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Science News for December 18, 2018


MRI effective for monitoring liver fat in obese patients

A new study published in Radiology found that MRI effective for monitoring liver fat levels in obese patients undergoing weight loss treatments. The study assessed liver fat before and after bariatric surgery using quantitative chemical shift-encoded MRI, showing a significant decrease in liver fat content after six to ten months.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateDec 18, 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.

Machine learning-detected signal predicts time to earthquake

Researchers applied machine learning to analyze Cascadia data, discovering a constant tremor that predicts slow slippage and fault failure. The study found a direct parallel between the loudness of the signal and the physical changes, allowing for more accurate predictions of megaquakes.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 18, 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.

Convincing Chinese smokers to kick the habit -- by text

A 12-week-long mobile phone-based intervention encouraging Chinese smokers to quit resulted in a 6.5% success rate, significantly higher than control group rates. Researchers suggest this approach could improve population health and be considered for large-scale use in China.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 18, 2018

How a single faulty gene can lead to lupus

Researchers discover Ets1 gene's role in autoimmune disease lupus; found that faulty gene leads to Tfh2 cell expansion and autoantibody production. Blocking IL4 pathway mitigates SLE features.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalImmunity·DateDec 18, 2018

Explaining differences in rates of evolution

A team of ETH Zurich researchers has found a way to harmonize conflicting results from fossil-based and phylogenetic analysis of species emergence and extinction. By considering different mechanisms of speciation, such as budding, cladogenesis, and anagenesis, they have developed a computer model that accounts for these assumptions, pr...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2018

Criminal history strong indicator for future violent crime

A new study examines data from California Youth Authority and finds a strong likelihood of recidivism among offenders convicted of violent crimes. The research highlights the importance of considering an offender's entire criminal history during sentencing or parole decisions.

SourceIowa State University·JournalYouth Violence and Juvenile Justice·DateDec 18, 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.

Greener days ahead for carbon fuels

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a copper catalyst that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals and fuels without wasteful byproducts. This breakthrough could enable the production of renewable fuels, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Catalysis·DateDec 18, 2018

Research finds rings of Saturn are dying

Researchers found that Saturn's iconic rings are losing ice particles at a maximum rate, draining an Olympic-sized pool in half an hour. The entire ring system is expected to vanish in 300-100 million years.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalIcarus·DateDec 18, 2018

Focus on this: Japanese team increases X-ray laser focusing ability

A Japanese team has developed a new technique for manufacturing ultraprecise multilayer focusing mirrors that can achieve X-ray beam sizes of less than ten nanometers. This breakthrough enables high-performance X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) with improved quality and intensity.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 18, 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.

FSU researchers identify ways breast cancer avoids immune system detection

Researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 breast cancer patients and identified seven clusters of patients based on their immune evasion mechanisms. This study provides a better understanding of how breast cancer hides from the immune system, allowing oncologists to develop more personalized treatment options.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 18, 2018

Deciphering infanticide

Research by Harvard University's Catherine Dulac reveals that male mice engage in infanticide due to a combination of sensory cues, including the shape of pups and specific pheromone signals. These signals allow males to identify newborn infants and recognize their need for nurturing versus protection from attack.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateDec 18, 2018

HKU fossil imaging helps push back feather origins by 70 million years

A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution reveals that pterosaurs had at least four types of feathers, including simple filaments and down feathers, which are also found in modern birds and dinosaur groups. The discovery pushes back the origin of feathers by approximately 70 million years.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 18, 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.

Upwind wind plants can reduce flow to downwind neighbors

Researchers discovered a previously unexplored consequence of global wind energy proliferation: wake effects from upwind facilities that can reduce downwind neighbors' energy production. The study shows that these effects are measurable and predictable, with the largest impact occurring when winds are in a specific direction at night.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateDec 18, 2018

Mystery of coronae around supermassive black holes deepens

Researchers from RIKEN and JAXA use ALMA radio observatory to measure magnetic field strengths near two supermassive black holes. The findings reveal that the magnetic fields are insufficient to heat coronae to one billion degrees Celsius, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateDec 18, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Red wolf DNA found in mysterious Texas canines

A team of biologists has discovered red wolf DNA in a group of canines living on Galveston Island, Texas, raising hopes for the species' survival. The finding, which may represent lost genes from captive breeding, challenges conventional science's dismissal of 'red wolves' as coyotes.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalGenes·DateDec 18, 2018

HPV discovery raises hope for new cervical cancer treatments

Researchers at UVA Health System have made a breakthrough in understanding human papillomavirus (HPV) and its role in causing cancers. They discovered that the virus relies on a specific enzyme, USP46, to form tumors, making it a promising target for new therapies.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 18, 2018

Internet-based interventions can help reduce problem drinking

A meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials found that Internet-based interventions significantly reduced mean weekly alcohol consumption and improved adherence to low-risk drinking limits. Older adults and those with lower education levels showed greater treatment response, while human-guided interventions had a stronger impact...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 18, 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.

Researchers find gender separation affects sense of smell

A study published in Nature Communications found that separating male and female mice leads to differences in their olfactory sensory receptors. As a result, the mice may perceive odors differently. This research has implications for understanding sex-specific differences in human olfactory function.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2018

Food allergies linked to increased disease activity in multiple sclerosis

Research published in the Journal of Neurology & Psychiatry found that food allergies are associated with a higher rate of cumulative disease bouts and active disease in multiple sclerosis patients. The study analyzed data from 1349 adults and found that food allergy was linked to a 27% higher rate of disease flare-ups.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology·DateDec 18, 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.

Unique insights into an exotic matter state

Researchers at Kiel University developed a new computer simulations method to accurately describe dynamic properties of warm dense matter. The study provides unique insights into the behavior of electrons under extreme conditions.

SourceKiel University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 18, 2018

29 joint research projects for Berlin and Oxford

The partnership aims to consolidate research cooperation and explore diverse topics such as poverty, digital economy, and energy transition. Funding will support academic formats like workshops, conferences, and symposia, as well as young researchers' exchange and laboratory work.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·DateDec 18, 2018

Experts identify 'tipping point' in tree disease outbreaks

Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a way to model disease progression and predict the tipping point of a disease. The models provide early warning indicators that an epidemic is imminent and action needs to be taken.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEcological Modelling·DateDec 18, 2018

Editorial: Stop allowing beliefs to get in the way of treating opioid use disorder

A recent editorial emphasizes the importance of evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), highlighting the benefits of medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Experts stress that these treatments should be evaluated like any other chronic illness, free from unnecessary regulations and biases.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 18, 2018

NASA-NOAA satellite tracking Tropical Cyclone Kenanga

Tropical Cyclone Kenanga was at hurricane-force when captured by NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite on Dec. 18. The image showed the eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms and a large band of storms extending from the south to east.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 18, 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.

Mindfulness training may help support weight loss

Researchers found that participants who completed mindfulness training lost an average of 3 kilograms more than those who did not attend the course. The study suggests that mindfulness techniques can help improve eating behavior and facilitate successful weight loss in individuals with obesity.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 18, 2018

Milken Institute releases index ranking states on tech and innovation

Massachusetts ranked No. 1 in the Milken Institute's 2018 State Technology and Science Index, driven by major research universities and a tech-oriented workforce. Utah rose to fifth place with rapid employment growth in technology and science, while Delaware strengthened its position with venture capital investment.

SourceMilken Institute·DateDec 18, 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.

Southwest forest trees will grow much slower in the 21st century

Researchers found that average forest trees growing in conditions similar to those of their peers will experience a 75% reduction in growth. The new study is based on a database of unanalyzed tree cores from the US Forest Service and provides a more accurate estimate than previous studies.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 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.

Childbirth delivery methods and risk of incontinence, overactive bladder

A study of 1,500 women found that cesarean delivery was associated with lower risk of stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery. Operative vaginal deliveries, such as those using forceps or vacuum-assisted, were linked to higher risk of anal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 18, 2018

Workplace 'resilience' programs might not make any difference

A new study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine suggests that workplace resilience programs may not have a positive impact on employees' mental health and wellbeing. The researchers found no evidence that a specific program improved recruits' mental health and attitudes towards mental illness after training.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateDec 18, 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.

Scientists develop method to visualize a genetic mutation

Researchers at New York University have developed a method to visualize genetic mutations in single cells, allowing for early detection of rare events and high-resolution analysis of evolutionary tempo. This breakthrough has significant implications for studying mutations in pathogens and human cancers.

SourceNew York University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 18, 2018

Your postal code may influence your health: McMaster University

Researchers linked health factors like access to public transit, grocery store variety, and food prices to major diseases. The study found significant differences in environmental factors across Canada's provinces, urban-rural communities, and regions.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCities & Health·DateDec 18, 2018

Scientists gain insights into traffic cop function of gene expression protein

Researchers uncovered a crucial quality-control mechanism inside cells that fails when contributing to major diseases including cancers. The discovery found an enzyme called casein kinase II adds molecular tags onto Spt6, a key protein in transcription, preventing inappropriate transcription.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 18, 2018

New megalibrary approach proves useful for the rapid discovery of new materials

A new study at Northwestern University has developed a revolutionary tool to rapidly test millions of nanoparticles for specific applications. The novel approach utilizes a combinatorial library, or megalibrary, of nanoparticles and an in situ Raman spectroscopy-based screening technique to identify optimal compositions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 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.

FSU researcher: Unfair treatment by police linked to physiological impacts among black men

A new study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found a strong link between unfair treatment by police and telomere length, a biological indicator of psychological stress, among black men. Telomeres were shorter for those reporting unfair treatment, and the link was more pronounced in black men.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 18, 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.

British Journal of Cancer press notice

Two new studies published in the British Journal of Cancer reveal alarming breast cancer risks for women with false-positive screening results. Women who experience a first false-positive result have a two-fold risk of developing screen-detected or interval breast cancer later in life, while those with a second false-positive result fa...

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateDec 18, 2018

Genetic cause of ALS and frontotemporal dementia blocked by RNA-binding compound

A new RNA-binding compound has been found to block the most common genetic cause of both familial ALS and frontotemporal dementia, according to researchers at Scripps Research. The compound targets a specific form of RNA involved in protein production, potentially providing a new avenue for treating these diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateDec 18, 2018

Assessing the promise of gallium oxide as an ultrawide bandgap semiconductor

Researchers assess the promise of gallium oxide as an ultrawide bandgap semiconductor, offering improved thermal management and gate dielectrics. Ga2O3's potential applications include high-voltage rectifiers in power conditioning and distribution systems, such as electric cars and photovoltaic solar systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 18, 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.

Sofosbuvir rids organism of chikungunya and yellow fever viruses

A study by the University of São Paulo's Biomedical Science Institute shows that sofosbuvir can eliminate both chikungunya and yellow fever viruses without damaging human cells. This finding has significant implications for public health, particularly in Brazil where a chikungunya epidemic is forecasted.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateDec 18, 2018

Thinking outside the box and outside the tumor to detect lung cancer

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a novel computerized approach to detect lung cancer using routine CAT scans. The method analyzes patterns of heterogeneity within and outside the tumor, distinguishing benign from malignant nodules with high accuracy.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalRadiology·DateDec 18, 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.

Takeaway containers -- the environmental cost of packing our favorite fast-foods

A new study estimates that 2025 million takeaway containers are used annually in the European Union, generating equivalent greenhouse gas emissions of 55,000 cars. Reusable Tupperware containers can reduce carbon footprint when reused over 18 times, while styrofoam has a lower life cycle environmental impact despite being non-recyclable.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateDec 18, 2018

Study suggests shifts in Afghan attitudes towards increased education and delayed marriage

A study published by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found significant shifts in Afghan attitudes towards education and child marriage in underdeveloped regions. The research, conducted among nearly 1,400 Afghans aged 12-15 and their parents, indicates that getting married at a young age and leaving school early have be...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 18, 2018

Widespread, occasional use of antibiotics in US linked with resistance

A large study found that widespread, low-intensity antibiotic use in the US is more closely linked to antibiotic resistance than high-intensity use by a small fraction of the population. The study analyzed data from over 60 million Americans and found that occasional use was associated with higher rates of resistance.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·DateDec 18, 2018

Today's children reach bone maturity earlier, study reveals

Researchers found children born in the 1990s are reaching skeletal maturity faster than those born in the 1930s. The 'new normal' for bone maturity timing directly impacts pediatric orthopaedic care for conditions like leg-length differences and scoliosis.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateDec 18, 2018

Mysteries of the primrose unraveled

Researchers at University of East Anglia have successfully sequenced the common primrose's complete genome sequence, revealing the landscape of genes involved in its two different flowering forms. This breakthrough provides fresh insight into a puzzle that has captivated scientists for over 150 years.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 18, 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.

Peering into Little Foot's 3.67 million-year-old brain

The endocast of Australopithecus fossil Little Foot shows a brain with asymmetrical structures similar to modern humans, but also features distinct from us, including an expanded visual cortex and reduced parietal association cortex. This suggests that the brain's complexity evolved over time in response to environmental pressures.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateDec 18, 2018

System monitors radiation damage to materials in real-time

Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new laser-based system that can monitor radiation-induced changes continuously, providing more useful data much faster than traditional methods. This allows for detailed studies of the performance of materials in just hours, instead of months.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms·DateDec 18, 2018

Broading the biodiversity catalogue of spider populations in the Iberian Peninsula

A new study published in the Biodiversity Data Journal reveals a total of 20,539 samples of different Iberian spider species, with 11 new species discovered. The research highlights the lack of knowledge on Iberian spiders and emphasizes the need for standardized protocols and wider taxonomical data to protect their conservation.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateDec 18, 2018

GlueX completes first phase

The Gluonic Excitations Experiment, or GlueX, has completed its first phase of data collection at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. The experiment aims to produce and study hybrid mesons, which can offer new insights into quark confinement and the strong force.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateDec 18, 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.

Graphene's magic is in the defects

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a physics-based model that reveals the relationship between structural defects in graphene and electrode sensitivity. By optimizing point defects in number and density, they can create an electrode up to 20 times more sensitive than conventional ones.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 18, 2018

Biologists identify promising drug for ALS treatment

Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified a potential new treatment for ALS by repurposing an existing medication called telbivudine. The drug targets the toxic properties of SOD1, a misfolding protein that causes toxicity in patients with ALS.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateDec 18, 2018

Physicists found a correlation between the structure and magnetic properties of ceramics

Researchers found a correlation between bismuth ferrite's structure and its magnetic properties, which can help create new materials with specific properties. The study revealed that structural distortions caused by substitutions, lattice defects, and exchange interactions affect the material's magnetic behavior.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalJournal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids·DateDec 18, 2018

A new way to use CRISPR

A team of UD engineers has developed a method to use CRISPR/Cas9 technology for conditional gene regulation, introducing a new functionality to the technology. This allows scientists to precisely target and edit DNA within living cells, which could help correct inherited diseases.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 18, 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.

Artificial intelligence meets materials science

A Texas A&M engineering team uses machine learning and AI to develop an autonomous framework for discovering new materials. The system can adaptively pick the best models to find optimal materials, reducing the time and cost of research.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateDec 18, 2018

Get a warrant: researchers demand better DNA protections

A Genetic Data Protection Act is needed to control access to medical genetic data by law enforcement agencies, according to a University of Queensland analysis. The researchers warn that current laws do not fit well with genetic data, putting vulnerable individuals and their descendants at risk.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateDec 18, 2018

Eye-opening study differentiates iPS cells into various ocular lineages

A study from Osaka University reveals how human pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into corneal and retinal cells by growing them on specific forms of the protein laminin. The findings show that different laminin isoforms affect cell behavior, density, and interactions, which in turn influence the types of ocular cells produced.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 18, 2018

Brain health not affected by major heart surgery

A new study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found no major impact on brain health after major heart surgery. Researchers compared cognitive decline between patients undergoing heart surgery and those who received a catheter-based procedure, and found that the two groups showed little difference in memory performance.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateDec 18, 2018

The vanished mirror image

A team from the Technical University of Munich has achieved photochemical deracemization of chiral compounds, converting a mixture into a single enantiomer with high concentrations up to 97 percent. This method saves time and energy by utilizing all molecules in the process.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 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.

Optimizing restoration can deliver an eightfold increase in cost-effectiveness

A new study by International Institute for Sustainability presents a flexible tool to increase restoration cost-effectiveness by up to eight times, considering multiple criteria such as biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. The study identifies optimal priority areas for restoration, showcasing the potential of spati...

SourceInternational Institute for Sustainability·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 18, 2018

Understanding dynamic stall at high speeds

Researchers have discovered that dynamic stall at high speeds is characterized by tiny flow structures within a vortex, making it difficult to control. By understanding these turbulent fluctuations, they aim to develop ways to interact with and control the flow field, potentially leading to improved aircraft performance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateDec 18, 2018

Prostate cancer scoring method may underestimate mortality risk in black men

A recent study suggests that black men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer (Gleason score 6) may have a more aggressive form of the disease, leading to higher mortality rates compared to non-black men. The research found a significant disparity in prostate cancer death rates between black and non-black patients with Gleason 6 cancers.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA·DateDec 18, 2018

Serious loneliness spans the adult lifespan but there is a silver lining

A recent study found that moderate to severe loneliness persists across the adult lifespan, particularly during late-20s, mid-50s, and late-80s. However, researchers also discovered a strong inverse association between wisdom and loneliness, suggesting that wiser individuals are less lonely. The study highlights the need for solutions ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Psychogeriatrics·DateDec 18, 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.

What causes extreme heat in North China?

A recent study by Chinese researchers reveals that horizontal heat flux in the mixed layer is crucial for extreme heat events. The analysis of a 2015 heatwave found that this factor, combined with sensible heat flux, drove high temperatures.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 18, 2018

Buruli ulcer: Promising new drug candidate against a forgotten disease

A promising compound discovered by Swiss TPH researchers is highly effective against Buruli ulcer, both in vitro and in vivo. The study found that compound Q203 has an activity level exceeding the current most active antibiotic rifampicin, potentially leading to a shorter treatment regimen with fewer adverse side effects.

SourceSwiss Tropical and Public Health Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 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.

Osteoporosis: Not just a women's disease

Researchers will assess bone strength and nutrition among men and women in the Boston area to develop interventions for preventing bone loss and fracture risk. The study aims to provide insight into the impact of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on bone health.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateDec 18, 2018

Oroville Dam earthquakes in February 2017 related to spillway discharge

Seismic activity near Oroville Dam was related to reservoir discharge altering pressure on underlying rock fractures, causing them to open and close. The events occurred for decades prior to the dam's spillway failure and continued after it.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateDec 18, 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.

Recruiting ants to fight weeds on the farm

Researchers found that tilled fields had smaller ant nests, which consume fewer weed seeds, while no-till fields had more evenly distributed ant nests. This suggests that preserving ant colonies by reducing tillage could benefit farmers in managing weeds.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiological Control·DateDec 18, 2018

Salmon may lose the ability to smell danger as carbon emissions rise

New research finds that ocean acidification from carbon emissions can alter coho salmon's processing and response to smells, affecting their ability to detect predators and navigate. This study highlights the potential consequences of climate change on salmon populations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 18, 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.

The importance of 'edge populations' to biodiversity

A study published in Ecology Letters found that edge populations of plants, such as yellow rattle, are better suited to surviving climate change. These populations have adapted to high-elevation summers by flowering earlier, allowing them to thrive in areas where lower elevation populations fail.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 18, 2018

Ancient Japanese pottery includes an estimated 500 maize weevils

The discovery of a vessel with an estimated 500 maize weevils offers insights into the cultivation and distribution of chestnuts, food in the Jomon era, and the spirituality of ancient Japanese people. Researchers found that maize weevils were a dominant pest in stored rice and grains during this period.

SourceKumamoto University·DateDec 18, 2018

Inclusive primary care improves people's health, finds UBC-Western study

A UBC-Western study found that respectful, inclusive practices in primary care clinics can improve the health of marginalized individuals. Researchers developed modules to promote equity-oriented care and interviewed 395 individuals, finding reduced pain, depression, and trauma symptoms.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateDec 18, 2018

Childhood blindness therapy shows 'very promising' results

A new therapy has shown 'very promising' initial results in improving the sight of people with Leber congenital amaurosis type 10 (LCA10), a severe inherited retinal disease. The therapy, QR-110, was injected into one eye and left untreated in the other, resulting in improved vision and restored levels of normal CEP290 protein in cells.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 18, 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.

Split liver transplants could safely help sickest children

Researchers identified optimal recipients for split liver transplants, including children weighing under 10 kilograms and those with rare diseases. Split liver transplants were found to have similar outcomes as whole liver transplants when adjusting for variables such as donor age and recipient health.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateDec 18, 2018

'Pause' in global warming was never real, new research proves

A team of climate researchers reviewed existing data and concluded there has never been a statistically significant 'pause' in global warming. The studies, published in Environmental Research Letters, reassessed the data and put it into historical context to find no evidence for a divergence between model projections and observations.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 18, 2018

Research finds opioids may help chronic pain, a little

A recent study published in JAMA found that opioids provide only modest benefits for patients with chronic non-cancer pain. The research suggests that while opioids may help alleviate symptoms, their use comes with a high risk of side effects and addiction.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJAMA·DateDec 18, 2018

Does political party trump ideology?

A recent study published in American Political Science Review found that people's policy positions shift when informed of their party leader's stance on a controversial issue. Researchers used President Trump's statements to test the effect of party loyalty versus policy loyalty.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateDec 18, 2018

What prevents remyelination? New stem cell research reveals a critical culprit

A University at Buffalo team discovered that activation of PRRX1 induces pathological quiescence, rendering adult stem cells incapable of producing myelin-forming oligodendrocytes. This finding presents a novel approach to developing treatments for multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory diseases by blocking pathological quiescence.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 18, 2018