insights into the structure of cells and tissues

Researchers at the University of Münster have developed a new technique that combines two methods to improve the spatial resolution of mass spectrometry imaging. This allows for better understanding of disease processes and potential new strategies for treating them. The technology uses dual-beam laser mass spectrometry, enabling the s...

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 6, 2019

Combating prison recidivism with plants

A study by Texas State University researchers found that horticultural community service programs significantly reduced recidivism rates. The research suggests that participation in these programs can provide a sense of purpose and meaning, leading to a successful transition back into society.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateSep 6, 2019

97% of footballers in the Spanish League unaware of banned substances

A recent study by researchers at the University of Granada found that 97.4% of footballers in the Spanish League are unfamiliar with banned substances. The study also revealed a high rate of false consensus among players, with 5% admitting to using banned substances and 23.7% knowing their peers had done so.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateSep 6, 2019

NASA sees Gabrielle go 'post-tropical...' for now

Tropical Storm Gabrielle has become a post-tropical cyclone over the eastern Atlantic, with heavy rainfall and high winds expected. The storm is forecast to weaken into a remnant low tonight before slowly strengthening into a tropical cyclone by the weekend.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 6, 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.

Sum of three cubes for 42 finally solved -- using real life planetary computer

A team of mathematicians, led by the University of Bristol and MIT, has finally solved the Sum-Of-Three-Cubes problem for the elusive number 42. Using a 'worldwide computer' harnessing idle computing power from over 500,000 home PCs, they found an answer that took over a million hours to prove.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalResearch in Number Theory·DateSep 6, 2019

Evidence suggests rare deer lived 50 years beyond 'extinction'

A team of researchers, including Northwestern University professor Gary Galbreath, analyzed the physical condition of the antlers and confirmed they belonged to a Schomburgk's deer. The antlers showed signs of being fresh, despite being excised from the deer's head, suggesting the deer may still be alive today.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the Bombay Natural History Society (JBNHS)·DateSep 6, 2019

Pain in the asp: Bird-deterring nets create haven for stinging pests

Researchers at Rice University discovered that netting trees to deter birds increases the population of Megalopyge opercularis, also known as asps, which are venomous and can cause severe pain. The study found a 7,300% higher abundance of caterpillars on netted versus non-netted trees.

SourceRice University·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 6, 2019

NASA finds classic comma-shape in tropical storm Faxai

NASA's Aqua satellite detected a comma-shaped Tropical Storm Faxai using infrared light, revealing the storm's strongest thunderstorms near its center. The powerful storms are expected to bring heavy rainfall to Japan, particularly in the Tokyo area, where landfall is forecast for September 8.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 6, 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.

Study examines suicide at county level in US

A study analyzed 453,577 US suicides between 1999 and 2016, finding patterns at the county level. The research also uncovered associated geographic and community-level factors contributing to suicide rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 6, 2019

NASA finds a weaker hurricane Juliette

Hurricane Juliette has been weakening due to NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite observations, with the strongest storms located in its western quadrant. The storm is expected to become a tropical storm by Friday night and degenerate into a remnant low-pressure area on Sunday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 6, 2019

How our brain filters sounds

The study reveals that auditory sensory gating filtering begins at the brainstem, contradicting earlier hypotheses. This finding has significant implications for understanding schizophrenia, a condition characterized by difficulty prioritizing and ranking sounds.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournaleNeuro·DateSep 6, 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.

Disturbed childhood can lead to adult insomnia

A new study by Flinders University links moderate to severe childhood behavioral problems to insomnia in adults. The research suggests that early intervention can help manage children's externalized behaviors and reduce the risk of adult insomnia.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 6, 2019

More time spent standing helps combat effects of sedentary lifestyle

A study by the University of Granada recommends spending more time standing to increase energy expenditure and reduce negative health effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Standing burns approximately 45 kilocalories more per six-hour period than sitting or lying down, making it an effective way to combat excess weight and obesity.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 6, 2019

Player athleticism increases head impact exposure in youth football

A study by Wake Forest School of Medicine found that youth football players with higher vertical jumping ability and faster times in speed and agility drills experience more head impacts, especially during games. The researchers analyzed performance on physical ability tests and on-field head impact data to quantify exposure.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateSep 6, 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 wildfire models to predict how wildfires will burn in next 20 minutes

Researchers at Brigham Young University developed a new wildfire model that uses plant chemistry to predict how quickly wildfires will burn. The study found that the type of shrub species affects the speed of combustion and chemical production, enabling more efficient fire management.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis·DateSep 6, 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 compound promotes healing of myelin in nervous system disorders

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a compound that successfully promotes rebuilding of damaged nerve cell protective sheath, reversing MS symptoms. The discovery may lead to clinical trials in humans with MS or other neurodegenerative conditions.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalGlia·DateSep 6, 2019

Grant winner to work on microstrip antennas at Kazan University

A three-year grant of 1.2 million rubles will support PhD candidate Angelina Markina's work on efficient algorithms for microstrip antenna design. The project aims to develop mathematical models and prototypes for various frequencies, enabling multi-bandwidth applications including 5G.

SourceKazan Federal University·DateSep 6, 2019

Sugar alters compounds that impact brain health in fruit flies

A University of Michigan study found that a high sugar diet depletes key brain metabolites, affecting behavior and potential connections to depression. The researchers compared fasting and fed fruit flies, discovering rapid changes in brain versus body metabolites.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 6, 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.

Beyond borders: Understanding migration requires understanding changing land systems

Researchers are studying how environmental changes lead to migration and how migrants impact landscapes both at their destinations and origins. Climate change, deforestation, and socioeconomic inequalities are key drivers of this complex relationship, according to Claudia Radel, a geographer and migration researcher.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalCurrent Opinion in Environmental Sustainability·DateSep 6, 2019

A swifter way towards 3D-printed organs

Researchers from Harvard's Wyss Institute create a new 3D printing method called SWIFT, which allows for the growth of large, vascularized human organ building blocks. The technique enables the creation of viable, organ-specific tissues with high cell density and function.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 6, 2019

Scientists couple magnetization to superconductivity for quantum discoveries

Argonne scientists develop a new approach to couple magnetization to superconductivity, paving the way for quantum information systems. This breakthrough enables precise manipulation of quantum information through the creation of an 'echo chamber' for energy and quantum information.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 6, 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.

More targeted, less toxic: The golden future of cancer treatment

Gold-based molecules have shown to be up to 24 times more effective at killing cancer cells than cisplatin and inhibit tumour growth by up to 46.9%. They also target an enzyme linked with cancer progression and have anti-inflammatory properties.

SourceRMIT University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateSep 6, 2019

Not all meat is created equal: How diet changes can sustain world's food production

A new model developed by Stevens Institute of Technology researchers can predict how conservation approaches can reduce demand for phosphorus, a vital resource for feeding the world. The model shows that collective diet changes, such as reducing meat consumption or switching to lower-feed meats, can significantly reduce phosphate minin...

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 6, 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.

NASA finds Akoni already post-tropical

Tropical Storm Akoni quickly transitioned into a post-tropical storm, with NASA capturing its transformation via visible and infrared images. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instrument revealed a rounded storm on September 5, while an infrared image showed strong storms southeast of the center on September 6.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 6, 2019

Disrupting the gut microbiome may affect some immune responses to flu vaccination

Researchers found that oral antibiotics can alter human immune responses to seasonal influenza vaccination, potentially hindering protection against infection. Antibiotics also promoted pro-inflammatory states in the body, similar to conditions seen in older adults who have received influenza vaccines.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalCell·DateSep 6, 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.

Sound deprivation in one ear leads to speech recognition difficulties

A new study suggests that chronic conductive hearing loss due to middle-ear infections can lead to neural deficits and difficulties in noisy environments. Researchers found patients with longstanding conductive hearing impairment had lower speech-recognition scores on the affected side, even when speech was audible.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalEar and Hearing·DateSep 6, 2019

How to make a book last for millennia

Researchers at MIT and elsewhere discovered a unique ancient technology for making parchment, which used a mixture of salts found in evaporites. This process helped preserve the Temple Scroll's bright white surface and contributed to its state of preservation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 6, 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.

Suicide rates climbing, especially in rural America

A new study finds that US suicide rates have jumped 41% since 1999, with rural areas bearing the brunt. Factors contributing to higher rates include lack of insurance, gun shop density, poverty, and low social connections.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 6, 2019

Mammography unlikely to benefit older women with chronic illnesses

A new study suggests that older women with chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, may not derive significant benefits from regular screening mammograms. The research found a nearly 90-fold difference in mortality rates between breast cancer and non-breast cancer causes among women aged 75 and older.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateSep 6, 2019

UH Law Center shares European Commission award for climate change work

The University of Houston Law Center has been awarded a three-year energy research grant to explore ways to facilitate public and private efforts to achieve goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The partnership will focus on key global issues in addressing climate change, with faculty members working together to develop new s...

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 6, 2019

Nanoparticles in lithium-sulphur batteries detected with neutron experiment

Researchers used neutron scattering to analyze battery electrode reactions and found that lithium sulphide forms on the outer surface of carbon fibres, not within microporous electrodes. This insight could improve battery development with higher energy density and longer lifespan.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 6, 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.

Better, longer-lasting flu vaccine to be developed at OHSU

Researchers at OHSU are developing a new flu vaccine using the CMV-based platform, which has shown promise in fighting tuberculosis and an HIV-like virus. The goal is to create a longer-lasting, universally effective vaccine that could replace annual shots.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateSep 6, 2019

Society of Cannabis Clinicians names Cannabis & Cannabinoid Research its official journal

The Society of Cannabis Clinicians has named Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research its official journal, expanding its mission to advance the understanding of medical cannabis. The partnership aims to promote rigorous clinical research on cannabis and disseminate new discoveries to practicing physicians and the scientific community.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·DateSep 6, 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.

Allergic diseases increase the risk of adult-onset asthma

A Finnish study found that individuals with more allergic diseases are at higher risk for developing adult-onset asthma, especially among those born after 1940. The research suggests that even one allergic disease can approximately double the asthma risk, while three or more diseases can quadruple it.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAllergy·DateSep 6, 2019

Gender discrimination holding women back in veterinary practice

Research at Lancaster University finds that women in veterinary practice face persistent sexism and stereotypes, limiting their career progress. Despite outnumbering men, women are underrepresented in senior roles and often struggle to be taken seriously due to biases about family commitments.

SourceLancaster University·JournalVeterinary Record·DateSep 6, 2019

Global change is triggering an identity switch in grasslands

A new study reveals that global change is triggering an identity switch in grasslands, with many species changing drastically without altering the overall number of species present. The research, published in PNAS, found that grasslands can resist the effects of global change for up to a decade, but eventually transform as conditions b...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2019

Climate change water variability hurts salamander populations

Researchers found that streamflow variability can negatively affect the survival of salamanders as they transition from larvae to adults. The study suggests that climate change will exacerbate this issue, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring and protection of vulnerable headwater ecosystems.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 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.

Helping preterm babies breathe

Dr. Hossein Tavana's research aims to understand the fluid dynamics of surfactant in premature babies' lungs and improve surfactant replacement therapy for RDS. His lab will generate 3D physical models of airways to aid visualization of surfactant flow, leading to better design strategies.

SourceUniversity of Akron·DateSep 6, 2019

Speech impairment in five-year-old international adoptees with cleft palate

A study of 50 children with cleft lip and/or palate found that internationally adopted children exhibited more speech difficulties at age five. The delay in surgical interventions may be a contributing factor, as well as potential complications such as palatal fistulas and hearing loss.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery·DateSep 6, 2019

Motion perception of large objects gets worse during infant development

Research suggests that infants under 6 months can detect the motion of large objects more accurately than small ones, whereas adults struggle with this task. This phenomenon is attributed to surround suppression, which weakens in older children and adults, allowing them to see smaller motions better.

SourceChuo University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 6, 2019