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Science News for July 11, 2017


Barrier to autoimmune disease may open door to HIV, study suggests

Researchers found that breaking a barrier to autoimmune disease also enables the production of antibodies capable of neutralizing HIV-1. The study, published in The Journal of Experimental Medicine, suggests a potential new approach for developing an HIV vaccine.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 11, 2017

A new system to estimate the duration of a walk in the countryside

Researchers at University of Seville developed an algorithm to estimate walk time based on length and gradient, achieving better results than current systems. The new method has practical applications for route management, emergency response, and urban planning.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalGeografisk Tidsskrift-Danish Journal of Geography·DateJul 11, 2017

The fork in the road to DNA repair

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a key role for protein SCAI in selecting between DNA repair mechanisms, NHEJ and HR, in response to damage. The study found that SCAI promotes the recruitment of HR proteins by binding to 53BP1.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 11, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hospital management practices may put women at risk for C-sections during childbirth

A study of 53 hospitals found certain management practices in labor and delivery units associated with higher cesarean delivery rates and maternal complications. Women receiving care at hospitals with proactive unit culture management had a higher risk of cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and prolonged hospital length of stay.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 11, 2017

Antibody against carcinogenic substance deciphered

Researchers at TUM have identified an antibody that tightly binds benzo[a]pyrene, a widespread environmental toxin linked to cancer. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of antibodies against other PAHs and improved methods to separate contaminants from drinking water.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 11, 2017

Eye microbiome trains immune cells to fend off pathogens

A resident ocular microbiome, including bacteria like Staphylococci and Corynebacterium mastitidis, trains the developing immune system to fend off pathogens. This microbe induces the production of interleukin-17, a signaling protein critical for host defense.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalImmunity·DateJul 11, 2017

Preeclampsia: New study documents its enormous economic and health burden

A new study documents preeclampsia's alarming rise, with the condition costing $2.18 billion in healthcare expenditure in the first 12 months after birth. Mothers and infants affected by preeclampsia face increased risks of adverse health events, including cardiovascular disease and respiratory distress syndrome.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 11, 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.

Depression affects the brains of males and females differently

Researchers found that depression impacts brain activity uniquely in adolescent girls and boys, particularly in regions like the supramarginal gyrus and posterior cingulate. This highlights the need for sex-specific treatment strategies to address depression in adolescents.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateJul 11, 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.

Lip-syncing Obama: New tools turn audio clips into realistic video

Researchers developed a new algorithm that can turn audio clips into highly-realistic videos of people speaking, using available public domain video footage. This technology has potential applications in improving video conferencing and creating realistic virtual reality experiences.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJul 11, 2017

Contaminants in food: Identifying and assessing risks as early as possible

The Bundesgesundheitsblatt special issue explores the assessment strategies for possible health risks posed by contaminants in food, including dioxins, PFAS, nano and micro materials, and metals. The study highlights the need for regular updates to understanding the risks due to changing environmental conditions and industrial processes.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalBundesgesundheitsblatt·DateJul 11, 2017

High burden of traumatic brain injuries in the EU and China

Two studies published in PLOS Medicine reveal a high burden of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the European Union and China. In the EU, 17,049 TBI deaths occurred in 2013, translating into 374,636 years lost to life. Similarly, in China, age-adjusted TBI mortality increased from 13.23 per 100,000 population in 2006 to 17.06 in 2008, ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 11, 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.

Generous people live happier lives

A recent study by UZH neuroeconomists found that generosity increases happiness, regardless of the amount. The researchers discovered that intent alone can trigger a change in brain activity, making people happier before they take action. The study provides insight into the interplay between altruism and happiness.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 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.

Key immunological mechanism for regulating intestinal flora discovered

Researchers at IMIM have found that immunoglobulin M plays a crucial role in regulating the diversity of intestinal flora, including beneficial microorganisms. The study highlights IgM's participation in an immunological memory system, enabling organisms to adapt to their microbial environment.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalImmunity·DateJul 11, 2017

News laser design offers more inexpensive multi-color output

A Northwestern University study has engineered a cost-effective laser design that outputs multi-color lasing, offering potential benefits in optical fibers, medical imaging, and sensing applications. The new technology allows for stable multi-modal nanoscale lasing with fine control over color and intensity.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 11, 2017

Simulating splash at the microscopic level

Researchers used a lattice-Botzmann method to simulate the impact of microdroplets on dry surfaces, revealing distinct physics at the microscopic level. They found that droplet sizes in spray cooling are three orders of magnitude smaller than previously studied millimeter-size droplets, and that this affects their dynamics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJul 11, 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.

Breakthrough tool predicts properties of theoretical materials

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill developed a new methodology called PLMF to predict properties of new metals and materials using machine learning. The tool was able to fill in missing values for existing materials, allowing scientists to test new ideas before synthesis.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 2017

Alien ice on Earth

Researchers at Stanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences have captured the freezing of water into a strange, dense form called ice VII, which can be found naturally in otherworldly environments. This discovery could reveal how water and other substances undergo transitions from liquids to solids.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 11, 2017

Immune system may keep body from neutralizing HIV-1 virus

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus discovered a process protecting against autoimmune disease also prevents the body from creating antibodies that can neutralize HIV-1. By temporarily relaxing immunological tolerance, scientists believe they may be able to elicit protective antibodies with vaccination.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 11, 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.

Prosthetic knee type may determine cost of care for amputees

A new study by Mayo Clinic researchers examines the direct medical costs of falls in adults with a transfemoral amputation, finding that high-functioning patients are often denied more expensive prosthetic knee technologies. The study aims to provide evidence for policymakers to evaluate the value of these advanced technologies.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalProsthetics and Orthotics International·DateJul 11, 2017

Warmer Arctic linked to weaker vegetation growth in North America

Research by Jin-Soo Kim and Professor Jong-Seong Kug found that warmer Arctic temperatures trigger cooler winters and springs in North America, weakening vegetation growth and lowering carbon uptake capacity. This can lead to greater damages to ecosystems due to cold and dry spells.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 11, 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.

Ants build sinking Eiffel Towers when trying to escape

Fire ants construct bell-shaped structures that aid in their survival by evenly distributing weight among group members. The towers gradually sink due to constant movement, with the ants continually rebuilding and replacing their surface.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJul 11, 2017

Marine vessels are unsuspecting hosts of invasive species

Researchers found that half of ships passing through Israel's Mediterranean coast carry damaging ascidians, which can harm marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. Dr. Noa Shenkar recommends regular maintenance to prevent ascidian infestations and emphasizes the importance of monitoring marine vessels for early detection.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateJul 11, 2017

Easter Island not victim of 'ecocide', analysis of remains shows

A team of researchers from Binghamton University analyzed human and faunal remains to find that around half the protein in diets came from marine sources, contradicting previous estimates. The findings suggest the Rapa Nui population had extensive knowledge to overcome poor soil fertility and create a sustainable food supply.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateJul 11, 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.

How cells control nuclear size becomes clearer

A study by Hiroshima University researchers has discovered that controlling the hoarding of genetic materials in the nucleus causes it to bulk up. The swelling is also enabled by regulating the transport of mRNA and proteins from the nucleus into the cytoplasm, as well as lipid synthesis for nuclear membrane expansion.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 11, 2017

DOD award to Wayne State will study genetic factors impacting type 2 diabetes in obesity

A Wayne State University researcher is leading a clinical research study to develop a better understanding of type 2 diabetes in obesity and improve therapy for veterans and others with the disease. The study aims to characterize a cohort of obese people with and without Type 2 diabetes to distinguish different genetic subtypes.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateJul 11, 2017

Future materials are becoming 'topological'

Researchers discovered a new class of topological materials, consisting of wolfram and tellurium atoms, which exhibit two-dimensional insulation and edge spin currents. This breakthrough enables the creation of spintronic devices with increased data transmission capacity and reduced power consumption.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 11, 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.

Treatment rapidly reverses the effect of blood thinner dabigatran

A new therapy, idarucizumab, has been shown to rapidly reverse the effects of the blood thinner dabigatran in patients with life-threatening bleeding or emergency surgery needs. The study found that idarucizumab was able to stop bleeding within 2.5 hours and allow surgery to begin at a median of 1.6 hours after administration.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 11, 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.

Making telescopes that curve and twist

A new tool allows users to design collapsible telescoping structures from any 3D shape, enabling compact mechanisms and deployable structures. The research, led by Carnegie Mellon Professors Stelian Coros and Keenan Crane, successfully prototyped flexible robot arms and tent-like structures.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 11, 2017

'Big Muddy' Missouri river needs a plan

A University of Illinois study concludes that the Missouri River requires a multi-state cooperation plan to manage its dynamics and mitigate damages from flooding and erosion. Human activities such as dam construction have altered the river's course, causing sedimentation and increasing flood risks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Soil and Water Conservation·DateJul 11, 2017

Antibiotics taken late in pregnancy can increase risk for IBD in offspring

A study in mice found that antibiotics taken late in pregnancy and during nursing can alter the gut microbiome and increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in offspring. The antibiotic treatment also caused lasting changes in the mothers' gut microbiomes, which were passed on to their offspring.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 11, 2017

Scientists design solar cell that captures nearly all energy of solar spectrum

Researchers have created a highly efficient solar cell that captures nearly all the energy in the solar spectrum, converting direct sunlight to electricity with 44.5% efficiency. The new design uses concentrator photovoltaic panels and stacked cells to capture energy from specific wavelengths of light.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJul 11, 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.

Signature analysis of single molecules using their noise signals

A Japanese collaboration led by Osaka University has developed a method to detect unique signatures from single molecules using carbon nanotube-based devices. The researchers found that different molecules produced distinct noise signals related to their properties, allowing for the prediction of molecular interactions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNanoscale·DateJul 11, 2017

Accessing DNA in the cell's powerhouse to treat disease

A team from Kyoto University developed a synthetic compound that can bind to mitochondrial DNA, suppressing a gene associated with nerve and muscle disease. The compound, MITO-PIP, caused a 60% to 90% reduction in the expression of a key gene involved in mitochondrial metabolism.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 11, 2017

Cannibal cells may limit cancer growth

New research reveals a mechanism driving cell cannibalism in tumors, suggesting it may resist cancer growth. Weakened cell attachments trigger entosis, where one cell kills and digests another, potentially slowing or preventing tumor growth.

SourceBabraham Institute·DateJul 11, 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.

PTSD may be physical and not only psychological

Research reveals a key physical difference in the brains of military-trained individuals with PTSD, specifically a larger right amygdala volume. This finding has potential implications for diagnosis and treatment of PTSD.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateJul 11, 2017

Groundwater pumping drying up Great Plains streams, driving fish extinctions

A team of researchers found that decades of groundwater pumping from the Ogallala Aquifer has led to long segments of rivers drying up and collapse of large-stream fishes. The study's findings have implications for watersheds worldwide, as irrigation accounts for 90% of human water use globally.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 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.

Insurance coverage for CT colonography increases likelihood of screening

A new study published in Radiology found that insurance coverage for CT colonography significantly increases the likelihood of screening for colorectal cancer. The study, which analyzed data from over 33,000 patients under age 65, showed a 48% greater chance of screening among those with insurance coverage.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 11, 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.

Coffee bubble phobia may be deep-seated aversion to parasites

Researchers found that individuals with trypophobia experience intense disgust and nausea when viewing cluster images, even for disease-irrelevant stimuli. The study suggests a connection between trypophobia and an evolutionary history of infectious disease and parasitism.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalCognition & Emotion·DateJul 11, 2017

Study of premature babies has implications for future treatment

A recent study by University of Kent researchers has found that premature babies have longer telomeres than their term-born counterparts, contradicting the expectation. This finding suggests other factors may influence telomere length in premature infants and raises the possibility that prematurity affects aging rate.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 11, 2017

Live-in grandparents helped human ancestors get a safer night's sleep

A study of modern hunter-gatherers in Tanzania found that mismatched sleep schedules and restless nights may be an evolutionary leftover from a time when predators lurked in the shadows. This natural variation in sleep patterns helps ensure at least one person is awake to keep watch, reducing the need for nighttime sentinels.

SourceDuke University·DateJul 11, 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.

British Asian students more likely to receive negative media coverage

A new study reveals British East Asian students are more likely to receive negative media coverage than East Asian students from China and India, with racist undertones and biases prevalent in reporting. This bias is not apparent when referencing East Asian students studying in the UK, where their economic value is highlighted.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Ethnic and Migration Studies·DateJul 11, 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.

NASA found heavy rainfall in Hurricane Eugene

Heavy rainfall was measured by NASA's GPM mission over Hurricane Eugene as it approached its peak on July 8. The storm weakened to a tropical storm by July 11, with rain diminishing significantly in the northwestern quadrant.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 11, 2017

Academic motivation suffers when economic mobility seems out of reach

New studies from Northwestern University reveal that high school and college students from low SES backgrounds are less motivated to overcome academic hardships when they doubt their chances of achieving upward mobility. The research highlights the importance of providing viable paths to future financial stability for these students.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 11, 2017

Neural stem cells steered by electric fields in rat brain

Scientists at the University of California - Davis have discovered a way to steer neural stem cells transplanted into the rat brain towards specific locations using electric fields. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for effectively guiding stem cells to repair brain damage and treat diseases such as stroke and injuries.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJul 11, 2017

Spiky ferrofluid thrusters can move satellites

A new computational model of an electrospray thruster using ionic liquid ferrofluid simulates the dynamics of the fluid, revealing key insights into its behavior. The technology has potential applications in spacecraft propulsion, spectrometry, pharmaceutical production, and nanofabrication.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJul 11, 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.

Warm winter events in Arctic becoming more frequent, lasting longer

A new study by NASA scientists found that Arctic winter warming events are occurring more frequently and lastingly, with an average increase of nearly two days in duration. The study also shows a significant impact on the Arctic climate system, with warmer temperatures hindering ice growth and expansion.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 11, 2017

Even droplets sometimes take the stairs

Droplets can spontaneously climb a staircase with the help of wettability, a measure of how well a surface adheres to a liquid. The researchers found that a higher wettability gradient is needed for steeper steps and larger droplets.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJul 11, 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.

Pulse rate monitoring before a C-section can improve maternal health

A new study suggests that tracking pulse rate can help determine whether a woman needs blood pressure regulating medication after a spinal block before a Caesarean section. The research recommends considering factors such as pulse rate variability, pulse transit time, and body mass index to identify patients at risk of hypotension.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 11, 2017

Caregiving needs increase as older adults approach the end of life

A new study found that dying adults in the US receive almost twice as much caregiving support per week compared to those not at the end of life. Unpaid family caregivers, particularly spouses, report high levels of physical difficulty and time constraints.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 11, 2017

ASHG honors Arthur Beaudet with Victor A. McKusick Leadership Award

The American Society of Human Genetics has honored Dr. Arthur L. Beaudet with the Victor A. McKusick Leadership Award, recognizing his groundbreaking work on uniparental disomy and its implications for genetic diseases. His current research focuses on neuronal carnitine deficiency as a risk factor for autism.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 11, 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.

Method determines cell age more accurately, could help elderly patients

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a system that considers cellular and molecular factors to determine functional age of cells. The results show that biophysical qualities of cells, such as movement and structural features, are better measures of functional age than other factors.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 11, 2017

Women and men may have different bipolar disorder biomarkers

Researchers found differences in immune system factors between men and women with bipolar disorder, particularly in zinc levels associated with depression severity in women. This study suggests that biological changes in the body could be used to diagnose the disease and tailor treatments differently for men and women.

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateJul 11, 2017

Warm winter events in the Arctic are becoming more frequent, lasting longer

New research reveals Arctic winter warming events are occurring more frequently and lasting longer, with an average duration of 12 hours longer than three decades ago. The study attributes this increase to major storms in the Arctic, which bring warm air from the Atlantic Ocean, leading to peak temperatures above minus 10 degrees Celsius.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 11, 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.