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Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 22


Page 22 of 43

Victorian hog deer genetics revealed

A study by La Trobe University researchers has found that hog deer introduced to Victoria in the 1860s are comprised entirely of hog deer and chital hybrids. The discovery could affect conservation efforts, as the hybrid species is fertile and plays a crucial role in conserving the native range.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateSep 16, 2019

Hiding in plain sight

Early rice growers unwittingly selected for barnyard grass, which later evolved to mimic rice plants, allowing it to escape detection and spread globally. The study sequenced the genomes of rice-mimic and non-mimic forms of the weed to understand this process.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 16, 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.

Measuring ethanol's deadly twin

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a handheld device that can detect methanol in alcoholic beverages and diagnose poisoning by analyzing exhaled breath. The device uses a small metal oxide sensor to distinguish between methanol and ethanol, with detection limits down to the legal limit.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Play equipment that gets kids moving

Research by University of Queensland found children with access to fixed play equipment like swings and slides are more likely to meet national physical activity guidelines. The type of play equipment at home is directly related to the amount of physical activity a child does.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateSep 16, 2019

Potential target for diabetes-associated Alzheimer's disease

A new study reveals that a protein called caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is depleted in the temporal lobe of humans with type-2 diabetes and in a diabetic mouse model, leading to increased Alzheimer's disease pathology. Restoring Cav-1 levels in mice reduced Alzheimer's pathology and improved learning and memory deficits.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateSep 16, 2019

Flavoring ingredient exceeds safety levels in e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco

A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that pulegone, contained in menthol and mint flavored e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, exceeds safety levels with potential carcinogenic properties. The FDA does not regulate pulegone's presence in these products, despite being banned as a food additive.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 16, 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 imaging technology could 'revolutionize' cancer surgery

Researchers develop a new imaging technology that uses laser light to distinguish between cancerous and healthy tissues during surgery, potentially eliminating the need for secondary surgeries. This innovation has the potential to save time, money, and anxiety in cancer treatment, while also reducing the economic burden of healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 16, 2019

Physicians report high refusal rates for the HPV vaccine and need for improvement

A study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine found that physicians' delivery and communication practices must improve to boost HPV vaccine completion rates. Pediatricians who strongly recommend the vaccine have higher acceptance rates, and optimizing HPV delivery through standing orders and alert systems can also help.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 16, 2019

Combination of wood fibers and spider silk could rival plastic

A new bio-based material has been created by combining wood cellulose fibres and spider silk protein found in spider web threads, exhibiting high strength and stiffness along with increased toughness. The researchers achieved this by aligning cellulose nanofibrils into a stiff scaffold and infiltrating it with a soft and energy-dissipa...

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 16, 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.

Geochemists measure new composition of Earth's mantle

Researchers at the University of Münster have discovered a new composition of the Earth's mantle, suggesting that large parts of it contain fewer incompatible elements. The study found that more material from the mantle has melted to form the Earth's crust than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 16, 2019

More predictive genetic risk score sought for type 1 diabetes

A highly predictive genetic risk score is being developed by Paul Tran to identify children at significant risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The algorithm uses a feedforward neural network to analyze thousands of gene variants associated with the disease, aiming to predict with five times better accuracy than current systems.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 16, 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.

Valuing thoughts and prayers

A study involving 482 participants found that Christians value thoughts and prayers from fellow believers, but atheists/agnostics reject Christian prayers. People with non-Christian beliefs are willing to pay to avoid praying with a Christian.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Uncovering the hidden 'noise' that can kill qubits

Researchers have developed a new tool to detect non-Gaussian noise affecting qubits, which can cause decoherence and destroy their fragile quantum state. By analyzing the noise patterns, scientists hope to gain insights into microscopic mechanisms and develop more effective methods to protect qubits from specific types of noise.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 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.

Hope for coral recovery may depend on good parenting

USC scientists discover coral passes beneficial algae colonies to offspring for survival advantage. The finding suggests corals can adapt to rising ocean temperatures through genetic mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 16, 2019

Commonly used drug for Alzheimer's disease doubles risk of hospitalization

A commonly used Alzheimer's treatment, donepezil, significantly increases the risk of hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition that can cause kidney damage. The study found a two-fold higher risk of hospitalization with donepezil compared to other cholinesterase inhibitors.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateSep 16, 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.

ACC issues principles for overcoming compensation, opportunity inequity

The American College of Cardiology has published its first health policy statement on cardiologist compensation and opportunity equity, aiming to advance fairness and improve patient care. The document outlines 17 principles for achieving equity in compensation and opportunity, including minimizing disparities and promoting equal acces...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 16, 2019

Circadian clock and response to vaccination

Research in mice revealed that vaccination led to increased antigen-specific CD8+ T cell proliferation when administered mid-day. The circadian clock influences this response by controlling the cells' transcriptional program and modulating their responsiveness.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Renegade genes caught red handed

Researchers dispute the long-held belief that heterochromatin is a reliable guardian of the human genome. A study by University of Arizona researcher Keith Maggert reveals that heterochromatin can flicker on and off, allowing transposons to cause mutations and damage. This instability has significant implications for our understanding ...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Brain activity intensity drives need for sleep

Researchers found a gene that responds to brain activity to coordinate the need for sleep, and zebrafish studies suggest that intensive brain activity increases sleep pressure. The findings may help understand sleep disorders and conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNeuron·DateSep 16, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Nanoparticles used to transport anti-cancer agent to cells

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a platform that uses nanoparticles known as metal-organic frameworks to deliver a promising anti-cancer agent, siRNA, to cells. The study shows that MOFs can present a viable platform for delivering potent anti-cancer agents to target specific genes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalChem·DateSep 16, 2019

Most American adults do not know that HPV causes oral, anal, and penile cancers

A recent study found that over 70% of US adults are unaware that human papillomavirus (HPV) causes anal, penile, and oral cancers. The study, led by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, also showed low HPV vaccination rates among eligible individuals.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 16, 2019

Like an instruction manual, the genome groups genes together for convenience

Scientists identified over 11,000 families of grouped genes in genomes of different species, with a third being part of conserved clusters. The study found that natural selection favors gene organization, making it easier to regulate genes, and that horizontal transfer may be less common than previously thought.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 16, 2019

Economists find mixed values of 'thoughts and prayers'

A study by University of Wyoming economists found that Christian hurricane victims value prayers from religious strangers, while atheists and agnostics believe they are worse off. The research suggests that thoughts and prayers should be employed selectively to maximize their impact on recipient welfare.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 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.

To address hunger, many countries may have to increase carbon footprint

Researchers found that plant-forward diets can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water use, with even a two-thirds vegan diet having lower impacts than traditional lacto-ovo vegetarian diets. The study's findings emphasize the need for country-specific dietary shifts to address climate and nutrition crises.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateSep 16, 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.

Renewable cement production

A new electrochemical process can decarbonate calcium carbonate to form alite and release hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide streams. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce or eliminate cement industry greenhouse gas emissions by capturing CO2 for sequestration or power generation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019
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.

Immune response depends on mathematics of narrow escapes

A new study reveals the narrow escape problem, a classic math puzzle, plays a key role in determining immune responses. The unique shape of T cells creates a close-contact zone for triggering molecules, and the size of this zone depends on the surface protrusions, keeping the process sensitive to invaders.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Just add water

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara and their international team have uncovered the mechanism behind doping organic semiconductors using Lewis acids. The discovery reveals that water plays a crucial role in this process, enabling scientists to design even better dopants for greater control over these materials.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 16, 2019

NIH-funded study suggests teen girl 'night owls' may be more likely to gain weight

A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that teenage girls who go to bed later are more likely to gain weight compared to those who sleep earlier. The research also showed a significant association between late bedtime and increased waist size and body fat in young females.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 16, 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.

Public attitudes toward police

Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial in New Haven, Connecticut, where police officers made community policing visits to residents' homes. The study found that positive interactions improved public trust and cooperation with police, especially among black individuals and those with strong negative views towards the police.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

More than Lyme: Tick study finds multiple agents of tick-borne diseases

Researchers found that over half of deer ticks were infected with Lyme disease and other pathogens, while nearly a quarter carried multiple agents. This study highlights the need to consider all tick-borne diseases, not just Lyme, due to polymicrobial infections.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmBio·DateSep 16, 2019

Eating cheese may offset blood vessel damage from salt

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming four servings of cheese per day alongside a high sodium diet may protect blood vessels from damage. The researchers discovered that antioxidants in cheese may play a role in preserving vascular health, providing an alternative strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateSep 16, 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.

New research sheds light on how happy couples argue

Happy couples tend to take a solution-oriented approach to conflict, focusing on solvable issues like household labor and leisure time. They avoid discussing sensitive topics like health and intimacy, which can be challenging to resolve without risking vulnerability or embarrassment.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalFamily Process·DateSep 16, 2019

Eco-friendly method for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles

Scientists from Ural Federal University and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology developed a green synthesis method for iron oxide nanoparticles using Ipomoea aquatica extract. The resulting nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetic nature, antibacterial activity, and potential applications in biomedicine.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalChemistrySelect·DateSep 16, 2019

Acute chikungunya infection studied at the molecular level in Brazilian patients

Brazilian researchers used computational tools to analyze blood cells from patients infected with chikungunya virus, identifying genes associated with the disease and potential biomarkers of predisposition to chronic joint pain. The study suggests that certain gene signatures can be explored as therapeutic targets.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 16, 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.

New sample holder for protein crystallography

The new sample holder allows for direct crystallization of proteins on the holder, eliminating the need for transfer and reducing damage risk. This innovation simplifies protein crystallography by grouping up to 24 sample holders onto one plate.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateSep 16, 2019