Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 41


Page 41 of 43

Vitamin D: How much is too much of a good thing?

Researchers discovered a dose-related decrease in bone density with high doses of vitamin D, contrary to initial predictions. Vitamin D supplementation above recommended levels (400-2000 IU daily) was not associated with an increase in bone density or strength.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJAMA·DateSep 3, 2019

Social network interventions can lead to potential health benefits

A systematic review and meta-analysis of social network interventions found significant effects on various health behaviors and outcomes, including sexual health, alcohol misuse, wellbeing, and smoking cessation. The study suggests that social network approaches can be a promising tool for improving health behaviors and outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 3, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Winners of ESMO 2019 awards announced

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has announced the winners of its annual awards, recognizing Prof. Eric Van Cutsem's pioneering work in gastrointestinal oncology and Dr. Angelo Di Leo's lifetime achievements in cancer research and education. The ESMO Women for Oncology Award was also presented to Prof. Cristiana Sessa, ...

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateSep 3, 2019

Who benefits from a defibrillator?

A European study found that patients with high PRD values (≥7.5 degrees) benefit from implantable defibrillators, with a 75% decrease in mortality risk, while those with lower values see a 31% reduction.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 3, 2019

Sexual selection influences the evolution of lamprey pheromones

Researchers found that sea lampreys' bile acids produce as sex pheromones are less varied among mature males than larvae, suggesting sexual selection plays a role in their evolution. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between pheromone diversity and mate preferences.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateSep 3, 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.

Body's ageing process accelerated by DNA changes, study suggests

Research suggests DNA changes can increase susceptibility to age-related diseases like heart conditions and blood cancers. A study of over 1000 older individuals found those with somatic mutations had a biological age almost four years older than those without alterations.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 3, 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.

Fat-absorbing XX chromosomes raise heart disease risk in women

Research in mice reveals that XX sex chromosomes increase blood fat levels, leading to narrowed arteries and higher heart attack risk. The study suggests a new therapeutic target for treating coronary artery disease in post-menopausal women.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2019

Making more plastics recyclable

A new digital platform aims to increase recyclable plastics by reducing material components and weighing functionality against resource efficiency. The DIMOP project creates a tool for product developers to make better material choices, increasing plastic recyclability.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateSep 3, 2019

Color-change urine test for cancer shows potential in mouse study

A simple and sensitive urine test has been developed to detect colon cancer in mice, changing the color of urine to signal growing tumors. The test uses nanosensors that break down when cut by enzymes released by tumors, producing a blue color change that can be seen with the naked eye.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 3, 2019

Slowed metabolism helps migrating geese soar

Researchers have discovered that bar-headed geese are able to fly high for long periods of time by reducing their metabolism in low-oxygen conditions. The study found that six out of seven birds could fly in moderately low-oxygen levels and three were willing to fly in severely low-oxygen conditions.

SourceeLife·DateSep 3, 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.

Comparing primate vocalizations

A new study by MIT linguist Shigeru Miyagawa and Esther Clarke reveals that Old World monkeys can combine two items in language sequences, but this ability stops at two. Unlike humans, who can recombine terms to create an infinite variety of sequences, the monkeys' language lacks the capacity for greater complexity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 3, 2019

The kombucha culture

Researchers have discovered complex social behaviors in kombucha microbes, which could provide clues for understanding cooperation in human societies. By studying the interactions between different species in kombucha, scientists hope to develop new antimicrobial products and interventions for bettering human health.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 3, 2019

Researching next generation screens that 'deform' and 'push back' when touched

A new research project aims to develop touchscreens with more realistic interactions, enabling users to physically push their fingers into screens or feel different materials. The project promises a step-change in touchscreen technology, potentially benefiting visually impaired people and offering new ways of interacting with devices.

SourceLancaster University·DateSep 3, 2019

Could recreating freshwater lakes help trial plastic alternatives?

Researchers at Staffordshire University are using artificial aquatic ecosystems called limnotrons to test plastic degradation and develop a standardized method for identifying the age of plastics. The study will help identify effective mitigation and management strategies for reducing plastic pollution in freshwater systems.

SourceStaffordshire University·DateSep 3, 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.

Scientists use advanced imaging to map uncharted area of genome

Researchers have mapped a previously uncharted region of the human genome that gives rise to various diseases. Using advanced imaging techniques, they discovered extreme variability in DNA sequences between individuals and populations, which may lead to genetic testing for parents before having children.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalGenome Research·DateSep 3, 2019

Identification of new populations of immune cells in the lungs

Researchers discovered two distinct sub-populations of interstitial macrophages in the lung, which play a crucial role in preventing asthma development. These sub-populations exhibit different functions, origins, and morphologies, and have distinct local precursors.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2019

Medical imaging rates continue to rise despite push to reduce their use

A recent study analyzed over 135 million imaging exams across the US and Ontario, finding that medical imaging rates have continued to increase despite campaigns to reduce their use. The study found a reacceleration in imaging use for CT and MRI scans in adults, with ongoing growth in both countries.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA·DateSep 3, 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.

Prescription drug monitoring program mandates

A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that states with comprehensive prescription drug monitoring program mandates saw a 8.92% reduction in opioid prescriptions and 17.75% fewer emergency department visits compared to those with weak or no mandates.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 3, 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.

Slowed metabolism helps geese fly high

Researchers found that bar-headed geese can fly at altitudes of up to 8500m by reducing their metabolism, increasing oxygen transport per heartbeat and heart rate, and lowering blood temperature. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy and fly efficiently in low-oxygen conditions.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateSep 3, 2019

Rice reactor turns greenhouse gas into pure liquid fuel

The Rice University lab has developed an efficient electrolyzer that can turn greenhouse gases into pure liquid fuels. The process uses renewable electricity and produces highly purified formic acid with high concentrations.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 3, 2019

Use of medical imaging

The study analyzed 135 million imaging examinations among 16-21 million patients in the US and Canada, finding increased medical imaging rates among adults but declining nuclear medicine use. Imaging rates continued to rise among children except for CT, which declined since 2006.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 3, 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.

A new alphabet to write and read quantum messages with very fast particles

Researchers developed a new method to write and read quantum messages with very fast particles, overcoming the limitations of standard techniques. The novel technique guarantees unambiguous decoding even when particles behave according to both quantum mechanics and special relativity.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 3, 2019

Genetics may play a role in reaction to CT contrast agents

A large study of almost 200,000 patients found that premedicating with antihistamines and switching contrast media can reduce recurrent allergic reactions. Genetic predisposition may also play a role in reaction to CT contrast agents, according to the researchers.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateSep 3, 2019

Surgical masks as good as respirators for flu and respiratory virus protection

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center conducted a large-scale study comparing surgical masks to N95 respirators for flu and respiratory virus protection. The results show that there is no significant difference in effectiveness between the two types of masks, with medical masks being as effective as N95 respirators.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateSep 3, 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.

Overweight kids actually eat less right after stressful events

Research suggests that overweight adolescents experience a biological response driving reduced appetite when stressed, eating about 35% fewer calories in the two hours following. This study challenges the common assumption that stress leads to overeating and highlights the importance of understanding individual responses to stress.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateSep 3, 2019

Hardship during the Great Recession linked with lasting mental health declines

Research reveals that individuals who experienced financial, housing-related, or job-related hardships during the Great Recession showed increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and problematic drug use. These findings suggest that government-funded mental health support may be a sound investment to stimulate economic recovery.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateSep 3, 2019

The Lancet journals: Papers at ESC Congress 2019

The Lancet published several studies on cardiovascular disease, including a new risk chart for 21 global regions and a trial on percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting. Additionally, the journal presented findings on sirolimus-eluting stents versus durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents in patients ...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 3, 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.

Extracting clean fuel from sunlight

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed new technologies that combine light-gathering semiconductors and catalytic materials to produce clean fuel. The technologies use solar energy to drive chemical reactions capable of producing fuels, which store the sun's energy in chemical bonds.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 3, 2019

Using lasers to study explosions

Researchers used a swept-wavelength external cavity quantum cascade laser to study explosive events, detecting molecules and measuring temperature and concentration changes. The instrument provides fast and safe measurements, enabling new understanding of explosions and potential applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 3, 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.

NASA finds tropical storm 14W strengthening

Tropical Storm 14W strengthened into a powerful system due to strong thunderstorms fueled by infrared data from NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm's intense cloud top temperatures indicate potential for heavy rainfall, with winds near 40 mph and expected to intensify over the next five days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 3, 2019

Researchers develop technique to de-ice surfaces in seconds

A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Illinois and Kyushu University in Japan uses less than 1% of the energy required for traditional de-icing methods to melt a thin layer of ice at the surface interface, allowing it to slide off under gravity. This approach is more efficient and reduces system downtime.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 3, 2019

Tropical sea snake uses its head to 'breathe'

Scientists have found that the blue-banded sea snake uses a vascular network in its head to absorb oxygen from the surrounding water, allowing it to stay submerged for longer periods. This unique adaptation enables the snake to thrive in tropical waters with minimal surface exposure.

SourceFlinders University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateSep 3, 2019

An astonishing parabola trick

Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have discovered a unique chiral effect in magnetic materials. The team created parabolic strips of Permalloy, which exhibited a surprisingly strong delayed response to a reversed magnetic field due to curvature-induced chiral properties.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 3, 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.

Chronic cocaine use modifies gene expression

Research in mice reveals that chronic cocaine use changes gene expression in the hippocampus, leading to epigenetic modifications of the FosB gene. This modification enables the formation of drug associations and contributes to addiction.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateSep 2, 2019

Lifestyle, not genetics, explains most premature heart disease

A study of 1,075 patients under 50 found that healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, and managing cholesterol levels can significantly reduce the risk of premature heart disease. In contrast, genetics played a less significant role in those with multiple modifiable risk factors.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 2, 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.

Antarctic ice sheet observations from radar data

A team of researchers has digitized and archived over 400,000 km of Antarctic ice-penetrating radar data to track changes in the ice sheet's thickness and englacial features over four decades. The study suggests that the Thwaites Eastern Ice Shelf thinned by 10-33% between 1978 and 2009.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

Concurrent drought and aridity

Climate simulations suggest that land-atmosphere feedbacks can increase atmospheric aridity, leading to high probabilities of concurrent soil drought and extreme aridity. The study also predicts more frequent and intense drought and aridity in the coming century with significant human and ecological implications.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 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.

Sleeping too much -- or too little -- boosts heart attack risk

A new study of nearly half a million people found that sleeping between 6 and 9 hours nightly can cut the risk of heart attack by up to 18% for those with genetic predisposition. Sleeping too little or too much also boosts heart attack risk, with optimal sleep duration being critical for overall heart health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 2, 2019