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Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 31


Page 31 of 43

Scientists listed ways of applying genetic engineering to treat Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and cognitive impairments. Scientists listed ways of applying genetic engineering to study and treat the disease, including manipulating mitochondria and iron homeostasis. CRISPR technology holds promise for finding new effective treatments.

SourceSechenov University·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateSep 10, 2019

Scientists identify rare evolutionary intermediates to understand the origin of eukaryotes

A new study by Yale scientists identifies ancient prokaryotes with compartmentalized nuclei, shedding light on the origin of eukaryotic cells. They found ribosomal proteins in Archaea with NLS-motifs similar to those in eukaryotic species, suggesting a transitional phase.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 10, 2019

Autism traits and social judgments

A study involving over 6,900 people reveals that autism spectrum traits are associated with improved social judgment skills, especially in detecting general patterns and rules. The findings suggest that individuals with autism may excel at perceiving social phenomena due to their unique cognitive abilities.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

September/October 2019 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A study in rural Vermont found that more children are receiving care from pediatricians instead of family medicine doctors. A new smartphone-operated electrocardiogram has been shown to accurately detect cardiac arrhythmias in non-acute patients in primary care settings. Additionally, a stepwise approach may be most effective for asses...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

Case management in primary care associated with positive outcomes

Case management programs delivering high-intensity interventions and multidisciplinary care plans yield positive results for adult frequent users with chronic diseases. The systematic review identified key characteristics of effective case management, including high-intensity interventions and multidisciplinary team care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

Professional communication and job satisfaction in primary care clinics

A cross-sectional study of 143 US primary care clinic staff found that face-to-face communication enhances job satisfaction. Daily team huddles and frequent engagement in patient care discussions may boost job satisfaction among primary care providers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 9, 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.

New research from Alkema lab shows how stress can weaken defenses

Research from the Alkema lab reveals that the 'fight-or-flight' response triggers tyramine release, which stimulates insulin pathways to satisfy energy demands but down-regulates cellular protection against environmental stress. This dynamic regulation negatively impacts health and aging in nematode worms.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2019

ADHD medication: How much is too much for a hyperactive child?

A new review of scientific literature suggests that medium doses of ADHD medication have the strongest beneficial effects on inhibitory control, a key aspect of impulsiveness. Increasing doses beyond this point may not make a significant difference in symptoms.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateSep 9, 2019

Communist revolution and social stratification in China

A study found that disadvantaged classes benefited from the revolution, with 20-30% of children from lower backgrounds experiencing net upward educational mobility. However, those from more privileged classes experienced downward mobility, highlighting intergenerational social stratification.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019

Using a wearable device to exercise more? Add competition to improve results

Researchers at Penn Medicine and Deloitte Consulting LLP used behavioral insights, gaming elements, and social incentives to improve workplace physical activity. The study found that adding competition led to significant increases in physical activity, while other groups saw only temporary improvements.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 9, 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.

One-atom switch supercharges fluorescent dyes

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a simple method to turn fluorescent tags on and off with visible light by switching one atom. This technique will enable high-resolution imaging and dynamic tracking of biological processes in living cells, tissues, and animals.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 9, 2019

The fast and the curious: Fitter adults have fitter brains

A large study found that physical fitness is associated with improved cognitive ability and healthy white matter in the brain of young adults. The research used a publicly available database of 1206 MRI brain scans from the Human Connectome Project.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 9, 2019

To reduce pollution, policymakers should broaden focus beyond smokestacks

Air pollution from fine particulate matter is associated with premature mortality, with the US economy suffering $20 billion in damages annually. Policymakers should consider regulations that target the agriculture and transportation sectors to mitigate this issue.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 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.

Discovery of periodic tables for molecules

Researchers at Tokyo Tech propose a new approach to build a periodic table for molecules with multiple types of symmetries. The table groups atoms by symmetry and valence electrons, enabling predictions of stable molecular clusters.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 9, 2019

Strong student-adult relationships lower suicide attempts in high schools

A new study found that high schools with strong student-adult relationships and social networks have lower rates of suicide attempts. The research suggests that trusted adults and peers can help prevent suicide by strengthening protective relationships on a school-level.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateSep 9, 2019

Researchers find regulator of first responder cells to brain injury

Researchers identified NFIA as a central regulator of reactive astrocytes in brain injury. The study showed that NFIA plays different roles depending on the type of injury and region affected, hinting at an extensive reservoir of reactive astrocyte responses.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 9, 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.

Experimental 'blood test' accurately screens for PTSD

A new study developed a blood-based biomarker panel that can diagnose posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in male combat veterans with 77% accuracy. The panel uses genomic, metabolic, and protein biomarkers to identify genetic and cellular changes associated with PTSD.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 9, 2019

Addressing food insecurity in health care settings

Interventions in health care settings focus on referrals or direct provision of food, but suffer from poor follow-up and limited statistical power. The review highlights the need for effective food interventions to address the adverse impact of food insecurity on health and well-being

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

Good at math? It means little if you're not confident

Research suggests that low numeric confidence can wipe out the advantage of having good math skills, leading to poorer financial and medical outcomes. Participants with high confidence in their math abilities had better health outcomes and more stable finances.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 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.

Research shows puberty changes the brains of boys and girls differently

Research shows that puberty affects brain networks differently in males and females, with boys experiencing increased connectivity and girls experiencing decreased connectivity. This study found significant changes in mood-related brain areas during puberty, which may be linked to the higher incidence of depression in girls.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateSep 9, 2019

Testing new treatment for epilepsy patients

Researchers have developed a new machine learning algorithm that can detect the seizure onset zone in just 10-20 minutes, eliminating the need for prolonged monitoring and reducing risks. This breakthrough could lead to a new treatment approach for epilepsy patients, particularly those with drug-resistant forms of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 9, 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.

Once or twice weekly daytime nap linked to lower heart attack/stroke risk

A study of 3,462 residents in Lausanne, Switzerland found that taking a weekly daytime nap reduced the risk of heart attack or stroke by 48%. The frequency, not just the duration, of naps is what matters, researchers suggest. This new insight may help explain previous conflicting findings on the health benefits of napping.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·DateSep 9, 2019

Spherical-atmosphere climate models

Researchers suggest that spherical models could underestimate climate phenomena due to reduced aerosol cooling, which might lead to inaccurate projections. The study's findings have implications for climate modeling and the accuracy of predictions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 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.

Fermilab achieves world-record field strength for accelerator magnet

Scientists at Fermilab have achieved the highest magnetic field strength ever recorded for an accelerator steering magnet, reaching 14.1 teslas. The success is crucial for future high-energy hadron colliders that require even stronger magnets to accelerate protons to higher energies.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·DateSep 9, 2019

At-home dialysis improves quality of life

Kaiser Permanente research finds that at-home peritoneal dialysis is safe and effective for managing advanced-stage kidney disease, improving lifestyle and quality of life. The study shows a significant increase in at-home dialysis rates over 10 years, with 80% of patients remaining on it one year after starting.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

Metal-organic framework nanoribbons

Researchers have developed a general method to prepare ultrathin MOF NRBs with high surface area, highly active surface and excellent catalytic efficiency. The proposed method is simple, efficient and versatile, which could be used for the preparation of a series of ultrathin MOF NRBs.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 9, 2019

Lollies, vitamins and fish-shaped sauce containers hit the MRI mark

A Queensland University of Technology study found that jelly baby lollies, fish-shaped sauce containers, vitamin D capsules, and coffee beans are viable alternatives to commercial MRI markers. These items were tested on a thigh scan and showed clear visibility, making them effective for pinpointing anatomical areas or pathologies.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalBMJ Open·DateSep 9, 2019

Repetitive impacts key to understanding sports-associated concussions

A study using sensor-enabled mouthguard technology and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI found that repetitive impacts cause damage to small blood vessels in the brain, leading to 'leaky' blood vessels visible on MRI scans. The research aims to improve player safety in sports with robust return-to-play guidelines.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateSep 9, 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.

Sound-shape associations depend on early visual experiences

Researchers found that sound-shape associations, such as the bouba-kiki effect, are formed during a sensitive period of visual development in early childhood. Participants with congenital or late-onset blindness did not form these associations, while those with normal vision showed evidence of reliable sound-shape associations.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 9, 2019

New drug may protect against memory loss in Alzheimer's disease

A new drug, BPN14770, has shown promise in protecting against memory loss and nerve damage associated with Alzheimer's disease. The drug inhibits phosphodiesterase 4D, an enzyme that plays a key role in memory formation and neuroinflammation.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateSep 9, 2019

Village women prove effective at tackling Indonesia's growing killer

Researchers found a 14.5% increase in appropriate use of preventive medicine and a 41% reduction in blood pressure among patients using SMARTHealth. The program, developed by the George Institute, empowers local women with training on blood sample collection and data analysis to provide cardiovascular care.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateSep 9, 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.

Comparison of patient-doctor priorities in chronic disease management

A study of 153 patient-physician pairs found only modest agreement on prioritizing chronic conditions, with 29% of patients' first priorities not matching physicians' lists. Agreement varied by condition, with stronger agreements for common conditions like hypothyroidism and diabetes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

Shifting weight in shift workers

A world-first study is being conducted to explore novel weight loss regimes for night shift workers in Australia, where irregular hours disrupt normal eating and sleeping patterns. Researchers hope to guide night shift workers to better health with the findings of this study.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateSep 9, 2019

Many older hospitalized patients with cancer experience malnutrition

A Brazilian multicenter study found that older hospitalized patients with cancer have a high prevalence of malnutrition, affecting nearly half of the patient population. The study highlights the need for nutritional assessments soon after hospitalization to prevent malnutrition and weight loss.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 9, 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.

Building blocks of bird babble identified

Researchers at the University of Zurich and others identified two perceptually distinct sounds in chestnut-crowned babbler calls that are shared across different arrangements. The findings suggest that these elements are meaningless and may be an early step in the emergence of human language.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019

Cranial kinesis and avian palate evolution

A fossil study reconstructs the avian palate of Sapeornis chaoyangensis, shedding light on cranial kinesis. The research suggests that cranial kinesis may have facilitated the diversification and evolutionary success of Neognathae lineage.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 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.

Plastics, fuels and chemical feedstocks from CO2? They're working on it

SUNCAT researchers have made significant breakthroughs in converting CO2 into chemicals, fuels, and plastics using electrochemical reduction. By increasing the surface area of copper-based catalysts, they've improved selectivity and efficiency, offering a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Catalysis·DateSep 9, 2019

Stretchy plastic electrolytes could enable new lithium-ion battery design

Researchers at Georgia Tech develop stretchy plastic electrolytes that enable new lithium-ion battery designs with less reliance on scarce metals. The new cathode and electrolyte system shows remarkable stability even at high temperatures, promising safer, lighter, and cheaper batteries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 9, 2019

Ages of the Navajo Sandstone

A new study published in Geology has determined the ages of Navajo Sandstone deposits, providing a timeline of desertification that occurred during the Early Jurassic. The findings show that parts of eastern Utah's Navajo desert are much older than previously thought, and that the giant sand sea had a wetter climate at times.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateSep 9, 2019

And then there was light: Looking for the first stars in the universe

Researchers have detected a 10-fold improvement in data gathered by the Murchison Widefield Array, bringing them closer to understanding the life and death of the earliest stars. The signal is more than 12 billion years old and was refined using new techniques to exclude sources of contamination.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateSep 9, 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.