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Science News for July 6, 2017


Seeing street change

A study using computer vision algorithms examines millions of Google Street View images to measure urban change, finding that high density and education are key drivers of improvement. The research also supports three classical theories of urban change, highlighting the importance of human capital and education in shaping cities.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2017

When butterfly male sex-bias flaps its wings

Researchers found dosage compensation to be widespread in butterflies and moths, with consistent expression of Z-linked genes between sexes. However, gonads showed imbalance due to masculinization of the Z chromosome and loss of female-biased genes.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 6, 2017

Three Gorges Dam alters downstream schistosomiasis rates

The Three Gorges Dam has altered downstream schistosomiasis rates by changing snail distribution, with human infection rates decreasing from 3.38% to 0.44%. Low water levels due to the dam have made Dongting Lake an unsuitable environment for snails.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 6, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New ways to create and deliver medications for immune-medicated neuropathies

Researchers at LSTM have created synthetic alternatives to IVIg therapy for conditions like CIDP and Guillain-Barré syndrome. The new treatments, enriched with sialic acids, can be produced at a fraction of the cost and may offer relief to millions of people globally.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2017

Antibodies halt placental transmission of CMV-like virus in monkeys

A recent study by Duke University researchers demonstrates a vaccine approach that appears to protect fetuses from congenital CMV infection. The findings, published in JCI Insight, suggest potent antibodies can prevent viral transmission and severe disease in developing fetuses.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateJul 6, 2017

Surveying sea floor animals for offshore renewable energy

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a method to analyze sediment and animal life on the ocean floor, reducing the need for time-intensive identification work. The study found relationships between sediment characteristics and marine animal life consistent across eight sites off the Pacific Northwest coast.

SourceOregon State University·JournalContinental Shelf Research·DateJul 6, 2017

Biopsy tests may lead to inappropriate discards of donated kidneys

A recent study found that biopsy tests had no impact on kidney function after transplantation from living donors, but did influence outcomes with deceased donor kidneys. Despite this, nearly 20% of organs are still being discarded in the US due to suboptimal biopsy results.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 6, 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.

Are we still jealous? Infidelity in the age of social media

Men feel more distressed by sexual infidelity, while women are upset by emotional messages, with women generally more upset than men regardless of message content. The study supports evolutionarily derived theories that suggest differences in what triggers jealousy among men and women.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateJul 6, 2017

Kent State researchers study link between Pokémon GO and a healthier lifestyle

A study by Kent State researchers found that playing Pokémon GO increased daily walking behavior by 102 percent among college students. The game also reduced sedentary behavior by 25 percent during the first week after downloading. These positive effects persisted weeks later, even with a decrease in game play frequency.

SourceKent State University·JournalGames for Health Journal·DateJul 6, 2017

Conversation cards© a useful tool in pediatric weight management

A new study found that Conversation Cards can help families prioritize key challenges regarding pediatric weight management and create treatment plans with health care providers. The most popular card choices reflected families' readiness to make healthy changes, preference for involving children and adolescents in clinical discussions.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJul 6, 2017

Scientists awarded £1M to develop the catalysts of the future

Researchers at the University of Bath have been awarded £1M to develop new catalysts using iron, which could reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency. The project aims to create sustainable methods for producing molecules crucial for manufacturing pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateJul 6, 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.

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.

NASA sees Central Atlantic Ocean's forming Tropical Depression 4

Tropical Depression 4 formed over the central Atlantic Ocean on July 6, with heavy showers and rain rates exceeding 44mm/hour. The depression is moving west-northwest at 16mph and is expected to remain a depression for several days before potentially reaching tropical storm status.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 6, 2017

Scientists lay the groundwork for a reliable marijuana breathalyzer

Researchers at NIST have measured the vapor pressure of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a fundamental property for developing accurate marijuana breathalyzers. The study uses PLOT-cryo technology to capture and analyze THC molecules, providing crucial groundwork for manufacturers.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2017

QUT develops golden bananas high in pro-vitamin A

Researchers at QUT have developed a new, genetically modified banana rich in pro-vitamin A, a crucial nutrient for fighting vitamin A deficiency. The project aims to improve the nutritional content of bananas in Uganda, where they are a staple food and lack essential micronutrients.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateJul 6, 2017

Novel PET tracer detects small blood clots

Researchers have developed a novel PET tracer that can detect small blood clots in veins and arteries, providing valuable information for diagnosis and treatment. The tracer binds to GPIIb/IIIa receptors, targeting the critical molecular components involved in platelet clumping.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 6, 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.

Psychological effect against pushing and shoving

The study reveals that participants in a corridor setup exhibited lower crowd density than in a semicircle setup. Psychological aspects, including social norms and fairness, are believed to play a role in shaping the behavior of crowds. The findings suggest that purely physical models are insufficient for understanding crowd dynamics.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 6, 2017

Falling sea level caused volcanos to overflow

An international team of scientists discovered a possible cause for irregularities in climate evolution: enhanced volcanic activity induced by falling sea levels. This study found that reduced pressure on the seafloor led to increased lava and carbon dioxide emissions, stabilizing atmospheric CO2 concentrations during glacial periods.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2017

First discovery of an exoplanet with SPHERE/VLT

Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet, HIP65426b, using the SPHERE/VLT instrument for the first time. The planet is located at three times the Earth-Neptune distance from its star and has a mass 6 to 12 times higher than Jupiter.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateJul 6, 2017

How cats and cows protect farm children from asthma

A recent study by the University of Zurich found that exposure to sialic acid from farm animals can prevent asthma in children. This protective effect is due to an anti-inflammatory response triggered by regulatory T-cells, which dampen incorrect immune responses.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 6, 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.

Vitamin D may improve sunburn, according to new clinical trial

A new clinical trial found that high doses of vitamin D can reduce skin redness, swelling, and inflammation after a sunburn. Vitamin D at doses of 50,000-200,000 IU was shown to have long-lasting benefits in reducing skin inflammation and promoting skin barrier repair.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJul 6, 2017

Feel the heat, one touch a time

Scientists have developed a technique to map thermal conductivity at the nanoscale, enabling more efficient thermoelectric materials. This breakthrough uses scanning thermal microscopy to analyze three-phase thermoelectric materials and determine their local thermal conductivity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 6, 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.

A steady pulse

A multiyear global assessment by researchers from NCEAS found that the world's oceans have a health record with stable overall health but declining trends in various indicators such as water quality and food provision. Countries taking concrete actions to protect their oceans, like Indonesia and Mexico, are seeing notable improvements.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 6, 2017

Study offers clue to memory formation in the brain

A new study published in Neuron provides direct experimental evidence for the 'Memory-Synapse Specificity' Hypothesis, linking a specific type of synapse to a particular behavior and memory. The research reveals that synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) at a specific type of synapse encodes socially acquired olfactory memory.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNeuron·DateJul 6, 2017

Undersea life holds promise for killing tuberculosis

A team of researchers has identified 26 compounds from sponges and other marine organisms that are active against replicating tuberculosis bacteria, with 19 killing dormant bacteria. This is a novelty as existing drugs are better at killing replicating bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJul 6, 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.

Scientists find new method to fight malaria

Researchers at The Francis Crick Institute and The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine identified a key protein involved in malaria parasite escape. Disrupting this protein reduces the efficiency of parasite escape, slowing down infection rate.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 6, 2017

Scientists get first direct look at how electrons 'dance' with vibrating atoms

Researchers develop precise new way to study materials, revealing strong electron-phonon coupling that could lead to unprecedented superconductivity. The approach allows scientists to validate theories and computations describing complex materials' behavior, providing deep insights into their behavior.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2017

Digitally remastered wire art to be showcased at SIGGRAPH 2017

A new image-based method reconstructs wiry objects in 3-D with higher resolution and accuracy, benefiting fields like animation, medicine, and topology extraction. The technique uses short connections to assemble wire configurations, exploiting unique characteristics of wiry objects.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 6, 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.

In preschools in India, math games boost math understanding

Researchers at AAAS found that Indian preschoolers who played math games for four months showed significant improvements in math assessments, with gains lasting up to a year. The study suggests that preschool-level training with numerate adults can help prepare children for primary school math curricula.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2017

ASHG honors Edward McCabe with 2017 Advocacy Award

Edward R.B. McCabe, MD, PhD, received the ASHG 2017 Advocacy Award for his extensive efforts to integrate genetics into health systems and promote funding for biomedical research. He has worked on various initiatives, including Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act and Zika virus public education.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 6, 2017

Learning with music can change brain structure, study shows

A new study found that learning with music significantly develops white matter pathways in the brain, improving motor skill execution. Researchers used musical cues to help volunteers learn a physical task, showing increased structural connectivity between auditory and motor regions.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBrain and Cognition·DateJul 6, 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.

How plants grow like human brains

Salk scientists discovered that mathematical rules governing plant growth are similar to brain cell connections. The team used 3D laser scanning to analyze plant architecture and found a Gaussian branch density function, suggesting universal rules of logic governing branching growth across biological systems.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 6, 2017

Systematic research investigates effects of money on thinking, behavior

Researchers explored the impact of money primes on self-sufficient thinking and behavior across three experiments involving diverse participant groups. The results show weak and inconsistent effects of money primes on various measures of self-sufficiency.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 6, 2017

How humans transformed wild wheat into its modern counterpart

Researchers used 3-D genetic sequencing data to study the evolution of wheat from wild tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum) to domesticated wheat. They found two gene clusters that lost their function, leading to changes in spike morphology and grain development.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2017

Your hands may reveal the struggle to maintain self-control

Researchers studied decision-making in real-time using mouse trajectories, finding that individuals with low self-control veer closer to unhealthy foods. The study suggests a more dynamical process where both healthy and unhealthy choices compete from the beginning, contradicting dual systems theory.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 6, 2017

How strike-slip faults form, the origin of earthquakes

UMass Amherst researchers investigate strike-slip faults, revealing the 'Lazy Earth' hypothesis, where faults evolve to optimize energy transformation. The study identifies four stages in fault evolution: pre-faulting, localization, linkage, and slip, with irregularities persisting along mature faults.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Structural Geology·DateJul 6, 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.

Study: Preschoolers learn from math games -- to a point

A study found that preschool children who played math games improved in conceptual math skills, but these gains did not transfer to primary school. The intervention had no effect on formal math skills, despite improving non-symbolic abilities.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2017

Study offers new approach to evaluating agricultural development programs

Research from WorldFish and MIT reveals that involving local farmers in tackling a problem provides long-lasting benefits, rather than just introducing new technologies. The study focuses on two examples: reducing fish spoilage in Zambia and developing virus-resistant abaca varieties in the Philippines.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAgricultural Systems·DateJul 6, 2017

For rodents, seeing is believing

Researchers found that rats use local visual cues more than idiothetic cues when navigating through identical environments in darkness. Place cell activity indicated that animals were unaware of separate environments, suggesting reliance on visual cues over directional sense.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateJul 6, 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.

Snakebites cost Sri Lanka more than $10 million

A new study found that snakebites in rural Sri Lanka result in significant economic losses for individuals and the healthcare system. The annual costs are estimated at over $10 million, with victims experiencing median out-of-pocket costs of $11.82 and a loss of income of up to $33.21.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 6, 2017

A new molecular scissors act like a GPS to improve genome editing

Researchers have discovered how Cpf1, a new molecular scissor, can act like a GPS to identify its destination in the genome, enabling precise genome modification and repair. The high precision of Cpf1 will improve the use of this technology in repairing genetic damage and other medical applications.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalNature·DateJul 6, 2017

A biophysical smoking gun

Scientists discover tau protein can form compact droplets with RNA, creating conditions for aggregation. The novel state highly concentrates tau and makes it vulnerable to fibril formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 6, 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.

Birds' migration genes are conditioned by geography

A new study found that willow warblers' genetic make-up determines their migration patterns depending on where they breed in the summer. The researchers discovered significant differences in over 200 genes between birds breeding in southern and northern Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic States.

SourceLund University·JournalEvolution Letters·DateJul 6, 2017

Photo-responsive protein hydrogels as agent for controlled stem cell/protein release

Researchers from HKUST created a B12-dependent light-sensing hydrogel by covalently stitching together photoreceptor proteins, enabling rapid gel-sol transition on light exposure. This allows for controlled release of stem cells and proteins with high spatiotemporal precision.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2017

New genetic syndrome identified; may offer some answers for puzzled parents

Researchers have identified a rare genetic syndrome characterized by intellectual disability, seizures, and distinctive facial features. The study, led by Matthew A. Deardorff, describes WDR26 haploinsufficiency syndrome and provides initial information for counseling patients and families.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 6, 2017

UK's Farman is co-author of important wheat disease study

A UK plant pathologist has uncovered an important genetic link to the devastating wheat blast fungus. The research found that a mutation in a key gene allows the fungus to escape wheat resistance, compromising crop yields and sparking global efforts to breed blast-resistant wheat.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 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.

Life in the fast lane requires carpooling

A study in Jakarta found that ending a carpooling policy increased morning rush-hour travel times by 46%, while evening travel times surged by 87%. The research suggests the policy helped reduce overall cars on the road, but had negative effects on traffic flow.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2017

A future without fakes thanks to quantum technology

Researchers at Lancaster University showcase a new smartphone app that can verify product authenticity using graphene-based digital fingerprints. The technology has the potential to eradicate product counterfeiting and forgery, two of the costliest crimes in the world.

SourceLancaster University·DateJul 6, 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.

Late teen years are key period for bone growth

The late adolescent years are a critical period for bone growth, with 10% of bone mass continuing to accumulate after adult height is reached. A study found that bone mineral density develops at different rates in different parts of the skeleton, highlighting the importance of considering growth trajectories when interpreting data.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 6, 2017

Lymph node metastases may not always be the source of cancer's spread to other organs

Researchers have found that lymph node metastases are not always the source of cancer's spread to other organs, and instead, distant metastases can originate directly from the primary tumor. In most cases (65%), both lymph node and distant metastases originated from the same cell type in the primary tumor, indicating independent origins.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2017

New material may help cut battery costs for electric cars, cellphones

Researchers have developed a new manganese and sodium-ion-based material that could potentially lower battery costs and improve ecofriendliness. The new material uses sodium instead of lithium, which is more abundant but has some drawbacks, such as lower energy density.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 6, 2017

NIH awards $8.6 million for bold bid to transform lung transplantation

Researchers at UVA are receiving $8.6 million in federal grants to support cutting-edge projects that could dramatically increase the number of lungs available for transplant and save lives. The funding supports efforts to detect post-transplant complications, prevent IR injury, and better understand its causes.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateJul 6, 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.

Study finds Earth's magnetic field 'simpler than we thought'

Scientists have identified patterns in the Earth's magnetic field that evolve on a 1,000-year timescale, allowing for finer resolution of past changes. This discovery enables researchers to study the planet's history with greater precision using a 'geomagnetic fingerprint'.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 6, 2017

Researchers show how to make your own supernova

Scientists at the University of Oxford are recreating supernovae in a laboratory using lasers, allowing them to study the properties of these explosive events. This research is helping scientists better understand the origins of our universe and the formation of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·DateJul 6, 2017

Immune system cell clones created before birth may last for decades

Researchers found that identical twins share more T-cell clone receptors than expected due to potential exchange of T cells through cord blood before birth. This phenomenon suggests that some immune system cell clones created before birth can persist for about 40 years, shedding light on the diversity of T cell receptors in adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 6, 2017

Antioxidants against sepsis

Korean scientists report that ceria-zirconia nanoparticles act as effective scavengers of oxygen radicals, promoting a greatly enhanced surviving rate in sepsis model organisms. The nanoparticles accumulate in organs where severe immune responses occur and successfully eradicate reactive oxygen species.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 6, 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.

Falls lead to declines in seniors

A recent study found that elderly patients who visit emergency departments due to falls are at risk for adverse events, including additional falls, hospitalization, and death within 6 months. The study highlights the importance of educating patients on how to prevent falls after discharge from the emergency department.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 6, 2017

Virus-derived expression vectors as gene therapy vehicles

Researchers have developed virus-derived expression vectors as a potential gene therapy vehicle for treating various diseases. These vectors use viral sequences to silence specific genes or induce RNA interference, effectively downregulating viral replication and expressing therapeutic proteins.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalRecent Patents on Biotechnology·DateJul 6, 2017

Mothers often distracted during breast and bottle feeding

A new study found that distractions occurred in almost half of feedings, with technology-based distractions being the most common. Mothers enrolled in WIC reported better feeding interactions, but frequent engagement in distractions was predicted by having more children or certain infant characteristics.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJul 6, 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.

Two significant warming intervals in southern China since 1850

Scientists reconstructed annual temperature anomaly in southern China from 1850-2009 using high-resolution temperature proxies. The results show robust centennial warming and a first rapid cooling followed by significant warming intervals, with the most recent being from 1970, featuring unprecedented warmth rates.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJul 6, 2017

A computer that reads body language

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a computer that can understand body poses and movements of multiple people in real-time, including finger poses, using a single camera and laptop. This enables new ways for people and machines to interact, such as more natural communication with computers by pointing at objects.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJul 6, 2017

Flexible and cost-effective fabrication of nature inspired structural colors

Researchers developed a cost-effective method to produce biomimetic structural colors, overcoming previous limitations and enabling large-scale and flexible fabrication. The technique uses quasi-ordered scattering and can be fine-tuned by controlling synthesis conditions.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 6, 2017

Steroids may do more harm than good in some cases of severe asthma

Researchers have discovered that corticosteroids, a main treatment for asthma, can actually exacerbate the disease in certain cases. The study found that high levels of inflammatory protein CXCL10 and interferon-gamma are linked to poor lung function and worsening symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJCI Insight·DateJul 6, 2017

Controlling memory by triggering specific brain waves during sleep

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science used optogenetics to manipulate thalamic spindles in mice, affecting their ability to recall memories. The study found that artificial spindles administered at specific timing enhanced memory consolidation, while reduced spindles impaired recall.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNeuron·DateJul 6, 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.

Finding what's right with children who grow up in high-stress environments

A new research article proposes that stress-adapted children's traits, such as heightened vigilance and empathic accuracy, should be leveraged to enhance learning and intervention outcomes. These skills may allow at-risk children to perform better than peers from low-risk backgrounds when faced with uncertainty and stress.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJul 6, 2017

Role of cooperativity in hydrophobic interactions revealed in real-time monitoring

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery using real-time monitoring to quantify cooperativity in hydrophobic interactions, demonstrating its critical role in stabilizing macromolecular assembly. The study's innovative microfluidic device enables precise tracking of solute molecule aggregation at sub-microsecond timescales.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2017

'Weedy' fish species to take over our future oceans

Researchers found that small 'weedy' species will thrive in high CO2 environments, dominating marine biodiversity. The study suggests that reducing overfishing of intermediate predators could delay biodiversity loss and ecosystem change.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 6, 2017

Sorting complicated knots

Researchers from IBS Center for Geometry and Physics introduce a new mathematical operation to catalog Legendrian singular knots, crucial for understanding complex 3D spaces like our universe. The study aims to explore the fascinating possibilities of 3D spaces and provide a tentative list of all possible shapes.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Symplectic Geometry·DateJul 6, 2017

Study: Without HOV policies, urban traffic gets much, much worse

A new study by MIT economists reveals that eliminating High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) policies in Jakarta, Indonesia, led to a significant increase in urban traffic congestion. The study found that travel delays became 46% worse during the morning rush hour and 87% worse during the evening rush hour after the policy was discontinued.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 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.

Hospital discharge program improves patient experience leaving the hospital

A standardized discharge planning program called Project ReEngineered Discharge (RED) improves patient experience by providing a clear plan for self-care at home. The study found patients who received the RED intervention were more likely to feel comfortable caring for themselves, with higher satisfaction rates.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Patient Experience·DateJul 6, 2017

Fern fossil data clarifies origination and extinction of species

A new study from the University of Turku reveals that ferns' survival during mass extinctions is linked to environmental changes, while species origination is driven by factors such as low diversity levels after major events. This finding clarifies the contrasting views on biodiversity regulation.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 6, 2017

Climate change threatens domestic bee species

Researchers found that temporal mismatches between bees and plant species lead to negative consequences, including reduced plant pollination. Bees develop species-specific strategies to mitigate the impact, but these are not sufficient to prevent severe fitness loss.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJul 6, 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.

Kinky biology

Using supercomputer simulations, researchers have discovered that kinks in DNA can significantly reduce energy and pressure, allowing it to fit into a micron-sized space. The findings provide new insights into how cells pack DNA and could lead to advances in understanding biological phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalJournal of Computational Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2017

Anti-gravity treadmills get patients running again after knee surgery

A new report from the University of Kent shows how anti-gravity treadmills help knee surgery patients return to running, reducing fears and increasing self-belief. The devices use adjustable air pressure to reduce joint load and facilitate a safe transition back to sports.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPhysical Therapy in Sport·DateJul 6, 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.

Terminal cancer patients can be unwilling to face prognosis

A recent study found that nearly 10% of terminal cancer patients are unwilling to face their prognosis, hindering them from making informed end-of-life plans. Healthcare professionals should assess patients' readiness for prognostic information and provide sensitive coaching to cultivate accurate awareness.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Oncologist·DateJul 6, 2017

Changes in conservation planning can benefit vulnerable mammals

A new study by Colorado State University researchers provides the first biological map of priority areas that capture multiple dimensions of mammalian biodiversity. This approach can help safeguard vulnerable mammals and ensure their evolutionary potential to adapt in a rapidly changing world.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2017

California projected to get wetter through this century

UC Riverside researchers predict California will see a 12% increase in precipitation by 2100, with northern and central regions experiencing the largest increases. The study attributes this change to a southeastward shift of the jet stream, encouraged by warming sea surface temperatures.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2017

Into the quantum world with a tennis racket

Researchers have discovered a novel approach to controlling quanta using the tennis racket effect, which can visualize fault-tolerant manipulation of quanta. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient quantum computing, with potential applications in secure networks and ultrafast quantum computers.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateJul 6, 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.

Heart of matter studies resonate with award winner

Raul Briceno receives Kenneth G. Wilson Award for his groundbreaking contributions to lattice field theory, enabling research on nuclear matter resonances using lattice Quantum Chromodynamics.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJul 6, 2017

A cosmic barbecue: Researchers spot 60 new 'hot Jupiter' candidates

Researchers at Yale University have discovered 60 new potential 'hot Jupiters,' gas giant planets that orbit extremely close to their stars. The discovery was made possible by a novel application of machine learning algorithms and the analysis of more than 140,000 star observations from NASA's Kepler mission.

SourceYale University·DateJul 6, 2017

Keeping the beat

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has renewed funding for the University of Pittsburgh's Cardiovascular Bioengineering Training Program, which educates students in cardiovascular research and prepares them for careers in basic and translational cardiovascular research. The program focuses on three areas: understanding native and ...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJul 6, 2017