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Science News for October 18, 2017


Rapid environmental change makes species more vulnerable to extinction

Researchers found that indirect effects of coevolution have a greater impact on complex biological communities than direct interactions. This is particularly concerning for species-rich networks, which are slow to adapt to rapid environmental changes and may face higher extinction risks.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCI scientists see order in complex patterns of river deltas

Researchers find that deltas exhibit a high diversity of delivery pathways to the sea, adapting to maintain their existence. The study's findings suggest an 'optimality principle' governing the behavior of rivers deltas across different environments.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2017

New analysis suggests that preserving rare species is vital to tropical forests

An international team developed a statistical approach to examine forest populations and predict biodiversity, highlighting the importance of rare species in maintaining ecosystem health. The new method provides accurate estimates of species numbers and abundances, enabling conservation efforts to focus on vulnerable species.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 18, 2017

This nanoelectronics breakthrough could lead to more efficient quantum devices

A Concordia University study published in Nature Communications reveals the potential for ultra-smart transistors that harness the quantum nature of electrons. Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling electron behavior within nanoelectronics, showing new engineering possibilities for two-in-one quantum electronic devices.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2017

Healthy coral populations produce a surprising number of offspring

A new study reveals that healthy coral populations can produce significantly more offspring than degraded populations, with higher percentages of successful parents and increased reproductive output. This finding highlights the critical role of healthy coral reefs in supporting reef recovery and re-seeding other areas.

SourceWiley·JournalConservation Letters·DateOct 18, 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.

Mass killings happen randomly, yet rate has remained steady, study finds

A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that mass killings in the US have remained steady over the past decade, with no significant increase in frequency or clustering. The study's authors suggest that a robust response system and resiliency in infrastructure are key to minimizing the impact of such events.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalViolence and Victims·DateOct 18, 2017

Dutch courage -- Alcohol improves foreign language skills

A new study found that consuming a low dose of alcohol can improve bilingual speakers' ability to speak a second language, particularly in terms of pronunciation. However, the study's results suggest that higher levels of alcohol consumption may not have similar benefits.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateOct 18, 2017

Researchers define burden of hepatitis in Democratic Republic of the Congo

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases defines the burden of hepatitis C virus infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Researchers developed a simple test using existing HIV testing equipment, identifying 1% of adults living in the DRC as potentially infected.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateOct 18, 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.

Need for targeted interventions for breastfeeding difficulties due to obesity

A study by University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found delayed lactogenesis II and excessive gestational weight gain associated with breastfeeding difficulties in obese women. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to support these women in achieving their personal breastfeeding goals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Human Lactation·DateOct 18, 2017

Understanding the coevolving web of life as a network

A new study explores the coevolving web of life as a network, revealing counterintuitive results on direct and indirect effects within large webs of interacting species. The findings suggest that strong coevolutionary selection between partners increases the importance of indirect effects on overall evolution.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2017

Dolphin diets suggest extreme changes in the ocean may shorten food chains

A new study reveals that extreme marine conditions can significantly alter food chain dynamics in the California Current ecosystem. Dolphin diets suggest shorter food chains due to changes in prey availability and nitrogen cycling, potentially threatening ecosystem resilience.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 18, 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.

Cocaine use during adolescence is even more harmful than during adulthood

Researchers found that early-onset cocaine users exhibited pronounced differences in sustained attention, working memory, and declarative memory compared to late-onset users. The study also revealed higher frequencies of cannabis and alcohol use among early-onset individuals.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateOct 18, 2017

First time mums with an epidural who lie down more likely to have a normal birth

A recent study published in The BMJ found that first-time mothers with an epidural who adopt a lying down position during the second stage of labor are more likely to deliver their baby without any medical intervention. The study involved 3,093 women and found a 5.9% increase in the chance of spontaneous birth in the lying down group.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 18, 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.

Nature or nurture? Innate social behaviors in the mouse brain

Research finds that social experience with a female mouse triggers separate neural populations and aggressive behavior in males, challenging the 'hardwired' hypothesis. The study reveals that even innate behaviors have a degree of plasticity and computation.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2017

Is HPV vaccination safe for adult women?

A large-scale study involving over 3 million Danish and Swedish adult women found no association between HPV vaccination and serious chronic diseases. However, the vaccine may increase the risk of developing celiac disease, particularly in Denmark where the condition is underdiagnosed.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateOct 18, 2017

Physics boosts artificial intelligence methods

Researchers developed a method to extract Higgs boson signal from noise data using quantum-compatible machine learning techniques, outperforming standard counterparts even with small datasets. The new approach is expected to be useful for problems beyond high-energy physics.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2017

Study finds epilepsy drug to be safe during pregnancy

A recent study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that using lamotrigine during pregnancy does not increase birth malformations or neurodevelopmental disorders. The research monitored 83 children born to epileptic mothers who took the medication between 2004 and 2014.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateOct 18, 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.

From Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde of cancer immunotherapy

Researchers found that neutrophils can inhibit T lymphocyte activity, weakening the effect of cancer immunotherapy. This mechanism, triggered by soluble mediators released by cancer tissues, can cause an 'evil alter ego' in neutrophils, making them less effective at fighting cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateOct 18, 2017

Migraine drug commonly used in ER may not be best option

A study published in Neurology found that prochlorperazine was more effective than hydromorphone in treating acute migraine, with 60% of patients experiencing sustained headache relief. The study also found no significant difference in opioid addiction rates between the two groups.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 18, 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.

Screening for disease or toxins in a drop of blood

Newomics Inc.'s multinozzle emitter array (MEA) technology can screen for diseases or toxins in small volumes of biological samples, improving sensitivity and throughput. This technology is designed to work with mass spectrometers to measure the structure and concentration of molecules, enabling better medicines and diagnostics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateOct 18, 2017

UMN receives grant from Helmsley Charitable Trust to test 'super ambulances'

The University of Minnesota Medical School has received a $892,462 grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust's Rural Healthcare Program to develop a plan for equipping ambulances with mobile emergency departments. The goal is to improve emergency care for critical-need patients in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·DateOct 18, 2017

Petals produce a 'blue halo' that helps bees find flowers

Researchers found that flower petals with nanoscale ridges on their surface produce a 'blue halo' effect, which helps bees locate flowers. The irregularities in these nanostructures appear to be harnessed by evolution to aid floral communication.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 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.

Police satisfaction in developing countries dependent on less corruption

A new study by researchers at the University of Kent and Utrecht found that reducing corruption is crucial to improving police satisfaction in developing countries. The study, which involved 559 residents in Accra, Ghana, showed that even fair treatment by police can be undermined by awareness of corruption and ineffectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPolicing & Society·DateOct 18, 2017

Stiff fibers spun from slime

Scientists discover that velvet worm slime consists of a mix of proteins and fatty acids, forming nanoglobules that harden into stiff filaments when exposed to shear forces. These fibers have tensile stiffness similar to Nylon and can be dissolved in water again within hours.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2017

Mouse studies shed light on how protein controls heart failure

A new study on mice sheds light on the role of protein modification in heart failure, suggesting new strategies for personalizing treatment by examining phosphorylation. Researchers found that abnormal addition of phosphate to a specific heart muscle protein may damage the heart's pumping ability.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateOct 18, 2017

First ESMO award for immuno-oncology goes to Laurence Zitvogel

Prof Laurence Zitvogel has been awarded the first ESMO Award for Immuno-Oncology for her pioneering work in advancing cancer immunology and immunotherapy. Her research focuses on understanding the gut microbiome's role in cancer immunosurveillance, with implications for predicting response to immunomodulators.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateOct 18, 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.

Teenage girls more likely to self-harm than boys

A recent study published in The BMJ found that teenage girls are more likely to self-harm than boys, with a sharp rise in self-harm rates among UK girls aged 13-16. The study analyzed data from 16,912 patients and found that girls were nine times more likely to die unnaturally than unaffected children.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 18, 2017

Gentle touch soothes the pain of social rejection

Researchers at University College London discovered that gentle touch can soothe the effects of social exclusion, one of the most emotionally painful human experiences. The study found that slow, affectionate touch reduced feelings of negativity and social exclusion induced by social rejection, even though general mood remained the same.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 18, 2017

Is 3-D printing living up to the hype?

Industry is utilizing 3-D printing technology to reduce production time and costs, with companies like Volkswagen saving hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, material flaws and limitations continue to hinder the widespread adoption of 3-D printed products for consumers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 18, 2017

Art advancing science at the nanoscale

Don Ingber and Charles Reilly created a film that accurately depicts the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, revealing new insights into molecular-scale processes. The film's animation pipeline integrated physics-based software with molecular dynamics simulation to create a model that worked across all size scales.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 18, 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.

Multiple sclerosis: Oligodendrocytes from stem cells

Researchers have found that interaction between mesenchymal and adult neural stem cells can strongly promote oligodendrogenesis, potentially leading to improved treatment options for Multiple Sclerosis. The study's results demonstrate conservation across species, offering hope for clinical translation.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalGlia·DateOct 18, 2017

Turning brain cells into skin cells

Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Weizmann Institute successfully transformed mature cells from various parts of the body into melanocytes, responsible for producing skin pigment. This breakthrough enables the potential for curing deafness and developing novel transplants.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2017

New material for digital memories of the future

Scientists have created a novel ferroelectric material that can be switched on and off using polarization, enabling the development of small, flexible digital memories. The material has potential applications in solar cells and other emerging technologies.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 18, 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.

Gene therapy can cure lameness in horses, research finds

A groundbreaking study has found that injecting DNA into injured horse tendons and ligaments can cure lameness within two to three weeks. The gene therapy technology also showed no adverse side effects, with the horses returning to full health after just two months.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateOct 18, 2017

MRI may predict neurological outcomes for cardiac arrest survivors

A study using advanced MRI techniques found that brain connectivity can predict long-term recovery in patients with cardiac arrest-related brain damage. Functional connectivity was stronger in those who achieved higher levels of independence, and the interaction between default mode and salience networks was a key predictor of outcomes.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateOct 18, 2017

Individual receptors caught at work

Researchers used single-molecule microscopy to study receptor-G protein interactions, finding specialized sites called hot spots where they meet and interact. These hot spots play a crucial role in regulating intracellular processes and may enable more precise therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 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.

Separating methane and CO2 will become more efficient

Researchers at KU Leuven have created a new membrane that significantly enhances the separation of methane and CO2 in natural gas and biogas. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of renewable fuels and chemicals.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 18, 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.

Obesity may exacerbate asthma in children

A study of 38,679 hospitalized children with asthma found obesity to be a risk factor for repeated hospital admissions and longer stays. Those who were obese required more intensive care and had higher total hospitalization costs compared to normal-weight children.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateOct 18, 2017

Living mulch builds profits, soil

Scientists at the University of Georgia developed an efficient living mulch system that benefits both corn production and soil health. By removing portions of clover after each harvest, farmers can reap cost savings from reduced herbicide and nitrogen fertilizer usage.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateOct 18, 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.

New Amazon threat? Deforestation from mining

A comprehensive study found that mining operations in Brazil are destroying a significant portion of the Amazon forest, with 90% of deforestation occurring outside mine lease boundaries. The research suggests that mining is now a substantial cause of Amazon forest loss, warranting action.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 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.

Arsenic in domestic well water could affect 2 million people in the US

A new study estimates that about 2 million Americans may be exposed to high levels of naturally occurring arsenic in their private well water. The researchers developed a model incorporating tens of thousands of existing arsenic measurements and identified arsenic hotspots in regions with higher concentrations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 18, 2017

UC Riverside physicists win two awards at Science Hack Day

The University of California, Riverside team won the 'Best in Show' and 'Most Whimsical Hack' awards for their creative projects, including a hack that converted cat pictures into constellations. The team's work has the potential to educate and engage the community through interactive science experiences.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 18, 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.

Illinois sportfish recovery a result of 1972 Clean Water Act, scientists report

The Illinois River's dramatic recovery is attributed to the Clean Water Act, which reduced sewage effluent and improved water quality. As a result, populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and other sportfish have increased dramatically, with catches now exceeding 100-300 fish per hour.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBioScience·DateOct 18, 2017

Research demonstrates method to alter coherence of light

Brown University researchers have developed a method to manipulate the spatial coherence of light, transforming it from incoherent to coherent and vice versa. By controlling surface plasmon polaritons, they achieved strong modulation across a range of 0-80% coherence, breaking previous barriers.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 18, 2017

New findings explain how UV rays trigger skin cancer

Melanocyte stem cells can become cancerous when accumulating sufficient genetic mutations, which are activated by UV radiation from the sun. Researchers at Cornell University discovered a key gene, Hgma2, that facilitates melanoma development.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 18, 2017

How well-fed mosquitoes outwit victims at take-off

Researchers discover that well-fed mosquitoes use a softer take-off technique to evade detection, utilizing their long legs and high wingbeat frequency. This strategy allows them to minimize tactile detection without compromising on take-off speed.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 18, 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.

Global calcium consumption appears low, especially in Asia

Daily calcium intake among adults varies widely around the world, with many areas at risk of bone health due to low intakes. Regional patterns show Southern and Eastern Asia having the lowest average intakes, while Northern Europe registers higher intakes.

SourceBrown University·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateOct 18, 2017

Hardy corals make their moves to build new reefs from scratch

Scientists discovered that hardy corals, known as coralliths, can create stable habitats for other species to build upon. These mobile corals can survive harsh environments and may have played a key role in forming existing coral habitats.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 18, 2017

Solar eruptions could electrify martian moons

A NASA study reveals that powerful solar eruptions could charge areas of the Martian moon Phobos to hundreds of volts, potentially affecting sensitive electronics. The charging effects could also affect astronauts on potential human missions to Phobos.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalAdvances in Space Research·DateOct 18, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Making big data a little smaller

Computer scientist Jelani Nelson finds Johnson-Lindenstrauss lemma best approach to reduce data dimensionality. The theorem helps speed up algorithms across various fields.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·DateOct 18, 2017

Death by a thousand cuts? Not for small populations

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a new concept called 'drift robustness', where small populations evolve to protect themselves from harmful mutations. This adaptation allows them to survive and thrive in environments where larger populations would struggle.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2017

One step closer toward a treatment for Alzheimer's disease?

Scientists have characterized a new class of drugs that precisely block the production of toxic forms of beta-amyloid, a primary driver of Alzheimer's disease. Treatment with these gamma-secretase modulators reduces levels of amyloid-beta 42 in animal models and cellular systems.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEBioMedicine·DateOct 18, 2017

Research sheds new light on early turquoise mining in Southwest

A team of University of Arizona researchers has discovered that a previously thought to be small turquoise mine was actually a significant source of the mineral, producing 25% more turquoise than previously estimated. The study uses both archaeology and geochemistry to gain a complete picture of operations at the mine.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateOct 18, 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.

Electrode materials from the microwave oven

Researchers have developed a novel microwave synthesis process that facilitates the production of high-voltage cathodes for lithium-ion batteries. The new process produces high-quality lithium cobalt phosphate in just 30 minutes with minimal energy consumption.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateOct 18, 2017

Newborns with trisomy 13 or 18 benefit from heart surgery, study finds

A recent study published in Pediatrics found that infants with trisomy 13 or 18 who underwent heart surgery had a significant decrease in in-hospital mortality and an increase in survival rates. This benefit lasted for up to two years, doubling the number of babies that survive more than one year after surgery.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 18, 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.

DNA tests on albatross poo reveal secret diet of top predator

A study analyzing 1460 scats from breeding sites found that jellyfish are a common prey of black-browed and Campbell albatrosses. Jellyfish were present at seven of the eight sites sampled and comprise 20% of the DNA sequences identified.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateOct 18, 2017

Nice ice, maybe: Study finds water-repelling surfaces ease ice removal

Researchers discovered that water-repellent surfaces force ice to grow upward, making it easier to remove. The team's findings suggest applying water-repellent coatings or engineering surfaces with built-in repelling properties could enable breeze-assisted ice removal.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2017

New clues to treat Alagille Syndrome from zebrafish

A new study published in Nature Communications identifies the cells and genes necessary to make liver ducts in zebrafish, which could lead to the development of new treatments for Alagille syndrome. The research team discovered that Jagged signals come from an unexpected cell type, endoderm-derived cells within the liver itself, stimul...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 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.

Battling flames increases firefighters' exposure to carcinogens

Researchers measured firefighters' exposure to carcinogens and found post-fire levels of PAH metabolites in urine were 2.9-5.3 times higher than pre-fire levels. Skin decontamination may help reduce exposure, the study suggests.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 18, 2017

SwRI scientists dig into the origin of organics on Ceres

Researchers found organics on Ceres are likely native, contradicting earlier theories of delivery via comets or asteroids. The discovery suggests a complex chemical evolution and important astrobiological implications for the solar system.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateOct 18, 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.

Are the policies of promoting bicycle use socially profitable?

A study by the University of Seville found that investing in cycling infrastructure yields a significant social return, with an average profitability rate of 130% on public investment. The research estimated a €550m profit for the city of Seville, outperforming traditional transport infrastructure investments.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalLand Use Policy·DateOct 18, 2017

New obesity treatment lowers body weight in mice, rats and primates

Researchers developed an engineered protein therapy based on the GDF15 molecule to treat obesity. The treatment successfully lowered body weights, insulin levels, and cholesterol in obese mice, rats, and primates.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 18, 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.

Oral sex and smoking increase men's risk of head and neck cancer

A study published in Annals of Oncology found that men who smoke and have multiple oral sex partners are at higher risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer. Despite the risk, the likelihood is still relatively low, making screening a challenge.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateOct 18, 2017

Competing forces: How molecules maintain their structure

Researchers discovered two primary forces at play: hydrogen bonds and phase segregation, which strengthen or weaken each other. The study improves understanding of polymer structure formation, enhancing knowledge about self-healing materials and protein structures.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 18, 2017

A mosquito's secret weapon: a light touch and strong wings

Researchers found mosquitoes make stealthy takeoffs with barely a push-off, instead relying on strong wing beats for lift. They can carry blood meals without issue, using sweeping wing movements to generate extra lift.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 18, 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.

Inflammation trains the skin to heal faster

Research reveals that wounds heal more than twice as fast in skin with prior inflammatory experience, thanks to sensitized stem cells. These cells remain active long after the initial inflammation has subsided and are better equipped to migrate into the wound.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2017