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Science News for July 25, 2017


Dodder: A parasite involved in the plant alarm system

Scientists discover dodder parasite transmits insect feeding-induced signals among different hosts, triggering defense reactions in neighboring plants. The parasitic plant's vascular system connects with its hosts, enabling the transfer of warning signals.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2017

Molecular microscopy illuminates molecular motor motion

Scientists have developed a high-resolution microscope to directly observe kinesin motors moving along microtubules, revealing the coordination of attachment and release. This new understanding may help clarify defects in transport processes contributing to diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJul 25, 2017

Pattern of marijuana use during adolescence may impact psychosocial outcomes in adulthood

A study found that adolescents with an increasing pattern of marijuana use over their teens had the greatest dysfunction in brain reward circuitry, highest rates of depression, and lowest educational achievements. The findings highlight the importance of understanding marijuana use across adolescence to predict long-term impacts.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAddiction·DateJul 25, 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.

Physical activity could combat fatigue, cognitive decline in cancer survivors

A new study found that higher levels of daily physical activity were associated with better performance on cognitive tasks, particularly attention, memory, and multitasking. Exercise was linked to reduced fatigue, which in turn improved cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateJul 25, 2017

Discovery of why emus are grounded takes flight

A team of researchers from Monash University has identified the Nkx2.5 gene as a key regulator of wing development in emus. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of limb reduction and may have implications for human limb development, particularly in individuals born with limb abnormalities.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2017

Plant parasite dodder transmits signals among different hosts

Research reveals that dodder plants transmit herbivory-induced signals among host plants, triggering defense responses and reducing insect growth. The discovery showcases the complex ecological interactions between parasitic plants and their hosts.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lutein may counter cognitive aging, study finds

Researchers found that middle-aged participants with higher levels of lutein had neural responses more similar to those of younger individuals. This suggests that lutein may have cognitive benefits for early life stages. The study aimed to understand how diet impacts cognition throughout the lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateJul 25, 2017

UNIST hits new world efficiency record with perovskite solar cells

Researchers at UNIST have achieved a new world record efficiency performance of 22.1% in small cells and 19.7 percent in 1-square-centimeter cells using perovskite solar cells. The breakthrough is made possible by careful control of growth conditions to fix defects that reduce photoelectric efficiency.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 2017

Improved imaging of neonatal soft-tissue tumors can help radiologists improve patient care

Practical imaging evaluation of neonatal soft-tissue tumors is crucial for accurate diagnosis, and clear understanding of imaging techniques can improve patient outcomes. Characteristic clinical and imaging findings aid in diagnosing these neoplasms, which may require biopsy or excision for definitive diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJul 25, 2017

Global health lessons from Thailand's successful liver fluke elimination campaign

Researchers highlight the crucial role of outreach and education in disease elimination programs. In Thailand's successful liver fluke control model, educational efforts, including comics and songs, have led to significant reductions in human infection rates. The campaign's focus on community empowerment and addressing social factors h...

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateJul 25, 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.

Violent sleep patterns & stress hormones change after a violent crime in the neighborhood

A new study found that violent crime can disrupt sleep patterns and increase stress hormones in youth, leading to decreased academic performance. The study, conducted on 82 youth aged 11-18, showed that sleep and cortisol levels changed after a violent crime occurred nearby, with the largest effects seen for homicides.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 25, 2017

How gene silencing works in plants

Gene silencing is crucial for plant development and growth, and a recent study has shed light on its mechanisms. The researchers discovered that Polycomb-group proteins play a key role in this process, using histone modifications to silence genes.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalGenome Biology·DateJul 25, 2017

The microscopic origin of thermodynamics

Researchers at SISSA shed light on the microscopic origin of thermodynamics by showing that isolated systems exhibit increasing entropy due to entanglement with the rest of the system. This resolves the paradox between quantum mechanics and thermodynamics, providing new insights into the behavior of extended quantum systems.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2017

Research lacking when it comes to heart disease in prison populations

A recent study highlights the gaps in knowledge about cardiovascular disease among incarcerated and released populations, with limited research on factors contributing to heart disease. The report identifies areas for further study, including how prisoners receive care and treatment, and the relationship between stress and coping behav...

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 25, 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.

New chromium-based superconductor has an unusual electronic state

Researchers discovered a new chromium-based superconductor with an unusual electronic state, characterized by linear magnetic resistance at ultralow temperatures. This finding could contribute to the development of new superconductors and materials with unique properties.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2017

New strategy to design mechano-responsive luminescent materials

Hokkaido University researchers have designed a novel mechano-responsive luminescent material that changes color in response to mechanical stimuli. The material, composed of gold and isocyanide complex, transforms into chiral or achiral crystals under different conditions, altering its emission properties.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 25, 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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Sonca making landfall in Vietnam

Tropical Storm Sonca made landfall in Vietnam, bringing maximum sustained winds near 40 knots and heavy rainfall to the region. Infrared data from NASA's Aqua satellite revealed an area of strong storms with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 25, 2017

Elevated cholesterol's link with canine cancer includes a better prognosis

Researchers at Oregon State University found nearly half of dogs with osteosarcoma had elevated total serum cholesterol levels, leading to longer survival times. Dogs with high cholesterol had a median survival time of 455 days, compared to 345 days for those with normal cholesterol.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Small Animal Practice·DateJul 25, 2017

A bar magnet creates chaos in plasma

Researchers found a localized glow near the cathode surface due to enhanced ionization and electron confinement in the magnetic field. Increasing the magnetic field strength revealed a transition from order to chaos via a period-doubling route.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateJul 25, 2017

Improving the employment rates of women through digital technology

A new project, PONToon, aims to improve the employment rates of socially excluded women by boosting their digital skills and knowledge. The project will develop a free digital toolkit with engaging tools such as virtual reality interviews, webinars, and bespoke computer game experiences.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·DateJul 25, 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.

Well-designed visual aids improve risk understanding

A University of Oklahoma professor finds that well-designed visual aids are beneficial for diverse people facing complex decisions, including physicians and patients. The study shows that visual aids increase the likelihood of deliberation and lead to more enduring changes in attitudes and behavioral intentions.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJul 25, 2017

A new optimization model could bring higher solar-power integration

Researchers developed an optimization model that improves solar power integration in residential photovoltaic systems through demand-response applications. The study found that DR applications with 100% PV penetration reduced energy consumption by 32%, network losses by 42%, and improved network utilization by 12%.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJul 25, 2017

Knee joint signals bones to grow

Researchers discovered a communication system between the knee joint and developing bones in mice, which controls bone growth during early development and after injury. The study suggests that bone growth is controlled not only from within the bone itself but also by neighboring cells situated in nearby joints.

SourceeLife·DateJul 25, 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.

Large single-crystal graphene is possible!

Researchers have successfully grown large sheets of monolayer single-crystal graphene, overcoming technical challenges to achieve a 5 x 50 cm2 sheet in just 20 minutes. The low-cost method has the potential to expand graphene's usability and enable its use in flexible circuits.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJul 25, 2017

UNIST professor featured as a highly prolific author in ACS Journal

Jaephil Cho, a leading expert on secondary batteries, has been listed among the most influential scientists in Materials Science & Engineering. With over 200 patents and 280 scientific publications, he was cited as one of the top authors in Nano Letters.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateJul 25, 2017

How texting can protect babies from sudden death

A new study found that a mobile health program using text messages and emails successfully encouraged mothers to follow safe sleep practices for their babies, resulting in improved compliance rates. The intervention significantly reduced the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SIDS) and infant mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJul 25, 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.

Making polymer chemistry 'click'

Researchers create faster and easier way to make sulfur-containing polymers using SuFEx reaction technique, combined with newly identified catalysts. The achievement reduces cost of large-scale production and produces far less hazardous waste.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 25, 2017

We have a quorum

Researchers at Pitt Engineering have created synthetic materials that mimic the behavior of living organisms, enabling self-recognition and self-regulation in devices. The findings were published in PNAS and demonstrate potential applications for mechano-responsive materials with tunable self-awareness.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 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.

Large, distant comets more common than previously thought

A team of astronomers found that there are about seven times more long-period comets measuring at least 1 kilometer across than previously predicted. Long-period comets are nearly twice as large as Jupiter family comets, suggesting an evolutionary difference between the two types of comets.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateJul 25, 2017

Magnetic quantum objects in a 'nano egg-box'

Researchers have successfully produced a 'quantum egg-box' with hundreds of thousands of artificially arranged fluxons, enabling stable non-equilibrium states. This breakthrough paves the way for developing fast computer circuits based on fluxons with enhanced speed and reduced heat dissipation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 25, 2017

Study explains link between academic performance and violence

New research from Northwestern University suggests that children who live in neighborhoods with high rates of violent crime struggle more in school due to sleep disruption and increased stress hormone cortisol. The study found that violent crimes alter sleep patterns, leading to a negative impact on academic performance.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChild Development·DateJul 25, 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.

Consuming walnuts may help keep the gut healthy, says new animal research

A new animal study suggests that walnuts can increase the diversity of good probiotic-type bacteria in the gut. The researchers found that a diet with walnuts led to an overall significant increase in beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Roseburia, and Ruminococcaceae.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, Seattle·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateJul 25, 2017

New virus discovered in migratory bird in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Biomedical Science Institute have discovered a new virus in a migratory bird species. The virus, type 15 avian paramyxovirus, was found to be closest to viruses previously identified in South America and does not pose a threat to humans or birds.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 25, 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 discovery could reverse tissue damage caused by heart attacks

Researchers at the University of Bristol have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to a new treatment for heart attacks. Pericytes, cells surrounding blood vessels, stimulate new blood vessel growth with the help of hormone leptin, which may help restore blood supply to damaged heart muscle after a heart attack.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 25, 2017

A secret to giving the perfect gift: Stop being afraid

A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that gift givers tend to choose superficial gifts over sentimental ones, even when recipients prefer sentimentally valuable gifts. The study suggests that givers view sentimental gifts as uncertain in their impact, but view preference-matching gifts as a sure single.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJul 25, 2017

Noise pollution loudest in black neighborhoods, segregated cities

A new US study reveals that noise pollution is most prevalent in black neighborhoods and segregated cities, with a strong correlation between noise levels and race. The research found that neighborhoods with higher proportions of black residents had higher median night-time noise levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 25, 2017

Antibiotics come with 'environmental side effects,' experts say

Researchers warn of harm to beneficial microbes and ecosystems from antibiotic runoff into natural systems, calling for improved wastewater treatment and responsible use. The review article explores commonly used antibiotics' impact on microbes essential to a healthy environment.

SourceElsevier·JournalMicrochemical Journal·DateJul 25, 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.

Taking technology to the next level

The CUDOS research group has created compact, mass manufacturable optical circuits by integrating nonlinear glasses with silicon-based material. This breakthrough enables faster data processing and opens up opportunities for miniaturizing photonics devices, from laptops to smartphones.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Ultrahigh bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems (CUDOS)·JournalOptica·DateJul 25, 2017

Cognitive cross-training enhances learning, study finds

A comprehensive new study from University of Illinois researchers found that combining physical exercise and mild electric brain stimulation with computer-based cognitive training promotes skill learning significantly more than using cognitive training alone. The enhanced learning was skill-specific and did not translate to general int...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 25, 2017

Shedding light on cause of resistance to tumor immunotherapy

Tumor cells develop resistance to immunotherapy by downregulating MHC class I molecules and triggering immunosuppressive processes. Inhibiting the epigenetic control protein Ezh2 improves treatment efficacy, leading to increased tumor mass shrinkage and extended tumor-free survival.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 25, 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.

Chasing the Total Solar Eclipse from NASA's WB-57F jets

Scientists will use twin telescopes on NASA's WB-57F jet planes to capture high-resolution images of the Sun's outer atmosphere and thermal images of Mercury. The observations aim to study coronal heating and temperature variation across Mercury's surface.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 25, 2017

Venus's turbulent atmosphere

Researchers from an international collaboration have analyzed data from the Venus Express spacecraft to investigate Venus's complex atmosphere. They found that stationary gravity waves at higher altitudes are related to surface elevations, suggesting wind currents caused by topographical obstacles contribute to the planet's superrotation.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 25, 2017

Study points to penile microbiome as a risk factor for HIV in men

A study published in mBio found a ten-fold increase in certain bacteria under the foreskin can increase HIV risk, suggesting that penile microbiome may be a previously unrecognized risk factor. The researchers also suggest that this risk factor may be sexually transmissible and could lead to novel ways to protect against HIV infection.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalmBio·DateJul 25, 2017

Colorizing images with deep neural networks

A team of UC Berkeley researchers has developed a new technique for real-time user-guided colorization using deep neural networks. The system enables novice users to quickly produce reasonable results by learning common colors for different objects and making recommendations in real-time.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 25, 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.

Scientists find secret to cell size in world's biggest food producer

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered a gene that regulates the size of diatom cells, which contribute 20% to global primary production. The discovery could have significant implications for understanding the effects of climate change on future food webs and the potential impact on phytoplankton cell sizes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJul 25, 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.

Humans imitate in unique ways: Comparing children and bonobos

Researchers found that bonobos do not copy actions as children do, highlighting the unique nature of human imitation. The study suggests that over-imitation in young children may be a critical factor in explaining why human cultures differ from those of great apes.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 25, 2017

Smart surface enables advanced manipulation of droplets

Researchers at the University of British Columbia developed a smart surface that can repel and absorb liquids, controlled by applying electric potential. The copper-based surface exhibits rapid and reversible changes in wetting behavior, making it suitable for various industrial and consumer applications.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJul 25, 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.

People living in rural households have lower risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease

A new study found that children raised in rural households have a lower risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease, particularly those under the age of 10. The study identified 45,567 patients diagnosed with IBD and found that rural residents had a significantly lower incidence of the disease compared to urban residents.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalThe American Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 25, 2017

Despite testing program, children with HIV remain undiagnosed

A two-year clinic-based HIV testing program in Zimbabwe failed to identify many cases of HIV in children. The study found that 37.7% of HIV-positive children were undiagnosed, highlighting the need for alternative testing methods to reach these vulnerable populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 25, 2017

Mind-body therapies immediately reduce unmanageable pain in hospital patients

Researchers found that mindfulness and hypnotic suggestion significantly reduced acute pain levels in hospital patients, with patients experiencing a 29% and 23% reduction in pain respectively. These brief mind-body therapies also led to a significant decrease in the perceived need for opioid medication.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 25, 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.

What do Trump's tweets say about his personality?

Researchers analyzed Trump's 3200 tweets to find that he exhibits strong features of a Schumpeterian personality, characteristic of successful entrepreneurs. He shows creative and change-oriented behavior, but also struggles with emotional stability.

SourceSpringer·JournalSmall Business Economics·DateJul 25, 2017

CCNY physicists master unexplored electron property

Researchers have successfully manipulated the 'valley' property in electrons using light, a crucial step towards realizing valleytronics technology. This breakthrough has potential applications in logic gates and is a major advancement in the field of materials science.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 25, 2017

NASA spots a waning Tropical Depression Kulap

Tropical Depression Kulap is a waning storm moving west-southwest at 12.6 mph, affected by dry air and northerly wind shear. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts the storm to dissipate late on July 26.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 25, 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.

Male hepatitis B patients suffer worse liver ailments, regardless of lifestyle

A recent study found that men with hepatitis B are more than twice as likely to develop severe liver disease as women, even when accounting for lifestyle and environmental factors. Drinking alcohol significantly increases liver disease risk in both men and women, but sex remains the strongest indicator of liver disease severity.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 25, 2017

Cosmologists produce new maps of dark matter dynamics

Researchers have produced new maps of dark matter dynamics in the Universe, revealing detailed information about matter streams and velocities. This study uses legacy survey data to build on previous research and provides insights into the nature of dark matter.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalAstroparticle Physics·DateJul 25, 2017

MRI may help predict cognitive impairment in professional fighters

A new study published in Radiology uses a combination of MRI techniques to identify brain regions associated with cognitive impairment in active professional fighters. The researchers found that lower gray matter volume and white matter tract integrity at baseline measurements were linked to increased risk of cognitive decline over time.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 25, 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.

Psychopaths are better at learning to lie, say researchers

Individuals with high levels of psychopathic traits are better at learning to lie than those with few psychopathic traits, according to a study. After practicing a lying task, individuals with high psychopathic traits showed significant improvements in response time, whereas those with low psychopathic traits did not.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJul 25, 2017

Mediterranean-style diets linked to better brain function in older adults

Eating Mediterranean and MIND-style diets is linked to lower risks for memory difficulties and cognitive impairment in older adults. The studies found that participants who ate these healthy diets scored significantly better on cognitive function tests, with a 35% lower risk of poor performance.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 25, 2017

Fungal spores harness physics to launch themselves

Researchers at Duke University discovered how fungal spores use the power of merging water droplets to launch themselves. The team used high-speed cameras and an inkjet printer to study the mechanism, which involves the release of energy from the merged drop causing the spore to break away.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 25, 2017

Cooler cows have healthier calves

A new study found that calves born to cows experiencing heat stress during early pregnancy exhibit related effects throughout their lives. Milk production and fat yield are higher for winter-conceived calves compared to summer-conceived calves.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateJul 25, 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.

Autism severity detected with brain activity test

Researchers at UCLA have discovered a link between brain wave frequency and nonverbal IQ in children with autism. The study found that lower peak alpha frequency corresponds to lower non-verbal IQ, suggesting a potential biomarker for detecting autism severity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateJul 25, 2017

Princeton researchers report new system to study chronic hepatitis B

Researchers at Princeton University have successfully tested a cell-culture system that allows for the long-term study of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. This breakthrough may aid in the development of antiviral drugs to cure chronic HBV, which can cause severe liver disease and cancer.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2017

Possible treatment for deadly weight loss

Cachexia, a deadly weight loss condition in cancer patients, is caused by systemic inflammatory reactions triggered by cancer cells. Researchers discovered that autophagic stimuling compounds and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 are associated with muscle mass loss, providing potential treatment options.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 25, 2017

QUT to use drones to find and protect koalas

A two-year project will use drones and high-resolution imagery to estimate koala abundance, providing a robust survey method for detecting the native fauna. The State Government has committed additional $12.1 million for koala conservation, including ongoing funding for protection.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateJul 25, 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.

Where there's smoke

UCSB researchers are evaluating urban wildfire patterns and resilience strategies using a $1.5 million National Science Foundation grant, integrating atmospheric, fire-spread, and transportation models to enhance the understanding of extreme fire weather regimes and wildfire behavior in the wildland-urban interface.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJul 25, 2017

Dragonfly brains predict the path of their prey

Researchers at the University of Adelaide and Lund University have discovered brain cells that enable dragonflies to predict the movement of their prey, allowing them to hunt successfully. This knowledge could lead to advances in fields like robot vision and artificial intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateJul 25, 2017

When should the police use confrontational tactics?

A new model suggests that police should use confrontational tactics in areas with high gang violence to deter crime, while avoiding them in areas with low community trust. The model also highlights vast racial disparities in police stops and arrests.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2017

Chemical route towards electronic devices in graphene

Researchers at Aalto University developed a chemical method to create graphene nanoribbons with embedded electronic components, including diodes and tunnel barriers. The precision of the structures was achieved through atomic-level control over the chemical reaction process.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 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 new synthesis route for alternative catalysts of noble metals

Researchers at Tohoku University have created a new synthesis route for alternative catalysts of noble metals, overcoming stability issues with organic-based and carbonaceous materials. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective eco-friendly technologies, including fuel cell vehicles and CO2 reduction.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2017

NASA looks at Hurricane Irwin in infrared light

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder instrument aboard NASA's Aqua satellite gathered data on Tropical Storm Irwin, revealing a large area of strong storms with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit. This suggests that the storm has the potential to generate heavy rainfall and strengthen into a hurricane.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 25, 2017

Pinpointing sources of water pollution with a robotic eel

The Envirobot robot uses chemical, physical and biological sensors to map variations in water conductivity and temperature, detecting heavy metals like mercury. Biological sensors comprising bacteria, crustaceans and fish cells indicate water toxicity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateJul 25, 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.

Ramesh Raskar of MIT to receive Computer Graphics Achievement Award

Ramesh Raskar has made significant impact in computational imaging, light transport and augmented reality with techniques like femto-photography. His work has led to applications such as EyeNetra, a low-cost technique to measure human refractive error and prescribe eyeglasses.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 25, 2017

Study: Yoga helps back pain among veterans

A 12-week yoga program significantly improves disability scores and reduces pain intensity in military veterans with chronic low back pain. Notably, these benefits persist even after six months, suggesting long-term potential for yoga as a non-drug treatment.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 25, 2017

Measured soil moisture improves wildfire prediction

Researchers in Oklahoma compared measured soil moisture with the Keetch-Byram Drought index and found that high-quality soil moisture data consistently outperformed KBDI. Soil moisture conditions conducive to large wildfires were more narrowly defined, providing earlier warnings of extreme wildfire potential.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJul 25, 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.

Coral gardening is benefiting Caribbean reefs, study finds

A new study found that Caribbean staghorn corals are benefiting from 'coral gardening,' which involves planting laboratory-raised coral fragments on reefs. The research provides important benchmarks for the long-term survival of coral reefs worldwide, which have been declining due to climate change and ocean pollution.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalCoral Reefs·DateJul 25, 2017

Scientists identify gene mutations in smoking-related cancers

Researchers found an increased mutation rate in genes, including TP53, among African-American patients with smoking-related cancers. The study suggests that these genetic differences may contribute to resistance to chemotherapy and poorer outcomes.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalTheranostics·DateJul 25, 2017

New phase change mechanism could lead to new class of chemical vapor sensors

Researchers at the Naval Research Laboratory have discovered a new phase change mechanism in monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) that can be used to create highly sensitive chemical vapor sensors. The sensors can detect nerve agents and explosives with high selectivity and sensitivity.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 25, 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.

Designing soft robots: Ethics-based guidelines for human-robot interactions

Researchers Thomas Arnold and Matthias Scheutz outline three general guidelines for developing soft robotic technology within the context of social human-robot interaction. The guidelines aim to address potential risks such as misplaced emotional attachments and personally destructive behavior by users.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalSoft Robotics·DateJul 25, 2017

How marriage may protect transgender couples

A national study by Michigan State University found that married transgender couples are less likely to experience discrimination than their unmarried counterparts. The study analyzed data from 4,286 transgender participants and found that married individuals faced lower levels of transphobia and discrimination in various domains of life.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 25, 2017