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Science News for April 2, 2018


Astronomers find 72 bright and fast explosions

A team of astronomers found 72 very bright but quick events in a recent survey, which they believe could be related to supernovae. The transients appear hot and large, expanding and cooling as they evolve, sparking debate about their origin.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·DateApr 2, 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.

Sandcastles and surprising origins of basic cellular functions

Researchers found that cell shapes play a key role in jamming and unjamming, driving biological events like embryonic development and wound healing. This insight could lead to potential treatments for conditions like asthma and cancer.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 2, 2018

Easing uncertainty

Christa Fluehmann and colleagues demonstrate a way to measure position and momentum with minimal disturbance, enabling precise measurements in a limited range. This relaxation of the uncertainty principle has fundamental implications for quantum mechanics and opens up possibilities for practical applications like quantum computing.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 2, 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.

Evolution of human locomotion

A study examined human ancestors' walking and climbing capabilities, revealing that humans' straight-legged gait provides improved walking economy but also allows for enhanced hip extension. This enabled early hominins like Ardipithecus ramidus to develop a balance between improved walking economy and climbing ability.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Predicting water storage beyond 2-5 years over global semiarid regions

Researchers at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics successfully predicted terrestrial water storage beyond 2-5 years in semiarid regions using a set of global land model ensemble simulations. The study improves near-term climate change projection and water resource management by incorporating low-frequency climate information.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 2, 2018

NSF 'supermagnet' laboratory receives $184 million renewal

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory has received a $184 million funding renewal from NSF over five years. The lab provides access to powerful instruments, including the world's strongest magnets, enabling scientists to advance fundamental science and applied research.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateApr 2, 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.

Protein analysis enables precise drug targeting

Researchers solved the structure of a key nervous system protein in complex with various drugs, enabling precise targeting. The discovery aims to develop medications with regulated action and fewer side effects by controlling which proteins are affected.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalCell·DateApr 2, 2018

Study examines energy and nutrient digestibility in wheat co-products fed to growing pigs

Research from the University of Illinois found that wheat middlings and red dog, two co-product feed ingredients for livestock, have different nutrient compositions. Red dog showed higher energy and nutrient digestibility compared to wheat middlings due to its particle size and starch content.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateApr 2, 2018

Prenatal antiepileptic drug exposure and seizure severity

Mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid showed greater seizure severity and reduced neural migration. Voluntary exercise alleviated VPA-induced effects, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for prenatal VPA-exposed individuals with neurological disorders.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 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.

Hubble uses cosmic lens to discover most distant star ever observed

Astronomers have discovered the most distant star ever observed, existing only 4.4 billion years after the Big Bang, using gravitational lensing with the Hubble Space Telescope. The light from the star was magnified 2000 times, allowing for its detection.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 2, 2018

Farthest star ever seen in the universe detected

Researchers have discovered the farthest individual star ever seen, Icarus, 9 billion light years away, by magnifying its brightness with the gravity of a larger object. This breakthrough study uses gravitational lensing to exclude the possibility that dark matter is made up mostly of large black holes.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 2, 2018

Unraveling the immunopathogenesis of Johne's disease

A study by Hokkaido University researchers has identified prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as a key player in impairing the immune response of cattle affected by Johne's disease. The discovery offers hope for developing a method to control this chronic enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateApr 2, 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.

Links between eating red meat and distal colon cancer in women

A new study suggests that a diet free from red meat significantly reduces the risk of distal colon cancer in women living in the UK. The study analyzed data from over 32,000 women and found that those regularly eating red meat had higher rates of distal colon cancer compared to a red meat-free diet.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateApr 2, 2018

Proper data analysis might be among Hurricane Maria's casualties

A Penn State demographer warns that Hurricane Maria's destruction may have crippled Puerto Rico's ability to gather and analyze accurate data, hindering the island's recovery and response to future emergencies. The lack of proper data collection services and analysis may lead to inadequate allocation of resources, including money and aid.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 2, 2018

Eating more protein may not benefit older men

A randomized clinical trial found that higher protein intake did not increase lean body mass, muscle performance, or physical function in older men. The results suggest that the recommended daily allowance for protein may be sufficient for promoting muscle growth and well-being in this population.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 2, 2018

New study uncovers major differences in billing complexity among US health insurers

A recent study analyzing 44 million claims from 68,000 physicians found that Medicaid billing complexity is surprisingly similar to private insurance, contradicting conventional wisdom. The research suggests that Medicaid managed care programs have slightly lower billing complexity than state-run fee-for-service Medicaid.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 2, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Does metal use slow when a country's wealth grows? Maybe not

A Yale-led study found that GDP remains linked to metal use even as affluence grows, with a 1% rise in GDP increasing the nation's metal footprint by 1.9%. This challenges the long-held theory that metal use plateaus when GDP reaches $15,000 per person.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 2, 2018

Flood risk denial in US coastal communities

A study by David Casagrande explores the attitudes and perception of flood risk in US coastal communities. Residents employ rationalizations such as scapegoating and social comparison to avoid making difficult decisions, rather than taking steps to mitigate damage. This research highlights the importance of addressing individual belief...

SourceLehigh University·DateApr 2, 2018

Biological ballet: Imaging technique reveals complex protein movements in cell membrane

Researchers have developed an imaging method for live cells that suppresses photobleaching, allowing observation of individual molecules for up to 400 seconds. This enables study of protein movements and interactions in the cell membrane, shedding light on cellular behavior and potential targets for cancer treatment.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 2, 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.

Aquaplaning in the geological underground

A study by GFZ scientists found that water pressure at the plate interface zone can lead to 'aquaplaning', initiating earthquakes. The researchers suggest that fluid pressure becomes close to lithostatic at deeper interfaces and lower at shallower ones, triggering catastrophic events.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 2, 2018

Infant death study reveals dangerous sleep practices among babysitters, relatives, others

A study of over 10,000 infant deaths found that many were caused by unsafe sleep positions or environments. Licensed childcare providers were more likely to follow safe sleep guidelines than babysitters, relatives, and friends. The researchers urge parents to educate anyone caring for their children on safe sleep practices.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 2, 2018

Payment reform fix?

Two studies found no reductions in hospital use or spending linked to the global budget program, despite expected improvements in care. The program may still have saved money due to changes in hospital prices.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 2, 2018
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.

Reorganization of brain outputs in deaf cats

Cats deaf from an early age exhibit increased connections between auditory cortex and superior colliculus, a midbrain region responsible for directing the animal's environment. This reorganization may support enhanced information processing.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateApr 2, 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.

In mice, long-lasting brain proteins offer clues to how memories last a lifetime

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified 164 long-lasting brain proteins in mice that outlast neighboring proteins by weeks and months. These stable proteins may play a crucial role in governing long-term memory and learning, as well as loss of memory, in all mammals, including humans.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Self-rating mental health as 'good' predicts positive future mental health

Researchers found that individuals who rate their mental health as 'positive' despite symptoms are less likely to develop depression or psychological distress in the future. This suggests good mental health encompasses coping and adapting to life, not just symptom absence.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateApr 2, 2018

Elevated blood pressure before pregnancy may increase chance of pregnancy loss

Researchers found that women with high diastolic blood pressure before conception were at an 18% higher risk of pregnancy loss. Lifestyle changes to control blood pressure may improve pregnancy outcomes, according to a new study published in Hypertension.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateApr 2, 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.

Pediatric cancer research gets a boost from St. Baldrick's Foundation

The St. Baldrick's Foundation has awarded grants to support pediatric cancer research and novel immunotherapies for childhood cancers such as medulloblastoma and osteosarcoma. The funding will enable researchers to study the immune system's response to these tumors and develop targeted immunotherapy techniques.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateApr 2, 2018

Breakthrough in determining ages of different microbial groups

Scientists have developed a new method to investigate the timing and co-evolution of microbial groups by analyzing horizontal gene transfer among ancient microbes. This breakthrough provides relative age constraints for several microbial groups without reliable fossil evidence, including the Archaea.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 2, 2018

Two-pronged approach could curb many cases of lung cancer

Researchers successfully treat KRAS-driven lung cancer by targeting insulin and IGF-1 signaling, identifying metabolic vulnerabilities. The study shows that completely blocking the pathway can slow tumor growth, but a second step is needed to fully suppress it.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 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.

Coral reefs protect coasts from severe storms

Researchers found that fringing coral reefs can effectively protect shorelines from extensive erosion caused by tropical cyclones. The study used Ningaloo Reef as a case study and showed that the reef's shape and structure can dissipate large waves, reducing coastal damage.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateApr 2, 2018

Agricultural fires can double Delhi pollution during peak burning season

Research from Harvard University shows that agricultural fires in Punjab, India can increase air pollution in Delhi by 20 times the safe limit. The study used satellite data and modeling to track the impact of smoke particles on urban areas.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 2, 2018

Computational analysis of putative hominin burial practices

A machine learning approach analyzed fossil remains in Spain and South Africa, finding that carnivore disturbance likely contributed to the disarray. The findings do not rule out potential hominin burials but instead highlight the role of nonhuman agents.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

International competition for nonfuel minerals

The study reveals that China and the US are heavily reliant on imports for certain nonfuel minerals, with each country importing more than half of their consumption for 11 minerals. This raises concerns about potential international competition for existing supplies, as these minerals are crucial for emerging technologies.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 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.

Combination immunotherapy improves survival in mouse models of mesothelioma

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital report promising preclinical results against uniformly fatal tumor, finding that combining two cancer immunotherapy drugs significantly prolongs survival time. The treatment changes a population of immunosuppressive T cells into a type that could enhance an antitumor immune response.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateApr 2, 2018

Do men outnumber women in academic neurology programs?

A recent study found that men outnumber women in top-ranked academic neurology programs, consistent with previous research on neurology and other specialties. The study analyzed data from 1,712 academic neurologists across 29 programs, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in academic careers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 2, 2018

Learned immunosuppression and drug efficacy

Researchers found that pairing immunosuppressive drugs with a stimulus significantly reduced T cell proliferation in renal transplant patients. This 'learned' behavior may enhance immunopharmacological treatment strategies.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 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.

People use emotion to persuade, even when it could backfire

A study published in Psychological Science found that people tend to use more emotional language when trying to persuade an audience, even if it may not be effective. The researchers used a quantitative linguistic analysis tool to analyze reviews and found that participants used more emotional descriptors when trying to persuade readers.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 2, 2018

We'll pay more for unhealthy foods we crave, neuroscience research finds

A new study by NYU researchers found that craving can overshadow healthy choices and make people willing to pay more for unhealthy food items. The study revealed that craving boosts the economic value of tempting, high-calorie foods relative to healthier options.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

New insight about how viruses use host proteins to their advantage

Scientists at Uppsala University have discovered that multiple viruses, including adenovirus, influenza virus, HIV, and herpes simplex virus, rely on the host protein ZC3H11A for efficient growth. The protein is involved in a previously unknown mechanism for handling stress in cells.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 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.

Hubble uncovers the farthest star ever seen

Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a blue supergiant star called Icarus, which is the farthest individual star observed. The team used gravitational lensing to magnify the star's light, revealing its true nature and providing insights into dark matter theory.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 2, 2018

New study shows vegetation controls the future of the water cycle

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that vegetation plays a dominant role in Earth's water cycle, regulating future dryness and water resources. Plants' physiological responses to increasing CO2 levels have a major impact on evapotranspiration, long-term runoff, and soil moisture.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Human inner ear morphology and dispersal from Africa

Researchers analyzed 221 skeletal specimens to examine the correlation between inner ear morphology and genetic markers reflecting human dispersal from Africa. The study found that labyrinth morphology corresponds with dispersal patterns, offering a new avenue for individual-based genotype and phenotype comparisons.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Antarctica retreating across the sea floor

Researchers from the University of Leeds have created the first complete map of how Antarctica's grounding line is shifting. The study found that eight of the ice sheet's largest glaciers are retreating at an extreme rate, with some losing over 25 meters per year.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 2, 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.

Researchers develop injectable bandage

A team of researchers from Texas A&M University has developed an injectable bandage using a gelling agent commonly used in pastries, which can stop bleeding and promote wound healing. The injectable hydrogels are made with kappa-carrageenan and nanosilicates to form a controlled release of therapeutics.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateApr 2, 2018

Biomimetic chemistry: DNA mimic outwits viral enzyme

Researchers at LMU München have developed a synthetic DNA sequence that can inhibit the activities of several DNA-processing enzymes, including HIV integrase. The artificial DNA mimic successfully competes with its natural counterpart, demonstrating potential for new treatments of retroviral diseases.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 2, 2018

New compound helps activate cancer-fighting T cells

A new compound, AH10-7, has been identified as a powerful activator of human invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, a key player in the immune system's fight against cancer. The compound is highly effective and selective, encouraging iNKT cells to release specific proteins that stimulate anti-tumor immunity.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateApr 2, 2018

Stanford researchers engineer yeast to manufacture complex medicine

Stanford researchers engineered yeast to produce noscapine, a promising cancer drug with less toxicity than current treatments. The breakthrough involves introducing 25 foreign genes into yeast, achieving an 18,000-fold improvement in noscapine output.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 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.

Higher blood pressure before pregnancy may increase miscarriage risk

A recent study published in the Hypertension journal found that elevated blood pressure before becoming pregnant and early in pregnancy may increase the risk of pregnancy loss. The study, which examined 1,228 healthy women, found a significant association between preconception and early-pregnancy blood pressure and pregnancy loss.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 2, 2018

NASA sees Iris the zombie storm reborn near Queensland

A tropical cyclone weakened to a low pressure area off Queensland's coast but strengthened into a Category 1 storm on April 2. NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of the storm, showing a thick band of thunderstorms surrounding its center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 2, 2018

Novel PET imaging agent could help guide therapy for brain diseases

Researchers have developed a new PET imaging agent that targets NMDA receptors in nerve cells to assess treatments for various neurological diseases. The agent, C-Me-NB1, provides valuable insights into the role of NMDA receptors in brain disorders.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 2, 2018

Spear points prove early inhabitants liked to travel

Researchers at Texas A&M University found that early settlers in interior western Canada used the Pacific coastal route to reach temperate North America, contradicting traditional theories of migration. The fluted spear points provide evidence supporting new genetic models explaining how humans colonized the New World.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 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.

In zebrafish, the cholera bacterium sets off a surprising flush

Researchers discovered that Vibrio cholerae causes a 200-percent increase in intestinal contractions, expelling native gut bacteria in zebrafish. This finding sheds new light on the bacterium's invasion mechanisms and potentially opens doors to therapies targeting its path.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Finding order in disorder demonstrates a new state of matter

Physicists have identified a new state of matter in artificial spin ice that exhibits topological ordered phases, previously found only in quantum conditions. The material appears disordered but is actually ordered in a topological form.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 2, 2018

Extinct monitor lizard had four eyes, fossil evidence shows

A fossilized monitor lizard from the Cretaceous period was found to have a fourth eye-like structure, consisting of both pineal and parapineal organs. This discovery confirms that the third eye in lizards evolved independently of other vertebrate groups.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 2, 2018

Rare Scottish dinosaur prints give key insight into era lost in time

Researchers discovered dozens of giant footprints on Scotland's Isle of Skye, providing key insight into the evolution of dinosaurs during the Middle Jurassic period. The tracks were made by long-necked sauropods and sharp-toothed theropods, with some dating back to around 170 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScottish Journal of Geology·DateApr 2, 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.

Earth's stable temperature past suggests other planets could also sustain life

A new study from the University of Washington found that early Earth's temperature was moderate, not extremely hot or cold, allowing for a stable climate that enabled life to emerge. This discovery is significant for the search for life on other planets, as it suggests that habitable zones may retain stable climates.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Water purification breakthrough uses sunlight and 'hydrogels'

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new technology using combined gel-polymer hybrid materials to produce clean drinking water from any source. The system uses ambient solar energy to power evaporation, reducing energy consumption and increasing water volume.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 2, 2018

Scientists discover new method for measuring cellular age

Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute developed a computational method to measure cellular age, revealing progressive loss of specific chemical tags in normal cells. This discovery may lead to better screening and monitoring methods for cancer and other diseases.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 2, 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.

Brewer's yeast engineered to produce potential cancer drug

Researchers have engineered brewer's yeast to produce noscapine, a potential cancer drug with fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy. The engineered yeast strain produced 2.2 mg/L noscapine after optimization, paving the way for large-scale commercial production.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Is the Milky Way getting bigger?

A team of astronomers has found that galaxies like the Milky Way are slowly increasing in size due to star formation on their outskirts. The study, led by Cristina Martínez-Lombilla, reveals a growth rate of around 500 meters per second, which is fast enough to cover the distance from Liverpool to London in about twelve minutes.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·DateApr 2, 2018

Ocean acidification in seagrass habitats

Researchers studied ocean acidification's effect on an estuarine seagrass habitat in Puget Sound, finding that CO2 levels reduce the habitat's ability to withstand natural fluctuations. However, high CO2 levels projected by 2100 are locally mitigated by the seagrass habitat.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Even DNA that doesn't encode genes can drive cancer

Researchers identified nearly 200 mutations in non-coding DNA that play a functional role in cancer, providing potential molecularly targeted therapeutics. These mutations could represent new targets for cancer drugs and may help explain the diversity of genetic mutations in tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 2, 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.

Modeling future earthquake and tsunami risk in southeast Japan

Researchers at UMass Amherst and Japanese scientists report developing new techniques for modeling tsunami risk in the Nankai Trough, a region predicted to generate a magnitude 8-9 earthquake within the next few decades. The team's GPS-based methods simulate tsunami inundation and validate previous findings.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 2, 2018

First age-map of the heart of the Milky Way

A new age-map of the Milky Way's center shows that a period of star formation lasting around 4 billion years created the complex structure. The map, produced by an international team, combines data from millions of stars and spectroscopic surveys, revealing that the bar-shaped structure was formed about 7 billion years ago.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·DateApr 2, 2018

Researchers seek to improve quality control for nanomanufacturing

Researchers from the University of Houston are developing a new quality control tool that can detect imperfections in nanomanufacturing almost instantaneously. The goal is to provide continuous monitoring during production, enabling faster and more efficient manufacturing processes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 2, 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.

Using water molecules to read electrical activity in lipid membranes

Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to track electrical activity in lipid membranes by analyzing the position of surrounding water molecules. This approach reveals unexpected charge fluctuations and complex chemical behavior previously unknown.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Climate and ocean pH on early Earth

Researchers estimate early Earth's climate as temperate, with temperatures ranging from 0-50 °C. Ocean pH increased steadily from acidic to mildly basic over the past 4 billion years.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

A Zika vaccine could virtually eliminate prenatal infections

A Zika vaccine has shown significant potential in eliminating prenatal infections, with a 75% effective vaccine covering 90% of females aged 9-49 years reducing incidence by at least 94%. The vaccine's effectiveness depends on demographic and fertility patterns, local Zika attack rates, and population susceptibility.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 2, 2018

Ice-free Arctic summers could hinge on small climate warming range

New University of Colorado Boulder research suggests that limiting warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit would reduce the likelihood of an ice-free Arctic summer to 30 percent by 2100. In contrast, warming by 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit would make at least one ice-free summer certain.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 2, 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.

UMD researcher uncovers protein used to outsmart the human immune system

A University of Maryland researcher has discovered a protein produced by the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, allowing it to evade the body's first immune response. This breakthrough understanding has significant implications for treating tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, which is increasingly chronic and prevalent.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Hanging by a thread: Why bent fibers hold more water

A team of researchers from Utah State University and Belgium discovered the exact angle at which a bent fiber holds the most fluid, found to be 36 degrees. This discovery has multiple industrial applications, including drug manufacturing and fog-collection net development.

SourceUtah State University·JournalSoft Matter·DateApr 2, 2018

Origins of fluted-point technology in Arctic North America

Researchers examined over 200 fluted-point specimens from North America, revealing similarities among Clovis, Ice-Free Corridor, and Northern variants. The findings suggest that fluting technology originated in the ice-free corridor and was influenced by regional ecological settings.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018