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Science News for April 17, 2018


Siblings' experiences in middle childhood predict differences in college graduation status

A longitudinal study found that siblings' experiences in middle childhood, including warmth, father-child interaction, and perceptions of fairness, predicted differences in their college graduation status. The study highlights the importance of parents' involvement and treatment in shaping their children's educational outcomes.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateApr 17, 2018

Can a simple blood test rule out lung cancer?

A new blood test biomarker has been developed to distinguish between benign and malignant lung tumors with 98% accuracy. This breakthrough technology allows healthcare providers to confidently diagnose and treat patients with low-to-moderate risk nodules, reducing the need for invasive procedures.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateApr 17, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Can we tell black holes apart?

Astronomers used computer simulations to create images of accreting supermassive black holes in different gravity theories. They found that even highly non-Einsteinian black holes could mimic the appearance of standard black holes, highlighting the need for new techniques to distinguish them.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Kids hit hard by junk food advertising: New research

A new study found that children are exposed to over 800 junk food ads per year, with unhealthy food ads being 2.3 times more frequent than healthy food ads during peak viewing times. The research, led by the University of Adelaide, used a bespoke TV monitoring system to capture an entire year's worth of television and ads.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health·DateApr 17, 2018

The 'bread basket' of the tropics? Study explores tropical grain production

In Mato Grosso, Brazil, researchers found that large-scale farms produce high yields of soybean and maize using succession farming, also known as safrinha. The study shows that while technology adoption rates are low, successive cropping systems improve productivity without relying on high-tech solutions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Agricultural Management·DateApr 17, 2018

Mother's depression might do the same to her child's IQ

A recent study published in Child Development found that a mother's depression can negatively affect her child's cognitive development up to age 16. Mothers who were highly depressed invested less emotionally and provided fewer learning materials, leading to lower verbal IQ scores in their children.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalChild Development·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

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.

Student teams compete to create equity portfolios with analytics and operations research

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem team won the second annual O.R. & Analytics Student Team Competition by successfully applying analytics and operations research to create a high-performing equity portfolio. The competition challenges students to develop solutions to real-world problems, providing valuable experience that sets them ap...

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 17, 2018

Gene mapping lays groundwork for precision chemotherapy

Researchers have systematically mapped connections between 625 breast and ovarian cancer genes and nearly every FDA-approved chemotherapy for these cancers. The map reveals new genetic factors that determine the response of tumor cells to common classes of chemotherapy treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 17, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

NSF funds Hobby School's post-Harvey Houston survey

The Hobby School at the University of Houston is conducting a five-year survey to study the impact of Hurricane Harvey on residents' properties, behaviors, and policy attitudes. Early results show significant support for policies to mitigate future disasters, such as reservoir construction and floodplain restrictions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 17, 2018

Scientists discover new way that HIV evades the immune system

Researchers found that HIV disables a pathway involving biological molecules that block viral activity and clear infection, allowing the virus to avoid elimination. The discovery opens a new era of HIV research focused on curing people living with the virus.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalEBioMedicine·DateApr 17, 2018

New study finds that workplace anxiety isn't always a bad thing

A new study published in Journal of Applied Psychology found that moderate levels of workplace anxiety can facilitate and drive performance. Employees who can harness anxiety by focusing on tasks and regulating their behavior are more likely to experience improved performance.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateApr 17, 2018

Trials in Africa support conditional day 3 follow-up for children with fever

Two cluster-randomized trials in Africa found that conditional day 3 follow-up for children with uncomplicated fever is non-inferior to universal follow-up, allowing caregivers to return only when symptoms persist. The studies suggest that current WHO guidance may be reconsidered and could lead to more efficient use of resources.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Surrey creates new tool to speed up the design of wearable tech

The University of Surrey has developed a new methodology for designing smart-wearables that utilizes triboelectric materials. This technology, known as Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs), can harvest energy from movement through electrostatic induction.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNano Energy·DateApr 17, 2018

Marine fish won an evolutionary lottery 66 million years ago, UCLA biologists report

A UCLA-led team of biologists reports that a six-mile-wide asteroid crash 66 million years ago created an enormous evolutionary void for marine fish to diversify. Today's rich biodiversity among marine fish shows the fingerprints of this mass extinction, with six major acanthomorph groups producing almost all marine fish diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 17, 2018

Top-down approach gets to the bottom of cancer

Researchers developed a new technology to detect and quantify RAS protein mutations, which are found in over 20% of human cancers. The 'top-down' approach provides precise characterization of KRAS4b proteins, revealing new avenues for cancer treatment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Trust in science, news and experts is influenced by sound quality

A new study by USC and Australian researchers finds that audio quality affects people's perception of information credibility. When sound quality is poor, viewers think talks are worse, speakers less intelligent, and research less important.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Communication·DateApr 17, 2018

People who use medical marijuana more likely to use and misuse prescription drugs

A new study in Journal of Addiction Medicine suggests that people who use medical marijuana are at higher risk for non-medical prescription drug use, including pain relievers. The study analyzed over 57,000 responses and found that medical marijuana users were about 60% more likely to report any prescription drug use.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·DateApr 17, 2018

First long-term study finds half trillion dollars spent on HIV/AIDS

A new study by IHME found that global spending on HIV/AIDS peaked at $49.7 billion in 2013 and reached a total of $562.6 billion between 2000 and 2015. Governments accounted for the majority of funding, with development assistance making up 30% of total spending.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Novel proteomics strategies aid cancer research

Researchers have developed novel proteomics methods to address unanswered questions in cancer research, including protein variation within tumors. This study reveals significant variations in expression of multiple proteins between areas from the center and periphery of a tumor.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateApr 17, 2018

New highly selective antitumor photodynamic therapy agents synthesized

Researchers at Lobachevsky University have developed a new generation of targeted anti-cancer drugs for photodynamic therapy. The newly synthesized molecules accumulate tens of times more efficiently and faster than existing photosensitizer parts, opening up possibilities for creating a new class of cancer treatments.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalEuropean Journal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Honeybees are struggling to get enough good bacteria

A new study suggests that human changes to the landscape, such as monoculture farming and forestry, are affecting honeybees' long-term food supply. The diversity of bacteria associated with bee bread, a crucial food source for young bees, is lower in hives near agriculturally improved grasslands and coniferous forests.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateApr 17, 2018

New study finds people covered by universal health coverage will fall far below SDGs

A new study finds that people covered by universal health coverage will likely fall far below the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 3 target by 2030. Global health spending is expected to double over the next 20 years, with high-income countries projected to spend nearly 45 times more on healthcare than low-income countries.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 17, 2018

Study finds high rates of type 1 diabetes near food swamps

A study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of the Endocrine Society finds higher rates of type 1 diabetes in areas with a high proportion of fast food restaurants and convenience stores. The research suggests that an adverse food environment may contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes, particularly among adults.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Study paves way for healthier and more robust eggs

A recent study published in Science Advances has analyzed the nanostructure of chicken eggshells to better understand their role in embryo development. The findings suggest that specific characteristics of the eggshell could be genetically selected to produce healthier, more robust eggs.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 17, 2018

High-quality nursing homes lower risks for long-term care placement for older adults

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) with higher quality ratings had significantly lower risks for placement in long-term care facilities. The researchers used data from over 500,000 people aged 65 and older to examine the role of SNF quality in...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 17, 2018

OncoDNA announces publication of peer-reviewed study in Oncotarget assessing the utility of its unique biomarker analysis and interpretation platform in clinical decision making

A peer-reviewed study published in Oncotarget found that OncoDNA's comprehensive testing and analysis services, combining multiple biomarkers, increased oncologists' ability to make informed treatment decisions. The study showed a significant improvement in overall survival for late-stage patients, from six months to over 12 months.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Diabetes drug may not reduce risk of death

A new study published in JAMA found that SGLT-2 inhibitor and GLP-1 agonist drugs were associated with reduced risk of death, while DPP-4 inhibitor drugs showed no significant benefit. The findings suggest these treatments may not be equally effective in preventing mortality.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJAMA·DateApr 17, 2018

Bugged out by climate change

Research tracked changes in Arctic arthropod populations in response to warming temperatures, finding more plant-eating and parasitic insects, and fewer detritivores. The study suggests that water availability will play a key role in determining which bug species can thrive in a warming Arctic.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Scientists find some human cancers to be 'evolutionary accidents'

Researchers have identified human-specific cancers that differ from animal counterparts, suggesting potential evolutionary origins. The study reveals cancer patterns in humans vary significantly from those of other species, highlighting the need for further investigation into the evolutionary underpinnings of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalBiological Reviews·DateApr 17, 2018

Full of hot air and proud of it

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new way to store gases using porous materials, known as MOFs. This could lead to more efficient gas storage and alternative energy production methods.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateApr 17, 2018

Performing under pressure: Modeling oxidation in high-stress materials

A new model considers three stages of oxidation and predicts that heavy loads compress alloys, absorbing less oxygen, while stresses pull them apart, allowing more oxygen to infiltrate. The team's framework matches data in microelectromechanical devices, aiming to improve device performance.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

New type of opal formed by common seaweed discovered

Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered a novel type of opal formed by brown algae, exhibiting iridescence due to self-assembled oil droplet nanostructures. The seaweed's chloroplasts-containing cells can switch on and off this dynamic self-assembly, creating changing opals that react to sunlight.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 17, 2018

Biophysics: Making patterns robust

Researchers have developed a model that explains how biological patterns can form and maintain stability even when protein concentrations are altered. The Min system, used to study cell division, has been found to use a conformational switch in the MinE protein to achieve robustness.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2018

Can your dog predict an earthquake? Evidence is shaky, say researchers

Researchers analyzed 729 reports of abnormal animal behavior related to 160 earthquakes, but found that most evidence consists of single observations and anecdotes. The team suggests a series of questions to analyze the data, including whether animal behavior is linked to specific rules or environmental changes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateApr 17, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New findings to help in the fight against wombat mange

Scientists have discovered that sarcoptic mange causes significant loss of body heat and increased metabolic rate in Tasmanian wombats, leading to reduced foraging and increased mortality. The research suggests that dietary supplementation may help address these issues, offering new hope for the management of wombat mange.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 17, 2018

Scientists make counter-intuitive observations in hybrid quantum systems

Researchers have made counter-intuitive observations in hybrid quantum systems, where cooling processes can lead to heating. The study revealed that symmetries in the system can cause decay to excite components of another subdomain, resulting in a heat-up effect.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 17, 2018

Adolescents' cooking skills strongly predict future nutritional well-being

Adolescents with strong cooking skills tend to eat more vegetables, have family meals, and prepare healthy meals at home. A new study found that these skills are linked to better nutrition outcomes in adulthood. Developing cooking skills early may provide long-term benefits for health and nutrition.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateApr 17, 2018

New capabilities at NSLS-II set to advance materials science

The NSLS-II's Hard X-ray Nanoprobe has demonstrated capabilities to observe materials down to 10 nanometers, enabling scientists to visualize single molecules. This technology will enable the study of various materials properties simultaneously.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNano Futures·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Text messaging tool may help fight opioid epidemic

A new automated text messaging service aims to curb opioid abuse by providing patients with regular check-ins and a panic button for immediate help. The study found that the service reduced substance use among patients, dropping from 43% to 10%, and saved caregivers $19 per patient annually.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateApr 17, 2018

Calculus III for cells

Researchers investigated how cells respond to cylindrical surfaces and a sphere-with-skirt geometry, finding that cells change their shapes and internal structures. Cells on stiff surfaces form stress fibers, which are influenced by surface curvature, enabling new tools in biology.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateApr 17, 2018

Modeling prosocial behavior increases helping in 16-month-olds

Researchers found that observing others' helping behavior enhances infants' prosocial development, particularly when adults model helpful behaviors. The study suggests that having prosocial role models plays a crucial role in shaping young children's helping habits.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

ALS treatment delays disease and extends life in rats

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have discovered a new way to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by transplanting altered neural cells into the brain. Laboratory rats that received the transplants lived 8 percent longer and were free of paralysis 10 percent longer than untreated animals.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalStem Cells·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Penn researcher co-directs National Lung Cancer Screening Center

A $15.5 million NCI grant creates a center at five health systems to improve lung cancer screening and address disparities in early diagnosis, treatment, and mortality. The center will develop a shared model data for research on optimizing precision lung cancer screening.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateApr 17, 2018

Researchers find resilience counteracts effects of childhood abuse and neglect on health

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that individuals with schizophrenia who experienced childhood trauma had improved health outcomes when they possessed high levels of psychological resilience. The research team evaluated data from 114 participants with schizophrenia and 101 non-psychiatric comparison subjects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateApr 17, 2018

Zika presents hot spots in brains of chicken embryos

Researchers discovered Zika virus infects hot spots in the brains of chicken embryos, affecting key signaling centers and neural patterning. This finding could lead to targeted therapies and drug testing for complications associated with Zika virus in humans.

SourcePurdue University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 17, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Alpine grassland productivity not sensitive to climate warming on third pole

Research in Tibetan alpine grasslands found that climate warming does not decrease productivity, but rather changes the composition of plant species to stabilize production. The study's findings suggest that shifting species composition enables communities to access more water and buffer against drought-induced declines.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2018

Abramson Cancer Canter studies show promise of immunotherapy combinations, including CAR T

Researchers at the Abramson Cancer Center have discovered promising immunotherapy combinations for treating glioblastoma, head and neck cancer, and pancreatic cancer. CAR T cell therapy combined with checkpoint inhibitors has shown enhanced effectiveness in glioblastoma, while targeting a novel immune checkpoint in head and neck cancer...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateApr 17, 2018

Army engineers develop technique to make adaptive materials

Engineers at U.S. Army Research Laboratory and University of Maryland developed a technique to control composite material behavior using ultraviolet light, enabling new capabilities for rotorcraft design, performance, and maintenance. The method allows materials to become 93%-stiffer and 35%-stronger after UV exposure.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Statins save lives of people with high levels of LDL cholesterol

A new study from the University of Iowa found that statins can save thousands of additional lives when used in people with higher levels of LDL cholesterol. The analysis of 34 previous studies involving over 270,000 participants showed that statins were more likely to reduce death risk at LDL levels of 100 mg/dl or greater.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJAMA·DateApr 17, 2018

Army research rejuvenates older zinc batteries

Researchers developed a highly reversible zinc metal anode for aqueous batteries, addressing safety concerns and increasing energy storage capacity. The new technology has the potential to replace conventional lithium-ion batteries in extreme conditions, such as aerospace and military applications.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 17, 2018

Back to the beginning

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new process to generate NP-like cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). The team mimicked the embryonic development process to produce nucleus pulposus cells, which could potentially be used to treat degenerative disc disease.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateApr 17, 2018

The microbiome of a native plant is much more resilient than expected

A team of scientists discovered that the microbiome of a native plant, Nicotiana attenuata, is more resilient than expected. The study shows that different strains of bacteria within the soil microbiota can form partnerships with the plant and resist antimicrobial peptides, defying previous assumptions about their impact.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Researchers uncover origin of virus-fighting plasma B cells

A study published in Immunity reveals that T follicular helper cells play a crucial role in determining the fate of B cells, with stronger interactions leading to plasma B cell formation. The researchers identified a subset of B cells expressing IRF4 and CD69 as precursors to plasma B cells.

SourceRIKEN·JournalImmunity·DateApr 17, 2018

KAIST develops sodium ion batteries using copper sulfide

A KAIST research team developed a new anode material using copper sulfide, exhibiting 1.5 times better cyclability and 40% reduced cost compared to existing materials. The discovery may contribute to the commercialization of sodium ion batteries and reduce battery costs in consumer electronics.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2018

Combination therapy strengthens T cells in melanoma pre-clinical study

A pre-clinical study has revealed that combining OX40 agonist antibody and GSK2366771 may enhance the immune system's ability to kill melanoma tumors deficient in PTEN. The combination appears to 'step on the gas', revving up T cells and providing extra power to more efficiently kill cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 17, 2018

Simple one-page tool improves patient satisfaction with doctor visit

A simple one-page form given to patients ahead of their doctor visit can significantly improve satisfaction with the care they receive. The low-tech tool helps patients focus on what's important to them and provides real-time feedback to doctors on how well they're addressing their patients' concerns.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNeurosurgery·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Opioid-related hospitalizations rising in Medicare patients without opioid prescriptions

A study by University of Texas Medical Branch researchers found that opioid-related hospitalization rates increased among Medicare patients without prescribed opioids after the 2014 federal change limiting hydrocodone product dispensing. This increase may indicate illegal use of these drugs.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 17, 2018

Understanding Mercury's magnetic tail

Researchers found that plasmoid reconnection in Mercury's magnetotail could accelerate energetic electrons, solving a puzzle left by previous space missions. The study also revealed that turbulence enhances reconnection, leading to improved predictions for future missions like Bepi-Colombo.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateApr 17, 2018

New clues point to relief for chronic itching

Researchers found that a drug called nalfurafine hydrochloride can deliver itch relief by targeting kappa opioid receptors on neurons in the spinal cord, potentially treating many types of chronic itching.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Preserving fertility during chemotherapy

Chemotherapy-induced DNA damage triggers apoptosis in oocytes due to p63 activation. Researchers found that inhibiting specific enzymes can prevent this process, offering new hope for fertility preservation.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 17, 2018

How does plant DNA avoid the ravages of UV radiation?

Researchers discovered that plant DNA repair works more efficiently on active genes, which are transcribed into RNA and proteins. The system's efficiency varies according to the day/night cycle, reflecting normal daily variations in transcription activity.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Observing inflammatory cells in the body

Researchers at the University of Münster have developed a new method to study inflammatory cells in mice, allowing for genetic modification, multiplication, and visualization in living organisms. This approach reduces the number of animal experiments needed.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalTheranostics·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

A new, streamlined approach to diagnosing and treating bowel cancer

Researchers have discovered a faster, more cost-effective way to determine which DNA mutations cause human bowel cancer. A new preclinical pipeline uses gene editing technology (CRISPR) to rapidly engineer normal colon cells with DNA changes, allowing for real-time monitoring of growing cancers.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalGut·DateApr 17, 2018

A graphene roll-out

Researchers at MIT have developed a continuous manufacturing process to produce long strips of high-quality graphene. The team's results are the first demonstration of an industrial, scalable method for manufacturing high-quality graphene suitable for membrane applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 17, 2018

The enzyme designers

The study reveals that a slight change in the substrate can practically stop an enzyme reaction. Computational design of a new variant was successfully produced and tested, demonstrating the method's accuracy and potential for future research.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2018
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.

Chip developed by Brazil researchers will be linchpin of LHC upgrade

The Brazilian chip SAMPA will upgrade the detection system in ALICE at the Large Hadron Collider, enabling the detection of thousands of particles per second. The new system will increase the collision rate by a factor of 100, from 500 to 50,000 collisions per second.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateApr 17, 2018

When others fail, new migraine treatment may work

A new migraine treatment, erenumab, has shown significant promise in reducing headache frequency by over 50% in nearly a third of participants. The study found that erenumab reduced monthly migraine headaches by more than 50% for those who had tried up to four other preventative treatments without success.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 17, 2018

FDA approves new standard of care for kidney cancer

The US FDA approved the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab for metastatic kidney cancer patients. The treatment led to a 37% improvement in survival compared to sunitinib and durable responses in 42% of patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 17, 2018

A potential setback in the personalized medicine of cancer

A study published in the Genes & Development journal reveals that tumor cells can survive even without Ras genes if Erf is also lost, casting doubt on the effectiveness of potential treatments. The researchers found that eliminating ERF allows mouse stem cells to grow and differentiate in the absence of RAS genes.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 17, 2018

A new Listeria species from Costa Rica identified

A new bacterial species, Listeria costaricensis, has been identified in Costa Rica, increasing the knowledge of Listeria's pathogenic potential. The discovery was made through a three-year research project that sampled water from an industrial drainage area, revealing the biodiversity of Costa Rican soils.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateApr 17, 2018

Battery's hidden layer revealed

Researchers deciphered the chemistry behind lithium fluoride's formation in SEI, discovering a new method to monitor hydrogen fluoride concentration. This monitoring capability is crucial for future basic science studies and commercial applications.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 17, 2018

Under-fives should be priority for snail fever therapy, study finds

Regular testing and treatment of pre-school children for snail fever could reduce the spread of the disease while promoting childhood health and development. Infected children can develop symptoms within three months and may experience stunted growth, learning difficulties, and increased risk of malnutrition.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateApr 17, 2018

Researchers develop first gene drive targeting worldwide crop pest

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a gene drive system targeting the invasive spotted-wing drosophila, a fruit fly causing millions of dollars in damage. The Medea system dramatically biases inheritance rates with near-perfect efficiency, allowing for potential control of populations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2018

Multidisciplinary study provides new insights about French Revolution

Researchers analyzed 40,000 speeches from the National Constituent Assembly to track word-use patterns and find that the revolution's principles emerged and evolved over time. Committees played a significant role in proposing and disposing legislation, reducing the effectiveness of charisma in direct debate.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2018

What happens to our muscles during spaceflight and when living on Mars?

A new study found that microgravity during spaceflights has a more significant negative impact on skeletal muscle than low oxygen environments. Researchers suggest that therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions should focus on correcting inactivity rather than hypoxia.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 17, 2018

An AI that makes road maps from aerial images

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL have developed RoadTracer, an automated method to build road maps that is 45 percent more accurate than existing approaches. The system uses data from aerial images and creates maps step-by-step, tracing out roads one step at a time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateApr 17, 2018

Carbon dioxide as a raw material

Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum successfully converted CO2 into an alcohol through a two-step reaction, facilitated by copper and rhodium catalysts. The process achieved a 40% recycling rate for the base, paving the way for industrial-scale applications.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateApr 17, 2018

Polymer-graphene nanocarpets to electrify smart fabrics

Scientists have developed a method to modify graphene without destroying it, creating a stable structure called 'polymer carpets'. When exposed to light, these carpets generate current, making them suitable for use in solar batteries and flexible electronics.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateApr 17, 2018

Safety concerns over tungsten

A recent study published in Communications Chemistry found that tungsten accumulates in specific regions of the bone, particularly in bone marrow and cancellous bone tissue. This accumulation raises concerns over the element's safety for human exposure, especially among young individuals.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateApr 17, 2018

Better species mapping can improve conservation efforts, study finds

A new study found that scientific models used to determine which species and habitats to protect lack critical information, leading to ineffective conservation efforts. The research highlights the need for more accurate species distribution models to target conservation efforts in areas with the most impact.

SourcePortland State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 2018