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Science News for December 21, 2017


Gut reaction: Repeated food poisoning triggers chronic disease

Researchers found that repeated low-grade bacterial infections can lead to severe inflammatory disease and potentially life-threatening colitis. The study also identified a link between Salmonella infection and an acquired deficiency of intestinal alkaline phosphatase, which accelerates inflammation.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Revised 'mcdonald criteria' expected to speed the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

A revised set of diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis is expected to improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. The new guidelines, published in The Lancet Neurology, provide more avenues for obtaining supporting evidence for diagnosis, including positive CSF oligoclonal bands and asymptomatic MRI lesions.

SourceNational Multiple Sclerosis Society·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateDec 21, 2017

New depth sensors could make self-driving cars practical

Researchers at MIT's Media Lab have developed a new approach to time-of-flight imaging that increases depth resolution 1,000-fold. This breakthrough could enable accurate distance measurements through fog, a major obstacle to self-driving cars, and improve the resolution of existing systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Access·DateDec 21, 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.

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.

The heat is on: Asylum-seeking into the EU will increase with climate change

A new study suggests that climate change will increase asylum-seeking into the European Union, with a potential 28% increase by 2100 under a slow-warming scenario. The researchers found a link between weather fluctuations and migration, with countries experiencing temperature increases having more asylum seekers, while cooler countries...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 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.

New test shows when body is fighting a virus

A new test measures RNA or protein molecules in human cells to identify viral infections, potentially replacing current methods for respiratory viral illnesses. The test was found to predict respiratory viral infection with 97% accuracy and could help diagnose patients more quickly and accurately.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 21, 2017

Getting straight to the heart of the matter in stem cells

Researchers at the Salk Institute have found a streamlined method to generate functioning heart cells from embryonic stem cells by turning off a single gene, YAP. This discovery offers scientists a simpler protocol for creating cardiomyocytes for research and regenerative therapies.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 21, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Technology not taking over children's lives despite screen-time increase

Children spend increasing amounts of time on screen-based devices, but research shows they combine technology with other activities. The study highlights key gender differences in gaming habits and time spent engaging in various activities, revealing that children are not addicted to screens.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalChild Indicators Research·DateDec 21, 2017

NASA Goddard-managed mission selected for development under New Frontiers

NASA has selected the Comet Astrobiology Exploration Sample Return and Dragonfly mission for concept development under the New Frontiers program. The CAESAR mission aims to return a sample from a comet to study its origin and history, while the Dragonfly mission will explore Saturn's moon Titan and its prebiotic chemistry.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 21, 2017

Assay to ID anticancer reagents targeting fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase

A novel biochemical assay has been developed to rapidly and sensitively screen for antagonist compounds targeting aldolase A (ALDOA), a key enzyme in cancer cell metabolism. The optimized assay is high-throughput friendly, cost- and labor-efficient, and suitable for analysis of multiple NADH-dependent enzymes.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateDec 21, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Computational study of world music outliers reveals countries with distinct recordings

A computational study by Queen Mary University of London has identified Botswana as the country with the most distinct musical recordings globally. The researchers found that China has the most spatial outliers compared to its neighboring countries, highlighting unique timbral characteristics such as the butterfly harp string instrument.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 21, 2017

NASA spots Tropical Storm Tembin form

Tropical Storm Tembin was spotted by NASA's Terra satellite on Dec. 20 near the Philippine Sea, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and a westward trajectory. The storm is forecasted to move through the southern Philippine islands, potentially strengthening in the South China Sea.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 21, 2017

NASA spots a weaker, elongated Tropical Depression Kai-Tak

Tropical Depression Kai-Tak has weakened and elongated due to wind shear, but still harbors strong storms with extremely cold cloud top temperatures. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center expects the depression to maintain its strength before dissipating east of the Malay Peninsula.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 21, 2017

A catalytic balancing act

Researchers create a new catalyst by alloying iridium with osmium and then removing the osmium to achieve a balanced structure that supports chemical reactions. The resulting material exhibits enhanced catalytic stability and electron conductivity.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2017

Fish use deafness gene to sense water motion

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered a gene that helps zebrafish convert water motion into electrical impulses, similar to human hearing. The shared gene allows fish to sense water flow direction and may also inform future studies on human hair cell mechanotransduction.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 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.

Don't step on my heels: Scientists teach robots how to respect personal space

Researchers develop methods to regulate robot movements and human interactions, aiming to improve social acceptance of robots in mobile robotics. The proposed control improves the robot's ability to emulate human-human dynamic behavior, reducing collisions and improving its acceptance by humans.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateDec 21, 2017

Mars' surface water: We finally know what happened--SFU study

A recent study published in Nature found that Mars' surface water was absorbed by its crust over time, leaving the planet essentially dry. The research suggests that approximately 300 meters of surface water on Mars could have been locked up in microscopic mineral structures.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature·DateDec 21, 2017

SUTD researchers discover a Valleytronics route towards reversible computer

Researchers from SUTD design a versatile all-electric-controlled valley filter and demonstrate a concrete working design of valleytronic logic gate. They achieve logically-reversible computation by storing information in the electron's valley state, bypassing complex circuitries.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalPhysical Review B·DateDec 21, 2017

How a tumor grows can predict response to cancer therapy

A new USC study reveals that tumor growth properties can influence response to cancer drugs. Researchers found certain parameters of tumor growth can forecast the effectiveness of anti-angiogenic treatment, allowing for more accurate predictions. This breakthrough has the potential to improve cancer therapy outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 21, 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.

Research opening gates for better targeting drugs

Scientists have determined the kinetic cycle of a potassium channel at atomic resolution, allowing for more precise targeting of specific spots within the channel structure. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new drug molecules that can correct potassium channels dysfunction, addressing conditions such as epilepsy and diab...

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateDec 21, 2017

Hunting for immune cells' cancer targets

Scientists have identified a common target shared by the T-cell receptors of two patients with colorectal cancer, paving the way for personalized immunotherapies. The breakthrough could lead to the development of broadly effective treatments that harness the immune system to fight cancer.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateDec 21, 2017

Mathematical model reveals solution to sloshing coffee

A mathematical model reveals that adding a pendulum between the container and carrying hand reduces sloshing by diminishing resonant frequency. The study shows that this design significantly reduces liquid movement, minimizing spills and burns.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Review·DateDec 21, 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.

A kiss of death for prostate cancer

Researchers at Hokkaido University have identified a cellular protein called STAP-2 that stabilizes the EGFR signaling pathway, leading to increased cell proliferation and tumor formation in prostate cancer. Suppressing STAP-2 with inhibitors could potentially treat Gefitinib-resistant prostate cancers.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 21, 2017

Medicaid expansion leads to increase in early-stage cancer diagnoses

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that Medicaid expansion led to a significant increase in early-stage cancer diagnoses, particularly among those aged 35-54. The research suggests that public health insurance may increase cancer detection, resulting in fewer cancer deaths and better patient outcomes.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 21, 2017

Selective suppression of inflammation could deplete HIV and control HIV activation

Researchers found that FDA-approved anti-inflammatory medications tofacitinib and ruxolitinib can block HIV production from infected cells, prevent transmission to bystander cells, and decay the viral reservoir. The study suggests using Jak inhibitors as a potential treatment for HIV-infected individuals to control the virus.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 21, 2017

Study confirms beauty is in the eye of the beer holder

The study found that intoxicated participants spent significantly less time looking at women's faces compared to sober participants. Intoxicated men were more likely to 'check out' the body parts of women they perceived as unfriendly or unintelligent.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalSex Roles·DateDec 21, 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.

Memristors power quick-learning neural network

Researchers at the University of Michigan have created a new type of neural network made with memristors that can dramatically improve the efficiency of teaching machines to think like humans. The system, called reservoir computing, uses fewer nodes and requires less training time than traditional neural networks.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2017

Deep brain stimulation linked to longer survival for Parkinson's patients

A study of over 1,200 Veterans with Parkinson's disease found that those receiving deep brain stimulation (DBS) lived an average of 6.3 years after surgery, compared to 5.7 years for non-DBS patients. This modest survival advantage was attributed to improved quality of life and better symptom control.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalMovement Disorders·DateDec 21, 2017

Fewer laboratory animals thanks to secondary nanobodies

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry have developed secondary nanobodies that outperform traditional antibodies in key cell-biological applications. These nanobodies can be produced in large scale by bacteria, reducing the need for animals in antibody production and improving resolution in light microscopy.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 21, 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.

Making waves

A new approach identifies and measures changes in thousands of proteins as Xenopus eggs undergo fertilization, revealing details of protein destruction and release to prevent multiple fertilization. This method enables comprehensive analyses of protein dynamics and sheds light on cellular changes driving disease.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2017

Small Ontario municipalities least prepared to support aging adults

Small Ontario municipalities are less prepared to support aging adults due to lack of planning and funding, according to a University of Waterloo report. The report recommends that municipalities adopt age-friendly policies and strategies, as seen in British Columbia, to better support their aging populations.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Urban Affairs·DateDec 21, 2017

Science's 2017 Breakthrough of the Year: The observation of two neutron stars merging

The observation of two neutron stars merging generated tiny ripples in spacetime called gravitational waves, detected by LIGO detectors on Earth. This event also triggered an explosion studied by hundreds of astronomers worldwide, marking a major breakthrough in astrophysics and offering new tools for observing the universe.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 2017
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.

Meet the tiny machines in cells that massacre viruses

Researchers at University of Utah Health have found a way for cells to destroy viruses without harming themselves. The study reveals how the protein Dicer, which is part of normal cell function, uses a different mechanism to process viral dsRNA.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 2017

Molecular mapping made easy

Researchers have developed a standardized, freely available method for creating interactive 3D maps of molecules on the skin. The technique has been used to study the influence of environmental factors and health outcomes, with potential applications in forensics, agriculture, and microbiome studies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Protocols·DateDec 21, 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.

Exposure study to assess people and water near Colorado Springs

Researchers in Colorado study 200 people affected by AFFF contamination, collecting data on biological markers and health indicators to assess biopersistence and potential health impacts of PFASs. The study aims to provide a better understanding of the effects of long-term exposure to these chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateDec 21, 2017

USDA's NIFA science, education, extension investments

NIFA's investments support transformative discoveries in maximizing agricultural productivity, providing a safe food supply, and promoting responsible stewardship. The partnership aims to bolster the US economy by creating jobs and enhancing nutrition while sustaining natural resources.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateDec 21, 2017

Machine learning will change jobs

Carnegie Mellon University's Tom Mitchell and MIT's Erik Brynjolfsson describe 21 criteria for evaluating task amenable to machine learning. Skills people develop and investments businesses make will determine who thrives in ML-driven economy.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 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.

Scientists learned to predict public corruption with neural networks

Researchers from HSE and University of Valladolid created a neural network prediction model to detect corruption cases in Spanish regions. The model uses macroeconomic and political determinants to estimate the probability of corrupt cases emerging over three years, providing valuable insights for anti-corruption measures.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalSocial Indicators Research·DateDec 21, 2017

Insect communication

Entomologist Gia Aradottir from Rothamsted Research explores insect communication through chemical signals and sound-based interactions. Her experiments with aphids and parasitic wasps demonstrate the complex ways insects convey information to each other.

SourceRothamsted Research·DateDec 21, 2017

Why digital strategies matter in bond markets

New research by professors Sunil Mithas and Michael Kimbrough at the University of Maryland shows that IT investments also matter to bond markets. Bond investors favor IT investments in industries where automation and richer information flows are key, but view them as riskier in transform industries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateDec 21, 2017

Short-term exercise equals big-time brain boost

A 10-minute burst of exercise can measurably boost brain power, improving focus and problem-solving skills. Research found that exercising for a short duration primes the brain's problem-solving areas, leading to faster reaction times and improved cognitive performance.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateDec 21, 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.

Climate change: Soil animals cannot explain self-reinforcing effect

A new study challenges the long-held assumption that soil animals contribute to the self-reinforcing effect of climate change by releasing more CO2. The research found that warming temperatures and drought actually lead to a decrease in feeding activity, contrary to expectations.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 21, 2017

Physicists negate century-old assumption regarding neurons and brain activity

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University demonstrate that each neuron functions as a collection of excitable elements, where inputs from different directions are processed differently. This new understanding could impact research into the origin of degenerative diseases and challenges traditional spike sorting techniques.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 21, 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.

Protein analysis allows for treatment of eye-disease symptoms with existing drugs

A team of researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine identified four on-the-market drugs that successfully quelled symptoms triggered by several overabundant proteins in patients with a rare eye disease. The findings demonstrate the potential of treating rare and complex eye conditions using precision health approaches.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateDec 21, 2017

Nanofractionation platform with parallel mass spec to ID cytochrome CYP1A2 inhibitors

A new methodology for correlating compound identity to CYP1A2 potency of inhibitors in metabolic mixtures has been developed, providing direct identification of compounds with inhibitory properties. This approach allows for rapid assessment of pharmacokinetic properties of drugs and their metabolites, improving drug development.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateDec 21, 2017

Understanding the impact of defects on the properties of moS2

Researchers discovered that defects in monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) exhibit electrical switching, providing new insights into the material's electrical properties. This finding could contribute to MoS2's future use in opto-electronics and address current limitations.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2017

An integrated assessment of vascular plants species of the Americas

Dr. Carmen Ulloa and her team compiled a comprehensive checklist of 124,993 vascular plant species of the Americas, representing one third of all known vascular plants worldwide. The checklist was published in Science today and used the Garden's plant database, Tropicos, as its data repository.

SourceMissouri Botanical Garden·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 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.

A particle like slow light

Weyl fermions, massless particles similar to light, were discovered in materials with strong electron interaction. They move extremely slowly despite no mass, lending unique properties to these materials.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2017

Robots and humans: How to improve physical interaction

A model predictive control framework incorporates adaptable interaction models for personalized human-robot collaboration, resulting in precise shared movements. Personalization allows robots to learn from users and adjust their interference to optimize performance.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateDec 21, 2017

Discovery of a 4,000-year-old military network in northern Syria

Archaeologists have uncovered a vast, structured surveillance and communication network dating back to the Middle Bronze Age in northern Syria. The network, comprising fortresses, small forts, towers, and enclosures, stretched across approximately 7,000 km2 and was designed to protect urban areas and transport corridors.

SourceCNRS·DateDec 21, 2017

New lensless camera creates detailed 3-D images without scanning

Researchers developed a compact and inexpensive camera that produces high-resolution 3D images from a single 2D image. The DiffuserCam uses computational imaging to reconstruct 100 million voxels from a 1.3-megapixel image, with potential applications in brain research, self-driving cars, and machine learning.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateDec 21, 2017

In the mood for love

A study by Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia found that worldwide peaks of sexual interest coincide with specific religious celebrations, leading to peaks in birth rates. Online searches related to sex display a cyclical nature that correlates with a specific "loving mood" independently detected on Twitter.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 21, 2017
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.

Weekly fish consumption linked to better sleep, higher IQ, Penn study finds

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that children who eat fish at least once a week have better sleep quality and higher IQ scores. The researchers discovered that increased omega-3 consumption is associated with improved cognitive function and reduced sleep disturbances.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 21, 2017

A detailed map of North and South America's plant diversity

The study presents a comprehensive checklist of 124,993 plant species across North and South America. Notably, the vast majority of plant species in the Americas are found in just one country or region, with Brazil having the most diverse flora. The authors predict an additional 25,000 species will be documented by 2050.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 2017

Shining molecules distinguish between proteins in the brain

Researchers have developed small shining molecules that can recognize specific proteins in the brain, such as amyloid beta and tau. These molecules emit light at different wavelengths when bound to their target protein, enabling potential diagnostic tools for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceLinköping University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateDec 21, 2017

Duke-led team develops more accurate tool to track new HIV infections

A new population-based model has been developed to track new HIV infections with greater accuracy, enabling researchers to better target prevention strategies and evaluate interventions. The tool uses biomarkers to identify recent infections, reducing false classifications and costs for studies.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateDec 21, 2017

G-quadruplex regulates breast cancer-associated gene

Researchers discovered a mechanism to regulate switching between breast cancer-associated genes, using G-quadruplex structures. The study provides new insights into alternative splicing and could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for controlling cancer growth.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 21, 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.

Taking stock of a thorny issue

The new book highlights scientific advances and emerging opportunities for targeted research, focusing on key questions to improve management effectiveness. World-renowned experts discuss the biology, ecology, and early life stages of COTS, emphasizing the need for improved knowledge to prevent outbreaks.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalDiversity·DateDec 21, 2017

Towards better fates for wheat crops: Gene-level insights into a deadly pathogen

Researchers have gained crucial gene-level insights into an age-old evolutionary arms race between wheat and stem rust disease, a devastating fungal pathogen. The studies identified key peptides released by the fungus that can evade plant immune systems, potentially allowing for more effective DNA testing to identify resistant crops.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 2017

How singing your heart out could make you happier

Research from the University of East Anglia found that singing in a community group improved mental health for participants. The combination of singing and socializing promoted feelings of belonging and well-being, leading to improved mood and daily functioning.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMedical Humanities·DateDec 21, 2017

Wheat disease breakthrough to help feed the world

Researchers have isolated the first rust pathogen gene that wheat plants detect to 'switch on' resistance, allowing for faster DNA testing and prioritizing resistance genes. The breakthrough could save crops from being destroyed by devastating diseases, threatening food security globally.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 2017

Tracking a solvation process step by step

Chemists at Ruhr-Universität Bochum tracked individual water molecules attaching to an organic molecule, exploring hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity. The study uses low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, providing insights into solvation processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 21, 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.

Now entering, lithium niobate valley

Harvard researchers have developed a technique to fabricate high-quality lithium niobate devices with ultralow loss and high optical confinement. This breakthrough opens the door to practical integrated photonic circuits for applications in quantum photonics, microwave-to-optical conversion, and more.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalOptica·DateDec 21, 2017

The origin of water's unusual properties found

Scientists use x-ray lasers to map out water's fluctuations between two liquid states as it cools. Water behaves strangely compared to other substances, with density and specific heat responding oppositely to pressure and temperature changes.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 2017

Ames Lab-led team maps magnetic fields of nano-objects in liquid

A research team led by Tanya Prozorov has demonstrated the first high-resolution mapping of magnetic fields in bacterial cells and magnetic nano-objects in liquid. This capability has vast potential for scientific breakthroughs in physics, nanotechnology, biofuels conversion, biomedical engineering, catalysis, batteries, and pharmacology.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateDec 21, 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.

Teens exposed to drug use, mental distress, violence at risk for HIV in adulthood

A new study found that adolescents who experienced frequent psychosocial risks are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behavior and report unprotected sex. The longitudinal study of 850 African-American students from age 14 to 32 revealed a higher risk of HIV infection for those with co-occurring psychological and social risk factors.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAIDS·DateDec 21, 2017

Vampire bat rabies kills hundreds of cattle a year in Peru

Researchers estimate that vampire bat rabies causes between 505-724 cattle deaths annually in Peru, with significant financial losses for farming communities. Enhancing vaccination programs can reduce the disease burden and increase awareness can encourage preventative measures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 21, 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.

Ural scientists synthesized a new phosphor

Researchers at Ural Federal University and Institute of Chemistry of Solids created a new compound that converts UV radiation into visible light. The compound has potential uses in medical and optical devices, as well as air pollution analysis.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Luminescence·DateDec 21, 2017

Multifunctional protein contributes to blood cell development

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a multifunctional role for the protein nup98 in blood cell development, enabling immature stem cells to differentiate into specialized mature cell types. The findings also shed light on the mechanism of leukemia formation and its potential treatment.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 21, 2017

Rust stemmed for wheat

A team of experts has identified a gene that triggers resistance in wheat to the devastating fungal pathogen Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt). The breakthrough allows for DNA testing to identify whether a rust strain can overcome a resistance gene, enabling targeted treatment and reducing crop devastation.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 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.