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Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 27


Page 27 of 43

Little heaps of silver, all wrapped up

Scientists have successfully created a nanocluster of exactly 16 silver atoms stabilized by a wrapping of DNA strands. The crystal structure revealed that each nanocluster is tightly wrapped and almost completely shielded by two DNA strands, with novel silver-silver interactions observed within the cluster.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 11, 2019

Biology of bat wings may hold lessons for cold-weather work, exercise

A new study reveals that bat wing muscles are uniquely adapted to operate at low temperatures during flight, a phenomenon with implications for human exercise in extreme conditions. By understanding this adaptation, scientists hope to develop strategies to improve human performance and safety in cold weather.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 11, 2019

Soil scientist researches nature versus nurture in microorganisms

A West Virginia University researcher used science and data to uncover the impact of nature on microorganism traits. The study found that evolutionary history shapes microbial characteristics more than local environment, with potential implications for predicting ecosystem responses to climate change.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Deworming programmes for soil-transmitted helminths -- a Cochrane review update

A new Cochrane review consolidates the results of 50 trials involving over 84,000 participants, showing little to no effect of deworming on haemoglobin, cognition, school performance, and mortality. The review suggests that donors and countries should reassess policies for mass treatment.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateSep 11, 2019

Scientists solve lingering mystery of poorly understood frog

A team of scientists has solved the mystery of 'Fraser's Clawed Frog', an unusual species found in West Africa. The study, published in PLOS ONE, reveals that the frog inhabits hot and arid regions of northern Cameroon and Ghana, contradicting previous assumptions about its geographic origin.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 11, 2019

Electrical-first cardioversion strategy for AFib results in shorter ED length of stay

A multicenter randomized controlled trial confirms an electrical-first approach is more effective in restoring sinus rhythm and shortening ED length of stay. The study found that patients managed with this strategy were discharged within four hours at a higher rate than those receiving a chemical-first approach.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateSep 11, 2019

New metamaterial morphs into new shapes, taking on new properties

Researchers developed a tunable metamaterial that can change shape in response to electrical control, exhibiting unique mechanical and vibrational properties. This breakthrough has potential applications in next-generation energy storage systems and bio-implantable micro-devices.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 11, 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.

Milestones on the way to the nuclear clock

Two research teams, including TU Wien, simultaneously demonstrate the long-sought Thorium nuclear transition, enabling extremely precise nuclear clocks. This discovery opens up new research possibilities, including investigating dark matter and measuring natural constants.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 11, 2019

UBC study finds health isn't the only issue with bacteria growth

A UBC study found that fungi and associated microbes are degrading indoor building materials, compromising structural integrity and occupant health. The research highlights the need for multi-criteria design and optimized building materials to mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 11, 2019

Papillomaviruses may be able to be spread by blood

A recent study found that rabbit and mouse papillomaviruses can be transferred by blood to their respective hosts, raising the possibility of human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission through blood in humans. The researchers also detected HPV sequences in mucous membranes like the tongue and genitals, as well as in the stomach.

SourcePenn State·JournalEmerging Microbes & Infections·DateSep 11, 2019

Eugene Wu wins NSF CAREER Award

Wu aims to build scalable techniques to generate visual database interfaces tailored to specific analysis tasks, making data analysis more accessible to industry and science users. His goal is to create customized visual analysis interfaces like specialized apps for various tasks, improving data-driven decision-making.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateSep 11, 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.

Microbial profile to support growing field of human gut research

A team of researchers at George Washington University published a comprehensive list of the types and ratios of microbes that inhabit a healthy human gut, known as GutFeelingKB. This database will serve as a reference for doctors, patients, and researchers, providing an understanding of what constitutes a 'normal' human microbiome.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 11, 2019

Conserving rare species for the maintenance of Mediterranean forests

Researchers at the University of Seville studied the pine forests in the Iberian Peninsula to understand factors that make conservation successful. They found that climate, radiation, and temperature influenced the success of translocation, and recommended planting in winter or spring with proper watering.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateSep 11, 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.

Sandia experiments at temperature of sun offer solutions to solar model problems

Physicists at Sandia National Laboratories' Z machine found that an astronomical model underestimates the energy blockage caused by free-floating iron atoms. The experimental opacity measurements can help resolve a major discrepancy in how the Standard Solar Model uses the sun's composition to predict star behavior.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 11, 2019

A precise chemical fingerprint of the Amazon

A novel drone-based chemical monitoring system tracks volatile organic compounds emitted by plants, revealing the health of Amazon forests and their response to climate change. The research found significant differences in VOC signals between various forest sub-types, contradicting previous assumptions about their emissions.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 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.

Computer science professor and geologist receive 3.5 million euros in funding

Researchers at the University of Bern have been awarded prestigious starting grants for their innovative projects on digital 3D models and fluid-rock interactions. The €1.5 million AlgoHex project aims to develop algorithms for automatic hexahedral mesh generation, while the €2 million PROMOTING project seeks to model fluid pathways in...

SourceUniversity of Bern·DateSep 11, 2019

SDSU professors examine what influences healthy, sustainable food choices

Researchers at SDSU examine the role of sensory experience in shaping healthy food choices, finding that associating healthy foods with pleasure can increase interest in purchasing or eating them. Time and money are identified as primary barriers to accessing healthy foods.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateSep 11, 2019

Study shows cost savings from same-day long-acting reversible contraception

A new study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers found that providing adolescents with same-day access to long-acting reversible contraception can lead to significant cost savings for insurance providers. The study also found a decrease in unintended pregnancies and abortions associated with same-day placement.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 11, 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.

Flexible solar cells a step closer to reality

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that organic solar cells only need 1% of their surface area to be electrically conductive, opening up possibilities for composite materials and improved device performance. This breakthrough could enable flexible solar cells to become a commercial reality sooner.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 11, 2019

Cutting acrylamide in fried and baked snacks

Researchers explore ways to minimize acrylamide formation in fried and baked snacks, such as using the enzyme asparaginase to convert asparagine into harmless compounds. Food companies like Novozymes, Kerry, and DSM offer products to reduce acrylamide levels, including non-GMO options for organic food producers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 11, 2019

Infant with deadly leukemia saved by drug for adult liver cancer

A months-old infant with rare childhood leukemia was treated with sorafenib, a targeted therapy approved for adults with inoperable liver cancer. The patient's unique genetic mutation led to a significant response to the treatment, highlighting the importance of identifying genetic mutations in cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalLeukemia·DateSep 11, 2019

Study of newly homeless ED patients finds multiple contributors to homelessness

A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that unexpectedness, health and social conditions, lack of support from family or friends, and structural issues like job market and affordable housing availability contribute to homelessness. The findings suggest gaps in current homeless prevention services and can inform futu...

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateSep 11, 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.

Corn one step closer to bacterial leaf streak resistance

A new study has identified corn varieties with moderate resistance to bacterial leaf streak, a foliar disease that can cause up to 20% yield losses. The research also found genetic regions associated with increased levels of resistance and highlighted the importance of host resistance in controlling this disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCrop Science·DateSep 11, 2019

Early humans used tiny, flint 'surgical' tools to butcher elephants

A new study reveals that early humans crafted tiny flint tools from recycled materials to perform delicate tasks such as tendon separation and meat carving. These tools played a vital role in ancient human survival strategies, showcasing a refined and thoughtful approach to animal butchery.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 11, 2019

Research tracks narcissism from young adulthood to middle age

Research tracks narcissism from young adulthood to middle age, finding that certain personality traits, such as vanity and entitlement, are associated with negative outcomes. However, most people experience a decline in narcissism over time, particularly those who enter into serious relationships or have children.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 11, 2019

Type 2 diabetes is not just about insulin

Researchers at UNIGE found that the liver can produce glucose independently of hormonal signals, challenging the long-held belief about its role in glucose regulation. This autonomous glucose production may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in patients with a fatty liver syndrome.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 11, 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.

Microplastics stunt growth of worms -- study

Research by Anglia Ruskin University found microplastics can stunt earthworm growth and cause weight loss, impacting soil ecosystem health. Soil contamination with certain plastics leads to decreased pH and reduced plant growth.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 11, 2019

Nerve-like 'optical lace' gives robots a human touch

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a stretchable optical lace material that enables soft robots to sense their environment through mechanosensors. The material allows robots to detect changes in stress and strain, enabling them to adjust their actions accordingly.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 11, 2019

Talking receptors may affect relaxin at work

Researchers at Monash University have discovered that receptors can communicate and interact, affecting the therapeutic actions of relaxin. This finding has implications for clinical trials involving relaxin and other drugs acting on these receptors.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 11, 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.

It takes a 'consortium': Researchers develop metabolic engineering technique

Scientists have developed a new metabolic engineering technique that enables cells within microbial consortia to regulate their own composition through autonomous cell-to-cell communication. The approach utilizes the universal QS signal AI-2, allowing for tunable growth rates and improved coordination among subpopulations.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2019

Nuclear physics -- probing a nuclear clock transition

Scientists at LMU Munich have successfully quantified the energy released by thorium-229 nucleus decay, a crucial step towards developing a nuclear clock. The study enables lasers to emit in a wavelength range that can excite the nucleus, paving the way for a new era of precise measurements.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateSep 11, 2019

A smart artificial hand for amputees merges user and robotic control

Researchers develop new approach combining individual finger control and automation to improve grasping and manipulation for amputees. The technology uses machine learning and sensor data to interpret user intention and automate object grasp.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateSep 11, 2019

Brain changes may help track dementia, even before diagnosis

Researchers found that people with mild cognitive impairment may have different brain changes depending on the type of dementia they have. The study suggests that these changes could potentially be used to track early changes in Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 11, 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.

Malaria could be felled by an Antarctic sea sponge

Researchers have identified a peptide from an Antarctic sponge that shows promise as a lead for new therapies against malaria. The compound, friomaramide, effectively blocked the development of the malaria parasite in liver cells without harming them.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateSep 11, 2019

'Game-changing' research could solve evolution mysteries

Researchers have extracted almost complete sets of proteins from ancient dental enamel, allowing scientists to reconstruct molecular evolution beyond the usual DNA preservation limit. This breakthrough enables scientists to study hundreds of species, including humans, and could revolutionize our understanding of the world's evolution.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateSep 11, 2019

Meet the molecule that helps stressed cells decide between life and death

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified DDX3X as a crucial molecule in determining the fate of stressed cells. The molecule plays a pivotal role in regulating the innate immune response and helps cells interpret and respond to various stressors with measures meant to ensure cell survival or death. This findi...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateSep 11, 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.

Math shows why animals see at night

Biological experiments confirm that chromatin in mice eyes changes structure over time, allowing for night vision. Mathematical modeling shows nuclear deformation is a crucial point in DNA's structure change.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 11, 2019

Black hole at the center of our galaxy appears to be getting hungrier

Researchers analyzed 13,000 observations of the black hole from 133 nights since 2003 and found extreme variations in brightness, with one night seeing an area twice as bright as the next-brightest observation. The team is unsure whether this is an extraordinary singular event or a precursor to significantly increased activity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 11, 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.

Graphene sets the stage for the next generation of THz astronomy detectors

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology have demonstrated a graphene-based detector that can detect faint cosmic signals with high sensitivity and large bandwidth. The device's low power requirements make it ideal for future space missions, enabling 3D imaging of the universe.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 11, 2019

Climate change: A dirt-y business

Researchers found increased rainfall reduces soil's water absorption rate, leading to more water in streams and lakes. Soil properties also affect carbon storage, potentially impacting climate models.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 11, 2019

Bioengineers explore cardiac tissue remodeling after aortic valve replacement procedures

Researchers create biomaterial-based models of heart tissues to understand the impact of aortic valve replacement procedures on cardiac tissue remodeling. The study reveals key proteins associated with myofibroblast deactivation and offers potential for developing innovative therapies for fibrotic diseases of the heart.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 11, 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.

Public support for gene drives in agriculture tied to limits

A national survey found more public support for genetically modified gene drive systems targeting non-native insects, rather than native species. The study suggests that controlled systems, which alter an insect's ability to carry a pathogen without eliminating it, receive greater support.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 11, 2019

Insects as food and feed: research and innovation drive growing field

A new special issue of the Annals of the Entomological Society of America showcases research on insect agriculture for food and feed. More than 1 million insect species are known, offering room for growth in the field. Insect-based industries could reach $50-100 billion by 2050, bolstering global ag sector while protecting environment.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateSep 11, 2019

First water detected on potentially 'habitable' planet

Scientists at University College London have discovered water vapor on the potentially habitable exoplanet K2-18b, which orbits a cool dwarf star about 110 light years from Earth. The detection confirms that the planet is in its star's 'habitable zone', where temperatures could support liquid water and life.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 11, 2019