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Science News for August 22, 2017


Religious affiliation impacts language use on Facebook

A study of 12,815 U.S. and U.K. Facebook users found that religious affiliation is associated with the use of positive emotion and social words, while non-religious individuals use more negative emotion and cognitive processes. The researchers also discovered that non-religious people make more frequent mention of the body and death th...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 22, 2017

An AADR perspective on the 'Advancing dental education: Gies in the 21st century' project

The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) suggests that dental schools prioritize research participation, collaboration with other departments, and flexible curricula. AADR also advocates for increased funding from various sources, including the National Institutes of Health, to support dental research and training.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 22, 2017

NIST study suggests frailty makes elderly more likely to die in home fires

A new NIST study reveals that frailty, particularly among the elderly, significantly increases the risk of death from home fires. The research suggests that communities should evaluate and address home fire risks based on age demographics to maximize effectiveness in preventing fire deaths and injuries.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalInjury Prevention·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

No microbes? No problem for caterpillars

Scientists found caterpillars have only 50,000 times fewer microbes than human guts, suggesting most are ingested from surroundings. Caterpillars can grow and develop without microbes, challenging the idea of a universal microbiome among animals

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2017

When given the chance to pay less, patients choose cheaper prescription drugs

A study by UC Berkeley researchers found that reference pricing is effective in reducing patient spending on prescription drugs. The policy promotes the use of cheaper alternatives over brand-name options, resulting in a 7% increase in prescriptions filled for low-price reference drugs and a 14% decrease in average price paid.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 22, 2017

Crystal structure reveals new details of nonstandard RNA transcription

A team of researchers at Penn State University has discovered a new pathway for nonstandard RNA transcription using high-resolution crystal structure. This finding provides insights into the mechanism of reiterative transcription, which plays a key role in controlling gene expression.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2017

Princeton professor calls for federal guarantee of quality education for kids

Professor Marta Tienda argues that a federal guarantee of quality education is needed to close achievement gaps and restore US schools' international preeminence. The current system's focus on standards and high-stakes testing ignores education funding disparities, leading to unequal opportunities for learning.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalEducational Researcher·DateAug 22, 2017

How do international development projects affect property values?

A University of Illinois economist found that property transactions in Kenya did not show significant price changes due to the Millennium Villages Project, despite increased amenities and subsidies. Residents may be holding onto their land to wait for potential value increases, suggesting a lack of perceived benefits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWorld Development·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

A potential breeding site of a Miocene era baleen whale

A potential Miocene-era breeding site of the extinct baleen whale Parietobalaena yamaokai has been identified in Hiroshima, Japan. The discovery suggests that the northern hemisphere may have supported a breeding ground for this species dating back over 15 million years.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 22, 2017

Getting hold of quantum dot biosensors

Scientists from the University of Melbourne and Huazhong University of Science and Technology have successfully trapped individual quantum dots using an all-silicon nanoantenna. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency of nanosensors in detecting biomarkers at low concentrations.

SourceOptica·DateAug 22, 2017

Dogma overturned: New studies into inflammation in the infarcted heart could lead to changes in therapy

Researchers at CNIC and FJD have demonstrated a bimodal postinfarction inflammatory reaction in human patients using advanced MRI technology. The study reveals two distinct edematous reactions occurring at different times after an infarction, with implications for clinical trials and future studies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation·DateAug 22, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Methane hydrate is not a smoking gun in the Arctic Ocean

A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that methane hydrates in the Arctic Ocean are not a significant contributor to global warming. The researchers found that hydrates are already seeping methane for thousands of years, and this process is not affected by short-term temperature warming.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2017

New recommendations for managing menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors

A comprehensive review highlights the importance of lifestyle modifications and emerging approaches to manage menopausal symptoms after breast cancer. Non-pharmacologic therapies and several promising emerging agents show promise for symptom relief with reduced breast cancer risk.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 22, 2017

Sales newbies, don't fret -- just go above and beyond

A Michigan State University study found that salespeople who control the emotional tone of their buyer-seller relationship by expressing gratitude can foster customer loyalty and gratitude. By going above and beyond, salespeople can potentially outperform even long-term relationships in terms of customer satisfaction.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Personal Selling and Sales Management·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Solidifying advanced alloy design

Researchers developed a framework for designing tailored microstructure patterns in materials using a combination of theory and experiment. They successfully simulated the solidification process of an aluminum-silver-copper alloy, comparing their results with experimental photographs.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalActa Materialia·DateAug 22, 2017

Bond dissociation energies for transition metal silicides accurately determined

A team of researchers from the University of Utah has investigated the bond dissociation energy property in transition metal silicides, including precise values for six specific compounds. The new method provides an accurate means of estimating bond dissociation energies, with smaller uncertainties than previous approaches.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 22, 2017

Scientists develop infection model for tickborne flaviviruses

Researchers at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have developed a laboratory model to study tick-borne flaviviruses, including Powassan virus. The new model involves culturing organs from Ixodes scapularis ticks with flaviviruses, which can infect salivary glands and midgut.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalmBio·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Where do heart cells come from?

Id genes have been linked to heart development for the first time, revealing a new tool to create large numbers of cardiac cells to regenerate damaged heart tissue. The study uses CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and high-throughput microRNA screening to identify the role Id genes play in heart development.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 22, 2017

Supermarkets could trick you into buying fewer calories

Researchers found that six out of eight products saw a 0-7% drop in calorie sales after recipe changes. However, some customers swapped reformulated products for higher-calorie alternatives. The study suggests 'silent' product reformulation may help combat obesity by reducing calorie intake at low cost.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateAug 22, 2017

More than 99 percent of the microbes inside us are unknown to science

A recent survey of DNA fragments in human blood suggests that the majority of microbes inside us have never been seen before. The study, led by Stanford University researchers, found that nearly all non-human DNA fragments failed to match existing genetic databases, revealing a vast and diverse microbiome.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Quantum ruler for biomolecules

Researchers at the University of Vienna developed a quantum ruler for biomolecules using a novel arrangement of nanogratings and laser beams. The technique allows for precise measurement of molecular electronic properties, such as those of vitamins A, E, and K1, with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 22, 2017

Yoga and meditation improve mind-body health and stress resilience

Research finds that intensive yoga and meditation retreats positively impact brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cortisol awakening response, and inflammatory markers. Participants experienced improved subjective wellbeing, mindfulness, and reduced anxiety and depression.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateAug 22, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Study links fish stress hormones to whether they take the bait

Researchers found that largemouth bass stressed by air exposure are less likely to be caught by angling, suggesting a potential link between cortisol levels and fishing vulnerability. The study's findings have implications for fisheries management and the selection of fish populations for recreational fishing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 22, 2017

Russian scientists have analyzed the process of rock destruction

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University studied the stages of rock deformation and revealed a criterion that can predict the critical stage of fracture when rocks destroy. The study used acoustic emission signals to identify different energy distributions, which can indicate the transition to a critical state.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalInterpretation·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

New test for rare immunodeficiency

Researchers at the University of Basel developed a rapid test to diagnose Sp110 protein deficiency, a severe immune defect. The test uses flow cytometry to detect the presence of Sp110 protein in patient blood cells, enabling quick diagnosis in hours.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·DateAug 22, 2017

Scientists uncover a deadly 'addiction' in esophageal cancer

Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research found a genetic weakness, BTK addiction, that makes oesophageal cancer cells sensitive to ibrutinib. This discovery could lead to a new approach to treatment for oesophageal cancer patients with MYC mutations.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalGut·DateAug 22, 2017

NASA infrared image shows Typhoon Hato in South China Sea

Typhoon Hato is intensifying as it approaches mainland China, with extremely cold cloud top temperatures detected by NASA's AIRS instrument. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 65 knots, expected to strengthen further before making landfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Study: Clear link between heavy vitamin B intake and lung cancer

Long-term use of high-dose vitamin B6 and B12 supplements is associated with a two- to four-fold increased lung cancer risk in men. Male smokers taking these supplements were three times more likely to develop lung cancer, while those taking higher doses were approximately four times more likely.

SourceMediaSource·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 22, 2017

Molecular volume control

Researchers discover latrophilin/CIRL receptor's mechanism of action, using ion channels and intracellular messengers to trigger signal cascades. The study uses Drosophila larvae and super-resolution microscopy to visualize receptor location and signal transmission.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateAug 22, 2017

Opioid misuse can be tracked using Twitter

A study found that tweets about opioid misuse on Twitter were strongly correlated with state-by-state information from the National Surveys on Drug Usage and Health. The research used a list of keywords to extract relevant tweets, which were then clustered based on semantic distance and verified by medical toxicologists.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Medical Toxicology·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Brain's self-regulation in teens at risk for obesity

A study using fMRI scans found that reduced neural activity in teens at high risk of adult obesity may be an early predictor. The researchers discovered that lean adolescents with a family history of overweight parents showed less self-regulation activity than their peers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuroImage·DateAug 22, 2017

Study suggests serotonin may worsen tinnitus

Researchers found that serotonin can make neurons hyperactive and hypersensitive to stimuli in the brain, worsening tinnitus. The study has implications for treating anxiety or depression with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which may compound feelings of anxiety in patients with tinnitus.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Researchers devise microreactor to study formation of methane hydrate

NYU Tandon researchers develop novel microfluidic technology to study methane hydrate formation, measuring the impact of heat transfer and mass transfer on crystal propagation rates. The breakthrough could lead to new technologies for gas separations and efficient natural gas storage.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalLab on a Chip·DateAug 22, 2017

What's the annual value of trees? $500 million per megacity, study says

A recent study finds that megacities generate an average of $505 million in ecosystem services from trees, including air and water filtration, stormwater management, and energy savings. The value of tree benefits could be doubled by increasing tree cover, improving urban well-being and mitigating climate change.

SourceSUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry·JournalEcological Modelling·DateAug 22, 2017

Accelerating the mobile web: 'Vroom' software could double its speed

Researchers at the University of Michigan and MIT have developed Vroom software that optimizes the end-to-end interaction between mobile devices and web servers. By bundling resources and sending 'dependency hints' to browsers, Vroom cuts median load times by half, from 10 seconds to 5 seconds.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Retaining one normal BRCA gene in breast, ovarian cancers influences patient survival

A study found that patients with one normal BRCA gene and germline mutations in breast and ovarian cancers had better survival rates when treated with chemotherapy. The research team evaluated the genetic profiles of 160 tumors and discovered a relationship between BRCA gene retention and resistance to treatment. Patients with normal B...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Blood test predicts prostate tumor resistance

A new blood test developed by TUM researchers can predict drug resistance in patients with advanced prostate cancer, analyzing AR-V7 RNA molecules for early detection. The test has shown high sensitivity and accuracy, identifying approximately one-fifth of patients with large amounts of resistant tumor cells.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalEuropean Urology·DateAug 22, 2017

Ancient Earth's hot interior created 'graveyard' of continental slabs

Geologists at MIT found that ancient Earth's mantle was up to 200 degrees Celsius hotter, causing subducting plates to sink all the way to the bottom of the mantle. This led to a 'graveyard' of slabs atop the Earth's core, suggesting a significant change in how mantle convection and plate tectonic processes occurred.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateAug 22, 2017

Thoracic kyphosis in those over 50 may not be a predictor of physical decline

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found no correlation between thoracic kyphosis and physical function decline in those over 50. The study used CT scans to evaluate early signs of hyperkyphosis in a relatively young population, contradicting previous assumptions about its predictive value.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

High moral reasoning associated with increased activity in the human brain's reward system

A new study from Penn researchers found a strong association between high moral reasoning and increased activity in the brain's reward system. This link suggests that positive motivations towards others play a crucial role in moral reasoning development, with higher levels of morality linked to more advanced principles and ethical rules.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 22, 2017

Thesis prize winner explores the proton's spectrum

Priyashree Roy has been awarded the 2016 Jefferson Science Associates Thesis Prize for her experimental research on proton excited states. Her thesis work produced new information useful to researchers, including 10 previously measured polarization observables.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateAug 22, 2017

Designing custom robots in a matter of minutes

Researchers at MIT CSAIL developed an interactive design system called Interactive Robogami that allows users to design and 3D-print custom robots in minutes. The system uses simulations, algorithms, and interactive feedback to ensure feasible designs and guarantee stability and speed.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·DateAug 22, 2017

Mouse model of human immune system inadequate for stem cell studies

A study by Stanford researchers found that a widely used mouse model of the human immune system is inadequate for studying stem cell transplants. The humanized mice, engineered to have a human-like immune system, failed to robustly reject genetically mismatched human stem cells, making them unsuitable for studying immunosuppressive drugs.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 22, 2017

Hormonal tug-of-war helps plant roots navigate their journey through the soil

A sophisticated mechanism allows plant roots to quickly respond to changes in soil conditions via the interactions of two antagonistic hormones, auxin and cytokinin. Cells sense relative changes in auxin levels to determine their location within the root and trigger a switch from cell division to elongation.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Researchers create magnetic RAM

A team of researchers has developed a novel type of memory called magnetoelectric memory, which reduces energy consumption by a factor of 10,000. This breakthrough technology could enable instant device startup and lower energy costs in computing hardware applications.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 22, 2017

Does a mother's pre-pregnancy weight determine her child's metabolism?

A study found associations between parental BMIs and offspring metabolic traits, but the link was not significantly stronger for maternal BMI, arguing against an intra-uterine mechanism. After accounting for offspring BMI, the data suggested that familial factors rather than intra-uterine overnutrition explain the relationship.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 22, 2017

How a bacterium can live on methanol

A team of scientists has identified all the genes required for Methylobacterium extorquens to live on methanol. The bacterium can use either larger carbon molecules or methanol from plants as a nutrient, depending on availability.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

An echo from the past to the future on abrupt seasonal changes of the general circulation

A recent paper revisits an idea proposed by Chinese meteorologist Duzheng Yeh in 1959 about abrupt seasonal changes in the general circulation. The study's authors successfully reproduce these transitions without lower-boundary inhomogeneities, sparking questions about their underlying causes.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 22, 2017

Can 'large stars' anti-aging research' help future memory devices?

Scientists at IBS conceptualized an ideal material that could store data for an exceptionally long time, bringing new hints for future quantum memory technologies. The material has a special architecture of energy levels for its electrons, enabling exponentially longer storage than current devices.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of High Energy Physics·DateAug 22, 2017

Tricking the eye to defeat shoulder surfing attacks

Researchers at NYU Tandon have devised an application called IllusionPIN that uses a hybrid-image keyboard to make it difficult for observers to discern PINs or access codes. The technology was tested in simulated shoulder-surfing attacks, with no successful attempts made.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateAug 22, 2017

Wild sheep grazed in the Black Desert 14,500 years ago

Researchers discover wild sheep bones in Black Desert excavation site, revealing a previously unknown population of the species in eastern Jordan. The finding suggests that the region was capable of supporting a variety of resources, including wild sheep, during the Late Pleistocene.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Humanities·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Close friendships in high school predict improvements in mental health in young adulthood

A new longitudinal study suggests that high-quality friendships during adolescence can predict better mental health outcomes in young adulthood. Teens with stronger close friendships tend to experience lower social anxiety and increased self-worth, while those who are popular in high school may be more prone to social anxiety later on.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateAug 22, 2017

Study finds that gravity, 'mechanical loading' are key to cartilage development

Researchers discovered that microgravity inhibits cartilage formation, while cyclic hydrostatic pressure increases cartilage production. This finding has significant implications for regenerating cartilage in space travelers and patients on prolonged bed rest or paralyzed due to trauma.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAerospace Medicine and Human Performance·DateAug 22, 2017

NASA finds wind shear weakening Hurricane Kenneth

Hurricane Kenneth's strongest storms were pushed away from the center due to vertical wind shear, causing a rapid weakening of the hurricane. The National Hurricane Center expects Kenneth to weaken rapidly over the next day or two, potentially becoming post-tropical in 2-3 days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 22, 2017

Self-powered paper-based 'SPEDs' may lead to new medical-diagnostic tools

Researchers developed self-powered, paper-based devices that detect biomarkers and identify diseases with high accuracy. The devices use electrochemical analyses powered by the user's touch and can be used in remote villages or military bases without requiring electricity or additional equipment.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Orange is the new green: How orange peels revived a Costa Rican forest

A team of researchers found a 176% increase in aboveground biomass within the 3-hectare area studied, with the orange peels enriching the soil's nutrients and promoting tree growth. The study demonstrates the unique power of agricultural waste to regenerate forests and sequester carbon at no cost.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalRestoration Ecology·DateAug 22, 2017

Is childhood obesity a psychological disorder?

A recent study published in NeuroImage found that adolescents at risk for obesity have reduced neural activity in attention and self-regulation circuits. The researchers used fMRI to investigate the relationship between neurological activity and risk for obesity, suggesting that interventions targeting self-regulatory systems may be a ...

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalNeuroImage·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Satellite photos reveal gigantic outburst floods

Researchers discovered four major outburst floods at Lake Catalina, releasing up to 240 Hiroshima-bombs' worth of energy. The next flood is predicted to occur soon, possibly in 2018-19, with scientists attributing the increase to global warming and glacier melt.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 22, 2017

Steroids not effective for chest infections in non-asthmatic adults

A new study published in JAMA found that oral steroids do not reduce the duration or severity of symptoms in non-asthmatic adults with acute chest infections. Researchers compared 398 participants who received prednisolone for five days to those receiving a placebo, and found no significant difference in symptom improvement.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJAMA·DateAug 22, 2017

Firing of neurons changes the cells that insulate them

A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals that different firing patterns of neurons alter proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursors, which provide insulation to neuronal axons. The findings suggest a complex interplay between neurons and non-neuronal cells supporting them.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 22, 2017

Technique speeds chemical screening to prioritize toxicity testing

Researchers at NC State University have developed a high-throughput technique that can determine the potential toxicity of chemicals in seconds, enabling prioritization for in-depth testing. This approach accelerates the identification of environmentally hazardous chemicals and could significantly expedite screening.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 22, 2017

How cytoplasm 'feels' to a cell's components

Engineers at MIT found that organelles like mitochondria and lysosomes encounter different types of resistance in cytoplasm based on size and speed. The researchers developed a phase diagram to describe the material properties of cytoplasm from an organelle's perspective, which may aid in pharmaceutical designs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

How continents were recycled

Scientists use computer simulations to analyze the evolution of plate tectonics on Earth over the past 3 billion years. They demonstrate that continents have been recycled and transformed throughout history.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 22, 2017

ShAPEing the future of magnesium car parts

Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a new process that makes it possible to produce magnesium alloys for structural car parts. The ShAPE process enhances the material's energy absorption and ductility, making it a viable alternative to aluminum in certain applications.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering A·DateAug 22, 2017
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.