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Science News for July 26, 2017


Do we need separate his and hers medicine cabinets?

Researchers found that testosterone reduces the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs in men, increasing prostaglandins and promoting inflammatory reactions. This discovery supports the need for gender-specific medicine, suggesting that treatment may require separate 'his' and 'hers' medicine cabinets.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 26, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Compound shows promise in treating melanoma

Researchers at Penn State have developed a compound that inhibits tumor growth by 69% in a mouse model and killed human melanoma cells. The compound targets the Akt1 pathway and human topoisomerase IIα activity, contributing to melanoma tumor growth.

SourcePenn State·JournalEuropean Journal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 26, 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.

Researchers develop model to predict and prevent power outages using big data

Texas A&M University researchers have developed a predictive model that can identify potential vulnerabilities in electric grids and predict weather hazards. The model uses historical and close-to-real-time data to analyze the impact of these factors on power system outages, enabling utility companies to take proactive measures.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Smart Grid·DateJul 26, 2017

Bringing deep learning to big screen animation

Researchers developed a deep learning model to remove noise from computer-generated images, enabling production-quality rendering at higher speeds. The technology, tested with millions of examples from films like Finding Dory and Cars 3, successfully preserved detail in scenes while removing unwanted artifacts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJul 26, 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.

Scientists regenerate retinal cells in mice in UW Medicine-led study

Researchers successfully regenerated functioning retinal cells in adult mice using the Ascl1 gene, a breakthrough that could lead to treatments for retinal damage caused by trauma, glaucoma, and other eye diseases. The discovery builds on previous research in zebrafish, which have a remarkable ability to regenerate damaged tissue.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2017

Involvement of prescription opioids in fatal car crashes climbs sevenfold

A study found a significant increase in prescription opioid involvement in fatal car crashes between 1995 and 2015. The prevalence of prescription opioids among fatally injured drivers rose from 1% to over 7%, with higher rates in female drivers.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 26, 2017

'Are we there yet?' -- explaining ADHD science to children

A study on ADHD used fMRI scans to examine the striatum, a reward center in the brain. Children with ADHD showed less activity in anticipation of a reward, making it harder for them to focus.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalFrontiers for Young Minds·DateJul 26, 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.

Atomic discovery opens door to greener, faster, smaller electronic circuitry

Scientists have developed a way to delete and replace out-of-place atoms in silicon chips, correcting communication pathways and enabling the creation of perfect patterns. This breakthrough allows for the production of ultra-low power atomic circuitry at room temperature, revolutionizing the field of electronics.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 26, 2017

Cave mazes

Analysis of caves in Israel reveals they formed through dissolution by rising groundwater, originating from highlands and deep faults. The findings have implications for understanding far-field groundwater systems and the possible circulation of fluids, dating back to the Oligocene-early Miocene periods.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateJul 26, 2017

Programming cells with computer-like logic

A team at Harvard's Wyss Institute has created genetically encodable RNA nano-devices that can perform an unprecedented 12-input logic operation, enabling cells to analyze complex environments efficiently. These programmable devices may enable the construction of more sophisticated synthetic biological circuits.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 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.

UCI stem cell therapy attacks cancer by targeting unique tissue stiffness

Researchers at UCI have developed a stem cell-based method that selectively targets and kills cancerous tissue while preventing side effects. By identifying unique physical properties of cancer cells, the treatment enables targeted therapy, reducing harm to healthy tissue.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 26, 2017

How plant architectures mimic subway networks

Researchers found that plant architectures mimic subway networks by balancing competing objectives of cost and performance. By analyzing 3D scans of growing plants, the team identified a universal design principle guiding plant growth, which could help increase crop yields or breed plants better adapted to climate change.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Systems·DateJul 26, 2017

Atlantic/Pacific ocean temperature difference fuels US wildfires

A new study reveals that the Atlantic and Pacific ocean temperatures play a significant role in droughts and wildfires in southwestern North America. The research shows that the large-scale difference between the two oceans enhances the risk for drought and wildfire in the region.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 26, 2017

Brain cells found to control aging

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that adult neural stem cells in the hypothalamus govern how fast aging occurs in the body. By replenishing these stem cells or the molecules they produce, it's possible to slow and even reverse various aspects of aging throughout the body.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2017

Company innovates by using magnetic resonance to evaluate food quality

Fine Instrument Technology developed a low-field NMR device, SpecFIT, that performs chemical and physical analyses of fruit, grains, olive oil, milk, and meat. The device uses signal fade duration to measure sugar content, fat content, moisture, tenderness, flavor, and succulence.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateJul 26, 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.

NASA sees Irwin before it weakened to a Tropical Storm

NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible light image of hurricane Irwin on July 25, showing an elongated band of thunderstorms around its circulation. By July 26, the cloud pattern had significantly deteriorated, with Irwin consisting of a tight circulation center surrounded by deep convection.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 2017

Body ownership is not impaired in schizophrenia

A study by EPFL scientists found that schizophrenia patients do not have a disturbed sense of body ownership. The study used the Full-Body Illusion test and showed that patients performed similarly to healthy controls, indicating that their sense of body ownership is unaffected by the disorder.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·DateJul 26, 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.

Talking to yourself in the third person can help you control emotions

Researchers found that third-person self-talk can lead people to think about themselves more similarly to how they think about others, gaining psychological distance from their experiences. This can be useful for regulating emotions, with the brain activity showing decreased emotional reactivity when using the third person.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 26, 2017

Biomarkers for identifying tumor aggressiveness

A Berlin study of patients with early-stage colon cancer has found that the MACC1 gene and DNA repair mechanisms can help determine prognosis and predict response to chemotherapy. Patients with low MACC1 levels and proficient mismatch repair status have a higher five-year survival rate.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateJul 26, 2017

Trees can make or break city weather

A new study found that trees can increase wind speed by a factor of two when removed, making it more challenging for pedestrians to walk. Trees also reduced the impact of wind pressure on buildings, particularly through small gaps, and contributed to a more comfortable environment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAdvances in Water Resources·DateJul 26, 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.

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.

Competition for survival signals maintains immune balance

A recent study reveals that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) compete with T cells for a shared source of interleukin-7 (IL-7), a protein essential for their survival. This competition sheds light on the complex phenomenon of homeostasis, which supports the long-term survival of immune cells.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalImmunity·DateJul 26, 2017

Should doctors work longer shifts?

Experts argue that working 24-hour shifts may not negatively impact patient care, but can lead to burnout. The medical profession must address the issue of sleep deprivation and its effects on doctors' wellbeing and patient safety.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 26, 2017

UAlberta and McGill scientists uncover a hidden calcium cholesterol connection

Scientists at UAlberta and McGill University have discovered a direct link between calcium and cholesterol, finding that a lack of calcium can hide cholesterol from the cell's machinery. This discovery could pave the way for new treatments for high blood cholesterol and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 26, 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.

Robot-driven device improves crouch gait in children with cerebral palsy

A robotic training method improves posture and walking in children with crouch gait by strengthening extensor muscles, particularly the soleus, against a downward pull. The device enhances muscle coordination, resulting in improved walking features such as step length and toe clearance.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 26, 2017

Novel thermal ablation system for transdermal drug delivery

Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a photothermal ablation system to enhance transdermal delivery of protein-based drugs. The system, using gold nanorods and near-infrared light, increased skin permeability and successfully delivered proteins in both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics·DateJul 26, 2017

Risk of suicide attempts in army units with history of suicide attempts

A new study by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences found that U.S. Army soldiers who attempt suicide are more likely to do so again if their unit has a history of similar attempts. The study's results suggest that early postvention efforts can help prevent future suicide attempts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJul 26, 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.

Adjusting fertilizers vital in claypan ag soils

Research from the University of Missouri found that claypan farmers need to apply less potassium and more phosphorus than generally recommended due to the soil's unique characteristics. This can help reduce nutrient losses and improve crop growth.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJul 26, 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.

Osaka chemists build new chemical structures on unreactive bonds

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new method for building complex organic molecules by selectively transforming strong carbon-fluorine bonds. This breakthrough enhances the control over chemical reactions, enabling more synthetic freedom for constructing intricate carbon structures.

SourceOsaka University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateJul 26, 2017

Experts win support to tackle rising threat of antibiotic resistance

A team of scientists is pooling their expertise to develop fast diagnostic tests and alternative treatments for infection, aiming to address the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. The University of Edinburgh's new research facility will bring together dozens of researchers worldwide to tackle this major health challenge.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateJul 26, 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.

Is it Alzheimer's disease or another dementia?

Researchers developed a new, non-invasive method called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. The technique accurately diagnosed the conditions with 90% accuracy in most cases.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 26, 2017

Scientists propose new approach to hitting the gym

Scientists at James Cook University warn that concurrent training can impair endurance development if recovery is not accounted for. They propose a new approach to mitigate resistance training-induced fatigue, which can affect athletes' performance several days after a single session.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalSports Medicine·DateJul 26, 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.

Americans are quitting smoking in higher numbers; study suggests e-cigarettes help

A study published by the University of California - San Diego found that e-cigarette use increased among smokers attempting to quit, leading to a higher overall quitting rate. The study suggests that e-cigarettes play a role as a cessation tool and may have contributed to an increase in smoking cessation rates in the US.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 26, 2017

Identified the component that allows a lethal bacteria to spread resistance to antibiotics

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified histidine as a crucial component in the machinery that enables Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to acquire and spread antibiotic resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of molecules to prevent the spread of resistant strains, offering new hope in tackling hospital infections.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 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.

NUS scientists identify optimal areas for conservation and agriculture in the tropics

The study identified the Atlantic Forest, Gulf of Guinea, and Thailand as regions where agricultural conversion provides higher benefits than environmental costs. In contrast, Latin America, insular Southeast Asia, and Madagascar are considered economically viable conservation targets due to low agricultural benefits and high environme...

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 26, 2017

Is extended-release guanfacine effective in children with chronic tic disorders?

A study found that extended-release guanfacine only showed a small reduction in tic severity among children with chronic tic disorders, with no significant difference between the drug and placebo. The medication was associated with common side effects such as fatigue, dry mouth, and headache.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJul 26, 2017

Gamma-ray burst captured in unprecedented detail

A team led by University of Maryland astronomers has constructed one of the most detailed descriptions of a gamma-ray burst to date, shedding light on the initial 'prompt' phase and the evolution of large jets of matter and energy. The data suggest that both magnetic fields and matter play key roles in shaping the jets.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2017

Living computers: RNA circuits transform cells into nanodevices

Researchers create RNA circuits that enable living cells to perform computations, producing complex logic capable of responding to multiple inputs. The technology has significant implications for fields like drug design, energy production, and cancer treatment.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 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.

Triple-layer catalyst does double duty

The researchers created a three-layer structure of nickel, graphene, and a compound of iron, manganese, and phosphorus that can produce both hydrogen and oxygen simultaneously. The material is scalable, stable in acidic and basic solutions, and requires less energy than traditional catalysts.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Energy·DateJul 26, 2017

Understanding cell segregation mechanisms which help prevent cancer spread

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have worked out how major players in border formation between tissues keep cells in the right places. They found that ephrins and their Eph receptors trigger signalling inside both cells, stopping them from mixing, and that N-cadherin suppresses repulsion between like cells.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 26, 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.

Physicists gain new insights into nanosystems with spherical confinement

Researchers have gained new insights into the arrangement of stiff polymers in spherical cavities using computer simulations. The study reveals complex structures emerging on the sphere surface, including bipolar patterns and a tennis ball-like structure with four distinct poles.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 26, 2017

Differences in subtypes of gastric cancer may determine prognosis and response to treatment

Research found that four molecular subtypes of gastric cancer have different prognoses and responses to chemotherapy, with the EBV subtype associated with the best outcome and the GS subtype with no benefit. The study suggests that classifying gastric cancer cases by subtype could provide personalized treatment options.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 26, 2017

Identifying major transitions in human cultural evolution

Researchers identify major transitions in human cultural evolution using computational methods and large cross-cultural datasets. The study reveals the complex processes underlying our cultural histories, including changes from small kin-based groups to colossal nation states.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 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.

Cultural flexibility was key for early humans to survive extreme dry periods in southern Africa

The Howiesons Poort tradition, dating back to 66,000-59,000 years ago, demonstrated that early humans could exploit new environments despite pronounced aridification. The development of cultural innovations such as the bow and arrow, engraving ostrich eggshells, and intensive hunting practices allowed HP populations to thrive.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2017

Large-mouthed fish was top predator after mass extinction

Researchers discovered a massive predatory fish species called Birgeria americana in Nevada's Early Triassic fossils, rewriting the history of apex predators. The find shows that marine ecosystems recovered faster than previously thought, and temperature conditions were suitable for life near the equator.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Paleontology·DateJul 26, 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.

No longer lost in translation

Researchers developed a new approach to model human immune variation, identifying gene markers that correlate with human disease outcomes. The study found that accounting for immune diversity is critical for predicting disease outcomes.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2017

Study sheds light on how body may detect early signs of cancer

Scientists have identified a crucial mechanism by which cells detect and respond to DNA damage, shedding light on the body's natural surveillance systems. This discovery may help explain how the human body keeps disease in check and could lead to new therapeutic approaches for cancer prevention.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2017

Do all people experience similar near-death-experiences?

A study of 154 individuals with near-death experiences found that while common phenomena like feeling peacefulness and seeing a bright light occur frequently, the order of appearance varies greatly between participants. The most commonly reported sequence was out-of-body experience followed by a tunnel, bright light, and finally peace.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJul 26, 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.

User research at BER II: Lupin roots observed in the act of drinking

Soil scientists have developed a new method to observe water transport in soil and plant roots, enabling the first-ever 3D mapping of this process in just 10 seconds. This breakthrough technology could also be applied to study fuel cells, batteries, and construction materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 26, 2017

Group relocation preserves social connections among elderly Japanese Tsunami survivors

A study by Hirojuki Hikichi and colleagues found that group relocation increased informal socializing and social participation among older adults. Nearly three years after the disaster, respondents who relocated with their community showed increases in meeting with friends and participating in sports clubs.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 26, 2017

Drug combination shows better tolerance and effectiveness in metastatic renal cell cancer

A new study found that the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab therapy demonstrates manageable safety, notable antitumor activity, and durable responses with promising long-term overall survival in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer. The treatment shows enhanced antitumor activity compared to monotherapy in tumor types such...

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 26, 2017

Opting for weight-loss surgery at lower BMIs may be best for patients' health

A large new study shows that only one in three patients who have bariatric surgery succeed in getting their body-mass index below 30 in the first year. Patients with lower BMIs before surgery had higher odds of achieving this goal and better health outcomes, including stopping medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 26, 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.

Getting closer to porous, light-responsive materials

Researchers developed a light-responsive crystalline material that overcomes previous challenges in creating 'photoresponsive' materials. The material changes its porous nature when exposed to light, allowing for repeatable and reversible changes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2017

Research at Lake Baikal -- for the protection of a unique ecosystem

Researchers investigate how climate change and environmental toxins affect the world's largest freshwater lake. Studies on amphipods found that temperature increases can be catastrophic for some species, while chemical pollution can have mass impacts on individual species and ecosystems.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 26, 2017

Soft robotic exosuits help patients walk after stroke

Soft robotic exosuits have been developed to assist stroke patients in walking with more efficiency and reduced asymmetry. The devices provide forward propulsion and correct problems with ankle dorsiflexion, a common issue affecting up to 20% of stroke survivors.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 26, 2017

Diffusion dynamics play an essential role in regulating stem cells and tissue development

New research highlights the importance of diffusion gradients in regulating stem cells and tissue development. The study explores how gas and nutrient concentrations influence stem cell potency, differentiation, and metabolism. It also introduces novel models for understanding diffusion processes in three-dimensional tissue constructs.

SourceInstitute of Neural Regeneration & Tissue Engineering·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJul 26, 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.

Somersaulting simulation for jumping bots

A pair of new computational methods developed by researchers from MIT, University of Toronto, and Adobe Research generate simulations that match real-world behaviors at rates 70-times faster than previously possible. These methods can automate the design process used to create dynamic mechanisms for controlled jumping.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 26, 2017

Milky Way's origins are not what they seem

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that up to half of the Milky Way's matter may have originated from distant galaxies through intergalactic transfer. This phenomenon, identified in simulations, shows that gas flows from smaller galaxies to larger ones, such as the Milky Way, forming stars.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 26, 2017

Nation's Top Mathematics educators honored for 2017

The Mathematical Association of America has honored top math educators for their effective teaching methods and impact on undergraduate education. The Henry L. Alder Awards recognized Steven Klee and Mary Beisiegel for their exceptional teaching and mentoring skills.

SourceMathematical Association of America·DateJul 26, 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.

Managers often fail to use or understand their own data on customer satisfaction

A recent study found that managers in various industries overestimate customer satisfaction, relying on unrealistic expectations for marketing decisions. This leads to underinvestment in quality improvements and a failure to address marketplace issues effectively. The study suggests that existing customer feedback systems are not perfo...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateJul 26, 2017

A new bird which humans drove to extinction discovered in Azores

A new extinct bird species, Pyrrhula crassa, has been discovered on Graciosa Island in the Azores archipelago. The species went extinct due to human colonization and introduction of invasive species. Its unique beak morphology suggests it was a large bullfinch species.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalZootaxa·DateJul 26, 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.

NASA sees newly formed Tropical Storm Nesat near Philippines

Tropical Storm Nesat has formed east of the Philippines with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots (52 mph), strengthening at a rate of 4.6 mph per hour. The storm is expected to move past the Philippines without making landfall, intensifying to 85 knots before approaching Taiwan by July 30.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 2017

Shedding light deeper into the human brain

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new method for propagating light through human tissue, enabling deeper brain imaging and potential applications in medical imaging and driving safety. The technique involves making tiny holes to pass light through, increasing optical transmission by a factor of 100.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 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.

A large-scale 'germ trap' solution for hospitals

Researchers developed a simple, cost-effective way for hospitals to increase their capacity to contain airborne illnesses. By sealing off a hospital wing and adjusting ventilation systems, hospitals can reduce the spread of diseases. The new solution enables small community hospitals to prepare for rapidly spreading airborne illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJul 26, 2017

New study recommends alternative pain relief for knee replacement patients

A new study has found that an alternative method of pain relief for knee replacement surgery reduces the need for powerful painkillers like morphine. The new approach involves injecting anaesthetic agents around the knee joint, administered by the surgeon without specialist equipment.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Bone & Joint Journal·DateJul 26, 2017

How bacteria maintain and recover their shape

Researchers have found that bacteria can use mechanical cues to maintain their shape and recover from deformation. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, shows that Escherichia coli uses mechanical strain to grow its cell wall and recover its shape after being twisted out of shape.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 26, 2017

Massive star's dying blast caught by rapid-response telescopes

A team of astronomers detected a massive star's titanic explosion and measured its development and decay in unprecedented detail. The findings provide strong evidence for one of two competing models for how gamma-ray bursts produce their energy, with the data showing powerful magnetic fields confining and directing the radiation.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2017

Study calls for review into census capture of 'mixed' populations

The study analyzed three current methods of mixed population capture and found serious quality problems with all three approaches. It suggests continuing 'multi-ticking' in the US and Canada with clearer instructions for respondents as a potential alternative to 'exact combinations' method.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEthnic and Racial Studies·DateJul 26, 2017

Early dementia care improvement findings to be shared

A five-year research programme is improving care for patients living with dementia in hospitals. Distractions during drug rounds can hinder treatment, but the involvement of family or carers can be hugely beneficial. The study's findings aim to create and implement specific care pathways that acknowledge differences in dementia present...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateJul 26, 2017

NASA eyes compact Hurricane Hilary

NASA closely monitored Hurricane Hilary's development, noting its compact nature with winds extending 15 miles from the center. The storm was forecast to move westward at 13 mph, with some slowing down over the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 2017

Post-stroke patients reach terra firma with Wyss Institute's exosuit technology

Researchers developed a lightweight, soft wearable ankle-assisting exosuit that can reinforce normal gait in people with hemiparesis after stroke. The device improved walking performance and reduced energy costs in patients post-stroke, showing promise as a rehabilitation tool.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 26, 2017

Risk for bipolar disorder associated with faster aging

Research suggests that individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder may experience faster biological aging. The study found that patients treated with lithium had longer telomeres, which could help reverse age-related changes. This association may explain the higher rates of aging-related diseases among bipolar disorder patients.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJul 26, 2017

New 3-D technique uses water and robotics to reconstruct complex objects

Researchers developed a technique that uses robotic arms to immerse objects in water, measuring volume displacement for volumetric shape representation. This method achieves more accurate 3D scanning than current methods, particularly for complex objects with hidden parts.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 26, 2017

ACA reduced disparities in health care access, report shows

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped close gaps in healthcare access between poor and higher-income households. In states that expanded Medicaid, the gap fell by 46%, while in non-expansion states, it declined by 23%. Despite gains, many low- and middle-income residents still lack coverage or avoid care due to cost.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 26, 2017