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Science News for September 28, 2017


Achieving National HIV/AIDS Strategy targets would save lives, be cost effective

A Massachusetts General Hospital analysis shows that achieving the treatment targets of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy by 2020 would prevent hundreds of thousands of new infections and deaths. Meeting NHAS goals would also demonstrate excellent value, with a cost-effectiveness ratio of $68,900 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY).

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 28, 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.

How molecular scissors cut in the right place

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered how CRISPR-Cas9 finds its target sequence in the genome, taking around six hours to search a bacterium's four million base pairs. To improve speed and reliability, they found that sacrificing Cas9's flexibility can lead to faster, but still versatile genetic scissors.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 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.

Medication that treats parasite infection also has anti-cancer effect

Researchers at Osaka University discovered that ivermectin, a medication for parasitic infections, also has an anti-tumor effect on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells. The gene target KPNB1 was identified as having oncogenic properties, and its inhibition induced apoptosis in EOC cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 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.

Generating terahertz radiation from water makes 'the impossible, possible'

Xi-Cheng Zhang and his team have successfully generated terahertz waves from liquid water, a fundamental breakthrough with significant applications in imaging and spectroscopy. The discovery paves the way for non-destructive inspection of objects and potential uses in security screening, medical imaging, and more.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 28, 2017

Highly virulent bacterium causes rampant caries in some children

Researchers identify a novel connection between highly variant types of Streptococcus mutans and rampant caries in high-risk children. High-risk children carry more virulent variants of the bacteria with unique adhesive proteins that improve survival in the mouth.

SourceUmea University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateSep 28, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Did rapid sea-level rise drown fossil coral reefs around Hawaii?

Recent findings suggest that rapid sea-level rise of about 20m in less than 500 years occurred in the last deglaciation, causing the drowning of fossil coral reefs in Hawaii. The study provides new evidence of a meltwater pulse, associated with catastrophic ice-sheet collapse and the Earth's warming after the last ice age.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateSep 28, 2017

Uncovering why psoriasis recurs

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers identifies a population of tissue resident memory cells that may be driving recurrence in psoriasis. These cells, which live long-term in the skin, can cause misguided immune responses leading to red, inflamed patches on the skin.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 28, 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.

Hunt is over for one of the 'top 50 most-wanted fungi'

Researchers characterized a mysterious fungus found in North Carolina's pine forests and discovered its home in the fungal tree of life. The study highlights the potential value of environmental sequencing to guide taxonomic and ecological discovery.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalMycologia·DateSep 28, 2017

Fever during labor may present risk to mother

A Tel Aviv University study found that intrapartum fever, which occurs during labor, is associated with higher rates of operative vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections. Women with positive bacterial cultures had a increased risk of neonatal complications compared to those with negative cultures.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·DateSep 28, 2017

Small scale energy harvesters show large scale impact

Researchers from Shahid Charmran University of Ahvaz in Iran have modeled new piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) technology at the nano-scale level. Their study demonstrates how small-scale dimensions impact nonlinear vibrations and PEH voltage harvesting, revealing significant size effects on output.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateSep 28, 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.

End to circus in plastic surgery social media videos?

A new code of ethical behavior for sharing plastic surgery videos on social media aims to curb vulgar content and prioritize patient safety. The guidelines, proposed by Northwestern Medicine authors, are based on four guiding principles of medical ethics and will be presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons annual meeting.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateSep 28, 2017

Promising results for 2 genetic weapons against malaria

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health discover two new strategies to combat malaria: genetically modified bacteria that spread rapidly in mosquito populations and boost the immune system of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. These innovative approaches aim to reduce the need for continuous malaria control measures, p...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2017

RUDN mathematicians have simulated the motion of incompressible liquid

Researchers from Russia and Italy have created a more accurate method to solve Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible plane motion. The new scheme allows for efficient numerical solutions and has been verified through computing experiments, outperforming existing methods in terms of precision and stability.

SourceRUDN University·JournalApplied Mathematics and Computation·DateSep 28, 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.

Study explores the biology of mending a broken heart

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that blocking a molecular pathway can stop or slow cardiac fibrosis, organ enlargement, and preserve heart function. The study provides new insights into what causes cardiac fibrosis and opens the potential for finding new therapeutic approaches.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 28, 2017

Biodegradable microsensors for food monitoring

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created biocompatible microsensors made from magnesium wire and compostable polymer for temperature measurement in food products. The sensors are thin, flexible, and can function for up to 67 days before dissolving, making them suitable for monitoring fish shipments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 28, 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.

Fluorine-containing molecules from cell cultures

Researchers genetically engineered a microbial host to produce fluorinated metabolites and bioplastics, leveraging the potential of living systems to create complex chemical compounds. The breakthrough enables controlled incorporation of fluorine into polyhydroxyalkanoates, resulting in more durable and targeted bioplastics.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 28, 2017

Immeasurable hardiness of character

The Grit Scale questionnaire measures two independent constructs: perseverance of effort and consistency of interests, contradicting the idea that grit is a single personality trait. Researchers found no evidence to support the existence of grit as a single characteristic.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychological Assessment·DateSep 28, 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.

Students know about learning strategies -- but don't use them

A survey of university students found that many know about common learning strategies, but fewer actually use them. The reasons include lack of time, ineffective application, and difficulty in seeing the benefits. To improve this, universities should provide more self-regulated learning training, including hands-on practice to learn ho...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 28, 2017

Computer model showed an optimal anti-amyloid treatment

A computer model developed by InSysBio scientists suggests that activating beta-amyloid degradation is key to preventing protein plaques in the brain. The model found that starting treatment at age 60 can lead to relative normalization of indices, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

SourceInSysBio LLC·JournalCPT Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology·DateSep 28, 2017

Making surgical screws from bones

Researchers are developing surgical screws from donated human bone material, reducing the risk of complications and eliminating the need for second surgeries. The technology, developed by TU Graz's Institute of Biomechanics, is being used in 14 Austrian hospitals and aims to improve outcomes for foot and jaw surgery patients.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateSep 28, 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.

Conservationists should harness 'Hollywood effect' to help wildlife

Researchers from the University of Exeter suggest that conservation scientists work with filmmakers to raise awareness of endangered species and environmental issues, leveraging the 'Hollywood effect' to inspire action. The study highlights both positive and negative impacts of cinema on public perceptions and attitudes towards wildlife.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 28, 2017

Exploring an ancient event in pumpkin, gourd and melon evolution

A recent study found evidence of an ancient whole genome duplication event in Cucurbitaceae plants, occurring 107-118 million years ago. This event is proposed to have driven the fast divergence and success of seed and flowering plants.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 28, 2017

Abusive bosses experience short-lived benefits

Researchers found that abusive supervisors experience a sense of recovery from their behavior, which helps replenish mental energy and resources. However, this benefit is short-lived, lasting only a week or less, after which they start to experience decreased trust, support, and productivity from employees.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateSep 28, 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.

In people with OCD, actions are at odds with beliefs

Researchers develop mathematical model that uncovers link between OCD beliefs and actions. People with OCD develop accurate sense of how things work but disregard it when making decisions, leading to second-guessing themselves.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 28, 2017

UTA study says zinc can halt the growth of cancer cells

A new study by a University of Texas at Arlington researcher found that zinc supplements can significantly inhibit esophageal cancer cell growth without affecting normal cells. This discovery provides a potential pathway for better esophageal cancer prevention and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 28, 2017

Database of earthquakes triggered by human activity is growing -- with some surprises

The Human-Induced Earthquake Database has grown to over 730 entries, revealing that mining projects and water impounded behind dams are the most common causes of induced earthquakes. Unconventional oil and gas extraction using hydraulic fracturing is also a frequent contributor, according to geophysicist Miles Wilson.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateSep 28, 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.

Supersonic gas streams left over from the Big Bang drive massive black hole formation

Researchers used super-computer simulations to recreate the formation of a massive black hole from supersonic gas streams left over from the Big Bang. The study suggests these black holes could be the source of the largest and oldest super-massive black holes in the Universe, posing a challenge to existing theories.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2017

Indonesian prisoners with HIV getting aid from UIC researchers

Researchers are developing a medication adherence intervention to improve antiretroviral therapy coverage among released Indonesian prisoners. The intervention, adapted from an existing program, aims to increase treatment uptake and reduce HIV-related mortality in the country's prison population. With Indonesia's high HIV infection rat...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateSep 28, 2017

For boys at risk of psychopathy, laughter isn't so contagious

Research found that boys at risk of psychopathy have impaired ability to respond to laughter, with reduced brain activity in regions associated with social affiliation. This suggests they may not experience the world in the same way as peers, leading to different choices and behaviors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 28, 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.

Chimpanzees can learn how to use tools without observing others

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that chimpanzees can spontaneously learn to use sticks to scoop food from water surfaces. The study suggests that some tool-use behaviors are within their pre-existing behavioral repertoire, contradicting the assumption that apes must observe others to learn new behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 28, 2017

Perovskite solar cells reach record long-term stability, efficiency over 20 percent

Researchers have developed a new method to deposit CuSCN layers on perovskite films, resulting in stabilized power-conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%. The introduction of a thin spacer layer of reduced graphene oxide allows the cells to achieve excellent operational stability, retaining over 95% of their initial efficiency.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 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.

Immune system cells protect against CMV-induced hearing loss in mice

A recent study has found that natural killer cells play an important role in protecting against CMV-induced hearing loss in mice. The interaction between NK cells and the viral protein m157 is crucial in preventing hearing loss, with mice lacking this interaction being more susceptible to hearing loss.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 28, 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.

Electrically heated textiles now possible via UMass Amherst research

Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a vapor deposition method for nano-coating fabric to create sewable, weavable, electrically heated material. The technology has the potential to change personal thermal management, medical heat therapy, joint pain relief, and athletic rehabilitation.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 28, 2017

How tuberculosis hides in the body

A new study reveals how tuberculosis bacteria evade the immune system by hiding in macrophages. Researchers have found that only well-adapted mycobacteria avoid detection, suggesting a potential target for future treatments.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 28, 2017

New approaches to difficult drug targets: The phosphatase story

The article explores how automation and innovative screens are influencing the search for inhibitors and activators of protein tyrosine phosphatases, which have been implicated in many human diseases. The resulting compounds are facilitating exploration of fundamental cellular processes controlled by phosphatases in cancers.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateSep 28, 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.

Resolving the mysterious carbon contribution of the tropics

A new study reveals that tropical forests act as a net source of carbon dioxide, with most releases caused by deforestation and degradation. The majority of land areas in the tropics showed no significant change in carbon over the 12-year period, but those that did experienced losses mainly due to deforestation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2017

JCU team's winning basketball formula

Researchers analyzed 156 men's basketball games from last four Olympics to identify key factors contributing to success. The winning formula centers on field-goal percentage and defensive rebounds, with the latter providing a 93% probability of victory.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Sports Science and Medicine·DateSep 28, 2017

Smart molecules trigger white blood cells to become better cancer-eating machines

Researchers have engineered smart protein molecules called iSNAPS that can rewire macrophages to ignore a 'don't eat me' signal from cancer cells, allowing them to engulf and destroy cancer cells. This breakthrough could lead to a new method of re-engineering immune cells to fight cancer and infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 28, 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.

Secrets from inside the womb that could provide clues to miscarriage

Researchers have identified a critical four-day period in fetal heart development that may help diagnose miscarriages. The study uses advanced imaging techniques to reveal the rapid organization of muscle tissue and cardiac fibres, shedding light on possible mechanisms behind failed heart formation.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 28, 2017

Study unlocks why public appeals may fall flat with some would-be donors

A study found that people with an independent self-construal tend to reject public appeals for charitable giving, seeing them as social pressure. In contrast, those who value interdependence are more likely to respond positively, feeling a sense of belonging to a movement.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 28, 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.

NASA finds Hurricane Lee's strength shift

NASA's Aqua satellite detects coldest cloud top temperatures in thunderstorms south of Hurricane Lee's center, indicating a strong storm with the capability to produce heavy rainfall. The hurricane is expected to continue weakening due to increasing wind shear and cooler waters.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 28, 2017

Paper: Don't rely on mixed messages to change health behaviors

A new study found that combining recommendations for health behaviors in a homogeneous way, such as increasing exercise and eating more vegetables, is more effective than mixing positive and negative instructions. This approach can lead to better behavioral outcomes and reduced confusion among individuals trying to change their habits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHealth Psychology Review·DateSep 28, 2017

Ultra-fast and ultra-sensitive hydrogen sensor

A KAIST-UC Irvine team developed an ultra-fast hydrogen gas sensor using a palladium nanowire array with a metal-organic framework, detecting hydrogen levels under 1% in under 7 seconds. The sensor also detects hundreds of parts per million levels within 60 seconds at room temperature.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 28, 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.

Neuro-immune crosstalk in allergic asthma

A study published in Nature reveals how the nervous system communicates with the immune system in allergic asthma, identifying NMU signaling as a key amplifier of allergic inflammation. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic insights for preventing or treating allergic asthma.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·DateSep 28, 2017

Scientists create endocytosis on demand by 'hotwiring' cells

Researchers at the University of Warwick have successfully triggered clathrin-mediated endocytosis in lab cells using a chemical rapamycin. This breakthrough enables precise control over when and where vesicles form, allowing scientists to study timing and protein requirements with accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 28, 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.

Sharks longer in the tooth than we thought

A study by Dr Alastair Harry found that nearly a third of shark populations had underestimated ages, with an average underestimation of 18 years. This could lead to inefficient management and research priorities, affecting the many disciplines relying on baseline life history data.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateSep 28, 2017

NASA sees Maria weaken to a Tropical Storm

Tropical Storm Maria weakened to a tropical storm on Sept. 28, with NASA monitoring its trajectory. The storm showed signs of strength in infrared light, but its cloud top temperatures indicated a capacity for heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 28, 2017

Speedy urine test for amphetamines sends results via app

Researchers have developed a wireless sensor and smartphone app that can detect amphetamines in human urine in seconds, with unprecedented sensitivity and low risk of false-positive results. The prototype device is portable enough to be worn as a bracelet and costs around $50 to produce.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateSep 28, 2017

A social media hub for hydrological data

Researchers at Utah State University are improving the HydroShare online system for storing and sharing hydrological data. The system, which will also be used to archive flooding and precipitation data from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, aims to facilitate collaboration among scientists.

SourceUtah State University·DateSep 28, 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.

Popping bubbles: Surfactants have surprising effect on nanobubble stability

Researchers found that soluble surfactants destabilize nanobubbles when adsorbed to substrates, while insoluble surfactants cause a liquid-to-vapor transition model of bubble rupture. This understanding is crucial for optimizing nanobubble applications in medicine, food science, and environmental advancements.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 28, 2017

Disease resistance successfully spread from modified to wild mosquitoes

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University engineered GM mosquitoes with altered microbiota that suppresses human malaria-causing parasites. The trait was successfully passed along to multiple generations of offspring, even when combined with wild mosquitoes, and maintained for 7 years.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2017

Mapping the thylacine's mysterious loss from mainland

A new study maps the mysterious loss of the Tasmanian tiger from mainland Australia, tracing its history over 30,000 years. Climate change and increased human activity are found to be key causes of extinction, with a large population of thylacines living in western regions until around 3000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateSep 28, 2017

Tracking the body's mini-shuttles

Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered a new way to label exosomes, which can be used as mini-shuttles to deliver drugs to specific sites in the human body. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for life-threatening diseases, including cancer.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNanoscale·DateSep 28, 2017

Parkinson's disease drug shows anticancer effects

Research shows carbidopa, an FDA-approved Parkinson's disease drug, has anticancer properties. The study found that carbidopa significantly inhibits cancer cell growth in both human pancreatic cancer cells and mouse models, suggesting potential as an anticancer medication.

SourceBiochemical Society·JournalBiochemical Journal·DateSep 28, 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.

Parkinson's disease involves degeneration of the olfactory system

Researchers found Parkinson's disease reduces olfactory bulb glomerular volume by over half and alters their distribution, suggesting a key role for Lewy bodies in triggering the disease. The study provides new insights into the anatomical link between Parkinson's disease and impaired sense of smell.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBrain·DateSep 28, 2017

Can a pumpkin-shaped molecule bring a different ending to 'Breaking Bad'?

Scientists have developed a new sensor that can detect minute concentrations of methamphetamine and amphetamine in urine, allowing for real-time drug screening. The sensor uses a pumpkin-shaped molecule to bind with the drugs, triggering an electrical signal that appears on a smartphone screen.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalChem·DateSep 28, 2017

Researchers look to protect 'self-reactive' immune cells so they can fight melanoma

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a way to protect T-cells that are normally blocked from attacking melanoma cells, allowing them to go on to attack cancer. By combining this strategy with an existing immunotherapy treatment, they found that it can shrink melanoma tumors and prolong survival in p...

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateSep 28, 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.

Catch a wave

A team of UC Santa Barbara geologists used ground-penetrating radar to study the effects of a massive tsunami that hit Northern California 900 years ago. The researchers found that the wave removed three to five times more sand than any historical El Niño storm, with erosion extending up to 360 feet inland.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMarine Geology·DateSep 28, 2017

A single mutation in Zika virus results in microcephaly

Researchers identified a single genetic change, S139N, that enabled the Zika virus to cause microcephaly in mouse models of fetal infection. This mutation made the virus more lethal to human neuron precursor cells and substantially more severe in cases of microcephaly.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 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.

Why are many dialysis patients readmitted to the hospital soon after discharge?

A study found nearly a quarter of dialysis patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days, often for a diagnosis different from their initial hospitalization. Patient characteristics such as female gender, younger age, and certain medical conditions were linked to a high likelihood of readmission.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 28, 2017

Ancient genomes shed light on divergence in human populations

Ancient African genomes show human populations diverged around 350,000-260,000 years ago. The study analyzed 7 ancient genomes, including a Stone Age hunter-gatherer and Iron Age farmers, finding correlations with fossil records.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2017

How do we sense moonlight? Daylight? There's a cell for that

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that specific neurons in the retina specialize in detecting different ranges of light intensity, allowing the brain to infer overall illumination levels. This complex system involves 'non-image' vision cells that function even in people with blindness.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateSep 28, 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.

Stanford study shows how 'love hormone' spurs sociability

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified the brain circuitry behind social reward, pinpointing oxytocin as a key player. The study suggests that oxytocin promotes sociability by binding to receptors on dopamine-secreting neurons, enhancing their firing and fostering positive social interactions.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2017

Bed bugs attracted to dirty laundry, study finds

New research suggests that residual human odour on soiled clothes acts as an elicitor of host-seeking behaviour in bed bugs. This could lead to the dispersal of bed bugs through dirty laundry, particularly when left exposed in sleeping areas.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 28, 2017

New clues from brain structures of mantis shrimp

Researchers discovered mushroom bodies in mantis shrimp brains, a structure previously only found in insects. The findings suggest that these complex structures may have evolved early in the evolution of all arthropods.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateSep 28, 2017