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Science News for August 13, 2018


Oil palm cultivation in Africa

Researchers found significant overlap between areas suitable for oil palm production and primate conservation priorities in Africa, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to balance both interests. Only a few regions, like Madagascar, were identified as suitable for palm oil production with low conservation risks for primates.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

Meteorite bombardment likely to have created the Earth's oldest rocks

Scientists found that ancient silica-rich felsic rocks in Canada formed at high temperatures and shallow crust depths, likely due to meteorite bombardment. The results suggest that these rocks are the only surviving remnants of a barrage of extraterrestrial impacts that shaped Earth's early history.

SourceGoldschmidt Conference·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 13, 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.

Switching anti-psychotic medications doesn't improve outcomes in first episode schizophrenia patient

A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that switching antipsychotic medications in patients with first-episode schizophrenia does not improve clinical outcomes. Instead, earlier treatment with clozapine, an effective antipsychotic medication, can be started earlier to potentially save time and reduce suffering.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateAug 13, 2018

NASA sees Tropical Storm Yagi after China landfall

Tropical Storm Yagi made landfall in China's Zhejiang Province on Aug. 12, causing heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms. MODIS instrument detected cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating the storm's capability to create heavy rain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 13, 2018

Human response to ancient climate shifts

Researchers analyzed animal fat residues to link a 8,200-year-old climate shift in Greenland with changes in a human settlement. The study found correlations between the climate event and shifts from cattle herding to goat herding and changes in dwelling structures, ultimately leading to settlement abandonment.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

Study reveals broad 'genetic architectures' of traits and diseases

Scientists developed a method to characterize the genetic contributions to traits and diseases, revealing that cognitive traits and psychiatric disorders are influenced by tens of thousands of gene variants. The study provides a 'big picture' of genetic influences, useful for designing future genetic studies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 13, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Intervention for young transgender women to reduce risk of HIV

A randomized clinical trial found an intervention reducing condomless sex acts among young transgender women, suggesting it is both feasible and effective. The project shared information about HIV, promoted condom use, and encouraged partner communication to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 13, 2018

New study reveals evidence of how Neolithic people adapted to climate change

Researchers have found that early farmers at Çatalhöyük turned to drought-resistant sheep and goats during a sudden climate event 8,200 years ago. The study used ancient animal fats in cooking pots to detect changes in precipitation patterns, providing new insights into past climate conditions.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

Thermal switch discovered in engineered squid-based biomaterials

Scientists have developed a new class of materials inspired by squid DNA that can control thermal conductivity, which could lead to improved fabrics for athletic wear. The materials' thermal conductivity increases dramatically when wet, allowing them to 'flip' a switch and remove heat from the body.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 13, 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.

Rare cancer could be caught early using simple blood tests

Researchers found a simple combination of two blood tests can diagnose myeloma in GPs, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. The study analyzed over 2,700 cases and suggested integrating a system to alert clinicians to relevant symptoms or changes in blood parameters.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateAug 13, 2018

Pre-Hispanic macaw breeding in the American Southwest

Researchers found low genetic diversity among ancient macaw skeletons from Chaco Canyon and the Mimbres region in New Mexico, dating back to 900-1200 CE. This suggests a translocated breeding population of macaws based on a small founder population.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 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.

Children's understanding of false beliefs

Research on false beliefs in young children reveals distinct patterns of understanding between infants and older children. Infants use social-cognitive abilities associated with great apes, whereas older children employ human social-cognitive abilities to coordinate mental states with cooperative partners.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

Hominin forefoot evolution

A study reveals early hominin forefoot evolution facilitated bipedal locomotion. The degree of dorsal doming in metatarsophalangeal joints correlated with MTPJ range of motion and was important for bipedalism, suggesting adaptations appeared over 4.4 million years ago.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

Weather and daily governance

A study analyzed weather data from various sources in the US from 2000 to 2017, revealing links between temperature and risk of fatal crashes, food safety violations, and police stops. Climate projections suggest future warming may impact regulatory oversight, with potential implications for governance.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

Doctor-patient discussions neglect potential harms of lung cancer screening, study finds

A study by researchers from the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that doctor-patient discussions about lung cancer screening are often brief and one-sided, failing to address potential harms. The conversation quality was rated as poor, with only a few minutes spent discussing the issue on average.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 13, 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.

Rethinking the stroke rule 'time is brain'

Neurologist Camilo R. Gomez argues that the effect of time on ischemic stroke outcomes varies greatly among patients, with collateral circulation playing a critical role in determining treatment efficacy. He proposes a new approach to stroke care, taking into account individual patient variability and blood circulation patterns.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateAug 13, 2018

Link between common 'harmless' virus and cardiovascular damage

Researchers found a close connection between Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and the accumulation of immune cells damaging cardiovascular tissue. The study suggests that CMV infection may be an important clinical factor in coronary heart disease, and treatment of the virus could be effective in preventing or managing the condition.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalTheranostics·DateAug 13, 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.

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.

Fission products from natural nuclear reactor

Scientists have found significant concentrations of fission products, including barium isotopes, within ruthenium metal and sulfide aggregates at the Oklo reactor site. The discovery suggests that these aggregates formed approximately five years after reactor shutdown, with potential implications for nuclear waste storage.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

A new artificial quantum material essential in developing high-efficiency computers

Researchers have developed a new artificial quantum material that can control internal resistance in multilayered magnetically doped semiconductors, enabling the creation of high-efficiency computers. The material exploits the Quantum Anomalous Hall Effect, allowing for faster computation speeds and improved energy efficiency.

SourceInstitute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalChinese Physics Letters·DateAug 13, 2018

VOX pops cereal challenge

A new carrier to transfer genes into plants has enabled crop scientists to study traits and diseases in wheat and maize more quickly and easily. The Foxtail mosaic virus (FoMV) has overcome limitations of existing carriers, allowing for the expression of a wide range of proteins in host plants.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateAug 13, 2018

Policy changes can help ease roadblocks to a healthy diet

Research suggests that policy strategies such as nutrition labeling, taxing sugar sweetened beverages, and promoting healthy environments can improve diets. The American College of Cardiology recommends these policies to address the complex dietary risk factor modification needed to reduce cardiovascular disease prevalence.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 13, 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.

Multimodel ensemble prediction of summer droughts over the Yellow River Basin

Researchers improved soil moisture drought forecasting over the Yellow River Basin by combining climate and land surface hydrology models, achieving higher probabilistic drought forecasting skill and reliability. The multimodel ensemble approach provides valuable information for drought adaptation in this region.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateAug 13, 2018

Another step forward on universal quantum computer

Researchers at Yokohama National University have demonstrated fault-tolerant universal holonomic quantum gates, paving the way for fast and reliable quantum computing. The team achieved this breakthrough by manipulating a geometric spin qubit in an NV center, enabling precise control over long-lived quantum memories.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 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.

UMass Amherst computational biophysicist receives grant to study 'floppy' proteins

Jianhan Chen is studying intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) with flexible 3D structural properties, which account for about one-third of all eukaryotic proteins. His project aims to develop computational methods to simulate flexible proteins and explore the fundamental principles of their structural disorder's effect on function.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateAug 13, 2018

Scarlet macaw DNA points to ancient breeding operation in Southwest

Researchers found that scarlet macaws sequenced from Chaco Canyon and Mimbres areas in New Mexico shared the same haplogroup, indicating a single breeding population. This contradicts previous theories that ancestral Puebloan people brought birds back from Mexico, as transporting adolescent birds would be logistically difficult.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

MIT mathematicians solve age-old spaghetti mystery

Researchers at MIT have found a way to break dry spaghetti into exactly two pieces by twisting and then slowly bending it. The team developed an apparatus to control the twist and bend, and used it to test hundreds of sticks, finding that this method works consistently across different types of spaghetti.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

'Undruggable' cancers slowed by targeting growth signals

A novel approach targeting the RAS / MAP Kinase pathway slows cancer growth in lung, skin, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Researchers have identified a compound that effectively decouples the entire pathway from external growth signals, leading to significant inhibition of cancer growth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 13, 2018

Video-based ethics program increases moral awareness, study finds

A video-based behavioral ethics curriculum called Ethics Unwrapped has been shown to increase student understanding of ethics and human behavior. The program, which uses open-access videos, improves comprehension of complex moral concepts such as conflict of interest and relativism.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateAug 13, 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.

The behavior of water: scientists find new properties of H2O

Researchers at New York University find that water's density increases above freezing point and cooling it down reveals asymmetry in ion transport. This discovery could lead to new materials for clean energy applications and deeper understanding of water's properties.

SourceNew York University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 13, 2018

When these flies want to sniff out food and mates, they wing it

Researchers found that fruit fly wings are not optimized for aerodynamics but rather help detect scents, which is crucial for survival. The wings' unique motion 'scoops' streams of odor right to the insect's antennae, enabling it to find food and mates.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2018

Duke team finds missing immune cells that could fight lethal brain tumors

A team of researchers at Duke University Medical Center has identified missing immune cells that could potentially fight lethal brain tumors. The study found that these cells are locked away in the bone marrow due to a mechanism triggered by the brain, which is also employed by other diseases such as metastasized tumors and injuries.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 13, 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.

How birds learn

Zebra finches learn to distinguish between birdsongs using trial and error or observation. Trial-and-error methods are more robust for generalization, while observation is faster but less effective.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2018

Community-based conservation management has positive effect on wildlife

A study by Penn State researcher Derek E. Lee found that community-based conservation management in Tanzania increases wildlife densities and giraffe population growth. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of transferring wildlife management rights to local communities.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateAug 13, 2018

Novel optics for ultrafast cameras create new possibilities for imaging

MIT researchers developed novel optics that capture images based on the timing of reflecting light inside the optics. This allows for new capabilities in time- or depth-sensitive cameras, such as capturing a trillion-frame-per-second video. The new optics architecture includes semireflective parallel mirrors that reduce focal length by...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 13, 2018

NIH to host Artificial Intelligence and Medical Imaging Workshop

The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) at NIH will convene experts in academia, industry, and government to discuss the state-of-the-art of AI applications for medical imaging. The workshop aims to improve quality, reproducibility, and reliability of AI in medical imaging.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·DateAug 13, 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.

Long-sought carbon structure joins graphene, fullerene family

Scientists at UC Berkeley have discovered a long-sought carbon structure called schwarzite, which has unique electronic, magnetic, and optical properties. The negatively curved schwarzites were formed inside zeolite pores and have potential applications in supercapacitors, battery electrodes, and gas storage.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 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.

Historic space weather could clarify what's next

Scientists have discovered a repeatable pattern in how space weather activity changes with the solar cycle, enabling better understanding and planning for space weather. The breakthrough allows for more accurate forecasting of potential threats to Earth from solar flares and extreme space weather.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalSpace Weather·DateAug 13, 2018

Research shows that cystic fibrosis impacts growth in the womb

Research shows that babies with cystic fibrosis are born weighing less than those without the condition, even accounting for premature births. The study found a link between CF mutation and intrauterine growth, highlighting the need for further research into improving health outcomes before birth.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThorax·DateAug 13, 2018

Cannabis link to relieving intestinal inflammation explained

Researchers discovered that cannabis's endocannabinoids help regulate gut inflammation by turning off an aggressive immune response. This mechanism provides a new drug target for treating patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 13, 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.

When it comes to regrowing tails, neural stem cells are the key

Scientists discovered that neural stem cells in spinal cords are the limiting factor for tail regeneration. Unlike salamanders, lizard neural stem cells cannot produce diverse cell types needed for bony vertebrae development. This finding may aid understanding of why humans can't regenerate their tails.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

Thirty percent increase in risk of fracture after gastric bypass

A recent study found that gastric bypass surgery increases the risk of fractures, particularly in individuals without diabetes. The researchers compared data from over 38,000 patients who underwent gastric bypass operations with a control group and found a significant increase in fracture rates, with risks ranging from 26% to 32%.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateAug 13, 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.

Lighter sedation won't drop risk of postop delirium

A study of 200 patients undergoing hip fracture repair found that lighter sedation did not reduce the risk of postoperative delirium in severely ill patients. However, for healthier adults, deep sedation more than doubled the risk of delirium compared to light sedation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 13, 2018

Protons get zippier in neutron-rich nuclei

A study at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility found that protons in neutron-rich nuclei have higher momentum than neutrons due to short-range correlations, which may impact neutron star dynamics. The research, published in Nature, confirms earlier hints and quantifies the effect for the first time.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2018

NASA's IMERG estimates heavy rainfall over the eastern US

Heavy rainfall caused flash floods and power outages in Virginia and Texas, while NASA's IMERG program estimated rainfall totals of over 8 inches in some areas. The analysis was based on satellite data from the GPM mission and used algorithms developed by NASA's PMM science team.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 13, 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.

Hijacking cellular 'mail' for regenerative medicine

Researchers at UIC are developing a new exosome-based approach to regenerate bone and tissues, with the goal of reducing side effects and advancing therapies. Engineered exosomes may aid regeneration faster than growth factors, with fewer complications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateAug 13, 2018

A computational method for designing a new type of 2D carbons

Researchers at EPFL developed a computational method to grow 2D carbon surfaces inside zeolite pores. The resulting structures resemble negatively curved surfaces called Schwarzites, which have unique properties and potential applications in supercapacitors, catalysis, and gas storage.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

Black male youth more fearful when visiting whiter neighborhoods

A study of 506 black youths found that African American boys felt less safe in areas that were modestly more white than their usual hangouts. The researchers tracked the teens' locations using smartphones and asked them to rate their safety levels. Black boys felt less safe in poorer neighborhoods as well as those with higher white pop...

SourceOhio State University·DateAug 13, 2018

Easter Island's society might not have collapsed

Recent study analyzes chemical makeup of tools used to create giant statues, suggesting a sophisticated society where people shared information and collaborated. The results contradict the popular narrative that Easter Island's inhabitants ran out of resources and warred themselves into extinction.

SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Indo-Pacific Archaeology·DateAug 13, 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.

Blood test could detect kidney cancer up to 5 years earlier

Researchers have identified a blood biomarker called KIM-1 that can predict the risk of developing kidney cancer over the next 5 years. Measuring levels of KIM-1 in the blood may help detect kidney cancer earlier, potentially improving survival rates.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 13, 2018

Links between tax havens, deforestation and illegal fishing exposed

A new study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution exposes connections between tax havens, deforestation, and illegal fishing. On average, 68% of foreign capital to Amazon rainforest sectors was transferred through tax havens, while 70% of IUU fishing vessels were flagged under a tax haven jurisdiction.

SourceStockholm Resilience Centre·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 13, 2018

Benzodiazepines are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease

A recent study found that benzodiazepine use is associated with a modestly increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research, conducted in the nationwide MEDALZ cohort, suggests that the threshold for prescribing these medications should be high due to their adverse effects and potential risks.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·DateAug 13, 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.

Are US cities getting more or less violent? New database offers mixed picture

According to a new analysis by New York University researchers, US cities have become dramatically safer since 1991, with most becoming less violent over the last year. However, recent fluctuations in selected cities suggest temporary disruptions in this 17-year decline, with some cities experiencing rising violence from 2014 to 2017.

SourceNew York University·DateAug 13, 2018

Grip strength of children gives clues about their future health

A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that grip strength in children is a strong predictor of their future health, including risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Researchers suggest that improving muscular strength during adolescence could help prevent these outcomes.

SourceBaylor University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateAug 13, 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.

WPSI says screen all women annually for urinary incontinence

The Women's Preventive Services Initiative recommends annual screening for urinary incontinence in all women, assessing symptom presence and impact on activities. Early intervention may reduce symptom progression and limit costly treatment needs.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 13, 2018

Research reveals molecular details of sperm-egg fusion

Scientists have described the detailed structure of proteins enabling sperm-egg fusion in two species: Arabidopsis thaliana and Trypanosoma cruzi. The study reveals similarities and differences between the proteins, shedding light on how they work and potentially leading to new insights into human fertilization.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 13, 2018

Sex-specific genetic engineering in silkworms

Researchers have developed a method for sex-specific genetic engineering in silkworms, enabling the creation of fluorescent females for easy sex sorting. The technique uses a targeted gene integration approach that can be adapted for pest control by inducing female-specific embryonic lethality.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 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.

Social nudges and electricity consumption

A natural field experiment found that social nudges decrease electricity consumption with potential policy implications for energy markets. The average effect of receiving both nudges was similar to the sum of individual effects, suggesting limited crowd-out effects.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 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.

Preliminary analysis of the influence of reinforced mortar coating

Reinforced mortar coating improves the compressive strength of clay bricks, increasing their capacity to withstand external loads. The experimental results indicate an increase in both coated and non-coated prisms, with a significant improvement in the load-carrying capacity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Civil Engineering Journal·DateAug 13, 2018

Racial and ethnic minority patients have lower rates of Medicare preventive care visits -- income and education partially explain the difference

A study found that Medicare preventive care visits are lower in racial and ethnic minority patients, with income and education partially explaining the difference. The rate of use increased modestly since its introduction but remains low, highlighting the need to promote its use among beneficiaries and providers.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateAug 13, 2018

Potential biomarker for autism

Researchers have identified altered brain waves and movement abnormalities in young children with autism spectrum disorder, which can be detected as early as infancy using non-invasive neuroimaging techniques. These findings may represent an objective approach to diagnosing autism in young children.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateAug 13, 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.

Amputees feel as though their prosthetic limb belongs to their own body

Amputees can be tricked into feeling their prosthetic limb belongs to their own body by combining visual and tactile sensations. The study used virtual reality goggles and artificial tactile sensations to induce embodiment, reducing phantom limb issues.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateAug 13, 2018

The medicine of the future against infection and inflammation?

Researchers have mapped how peptides reduce infection and inflammation by deactivating toxic substances formed in the process. The study reveals that these peptides form a C-shaped structure which enables the capturing and inactivation of lipopolysaccharides, a necessary part of our immune defence system.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 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.

In neutron stars, protons may do the heavy lifting

Researchers found that in neutron-rich objects, protons carry a disproportionate part of the average energy, moving faster than neutrons. The team analyzed data from CLAS experiments and observed a significant increase in the probability of protons having high energies as the number of neutrons increased.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2018

Converting carbon dioxide into methane or ethane selectively

A research team led by Professor Su-Il In has developed high-efficiency photocatalysts that can selectively convert carbon dioxide into methane or ethane. The catalysts have shown promising results, with conversion rates higher than conventional reduced titanium dioxide photocatalysts.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateAug 13, 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.

New technology can detect hundreds of proteins in a single sample

A new technology developed by McGill University scientists can detect hundreds of proteins with a single blood sample, improving the analysis of biological markers and providing key information on health. The technique uses multicolour fluorescent dyes to barcode micro-beads, enabling detection of multiple proteins in parallel.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 13, 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.

During HIV infection, antibody can block B cells from fighting pathogens

Researchers found that in people living with HIV, a type of antibody called immunoglobulin G3 (IgG3) stops B cells from doing their normal job of fighting pathogens. This phenomenon appears to be one way the body tries to reduce immune-system hyperactivity caused by HIV.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 13, 2018

Higher omega-3 index associated with better brain function in children

Research found a strong correlation between blood omega-3s and executive function in children from Northern Ghana. Children with higher omega-3 levels were more likely to perform better on cognitive tests, suggesting potential benefits for brain development.

SourceWright On Marketing & Communications·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateAug 13, 2018

Why zebrafish (almost) always have stripes

A new mathematical model explains the formation of zebrafish stripes by highlighting the crucial role of a single pigment cell type. The model shows that iridophores lead the process, providing redundancies to ensure reliable stripe formation even when cellular processes go wrong.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2018

Brief interventions during routine care reduce alcohol use among men with HIV

A new study finds that brief motivational interviewing interventions during routine HIV care can significantly reduce heavy drinking and improve condomless sex behavior among MSM living with HIV. Over a year, participants who received the intervention reported fewer drinks per week and days of heavy drinking.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateAug 13, 2018

Collaborate, but only intermittently, says new study

Researchers found that groups that interacted only intermittently preserved the best of both worlds, having an average quality of solution nearly identical to those that interacted constantly. However, this intermittent interaction allowed high performers to learn from low performers and achieve even better solutions.

SourceHarvard Business School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

How cannabis and cannabis-based drugs harm the brain

A recent study published in the Journal of Neurochemistry reveals that long-term use of cannabis or cannabis-based drugs impairs memory in mice, with significant effects on brain function and communication between learning and memory regions. The research highlights the potential negative side effects of long-term cannabinoid exposure.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateAug 13, 2018

Disrupted nitrogen metabolism might spell cancer

Researchers found altered nitrogen metabolism in many cancers, producing detectable changes in body fluids and contributing to new mutations. This dysregulation may facilitate early detection of cancer and predict immunotherapy success.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell·DateAug 13, 2018

Researchers uncover a major new vulnerability of childhood leukemia

A team of researchers has discovered a protein called LEDGF/p75 that contributes to the regulation of gene expression in mixed lineage leukemia. The study found that this interaction is strongly modulated by phosphorylation from an enzyme called casein kinase 2, providing a new therapeutic route against the cancer.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018