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Science News for August 22, 2018


Newly identified structure in lymph nodes was 'hiding in plain sight'

Scientists at Garvan Institute of Medical Research have identified a new micro-organ within the immune system that helps fight reinfection fast. The structure, named SPFs, is strategically positioned to detect infection early and contains immune cells gathering to mount a rapid response.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2018

Fast visible-UV light nanobelt photodetector

Researchers have developed a CdS-CdSxTe1-x-CdTe core-shell nanobelt photodetector with high sensitivity and fast speed, outperforming traditional nanostructures. The detector has a responsivity of 1520 A/W and a detection spectrum covering the entire visible range.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 22, 2018

Candidate for universal flu vaccine protects against multiple strains

A modified RNA vaccine elicits protective response in mice to a conserved region of the flu virus, providing broad protection against various strains. The vaccine has shown promise as a universal flu vaccine candidate, which could be given multiple times over a lifetime for long-lasting protection.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 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.

Study examines how nurses understand and deal with racism in healthcare

A new study explored how nurses understand and deal with racism in practice, finding mixed understandings and misunderstandings about its nature. The findings suggest an urgent need for interactive and sustained anti-racist education to address structural racism and promote culturally safe healthcare practices.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateAug 22, 2018

Improving health insurance literacy aids Missourians' ACA enrollment

A study by Washington University researchers found that community outreach and educational support led to a higher enrollment rate in ACA plans among Missourians in 2018. The initiative also developed an online decision support tool, Show Me Health Plans, which reported higher health insurance knowledge and confidence among users.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateAug 22, 2018

Study investigates shortcoming of ITQ systems for fisheries

A new paper warns of the shortcomings of Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) systems for fisheries, which can discourage development of equitable alternatives. ITQs regulate fisheries access by dividing up total catch limits among individual quota owners, leading to negative consequences for small-scale fisheries and marginalized groups.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

People pick gifts that will 'wow' rather than satisfy recipients

Researchers found that gift givers tend to choose gifts based on anticipated emotional responses, rather than long-term satisfaction. In studies involving real and imaginary gift-giving decisions, participants preferred personalized gifts that would elicit stronger emotional reactions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 22, 2018

Bees need it colorful

Scientists discovered that bees' quality of life is highest in gardens and biodiverse forests, while lowest in plantations. The decline of biodiversity is linked to bee extinction due to the lack of sufficient food and resources.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 22, 2018

Air pollution leads to cardiovascular diseases

A study published in European Heart Journal reveals that air pollution is a significant contributor to cardiovascular diseases, with particulate matter playing a key role. The review article highlights the importance of reducing emissions from traffic, industry, and agriculture to mitigate the negative effects on vascular function.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 22, 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.

Media alert: New articles in The CRISPR Journal

The CRISPR Journal publishes groundbreaking research on gene editing, including off-target effects in HIV therapy and the role of p53 in genome editing. The journal explores the ethics of CRISPR technology and its potential applications.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateAug 22, 2018

Mixed report card for low-cost indoor air quality home monitors

Four low-cost indoor air quality monitors reliably detect high levels of particulate matter in the air, enabling use of ventilation systems or air cleaners to reduce pollutant exposure. However, all monitors faltered for ultrafine particles smaller than 0.3 micrometers, which pose significant health risks.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalIndoor Air·DateAug 22, 2018

Water monitor

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new method to monitor water levels in underground aquifers using seismic noise. They were able to measure the water depth of an aquifer in California to within a centimeter, and estimated that half a cubic kilometer of water was pumped out during a drought. This technique has the poten...

SourceHarvard University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 22, 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.

A milestone for forecasting earthquake hazards

Researchers from Columbia University and USGS develop a physics-based model that replicates California's statistical seismic hazard model. This breakthrough marks a turning point in earthquake forecasting, providing accurate hazard estimates for engineers and regulators to make informed decisions on building codes and construction costs.

SourceColumbia University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 22, 2018

When confronted, a single neuron helps a fruit fly change course

A team of researchers from the University of Oregon has made a groundbreaking discovery about the neural circuitry that controls movement in fruit flies. By mapping the communications between a pair of brain neurons and motor neurons, they found that a single neuron can trigger both forward and backward motion.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·DateAug 22, 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.

Can work stress contribute to Parkinson's disease risk?

A study of 2.5 million Swedes found that high job demands and low control were associated with increased Parkinson's disease risk. High education level was a moderating factor for men, while low education level exacerbated the risk among women.

SourceWiley·JournalMovement Disorders·DateAug 22, 2018

Glycans at the 'I' of the storm in humoral immunity and melanoma progression

Researchers have discovered that a distinct glycan feature, blood group I-antigen or 'I-branches', plays a central role in regulating both human B cell signaling/activation and melanoma aggressiveness. This finding has significant implications for immunomodulation and anti-cancer treatments.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2018

Rapid development in Central Africa increases the risk of infectious disease outbreaks

The Central Africa region is experiencing rapid urbanization and economic growth, making it more vulnerable to explosive infectious disease outbreaks. The authors note that efforts to build up health care infrastructure are critically needed to mitigate or prevent a large outbreak of Ebola or other infectious diseases in the region.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 22, 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.

Actuation gives new dimensions to an old material

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a low-cost actuation technology that can bend, fold or flatten specially prepared paper on command. The technology uses a thin layer of conducting thermoplastic applied to common paper, which can be heated to expand and cause the paper to change shape.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateAug 22, 2018

Mixed trends in teenage 'new smoker' rates in Europe

A study published in PLOS ONE found that European 'new smoker' rates among younger teens have increased in recent years, while older teens' rates declined from the 1970s to the 2000s. The study suggests that tobacco control measures are necessary to address this trend.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 22, 2018

Stimulation excites the brain to form better memories

A Northwestern University study found that noninvasive brain stimulation improved the brain's ability to form new memories, with increased excitability lasting at least 24 hours. The research has implications for treating memory problems due to aging or brain damage.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 22, 2018

Amber unveils evolution of ancient antlions

Researchers found fossil Myrmeleontiformia fauna from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, shedding light on the ecological niche and lifestyle of extinct species. Statistical analysis showed a correlation between morphological traits and hunting strategies, including camouflaging and fossoriality.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 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.

Physical therapy after a fall may help reduce emergency department revisits

A new study found that physical therapy services in the emergency department after a fall can significantly lower repeat visits to the ED for falls. The researchers linked PT services to a reduced risk of future falls, suggesting that EDs could play a crucial role in reducing fall-related ED revisits.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 22, 2018

New study shows encouraging correlations between a high Omega-3 Index and depression

A new study found significant correlations between blood levels of EPA plus DHA omega-3s and cognitive depression in heart failure subjects. The study also showed improvements in social functioning and a positive correlation between the Omega-3 Index and reduced cognitive depression scores.

SourceWright On Marketing & Communications·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 22, 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.

Plant virus alters competition between aphid species

A plant virus manipulates aphid species to its advantage by increasing the nutrients in host plants, making it easier for aphids to feed. This allows late-arriving aphids to outcompete early arriving ones, leading to boosted reproductive success and increased spread of the virus.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 22, 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.

Head and neck positioning affects concussion risk

Researchers at Stanford University found that head positioning is a more important factor in determining concussion risk than neck tension. Small variations in position can affect the subsequent rotation of the head and increase or decrease concussion risk.

SourceStanford University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 22, 2018

Study reveals how enzyme detects ultraviolet light damage

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine describe how RNA polymerase I stalls by DNA lesions caused by UV exposure. The study identifies a key amino acid essential to detecting UV damage, offering potential for novel cancer therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2018

Getting to the root of plant evolution

Scientists discovered transitional root fossils from the earliest land ecosystem, shedding light on plant root evolution. The findings suggest that modern-day plant roots have evolved multiple times, with each characteristic emerging separately.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 2018

Improved understanding of industrial electrode processes

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum gained new insight into the processes involving oxygen-depolarised cathodes, which consume less current than conventional systems. They found that reaction conditions change constantly during chlorine production and are not uniform throughout the electrode surface.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 22, 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.

Connecting the (nano) dots: Big-picture thinking can advance nanoparticle manufacturing

Researchers at NIST and WTEC advocate for a collaborative approach to nanoparticle manufacturing, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge and resources across disciplines. The study identifies common challenges in material, process, and application, suggesting that solving these problems could advance the entire enterprise.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateAug 22, 2018

Receptor protein in the brain controls the body's fat 'rheostat'

Scientists have identified a brain receptor protein that controls the body's 'fat rheostat', regulating energy balance and weight gain. The discovery opens new doors for developing anti-obesity drugs, particularly targeting the melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) to treat obesity.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 22, 2018

Excited atoms throw light on anti-hydrogen research

Researchers at Swansea University's CERN project have improved the synthesis of antihydrogen and accumulated the anti-atoms for greater experimentation scope. This achievement allows for greater control and manipulation of ultra-cold anti-atom properties.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 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.

The spotlight of attention is more like a strobe

Attention is not a steady focus, but rather a pulsing rhythm that cycles between periods of maximum concentration and broader situational awareness. This rhythmic structure of perception allows the brain to sample the environment and allocate resources efficiently.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNeuron·DateAug 22, 2018

Nighttime satellite data reveals global flood response patterns

Human settlements with low flood protection levels tend to resettle further away from rivers after floods. Satellite data analysis in 16 countries showed that the distance between humans and rivers increased, especially in areas with high flood fatalities.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 22, 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.

Militant groups influence local policies during conflict

Research shows that armed groups in Colombia influenced local officials to implement policy preferences, weakening government institutions. The analysis found a strong connection between violence by armed groups and differences in property rights and taxes.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateAug 22, 2018

Neandertal mother, Denisovan father!

A single bone fragment from Denisova Cave has revealed the genetic makeup of a child born to a Neandertal mother and a Denisovan father. The study's findings suggest that Neandertals and Denisovans interbred frequently, with the child showing ancestry from both groups.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 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.

Does it matter where students sit in lecture halls?

A study found that friendship groups who sat together achieved similar grades, while students sitting alone at the edges tended to do worse. The research suggests that lecturers can use this information to provide targeted support for anxious students and encourage interactions between different groups.

SourceWiley·JournalFEBS Open Bio·DateAug 22, 2018

Study suggests need to include overweight subjects in metabolic research

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles investigate the impact of obesity on metabolism and body temperature control, finding that post-prandial uridine levels increase in obese individuals. The study suggests including both lean and overweight subjects in metabolic research to prevent misleading outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 22, 2018

Laser breakthrough has physicists close to cooling down antimatter

Researchers have successfully observed a Lyman-alpha transition in antihydrogen, a key milestone towards cooling and manipulating antimatter. The achievement uses laser pulses to manipulate the antihydrogen atoms and could lead to precision spectroscopy and gravity measurements.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 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.

In soil carbon measurements, tools tell the tale

A recent study shows that common soil carbon measurement methods, including clod, core, and excavation, yield significantly different results. The core method was found to greatly underestimate soil organic carbon stocks, particularly in deeper soil layers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateAug 22, 2018

Getting high on worms

A research team led by Nicholas V. DiPatrizio and Meera G. Nair found that parasitic worms produce cannabis-like molecules during infection, reducing pain and inflammation in the host. This discovery could lead to therapeutic treatments for worm infections and improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateAug 22, 2018

Climate change denial strongly linked to right-wing nationalism

A new global research network on climate change denial has been established by Chalmers University of Technology. The network will examine the links between conservatism, xenophobia and climate change denial, with a focus on right-wing nationalism in Europe.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Sociology·DateAug 22, 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.

Risk of heart attacks is double for daily e-cigarette users

A new analysis found that daily e-cigarette use nearly doubles the odds of a heart attack, with dual use of e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes increasing the risk five-fold. Quitting either product can reduce this risk.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 22, 2018

Parrots' economics

Researchers found that parrots make deliberate, profit-maximizing decisions, prioritizing higher-value food over immediate rewards. However, individual motivation plays a role, with some birds valuing the token itself over economic gain.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 22, 2018

The 'Gloo' behind James Webb Space Telescopes Spider technology

The James Webb Space Telescope relies on innovative components like the 'Spider', a thermally isolating device with Kevlar fibers, to accurately detect light from distant galaxies and celestial objects. This cutting-edge technology enables the telescope to observe objects in the Kuiper Belt and study the universe's origins.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 22, 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.

The glass ceiling: Three reasons why it still exists and is hurting the economy

New research from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business identifies three key reasons for the glass ceiling's persistence: women often choose lower-paying fields, psychological differences affect risk-taking, and caregiving responsibilities limit career advancement.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 22, 2018

Healing after harm: Addressing the emotional toll of harmful medical events

A multidisciplinary group of leaders has established a consensus-driven research agenda to create a path forward for health care organizations. The 'do now' recommendations include broadening organizational approach to harm, involving patients and families in solutions, and establishing patient liaison initiatives.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateAug 22, 2018

A deep look at nasal polyps offers insights into allergic diseases

Investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital used massively-parallel, single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze nasal polyp samples and identify dramatically altered cells. The team found that epithelial progenitor cells had been permanently altered and expressed an aberrant program, pointing to many pathways that have been altered in t...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 2018

Combination immunotherapy shrinks melanoma brain metastases

A clinical trial found that combination immunotherapy reduced melanoma brain metastases by 26% in 94 patients. The treatment, combining checkpoint inhibitors ipilimumab and nivolumab, also showed durable responses with 59.5% of patients remaining progression-free at nine months.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 22, 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.

Study reports successful kidney transplants from donors with a history of hepatitis C

Researchers at Loma Linda University Health found that kidney transplantation can be safely performed using organs testing positive for hepatitis C virus antibody but negative for active viral infection. The study expanded the number of kidneys available for those in need, addressing a shortage in organ donations.

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateAug 22, 2018

NASA looks at water vapor in Typhoon Soulik

Typhoon Soulik's highest concentrations of water vapor were found north of the eye, indicating strongest storms. The storm is moving northwest towards South Korea's southeastern coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 22, 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.

New method grows brain cells from stem cells quickly and efficiently

A new method allows for rapid generation of functional brain cells, known as astrocytes, from embryonic stem cells in just two weeks. This breakthrough enables researchers to study the role of astrocytes in various diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and ALS.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 22, 2018

Pointy eggs more likely to stay put in birds' cliffside nests, study finds

A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that the conical shape of murre eggs makes them more stable on cliffside ledges. Increasing the egg's conicality reduced its tendency to roll off the surface, providing experimental support for natural selection shaping the unique form of murre eggs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 22, 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.

Brazilian D'Or Institute and L'Oréal R&I develop functional human sensory neurons

Researchers from D'Or Institute and L'Oréal R&I successfully generated functional human sensory neurons that respond to painful stimuli. The breakthrough discovery has significant implications for the study of chronic pain, analgesic drugs, and the development of reconstructed human skin with enhanced neuro-inflammation predictivity.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·DateAug 22, 2018

Association for Molecular Pathology announces 2018 Award recipients

Drs. Jonathan Rothberg, Roger Klein and Kevin Halling are being recognized for their groundbreaking work and longstanding commitment to advancing patient care and the field of molecular diagnostics. Drs. Rothberg is receiving AMP's highest honor for his pioneering work in genomics and inventions like massively parallel DNA sequencing.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·DateAug 22, 2018

Kids connect with robot reading partners

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison created a robot named Minnie to serve as a reading buddy to middle school kids, resulting in increased excitement about books and attachment to the robot. The study showed that social learning through interaction with the robot improved comprehension and motivation for reading.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Robotics·DateAug 22, 2018

Murky lakes now surpass clear, blue lakes in US

Research reveals a significant shift from clear to murky lakes in the continental United States over the past five years. Murky lakes have increased by 12% while clear lakes declined by 18%, posing concerns for water quality and aquatic life.

SourceWiley·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateAug 22, 2018

Found: A destructive mechanism that blocks the brain from knowing when to stop eating

A team of researchers has discovered a molecular mechanism that causes leptin resistance in obese individuals, which blocks the brain's ability to recognize when it's full. By blocking this enzyme, MMP-2, scientists hope to develop treatments for obesity-related issues and explore its broader implications.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 22, 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.

Two-thirds of alcohol sales are to heavy drinkers

A new study reveals that two-thirds of alcohol industry revenue in England comes from consumers drinking at risky levels. If all drinkers complied with the Chief Medical Officer's recommended guideline levels, alcohol sales would decline by £13 billion.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalAddiction·DateAug 22, 2018

Sleep disorder linked with abnormal lipid levels

A study found strong associations between sleep apnoea severity and abnormal lipid levels, including higher cholesterol and lower HDL-cholesterol. Patients with sleep apnoea require careful management of cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateAug 22, 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.

Macaws may communicate visually with blushing, ruffled feathers

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that macaws use facial displays such as blushing and ruffling their head feathers to convey positive emotions during social interactions. The researchers observed that these behaviors were more common when the birds were interacting with humans, suggesting a form of visual communication.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 22, 2018

Unexplained illness in Tanzania puts pathogen discovery to the test

Scientists compared two genetic sequencing methods to identify viruses behind illnesses in Tanzania. VirCapSeq-VERT proved more efficient than unbiased high-throughput sequencing, detecting Dengue virus and other pathogens with similar accuracy. The study's findings support the use of VirCapSeq-VERT as a cost-effective method for monit...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmBio·DateAug 22, 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.

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.

Shrimp heal injured fish

Researchers at James Cook University found that shrimp clean parasites from injured fish without aggravating their injuries. The interaction between cleaner shrimp and client fish also reduces stress levels, potentially increasing the fish's ability to heal.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMarine Biology·DateAug 22, 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.

One of the most popular ADHD drugs may cause hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms

A recent study found that around 1.1% to 2.5% of ADHD patients treated with methylphenidate may experience psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations. The medication, commonly prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy, can cause these adverse effects in some children and adolescents.

SourceExeley Inc.·JournalScandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology·DateAug 22, 2018

Breaking down band structures

A team of Harvard researchers has created a system to represent and classify band structures in materials, allowing for the prediction of their properties. This breakthrough can aid in designing new materials with specific electronic properties, such as topological insulators, which have potential applications in quantum computing.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 22, 2018

Study: Cellular changes lead to chronic allergic inflammation in the sinus

Researchers at MIT and Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a novel mechanism for chronic rhinosinusitis, which involves distinct gene-expression patterns in epithelial cells. The study suggests that basal cells from patients with nasal polyps retain a memory of IL-4 and IL-13, immune response cytokines driving allergic inflammation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 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.

How brains of doers differ from those of procrastinators

Research found two brain areas associated with action control have varying volumes and connectivity in individuals with high versus low action control. Individuals with poor action control had a larger amygdala, while the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dorsal ACC) showed reduced functional connection to the amygdala.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 22, 2018

New galaxy found?

Chris Carr, an Ohio undergraduate, discovered a new galaxy 37 million lightyears away using deep sky images from the Burrell Schmidt telescope. The detection is part of the Leo I galaxy group and is considered the lowest surface brightness object ever detected via integrated light.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 22, 2018

The long-term financial toll of breast cancer

A study led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found that breast cancer survivors, particularly those with lymphedema, incur significant out-of-pocket costs. The average annual cost for those with lymphedema was $2,306 excluding productivity costs and $3,325 including productivity costs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateAug 22, 2018

Why are young adults wasting so much food? Study looks at perceptions and food behaviors

A study found that young adults, particularly college students, are high food wasters due to a lack of learned food management behaviors. The study's findings suggest that environmental factors, such as access to refrigerators and cooking facilities, also play a role in their behavior.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAppetite·DateAug 22, 2018

Policy pivot: A new emphasis on restoration to protect Puget Sound

A study by University of Washington researchers found that policies in Puget Sound are shifting toward restoration projects that engage multiple social groups and offer various benefits. These projects, such as the Qwuloolt project, have been successful due to their inclusive planning processes and collaborative nature.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalOcean & Coastal Management·DateAug 22, 2018

Cool indoor temperatures linked to high blood pressure

A new University College London study finds that lower indoor temperatures are associated with higher blood pressure, suggesting that keeping homes warmer could help manage hypertension. Researchers found that a decrease of 1°C in indoor temperature leads to rises in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Hypertension·DateAug 22, 2018

GPM sees Hurricane Lane threatening Hawaiian islands with heavy rainfall

The GPM core observatory satellite analyzed rainfall rates and cloud heights of Hurricane Lane on Aug. 22, revealing very heavy rain occurring within the storm's eye wall. The satellite showed moderate to heavy rainfall extending outward from the storm's center, posing a threat to the Hawaiian Islands with powerful storms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 22, 2018

Maternal depression may alter stress and immune markers in children

New research suggests that depression in women may impact their children's stress and physical well-being, leading to higher cortisol and s-IgA levels. Children of depressed mothers tend to exhibit psychiatric disorders and social withdrawal. Early interventions targeting maternal stress and parenting behavior are advocated.

SourceWiley·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateAug 22, 2018

Strategic indulgence key to maximizing the college experience

High performing students make strategic decisions about their time use to balance academic performance with enjoying college game days, leading to improved self-esteem, psychological well-being, and social identity.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 22, 2018

Reimagining MRI contrast: Iron outperforms gadolinium

Rice University scientists create iron-based TI contrast agent that outperforms gadolinium chelates, improving T1 MRI contrast performance by two-fold. The study demonstrates a method to load iron into nanoparticles, offering a safer and more effective alternative for radiologists.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 22, 2018

Epic genetic: the hidden story of wheat

The study reveals geographical patterns in epigenetic changes between 100 landraces of wheat, suggesting that these changes have arisen due to environmental conditions. This discovery provides breeders with a new tool to improve how plants respond to local conditions, enabling farmers to grow the best possible crop for their environment.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 22, 2018