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Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 18


Page 18 of 43

Coastal birds can weather the storm, but not the sea

A new study reveals that coastal birds can survive hurricanes due to their ability to absorb impacts and recover quickly from storms. Despite being symbols of vulnerability, many populations can be quite resilient to big disturbances.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalEcology Letters·DateSep 18, 2019

International recognition for mental health researcher

A University of Bristol researcher has received a De Leo Fund Award for her outstanding work on suicide prevention in low- and middle-income countries, where 79% of global suicide deaths occur. Her research focuses on understanding the most effective methods of preventing suicidal behavior in these regions.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateSep 18, 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.

Scientists develop DNA microcapsules with built-in ion channels

Researchers have developed DNA-based microcapsules that can act as ion channels, enabling the creation of artificial cells and molecular robots. This breakthrough could accelerate advances in nanotechnology and biomedical applications.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 18, 2019

Developmental psychology -- One good turn deserves another

Children between 3-4 years old value generosity and benevolence as a general norm, while older children (5-6) develop a more complex concept of fairness that includes reciprocity. The study suggests that reciprocity norms are not fully developed until around age 5.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateSep 18, 2019

New tool in fight against malaria

Researchers have designed a new class of modified pantothenamides that stop malaria parasites from replicating in humans and preventing transmission to mosquitoes. These compounds are effective against malaria parasites resistant to currently available drugs.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 18, 2019

Study questions routine sleep studies to evaluate snoring in children

A new study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that treatment solely based on sleep studies is unreliable in children with sleep apnea. Resolution of airway obstruction measured by a sleep study after adenotonsillectomy does not correlate with improvement in sleep apnea symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 18, 2019

Deep dive for dark matter may aid all of data science

Rice astroparticle physicist Christopher Tunnell leads a $1 million NSF-funded project to enhance data science techniques in physical sciences, aiming to push discovery past the tipping point. The study focuses on dark matter searches and employs probabilistic graphical models to improve measurements of particle interactions.

SourceRice University·DateSep 18, 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.

How sleepless nights compromise the health of your gut

Researchers at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown discovered that the brain's circadian clock controls the function of immune cells in the gut, which are crucial for maintaining gut health. Disrupting this clock leads to reduced immune cell numbers, severe inflammation, and increased fat accumulation.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature·DateSep 18, 2019

Quantum physics -- Simulating fundamental interactions with ultracold atoms

Researchers at LMU Munich and the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics successfully simulated a specific lattice gauge theory using two-component ultracold bosons in optical superlattices. The study provided a controlled view of fundamental physical phenomena, including the interactions between particles mediated by gauge fields.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 18, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The path of breast-to-brain cancer metastasis

Researchers found that breast cancer cells form fake synapses with neurons to secrete glutamate and activate the NMDAR receptor, providing a rationale for brain metastasis. This mechanism may be applicable to prevention and therapy of breast-to-brain metastases.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateSep 18, 2019

New lithium battery design could mean lighter, safer batteries for Soldiers

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new cathode and electrolyte system using transition metal fluorides and solid polymer electrolytes, showing remarkable stability and potential for safer, lighter lithium-ion batteries. The new design has more than double the lithium capacity of traditional cobalt- or nickel-based cathodes.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 18, 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.

UVA engineering-led team unveils 'Tunabot,' first robotic fish to keep pace with a tuna

Researchers developed Tunabot to better understand fish propulsion, which could lead to faster, more efficient propulsion systems for underwater vehicles. The robot's design was informed by studies of yellowfin tuna and mackerel, and its performance data sets a high standard for the field of fish robotics.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 18, 2019

Learning to read boosts the visual brain

A recent study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that learning to read does not harm the brain's ability to process culturally relevant objects like faces and houses. In fact, reading may even enhance overall visual processing.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 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.

Extreme flooding from storm surge and heavy precipitation projected to increase higher probability of compound flooding from precipitation and storm surge in Europe under anthropogenic climate change

Compound flooding events are projected to occur more than once every six years along the UK and Dutch coastlines. The probability of high sea levels and heavy precipitation occurring simultaneously will heavily increase in Northern Europe under a warmer future climate.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 2019

Extinct human species gave modern humans an immunity boost

A recent study found that modern humans acquired a gene variant from Denisovans that increases immune reactions and protective responses to disease-causing microbes. The Denisovan gene variant, I207L, was discovered in families with severe autoimmune conditions and was also present in an extinct human species found in the Altai Mountains.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 18, 2019

CSTA announces recipients of first-ever equity fellowship

The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) has selected ten educators for its inaugural Equity Fellowship, a year-long program aimed at increasing diversity in computer science education. The fellows will share their inclusive teaching practices and leadership to drive change across the country and worldwide.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateSep 18, 2019

More operations are scheduled if doctor is well rested

A study published in Health Economics found that orthopaedic surgeons are less likely to schedule surgeries for patients who meet them at the end of their shift. This suggests that decision fatigue affects medical decision-making, leading doctors to rely on simplistic processes and avoid big decisions when tired.

SourceLinköping University·JournalHealth Economics·DateSep 18, 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.

Large meta-analysis links IVF to higher gestational diabetes risk

A large meta-analysis of over 2 million pregnancies has found a 53% increased risk of gestational diabetes in women who conceived through IVF compared to natural conception. The study also suggests that pregnancies achieved by assisted reproduction technologies are associated with more obstetric and perinatal complications.

SourceDiabetologia·DateSep 18, 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.

Nijmegen-led collaboration generates innovative candidate drug against malaria

A new pantothenamide molecule, closely resembling a naturally occurring compound in malaria parasites, has shown promising results as a potential cure for the disease. Laboratory models suggest a single dose of the candidate drug may completely cure malaria, making it an attractive alternative to existing treatments.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 18, 2019

Immigrants who committed felonies less likely than nonimmigrants to commit another felony

A new study by Florida State University researchers found that immigrants are significantly less likely to reoffend after release from prison compared to nonimmigrants. The study analyzed data from over 192,000 individuals and found that 32% of nonimmigrants were reconvicted within three years, while only 19% of immigrants were.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateSep 18, 2019

Over 14% efficiency for ternary organic solar cell with 300 nm thick active layer

Researchers have demonstrated a ternary organic solar cell with a power conversion efficiency of 14.3%, beating the typical drop in fill factor upon increasing the thickness of the active layer. The addition of PC61BM improves hole and electron mobilities, facilitating charge transport and leading to improved efficiencies.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateSep 18, 2019

UEA scientists receive £7.4 million boost to combat 'worst superbugs'

Researchers at Procarta Biosystems are developing a new type of antimicrobial that kills bacteria by blocking gene expression, potentially revolutionizing treatment of serious and life-threatening infections. The £7.4m funding from CARB-X aims to combat antibiotic resistance, a major global threat.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateSep 18, 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.

Study gives the green light to the fruit fly's color preference

Researchers at the University of Miami discovered that fruit flies have an innate time- and color-dependent preference for light, contrary to decades-long assumption that they are attracted to blue light. The study found that fruit flies prefer green light early in the morning and late afternoon, and avoid blue light throughout the day.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalNature·DateSep 18, 2019

The rise, fall and resurgence of gene therapy

After a tragic death in 1999, gene therapy faced a setback, but James Wilson's rediscovery of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) paved the way for its resurgence. Today, AAVs are used in nearly 100 drug development programs and have been approved by the FDA for treating a fatal neurological disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 18, 2019

AAN recommends people 65+ be screened yearly for memory problems

The AAN suggests annual assessments to identify mild cognitive impairment early, which can lead to earlier intervention and improved quality of life. Doctors should also document mild cognitive impairment in patients' medical records to ensure timely care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 18, 2019

Greenland's growing 'ice slabs' intensify meltwater runoff into ocean

A CU Boulder-led study finds that thick ice slabs in Greenland are sending meltwater spilling into the ocean, contributing to sea-level rise. The runoff zone could expand by the size of Colorado or Texas under different climate scenarios, raising seas by an extra quarter inch to nearly three inches.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateSep 18, 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.

All-in-one pill reduces blood pressure, cholesterol levels in US study

A single pill containing low doses of three medications reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels in a US study, translating to a 25% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The study enrolled mostly low-income, primarily black adults from Mobile, Alabama, and showed high adherence rates.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 18, 2019

Randomized quality improvement projects help assess effectiveness of patient-focused programs

The study implemented randomized quality improvement projects across NYU Langone Health, finding that changing prompts for tobacco cessation counseling increased medication prescription rates. Post-discharge phone calls were largely ineffective in improving patient satisfaction or hospital readmissions.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 18, 2019

A promising HIV vaccine shows signs of cross-protective benefits

The RV144 vaccine has shown promising results with a new study indicating it may provide protection against multiple strains of HIV. Researchers discovered that the vaccine elicited stronger immune responses, particularly in men, and was well-tolerated, suggesting potential long-term efficacy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 18, 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.

Low-cost blood pressure drug improves brain function in individuals with autism

Researchers have discovered that a low-cost blood pressure drug, propranolol, may improve cognitive and social benefits for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The study found that the drug altered regions of the brain associated with word processing and improved specific task information processing in individuals with autism.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAutism·DateSep 18, 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.

Tailored 'cell sheets' to improve post-operative wound closing and healing

Engineered cell sheets have been designed to effectively treat open skin areas after surgeries, addressing a major challenge in post-operative care. The method involves scanning the surgical site, designing and printing a 3D mold, coating it with gold, seeding cells, and growing a custom-made cell sheet that can be transplanted into mice.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 18, 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.

NASA-NOAA satellite studies tropical storm Kiko's center

Tropical Storm Kiko's circular area of strong storms was observed by NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite on Sept. 17, showing bands of thunderstorms over the northern and western quadrants. The storm is moving west-southwest at 6 mph with maximum sustained winds near 60 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 18, 2019

The future of 'extremely' energy-efficient circuits

A team of researchers has developed a framework to reduce energy consumption in data centers by up to several orders of magnitude compared to traditional technologies. The approach uses digital logic processes called AQFP and balances the estimation of power needed to process through the system with the energy that the system dissipates.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 18, 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.

Brain-computer interfaces without the mess

Researchers developed flexible, gel-free EEG electrodes that can record brain waves on hairy and hairless skin. The new electrodes work without sticky gel, allowing for potential use in brain-computer interfaces to drive cars or move artificial limbs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 18, 2019

Dust from a giant asteroid crash caused an ancient ice age

A new study suggests that a giant asteroid collision 466 million years ago caused an ancient ice age by releasing massive amounts of extraterrestrial dust into the atmosphere, leading to global cooling. This phenomenon allowed life to adapt and thrive in changing temperatures.

SourceField Museum·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 2019

Autoantibodies in pregnancy: A cause of behavioral disorders in the child?

Research suggests that autoantibodies targeting the NMDA receptor in pregnant women may cause behavioral disorders in their children. Studies have found a link between these autoantibodies and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and ADHD.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateSep 18, 2019