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Science News for September 27, 2017


Atomistic simulations go the distance on metal strength

The team demonstrated that direct atomistic simulations can predict metal strength, revealing crystal defects and twinning mechanisms. This research provides a wealth of observations on fundamental mechanisms of dynamic response and quantitative parameters needed for strength models.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 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.

Preservation of floodplains is flood protection

Rivers need more space, diversity, and freedom to protect species and prevent devastating floods. Floodplain landscapes are crucial for sediment retention and natural flood protection.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalLand Degradation and Development·DateSep 27, 2017

The Cherenkov Telescope Array releases its updated science case

The Cherenkov Telescope Array's (CTA) updated science case outlines the observatory's major science themes and potential discoveries in astrophysics and fundamental physics. CTA will explore extreme environments, probe cosmic voids, and search for dark matter, with the potential for unexpected breakthroughs.

SourceCherenkov Telescope Array·JournalInternational Journal of Modern Physics D·DateSep 27, 2017

Study shows minimally invasive valve replacements hold up well after five years

A study led by Duke University Medical Center found that biologic valves used in trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and open-heart surgery continue to perform well up to five years after implantation. The results provide reassurance for the long-term benefits of minimally invasive valve replacement.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateSep 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.

Study allows establishing a timeline of obesity

Researchers found that a diet rich in saturated fats damages the brain's hunger control system within days, while gut bacteria changes occur weeks later. The study suggests that this sequence of events may contribute to weight gain and obesity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateSep 27, 2017

LIGO and Virgo observatories jointly detect black hole collision

The LIGO and Virgo observatories have jointly detected a black hole collision, emitting ripples in space and time. The event, located 1.8 billion light-years away, resulted in a spinning black hole with about 53 times the mass of our sun.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 27, 2017

Brain disconnections may contribute to Parkinson's hallucinations

Research found disconnections in brain areas involved in attention and visual processing may contribute to visual hallucinations in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The study used fMRI to examine connectivity between brain areas, showing decreased synchronization in patients with visual hallucinations.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateSep 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.

Health and social care changes 'paving way for fewer services' warn experts

Experts predict reduced access to care, widening inequalities and increased private provision as the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and STPs lead to blurred distinctions between health and social care. The lack of consideration for different funding bases has led to concerns about equitable distribution of resources.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 27, 2017

Computer scientists address gap in messaging privacy

Researchers have developed a solution to a longstanding problem in end-to-end encryption, which ensures only sender and recipient can read a message. The new protocol, called DECIM, forces attackers to leave evidence of any such activity and alerts users to take action.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateSep 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.

NIH announces centers for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome research

The National Institutes of Health has awarded four grants to establish a coordinated scientific research effort on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers will collaborate on projects, share data, and engage with the ME/CFS community to advance knowledge and potential treatments for this debilitating disease.

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

NASA satellites peer into a lop-sided Hurricane Maria

Hurricane Maria appears asymmetric due to vertical wind shear, with eastern clouds receiving more precipitation than the western side. GPM radar data shows light rain showers around the eye, but stronger storms are located northeast of the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 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.

Removing nitrate for healthier ecosystems

A study has identified areas where nitrogen is removed from agricultural streams, revealing that buffer zones with fine soils and organic matter are effective at reducing nitrate levels. These findings suggest that conserving existing buffer zones and reconnecting streams to them can improve water quality.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateSep 27, 2017

Plant substance inhibits cancer stem cells

Researchers at Lund University have successfully isolated and studied the plant compound damsin, which inhibits the growth and spread of cancer stem cells. The study's findings suggest that damsin and its synthetic analogue ambrosin may contribute to the development of new drugs against cancer stem cells.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 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.

Army refines recipe for quantum-enhanced technologies

Researchers at US Army Research Laboratory have made breakthroughs understanding entanglement structure in quantum systems with long-range interactions. Entanglement enables ultra-secure communication, precise measurement, and powerful computers.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 27, 2017

Earliest evidence for a native African cultigen discovered in Eastern Sudan

Archaeologists discovered ancient Egyptian-like plant impressions indicating that prehistoric peoples in the Butana Group were cultivating wild sorghum until it was genetically altered into a domesticated form. This finding pushes back the process for domesticating summer rainfall cereals by over a thousand years.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateSep 27, 2017

Expectant mother's elevated blood pressure raises child's risk of obesity

A study published by The Endocrine Society found that expectant mothers with elevated blood pressure during pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop childhood obesity. Women with high blood pressure, even within the normal range, were associated with a higher risk of overweight or obese children.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 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.

Opioid crisis in Staten Island affects all races and socioeconomic backgrounds

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the opioid epidemic on Staten Island disproportionately affects marginalized communities. The researchers identified areas with high overdose rates as underserved in treatment services, highlighting the need for expanded methadone clinics and detox capacity.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateSep 27, 2017

Interventions for alcohol and hypertension could save hundreds of lives across EU

A study published in BMC Medicine found that routine screening and interventions for hazardous and harmful alcohol use in people with hypertension in primary care could significantly lower blood pressure and reduce premature deaths. The authors estimate that these interventions would lead to substantial reductions in cardiovascular dis...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateSep 27, 2017

Researchers uncover the source of diabetic pain

A new study from King's College London reveals the molecular basis of chronic nerve pain in diabetes, identifying HCN2 as a key player. The findings suggest that targeting this protein could lead to effective treatments for painful diabetic neuropathy, a condition affecting up to one in four people with diabetes.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 27, 2017

Purple plant is on the defensive

Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus have identified molecules in lavender that create antimicrobial and insecticidal compounds, providing a potential solution for controlling fungal growth and pests. This discovery could lead to the development of more environmentally friendly pesticides.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalPlant Molecular Biology·DateSep 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.

Printed meds could reinvent pharmacies, drug research

A new technology can print pure, ultra-precise doses of drugs onto various surfaces, enabling on-site printing of custom-dosed medications. This technique accelerates drug development and makes life easier for patients taking multiple medications daily.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 2017

The hormone that could be making your dog aggressive

A study led by the University of Arizona found that dogs with leash aggression had higher levels of total vasopressin, while those without exhibited higher oxytocin and oxytocin-to-vasopressin ratios. This supports the idea that oxytocin may help inhibit aggression in dogs.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 27, 2017

Monetising time savings makes toll roads financially stack up

A new study by QUT suggests that toll roads and tunnels can be made more cost-effective by putting a dollar value on the savings from traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution. The research found that governments should consider benefits beyond financial analysis when deciding on infrastructure investment.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Transportation Engineering·DateSep 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.

Unexpected discovery leads to new theory of liquid streaming

Researchers at the University of Houston have made an unexpected discovery that leads to a new theory of liquid streaming. The researchers generated a liquid stream using a pulsed laser and found that gold nanoparticles played a crucial role in creating the phenomenon, which they called acoustic streaming.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 27, 2017

Back from the brink

Researchers discovered anastasis has two distinct stages and cells hold onto pro-survival molecules even when dying. The study's findings suggest this process may enable cancer cells to bounce back after treatment, raising questions about the long-term cellular effects of anastasis.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateSep 27, 2017

Research sheds new light on how Earth and Mars were created

Scientists from the University of Bristol have discovered evidence suggesting that massive collisions during planetary accretion resulted in significant mass loss, altering a planet's composition. This process, which occurred in the Earth and Mars formation, led to their distinctive volatile poor compositions.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateSep 27, 2017

Virtual reality helps veterans prepare for new jobs

The Virtual Training Agent for Veterans (VITA4VETS) program uses virtual simulation practice to build job interviewing competence and confidence among veterans. With a high success rate of 93% in securing employment, VITA4VETS provides customizable training to address the challenges faced by transitioning service members.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateSep 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.

Researchers from KAIST and NTU Singapore unlock Parkinson's disease

A KAIST research team has identified a new mechanism that causes the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including tremors. The discovery presents a new perspective on three decades of conventional wisdom and opens up new avenues for alleviating motor problems.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNeuron·DateSep 27, 2017

Study examines characteristics of mobile mammography patients

Researchers found significant differences between mobile mammography patients and those at a cancer center, including higher recall rates and racial diversity. The study aims to develop targeted programs to increase screening rates among underserved populations.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 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.

Unlocking the secrets of disease progression

Lina Cui, a UNM Assistant Professor, is leading a large-scale research project to understand the chemistry of disease progression and its role in cancer metastasis. The goal is to develop diagnostic tools that target specific enzymes involved in disease spread.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·DateSep 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.

Defining optimal opioid pain medication prescription length following surgery

Researchers analyzed opioid prescription data from the Department of Defense Military Health System Data Repository to identify optimal opioid pain medication prescription length following surgery. The findings suggest that prescription lengths may need to be extended beyond seven days for certain procedures, recognizing that up to 40%...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateSep 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.

Early babies face lifelong fitness risks

Babies born between 37-38 weeks have a 57% higher risk of poor cardiorespiratory fitness, according to the study. Early term deliveries may lead to neurological, cognitive and respiratory issues in adolescence and early adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 27, 2017

Gravitational twists help theoretical physicists shed light on quantum complexity

Researchers found that certain physical phenomena, such as the thermal Hall conductance, cannot be simulated efficiently due to a negative sign or complex quantities involved in quantum Monte-Carlo methods. This limits the scalability of large-scale quantum simulations and provides reassurance for theoretical physicists.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 27, 2017

Anxious moms may give clues about how anxiety develops

Researchers found that anxious mothers' babies spend more time looking at angry faces before turning away, suggesting a genetic component to anxiety development. This study could help predict which children are at risk for anxiety and potentially prevent its development.

SourcePenn State·JournalEmotion·DateSep 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.

Study reveals troubling disparities in prescribing opioids for patients with nonmalignant chronic pain

A recent study from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy found that social and cultural factors are playing a significant role in determining when patients receive opioid prescriptions. Patients with publicly funded insurance, those in the U.S. South, and Hispanic patients were more likely to be prescribed opioids.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalBehavior Modification·DateSep 27, 2017

Study confirms large earthquakes along Olympic Mountain faults

A comprehensive study of faults in the Olympic Mountains reveals three to five large earthquakes occurred within the last 13,000 years. The two most recent earthquakes are estimated to be magnitude 7 and 6-7 respectively, posing a significant threat to Seattle and other population centers.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateSep 27, 2017

RUDN chemists obtained new compound for molecular machines

Researchers at RUDN University developed a new complex mercuric compound with unusual structure using non-covalent interactions. The compound can be used to create molecular machines, which are molecules capable of mechanical work.

SourceRUDN University·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateSep 27, 2017

Ancient ink for cancer treatment

Researchers discovered Hu-Kaiwen ink can kill cancer cells without harming normal tissues, offering an alternative to expensive and toxic PTT. The traditional Chinese ink absorbs near-infrared light and heats up when exposed to a laser, demonstrating its potential as a non-toxic photothermal therapy agent.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateSep 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.

Unlocking the mysteries of memory -- and potentially enhancing it

Researchers have identified a novel compound called HT-0411 that enhances long-term memory in animals, leveraging CREB activation and monoamine oxidase B inhibition. The study suggests potential for pharmaceutical enhancements of human memory.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateSep 27, 2017

Olive mill wastewater transformed: From pollutant to bio-fertilizer, biofuel

Researchers have developed an environmentally friendly process to transform olive mill wastewater into sustainable products. The process involves embedding the wastewater in cypress sawdust, rapidly drying it, and then subjecting it to pyrolysis to produce bio-oil and charcoal pellets.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 27, 2017

High rate of prescriptions for new cholesterol medications never filled

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that only 30.9% of patients prescribed PCSK9 inhibitors ever received therapy, largely due to copay costs and prior authorization processes. Patients with governmental insurance and those filled at specialty pharmacies were more likely to be approved.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateSep 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.

The aftermath of Katrina through the eyes of addiction treatment

A study of 11 addiction treatment professionals reflects the increase in prescription drug addictions and staff-related challenges following Hurricane Katrina. The disaster led to the creation of emergency preparedness plans, but participants expressed frustration with federal help conditions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Addictions & Offender Counseling·DateSep 27, 2017

How am I feeling? Ask my house

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a more advanced radar-based device that can accurately measure the body's vital signals without attaching cumbersome wires. This technology has great promise for remote health monitoring and could potentially be integrated into household appliances to monitor residents' vitals.

SourceKyoto University·DateSep 27, 2017

Two new crustacean species discovered on Galician seabed

Researchers discover two new crustacean species in deep waters off the northwest coast of Spain, both blind and measuring just a few millimeters. The species are distinct despite sharing their lack of eyes, with one belonging to the Photidae family and the other to the Corophiidae family.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalZootaxa·DateSep 27, 2017

On a collision course with game theory

Researchers developed a new approach to modeling pedestrian behavior in collisions, combining game theory with the Fokker-Planck equation. Experiments confirm that the calculated paths match actual paths taken, suggesting a reliable solution for optimizing public spaces.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateSep 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.

Reducing disparities in cancer precision medicine

The partnership aims to address health disparities by conducting research on patient-derived cancers and training students in cancer health disparities-based precision medicine. This collaboration seeks to bridge the gap in understanding how to plan cancer prevention and care for underserved populations.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateSep 27, 2017

The volatile processes that shaped the Earth

New research from Oxford University sheds light on the formation of the Earth and its depletion of vital chemical elements. By simulating early Earth conditions, scientists found that melting and evaporation played a key role in shaping the planet's chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateSep 27, 2017

Study examines survival of very low birthweight babies

A new study published in Acta Paediatrica indicates that survival rates for babies born weighing 500g are alarmingly low. Short-term morbidity is prevalent among surviving infants, with retinopathy of prematurity and chronic lung disease being common issues.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateSep 27, 2017

The benefits & dangers when genetic testing companies partner with orphan drug developers

The partnership between genetic testing companies and orphan drug developers has both positive and negative implications. On the one hand, it can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases. However, there are also concerns over patient privacy and potential price-gouging due to rising healthcare costs.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateSep 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.

From River Weser to the North Sea

A new project aims to discover how microplastics make their way from land to sea and what risks this contamination poses for various ecosystems. The researchers will also examine the impact on human health, environmental education, and develop strategies for sustainable preservation of aquatic ecosystems.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·DateSep 27, 2017

Confronting dementia from lab to bedside

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has received a $1.5 million training grant from the National Institutes of Health to support a new Alzheimer's Disease Clinical and Translational Research Training Program. The program aims to develop diagnostic tools, treatments, and potentially a cure for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateSep 27, 2017

Citizen science can predict butterfly population trends

A new study using Big Butterfly Count (BBC) data from citizen scientists shows that mass-participation science can provide additional assessments of biodiversity change. The results demonstrate the potential for citizen science to inform long-term monitoring of butterfly populations and complement standardised biodiversity monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 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.

Turbocharging engine design

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory used the Mira supercomputer to simulate over 2,000 engine design combinations, reducing design time from months to weeks. The simulations identified two optimized fuel-engine concepts that can improve fuel efficiency substantially.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateSep 27, 2017

Academic performance shapes student social networks

Researchers found that similar-achieving students tend to form close friendships, and this can lead to homogeneous social circles over time. The study's findings have important implications for understanding how social reproduction of inequality works in the digital age.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 27, 2017

Fast and accurate 'dipstick' test for diagnosing Zika

A newly-developed dipstick test sensitively identified Zika virus and all four dengue virus subtypes with no cross-reactivity. The test detected viral proteins at lower concentrations, making it a potential tool for diagnosing emerging pathogens.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 27, 2017

Finding 2-D materials to make batteries cheaper, better

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are working on discovering new 2D materials to manufacture improved and cost-effective batteries. The goal is to increase battery efficiency by about 1,000 times, enabling sustainable energy generation, chemical manufacturing, and pollution removal.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateSep 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.

Modeling brain connections to understand Parkinson's disease

A computational study models the strength of basal ganglia connections between healthy and Parkinsonian brains, revealing a broad overlap in neural connection strengths. The research could lead to customized therapies specific to individual patterns of neural degeneration.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Computational Neuroscience·DateSep 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.

New test rapidly diagnoses Zika

A new paper-based test developed by MIT researchers can diagnose Zika infection within 20 minutes, accurately distinguishing it from Dengue virus. The test uses antibodies specific to Zika virus's NS1 protein, avoiding false positives common with existing tests.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 27, 2017

Mapping black hole collisions gives astronomers (and hitchhikers) a new guide

RIT researchers, in collaboration with LIGO and Virgo, successfully triangulated the position of a 1.8 billion-year-old black hole merger. With three advanced detectors observing together, scientists can now pinpoint locations with higher precision, enabling more accurate electromagnetic counterparts searches.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 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.

What happens when nerve cells stop working?

Nerve cell networks reorganize themselves during periods of inactivity, becoming hypersensitive and prone to overreaction when signals are reinstated. Researchers developed a high-speed microscopy process to visualize communication networks of living neurons, shedding light on the effects of blocking neural pathways.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2017

Brain cells that control appetite identified for first time

Scientists at the University of Warwick have identified tanycytes, key brain cells controlling appetite, which detect amino acids in food and inform the brain about fullness. Eating foods high in specific amino acids can activate these cells, leading to feelings of fullness and potentially aiding weight management.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateSep 27, 2017

Examining the lifestyles of microbes

University of Delaware researchers studied microbes from James Cameron's Deepsea Challenge Expedition, revealing a new branch on the microbial family tree. The Parcubacteria were found to have a simple metabolism but with extra features, indicating they may be able to perform anaerobic respiration and adapt to cold environments.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateSep 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.

Pass the salt: Mapping the neurons that drive salt cravings

A team of scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has identified a specific subset of neurons that respond to sodium deficiency, triggering an appetite for sodium. The researchers mapped the brain circuitry underlying this behavior and found that it is tightly regulated by hormones such as aldosterone and angiotensin II.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateSep 27, 2017

Should we welcome plans to sell off wasted NHS land?

The NHS plans to sell off unused land to raise funds for essential maintenance and modernization of healthcare services. Kailash Chand, a GP, raises concerns that this approach may not address underlying shortfalls in the health budget and could lead to long-term costs.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 27, 2017

An 'internal GPS' helps seabirds find home

A new animal movement model reveals seabirds orient themselves over an ocean and compensate for wind drift without landmarks, hinting at a 'map sense'. This breakthrough paves the way for analyzing animal decision-making using GPS tracking data.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 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.

'Telephone first' approach is no panacea for reducing GP workload

A telephone-first approach to general practice reduced face-to-face consultations and increased telephone calls, but also led to an increase in emergency admissions. Despite its potential for managing some workloads, the approach was found to be associated with increased GP workload.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 27, 2017

That cup of coffee may not relieve Parkinson's symptoms

A study of 121 people with Parkinson's disease found that consuming three cups of coffee per day did not improve movement symptoms. The researchers concluded that caffeine cannot be recommended as therapy for movement symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 27, 2017

Cellular 'message in a bottle' may provide path to new way of treating disease

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals that extracellular vesicles (EVs) can carry receptors for intercellular communication, allowing signaling without direct cell-to-cell contact. This capability makes EVs uniquely suited to be engineered to send therapeutics directly to affected areas.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 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.

Summer could be one long heatwave if planet hits 2 degrees C

Research by University of New South Wales scientists finds that even a 1.5°C temperature increase will lead to longer and more frequent heatwaves globally. Tropical regions are expected to experience almost constant heatwaves with just a 2°C rise, while others may become unliveable if temperatures increase by 5°C.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2017