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Science News for July 27, 2017


Slug mucus inspires new type of surgical glue to close wounds

Researchers have developed a new type of adhesive substance that mimics the properties of slug mucus, effectively sealing wounds after surgery. The substance was found to be strong, flexible and non-toxic, with performance comparable to using a hemostat in emergency surgical procedures.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017

Study finds harmful protein on acid triggers a life-threatening disease

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered how acidic conditions trigger the formation of toxic protein clusters in cells, leading to the death of vital organs. The study may help design new treatments for secondary systemic amyloidosis (AA), a life-threatening disorder that affects millions worldwide.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA casts an infrared eye on Tropical Storm Irwin

NASA used the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder to track cloud top temperatures in Tropical Storm Irwin, identifying the strongest storms as those west of its low-level center. Temperatures of minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit were recorded in these areas, indicating potential heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 27, 2017

Projected precipitation increases are bad news for water quality

Increased precipitation from climate change will substantially overload U.S. waterways with excess nitrogen, leading to eutrophication and harmful algal blooms. The Midwest and Northeast are expected to be particularly affected, with a one-fifth increase in nutrient pollution by the end of the century.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 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.

Research calls for enhancing long-term benefits of Farm Bill programs

A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers emphasizes the need to sustain benefits from voluntary conservation incentive programs after they end. The authors identified five research-based explanations for persistence outcomes, including landowners' attitudes and motivations, habit formation, access to resources, and social influences.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalConservation Letters·DateJul 27, 2017

Heavy metals in water meet their match

Researchers at Rice University have created a novel filter that can remove toxic heavy metals from contaminated water, using a combination of carbon nanotubes and quartz fibers. The filters are reusable and can be washed with vinegar, making them an effective solution for treating water in remote regions.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 2017

Hunting-related pathogen exposure not just for adult males

A new study in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that women and children in Sierra Leone participate in hunting activities, challenging previous assumptions. The research underscores the importance of recognizing children's specific hunting practices to develop effective interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 27, 2017

Glowing tumor technology helps surgeons remove hidden cancer cells

Researchers used a contrast agent to make tumor cells glow during surgery, combining it with PET scans to identify malignant nodules. This approach improved diagnostics and led to the removal of more cancerous nodules from lung cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateJul 27, 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.

Crops that kill pests by shutting off their genes

Researchers are developing crops that use RNA interference to block protein translation in target pests, providing a subtle yet effective method of pest control. The technology has the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical pesticides and address environmental and human toxicity concerns.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateJul 27, 2017

Three species of tiny frogs discovered in Peruvian Andes

Researchers have discovered three new tiny frog species in Peru's Pui Pui Protected Forest, expanding the total number of new species found to five. The newly discovered frogs are part of the diverse genus Pristimantis and exhibit unique reproductive adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalZootaxa·DateJul 27, 2017

Researchers crack the smile, describing 3 types by muscle movement

Scientists identified three distinct smile types: reward, affiliation, and dominance, with specific facial muscle combinations. The research provides precise physical descriptions of smile subtypes, enabling better classification and study of smiles in pivotal human interactions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 27, 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.

Women and men report similar levels of work-family conflicts

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that women and men report similar levels of work-family conflicts, with no significant differences detected. The study suggests that societal expectations and stereotypes may contribute to these perceptions.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJul 27, 2017

Manmade peptides reduce breast cancer's spread

Researchers found manmade peptides significantly reduce metastasis in a mouse model of aggressive breast cancer. These peptides directly disrupt the WASF3 gene, which helps cancer cells move and invade other tissues.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCancer Growth and Metastasis·DateJul 27, 2017

Errors made by 'DNA spellchecker' revealed as important cause of cancer

A study by researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation reveals that mistakes made by a DNA spellchecker can lead to cancer mutations. The findings suggest that high levels of alcohol and exposure to sunlight can shift the balance of DNA repair mechanisms, causing errors in critical parts of the genome.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalCell·DateJul 27, 2017

A new picture emerges on the origins of photosynthesis in a sun-loving bacteria

Researchers from Arizona State University have gained a fundamental understanding of the early evolution of photosynthesis by resolving the core membrane protein structure in the simplest known photosynthetic bacterium. This discovery provides a new template for organic-based solar panel design and possible renewable biofuel applications.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017

Circles in the sand reveal boating damage to marine biodiversity

Researchers have found that swinging boat moorings damage seagrass meadows in the UK and globally, leading to a direct loss of at least 6 ha of United Kingdom seagrass. The impact results in fragmented meadows and reduced resilience to other stressors.

SourceSwansea University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateJul 27, 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.

Infants know what we like best, WashU study finds

A new study suggests that infants are able to recognize patterns of behavior and make judgments about people's preferences as early as 8 months old. The research found that babies look for consistent patterns of behavior and adjust their expectations when they encounter inconsistent choices.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalInfancy·DateJul 27, 2017

Effects of a major drug target regulated through molecular 'codes'

Researchers reveal components of rhodopsin and arrestin that form a critical cellular communication network. The discovery provides new insights into how GPCRs interact with signaling molecules, potentially leading to more effective drugs with fewer side effects for diseases like heart failure and cancer.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalCell·DateJul 27, 2017

Present-day Lebanese descend from Biblical Canaanites, genetic study suggests

Ancient DNA sequencing of 4,000-year-old Canaanite individuals and present-day Lebanese reveals that more than 90% of Lebanese ancestry is likely to be from the Canaanites. The study also discovered a mixture of local people and eastern migrants in the ancient Canaanite population.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 27, 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.

WSU physicists turn a crystal into an electrical circuit

Researchers have successfully written an electrical circuit into a crystal, enabling the creation of transparent and reconfigurable electronics. The phenomenon, called persistent photoconductivity, can be erased and reconfigured using heat and light, similar to an Etch A Sketch.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 2017

CRISPR sheds light on rare pediatric bone marrow failure syndrome

Researchers used CRISPR to study dyskeratosis congenita, a rare condition that causes progressive DNA damage leading to blood cell failure. The study reveals new ways to potentially treat the disease by blocking signaling pathways involved in blood cell formation.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJul 27, 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.

Physicists design ultrafocused pulses

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have developed a method to generate ultra-focused electromagnetic fields, enabling precise devices for microscopy and other applications. The new scheme utilizes a cylinder reflecting electromagnetic waves to create focused pulses with adjustable frequency.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 27, 2017

Satellite shows some shear in Hurricane Hilary

NOAA's GOES-West satellite captured an infrared image of Hurricane Hilary on July 27, revealing the storm remains somewhat sheared. The National Hurricane Center expects slight weakening during the next 48 hours, with Hilary expected to be at or near hurricane strength until the weekend.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 27, 2017

What fly guts could reveal about our health

Two studies reveal that gut bacteria in fruit flies affect their foraging behavior and reproductive success, with beneficial microbes preferred over less-beneficial ones. The research also suggests that these effects can be passed down to the next generation.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 27, 2017

Top mathematics writers awarded prizes at MAA MathFest

Seven mathematicians received the Carl B. Allendoerfer Awards for their excellent work, while others were honored with the Trevor Evans Award and the George Pólya Awards. The Merten M. Hasse Prize was also awarded to a notable paper published in The American Mathematical Monthly.

SourceMathematical Association of America·DateJul 27, 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.

US transplant centers frequently refuse deceased donor kidneys

A study found that US transplant centers rejected donated kidneys a median of 7 times before accepting them for transplantation. The rejections varied by patient and donor characteristics, contributing to racial and ethnic disparities in access to kidney transplants.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 27, 2017

Climate change means more rain, more nitrogen runoff, more problems

A new study finds that climate change will lead to a significant increase in nitrogen runoff in the US, with projected increases of up to 19% by 2100. This excess nitrogen can cause algal blooms, harming human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 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.

Long-sought mechanism of metastasis is discovered in pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered an epigenetic factor, FOXA1, that reprograms gene enhancers in cancer cells, allowing them to 'remember' an earlier developmental state and become metastatic. This mechanism is a major breakthrough in understanding the spread of pancreatic cancer.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateJul 27, 2017

Study finds breast cancer driver, HER2, in 3 percent of lung cancers

A study by the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium identified HER2 mutations in 24 lung cancer patients (3%), with median survival doubling when treated with HER2-directed therapy. This finding suggests a significant population of HER2+ lung cancer patients, highlighting the need for targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCancer·DateJul 27, 2017

Reality check for 'wonder material'

Researchers investigated the surface states and bulk material of topological insulators, finding that a considerable part of charge transport occurred in the bulk phase, not just at the surface. The imperfect crystal structure was found to be the reason for this, with freely moving electrons generating electric current in the bulk.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJul 27, 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.

Sticky when wet: Strong adhesive for wound healing

Researchers have created a super-strong adhesive that binds to tissues with strength comparable to cartilage, even when wet. The adhesive uses a double-layered hydrogel design with positively-charged polymers to create a strong bond.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017

Immune system may mount an attack in Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that T cells from people with PD responded to alpha-synuclein to a greater degree than those gathered from healthy controls. Four genetic variations were associated with T cell reactivity, and over half of people with PD carried at least one variant.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2017

Anyone for crispy jellyfish?

A new method for drying jellyfish has been developed to make them crunchy and paper-thin, reducing processing time from 30-40 days to just a few days. This innovation also increases the efficiency of Asian processing plants.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalInternational Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science·DateJul 27, 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's Aqua satellite catches Typhoon Noru's 10 mile-wide eye

Typhoon Noru has a 10 mile-wide eye, surrounded by powerful thunderstorms, according to NASA's Aqua satellite imagery captured on July 27. The typhoon is expected to maintain its status over several days, with its eye close to Japan's Iwo To island by July 31.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 27, 2017

Getting to the root of Iceland's molten rock origins

A massive circular blob of partially molten rock, approximately 800 kilometers in diameter and 15 kilometers high, has been detected at the core-mantle boundary beneath Iceland. This discovery suggests a link between the ulvazs and rising plumes that feed active hotspots.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 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.

Algorithms identify the dynamics of prehistoric social networks in the Balkans

The study reveals that communities with strong co-operation largely belonged to the same archaeological culture, providing a novel method for independent evaluation of the archaeological record. The researchers used modularity analysis on a comprehensive database of copper artefacts from the Balkans, dated from 6200 BC to 3200 BC.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Complex Networks·DateJul 27, 2017

Fundamental breakthrough in the future of designing materials

A team of researchers has discovered that copper and other metals can never form perfectly flat nanoscale films due to grain rotation. This discovery has significant implications for designing materials with improved electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties.

SourceAMBER Centre·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017

Max Planck research kicked off in Würzburg

The new Max Planck Research Group for System Immunology aims to study the immune system as a whole, its interactions with the organism, and its impact on diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatism. The group will collaborate with non-university research institutes to promote holistic approaches in immunology.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateJul 27, 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.

Biochar could clear the air in more ways than one

A study by Rice University researchers found that biochar can reduce health care costs, especially in urban areas close to farmland. The use of biochar in agriculture may also lower the need for fertilizer and reduce pollutants by storing nitrogen in the soil.

SourceRice University·DateJul 27, 2017

Binge drinking down among young adults in college, up among those who are not

Research found binge drinking rates decrease among college students from 42% to 37% between 1999 and 2014. However, rates increase in non-college young adults from 36% to 40% during the same period. Interventions and policy changes may contribute to the decline in college students' binge drinking rates.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJul 27, 2017

Salk scientists solve longstanding biological mystery of DNA organization

Researchers at Salk Institute have visualized chromatin structure in living human cells using a novel DNA dye and advanced microscopy. They found that chromatin forms a semi-flexible chain with varying packing density, suggesting that gene activity is determined by compaction rather than higher-order structures.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 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.

UBC research unearths Canadian sapphires fit for a queen

Researchers at UBC have discovered a unique sequence of pressure and temperature events required to form high-quality Canadian sapphires. This discovery will facilitate gemstone exploration in southern Baffin Island and potentially unlock new sources worldwide.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Canadian Mineralogist·DateJul 27, 2017

In mice, fine motor control is actively suppressed

In a new study, researchers identified the mechanism that suppresses development of connections between corticospinal neurons and motor neurons in mice shortly after birth. By selectively deleting receptors, they found that one particular receptor, PlexA1, is responsible for suppressing these connections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017

Biochemists link synthetic compound to hunger-hormone production

Researchers have identified a synthetic triterpenoid as a potential disruptor of the hunger-signaling pathway by blocking an enzyme involved in ghrelin production. The study's findings suggest that this compound could be developed into a treatment for conditions like diabetes and obesity.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalBiochemistry·DateJul 27, 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.

Malaria already endemic in the Mediterranean by the Roman period

Researchers at the University of Zurich discovered that malaria was already widespread on Sardinia in the Roman period, contradicting previous assumptions. Genetic adaptations, such as thalassemias, played a crucial role in protecting against malaria, with some individuals leading healthy lives while being immune to infections.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateJul 27, 2017

Large gaps remain in colorectal cancer screening rates, study finds

A study found that wealthier, long-term residents in Ontario are more likely to get screened for colorectal cancer through colonoscopies rather than non-invasive tests. This gap is driven by the higher number of advantaged residents who prefer colonoscopies over fecal occult blood tests.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·DateJul 27, 2017

The 16 genetic markers that can cut a life story short

A study of 116,279 individuals found 16 genetic markers associated with human lifespan, including 14 new to science. Lower brain expression of certain genes is also linked to increased longevity.

SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 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.

Scientists block evolution's molecular nerve pruning in rodents

Researchers found that blocking molecular nerve pruning in mice enhanced manual dexterity and allowed them to grab and eat food faster than wild-type mice. The study identified a protein called PlexA1, which controls the formation of long nerves and fine motor skills.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017

Scientists embark on expedition to submerged continent Zealandia

Researchers will drill into the seafloor of Zealandia, examining a shift in plate movement that occurred 50 million years ago. The expedition aims to understand the timing and causes of this change, which led to the development of new volcanoes and changes in ocean circulation patterns.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateJul 27, 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.

New method promises easier nanoscale manufacturing

Scientists at the University of Chicago have discovered a new way to precisely pattern nanomaterials, enabling the creation of complex structures and paving the way for next-generation electronics. The DOLFIN technology makes it possible to mass-produce nanomaterials directly into usable devices.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 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.

Who were the Canaanites? Ancient human DNA evidence yields answers

Researchers sequenced ancient Canaanite genomes, finding that the people living in modern-day Lebanon are likely direct descendants of the Canaanites. The study also suggests substantial genetic continuity in the region since the Bronze Age, agreeing with archaeological records.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 27, 2017

DREAMers at greater risk for mental health distress

A study from Rice University found that Mexican immigrants living in the US without proper documentation are at high risk of psychological distress. The survey revealed that respondents aged 18-25 were most likely to exhibit distress, citing loss of home, social status, and family as reasons for their mental health issues.

SourceRice University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 27, 2017

Should we be worried about hepatitis E?

Scientists are noticing a shift from hepatitis E as only a disease of the poor to one that can also affect affluent people in developed world settings. The virus is re-emerging as zoonotic, with transmission linked to pork products and environmental contamination.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalJournal of Clinical Virology·DateJul 27, 2017

Navy awards UA aerospace engineers nearly $2 million for hypersonic research

The University of Arizona has received a nearly $2 million award from the Office of Naval Research to study problems of instability and materials failure for aircraft and missiles flying at hypersonic speeds. Researchers will build two additional wind tunnels to explore laminar-turbulent transition, aerothermodynamic heating, and other...

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateJul 27, 2017

DNA links male, female butterfly thought to be distinct species

A recent DNA study by international researchers found that the female sunburst cerulean-satyr and its male counterpart belong to the same species. The discovery corrects a classification error made in 1911 and sheds light on true species diversity of Neotropical butterflies.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalInsect Systematics & Evolution·DateJul 27, 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.

Could insufficient sleep be adding centimeters to your waistline?

A new study by the University of Leeds found that insufficient sleep can lead to weight gain and poorer metabolic health in UK adults. The research, which looked at over 1,600 participants, showed a significant association between short sleep duration and increased waist circumference.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 27, 2017

Research finds increased risk of dementia in patients who experience delirium after surgery

A recent study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia has found that delirium after surgery is associated with a significant increase in dementia risk in elderly patients. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 patients and found that those who developed postoperative delirium were three times more likely to suffer permanen...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateJul 27, 2017

Which type of cell to become: Decision through indecision

Researchers found that cell fate decision is not a unique programmed event, but rather the outcome of a dynamic process where cells explore different molecular possibilities before reaching a stable state. This process is reminiscent of trial-and-error learning and highlights the complexity of human hematopoietic cell fate commitment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 27, 2017

BTI receives DARPA 'Insect Allies' Award

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute have received a four-year DARPA award to develop insect-vectored viruses for disease-resistant maize. The project, titled Viruses and Insects as Plant Enhancement Resources (VIPER), aims to engineer genes into maize that can help combat disease, drought, and other yield-reducing stresses.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·DateJul 27, 2017

Negative birth outcomes linked to air pollution exposure early in pregnancy, study finds

Exposure to air pollution during the first two trimesters of pregnancy has been shown to increase risk for preterm birth and low birth weight. The study's findings also suggest that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can lead to decreased body length, placental weight, and anogenital distance.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 27, 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.

Cancer-death button gets jammed by gut bacterium

Researchers found that Fusobacterium nucleatum in the gut can stop chemotherapy from causing apoptosis, a type of cancer cell death. The bacterium activates autophagy, a cell-survival mechanism that protects cancer cells from destroying themselves.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell·DateJul 27, 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.

Concerns that sleep apnea could impact healthspan

Scientists suspect sleep apnea diminishes healthspan due to its link with age-related diseases, including non-alcoholic liver disease and Alzheimer's, prompting researchers to explore treatment options.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·DateJul 27, 2017

Even babies can tell who's the boss, UW research says

Researchers at the University of Washington found that toddlers as young as 17 months old can recognize dominant individuals and anticipate them receiving more rewards. The study used puppets to test toddlers' reactions to different social scenarios, revealing their expectation that dominant individuals receive more resources.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCognition·DateJul 27, 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.

Seeing more with PET scans: New chemistry for medical imaging

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley have developed a new mechanism to attach radioactive fluorine atoms to chemical compounds, expanding medical imaging capabilities. This breakthrough enables the creation of new 'radiotracers' for PET scans, which can aid in detecting cancers and understanding biological pathways.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017

Food banks respond to hunger needs in rural America

A recent study by the University of Illinois reveals that food insecurity exists in rural areas, and Feeding America's food banks are effectively reaching these communities. Despite the presence of food assistance programs, the social and economic conditions in rural areas have not improved significantly.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateJul 27, 2017

Astrophysicists map out the light energy contained within the Milky Way

A team of scientists has calculated the distribution of all light energy contained within the Milky Way, providing insight into galaxy formation and stellar processes. The research shows how stellar photons control gamma-ray production in the Universe.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 27, 2017

Using tweets to decrypt the personality of Donald Trump and other powerful people

A QUT-led study analyzing the tweets of influential business leaders, including President Trump, reveals a unique 'emotionally unstable innovator' personality. The researchers found that Trump's personality profile is distinct from other superstar entrepreneurs and CEOs, with traits such as high neuroticism and low agreeableness.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalSmall Business Economics·DateJul 27, 2017

Drug improves brain performance in Rett syndrome mice

Researchers found a small-molecule drug improves synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and object location memory in Rett syndrome mice. The treatment also restored general locomotor activity to normal levels, offering hope for patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateJul 27, 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.

Ultracold molecules hold promise for quantum computing

Researchers at MIT have successfully created a platform to store and process quantum information using ultracold molecules, which can retain their information for hundreds of times longer than previously achieved. The breakthrough could enable thousands of quantum computations in sequence within a second of coherence.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017

Study: Very preterm birth not associated with mood, anxiety disorders

A large-scale study of nearly 400 individuals from birth to adulthood found no increased risk of anxiety and mood disorders among those born very preterm or at low birth weight. Social support from romantic partners plays a crucial role in preventing mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJul 27, 2017

Blocking the back-door that cancer cells use to escape death by radiotherapy

A recent University of Alberta study found that irradiation of breast fat can trigger an inflammatory response in cancer patients, enabling cancer cells to survive. The research team is developing an experimental autotaxin inhibitor to counteract this effect and improve radiotherapy's effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJul 27, 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.

Child abuse and neglect linked to gender inequality

Researchers found a significant association between gender inequity and increased child physical abuse and neglect. The study analyzed data from 57 countries and found that higher scores on measures of discrimination against women were linked to higher rates of child maltreatment.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Family Violence·DateJul 27, 2017

Simulations signal early success for fractal-based retinal implants

Researchers at the University of Oregon have made significant progress in developing fractal-based retinal implants that could potentially restore vision to people with macular degeneration. The implants use fractal geometry to stimulate retinal neurons, achieving a 90% increase in neuron stimulation while using less voltage.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 2017

Heavy metals in water meet their match

Developed by Swansea University and Rice University, the filter removes toxic heavy metals from water using carbon nanotubes immobilized in quartz fiber. The filters can be reused after washing with vinegar and are capable of treating large amounts of contaminated water.

SourceSwansea University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 2017

Hostage situation or harmony? Researchers rethink symbiosis

A new study reveals that certain microorganisms in symbiotic relationships are constantly being replaced and discarded by their hosts. The researchers found that the genome of these microorganisms undergoes significant changes, losing genes over time and ceasing to be useful to the host.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 27, 2017

Community bias predicts police use of lethal force

A study found that racial biases in communities predict police use of lethal force, with implicit biases toward Blacks being a primary predictor. The research analyzed data from over 2 million residents across the US and found Black people were more likely to be killed by police in areas with stronger regional biases.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 27, 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.

The Danish reference genome

The Danish Reference genome is a groundbreaking achievement in genomics, allowing for the analysis of previously untractable regions and mapping non-simple variation among individuals. This breakthrough increases understanding of genetic differences affecting health and disease, paving the way for precision medicine.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2017