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Science News for December 21, 2018


Influences of maternal diabetes on fetal heart development

Research suggests that maternal hyperglycemia is a primary teratogen in all forms of diabetes, causing birth defects through dysregulation of epigenetic processes and oxidative stress. The study highlights the importance of understanding the gene-environment interactions involved in fetal heart development.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalBirth Defects Research·DateDec 21, 2018

Kidney patients are the most complex patients

A study reveals that nephrologists treat the most complex patients, with kidney disease patients having the highest number of comorbidities and medication needs. The findings highlight the need for better financial funding and awareness for kidney diseases in European healthcare systems.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 21, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Forget-me-not: Scientists pinpoint memory mechanism in plants

Researchers have discovered a mechanism that enables flowering plants to 'remember' changes in their environment, triggering flowering in response to stress or seasonal changes. The PRC2 complex, containing the VRN2 protein, detects environmental signals and becomes stable under challenging conditions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2018

Simple method rescues stressed liver cells

Scientists from Uppsala University have devised a simple method to rescue stressed liver cells by temporarily reducing cellular stress. This approach allows suboptimal human hepatocytes to be revived with restored functionality, increasing the availability of high-quality cells for laboratory experiments.

SourceUppsala University·JournalArchives of Toxicology·DateDec 21, 2018

Paramedics can safely evaluate psychiatric patients' medical condition in the field

Researchers found that paramedics can effectively identify acute psychiatric crises and divert them to specialized psychiatric facilities, reducing wait times for treatment. Over a five-year period, 22,000 psychiatric patients were treated at these facilities after being medically cleared by paramedics.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateDec 21, 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.

Laser diode combats counterfeit oil

Researchers at UCM have designed a laser sensor that can detect counterfeit olive oil labelled as extra virgin or protected designation of origin. The tool uses laser diodes to distinguish between adulterated and pure oils due to differences in fluorescence.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalTalanta·DateDec 21, 2018

Strong interactions produce a dance between light and sound

A team of researchers has successfully demonstrated the 'strong-coupling regime' between light and high-frequency acoustic vibrations in a tiny glass structure. By overcoming friction-like processes, they were able to observe signatures of the light-sound dance and pave the way for future experiments at near-absolute zero temperatures.

SourceImperial College London·JournalOptica·DateDec 21, 2018

Droughts boost emissions as hydropower dries up

A new study from Stanford University finds that droughts cause a 10% increase in carbon dioxide emissions from power generation in California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington between 2001 and 2015. Drought-induced shifts in energy sources led to an additional 100 million tons of carbon dioxide across 11 western states.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 21, 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.

Dust threatens Utah's 'greatest snow on earth'

A University of Utah study found that a single dust storm in 2017 accelerated snowmelt in the Wasatch Mountains by 25 percent. Dust deposition was linked to declining water levels in the Great Salt Lake, which may lead to more frequent and severe snowmelt events.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 21, 2018

What do we see in a mirror?

Aalto University scientists develop gradient metasurfaces that can appear 'bright' at one direction and 'dark' for the opposite direction, breaking conventional symmetric responses of mirrors. This innovation uses evanescent fields engineering to engineer contrast ratios in angle spectrum.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 21, 2018

Preparation, characterization and in vitro biological activity of Soyasapogenol B

Soyasapogenol B (SSB) is a bioactive agent that can be loaded into Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) for targeted delivery. The SSB-loaded MWCNT systems exhibited controlled and sustained drug release profiles, with minimal cytotoxicity to normal melanocytes, liver cells, and breast carcinoma cells.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Bioactive Compounds·DateDec 21, 2018

Statins are more effective for those who follow the Mediterranean diet

Researchers found that statins combined with a Mediterranean diet reduced cardiovascular mortality, particularly in those who had already experienced a heart attack or stroke. The study suggests that the Mediterranean diet may facilitate the beneficial effect of statins by reducing subclinical inflammation.

SourceIstituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed I.R.C.C.S.·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateDec 21, 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.

Bees can count with just four nerve cells in their brains

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that bees can solve simple counting tasks with minimal brainpower, using a miniature 'brain' with just four nerve cells. This finding suggests that intelligence and cognitive abilities do not require large brains, but rather efficient algorithms and specific strategies.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournaliScience·DateDec 21, 2018

Huge reserves of iron in Western Siberia might originate from under an ancient sea

Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University propose a new origin for the Bakchar deposit, suggesting that hydrothermal fluids and brine migration through marine sediments could be the source of its massive iron reserves. The study challenges the long-held theory that iron came from eroded mountainous areas.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalMarine and Petroleum Geology·DateDec 21, 2018

What really happens at femtosecond junctions?

The latest version of Hussar software simulates the interaction of ultra-short laser pulses with unprecedented accuracy and speed. It allows researchers to model non-collinear beam intersections, enabling the design of innovative optical experiments and devices.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 21, 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 primary drivers of increased hospitalizations of homeless individuals

Researchers analyzed over 185,000 hospitalizations for homeless individuals and 32 million for non-homeless individuals between 2007 and 2013. The study found that more than 50% of hospitalizations among homeless individuals were related to mental illness and substance use disorder, differing starkly from non-homeless individuals.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalMedical Care·DateDec 21, 2018

How kindergartens serve as 'gendergartens'

Researchers found that kindergartens transmit social norms on femininity and masculinity to children, including expectations of girls' behavior and interests. The hidden curriculum in preschool education can limit girls' development as individuals, favoring traditional feminine roles.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalThe Journal of Social Policy Studies·DateDec 21, 2018

Why Hong Kong, Japan and Iceland are the best countries for human development

A new Human Life Indicator (HLI) has been proposed as a simpler alternative to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI), taking into account inequality-adjusted life expectancy at birth. This index produces significant changes in development rankings, with countries like Japan and Spain rising to the top.

SourceBocconi University·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateDec 21, 2018

'Frozen' copper behaves as noble metal in catalysis: study

Researchers have found that copper's electron structure can be altered, enabling it to act as a noble metal in catalyzing the preliminary hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate into methyl glycolate with high selectivity. The 'frozen' state of copper at zero valence is crucial for this process.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 21, 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.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs reduce brown adipose tissue

Research reveals that cholesterol-lowering statin drugs decrease the formation of brown adipose tissue in adults. Brown adipose tissue plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature and insulin sensitivity. The study found that people taking statins have significantly lower rates of brown adipose tissue compared to non-statins users.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 21, 2018

Surfer's ear points to ancient pearl divers in Panama

Researchers found seven cases of surfers' ear in males and one in a female skull from sites near the Gulf of Panama. The bony growths are believed to be caused by cold water or stress in the ear canal, similar to bone spurs.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateDec 21, 2018

New T-wave detector uses waves of the electronic sea in graphene

Researchers created a graphene-based terahertz detector that detects waves, enabling faster Wi-Fi and new medical diagnostic methods. The detector uses plasmons to detect terahertz radiation, overcoming the issue of wave resonance.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2018

Antibiotic overuse is high for common urology procedures

A new study found that antibiotics are being overused in up to 50% of patients undergoing common urological procedures, with extended use following the procedure being the main issue. This excessive use can promote antibiotic resistance and expose patients to potential harm.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 21, 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.

College binge drinkers are posting while drunk, 'addicted' to social media

A new study reveals that college students who binge drink are more likely to post on social media while intoxicated, exhibiting signs of social media addiction. This behavior can lead to negative consequences, including regret and harm to personal and professional relationships.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateDec 21, 2018

Description of rotating molecules made easy

An interdisciplinary team of scientists developed a new method to describe molecular rotations in solvents, paving the way for controlling chemical reactions. The technique, based on Feynman diagrams, delivers precise results and has potential to simulate molecular behavior.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 21, 2018

Human blood cells can be directly reprogrammed into neural stem cells

Scientists have successfully reprogrammed human blood cells into a new type of neural stem cell, similar to those in early embryonic development. This breakthrough could lead to the development of regenerative therapies for treating diseases of the nervous system.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 21, 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.

More young and other traits help mammals adapt to urban environments

A study by Radboud University ecologist Luca Santini found that mammals living in urban environments produce more young, which is likely due to high mortality rates. Different groups of mammals use various strategies to adapt, such as producing larger litters, having brains and bodies better suited for their environment.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 21, 2018

Interpreting emotions: A matter of confidence

A recent study by UNIGE and HUG researchers found that people's confidence in interpreting others' emotions is often skewed by their personal experiences. The study used functional MRI to examine brain activity during emotional recognition, revealing that areas of the brain linked to autobiographical memory play a key role in determini...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateDec 21, 2018

Looking at molecules from two sides with table-top femtosecond soft-X-rays

A bright source of femtosecond soft X-ray pulses has been created using extreme high-order harmonic generation process. This enables the simultaneous local probing at both carbon and nitrogen sites within molecules, facilitating multiple-site investigation with potential correlations between these sites upon molecular rearrangements.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateDec 21, 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.

The brain's support cells show defective development in Huntington's disease

A new study by researchers from the University of Copenhagen reveals that glial cells play a crucial role in the development of Huntington's disease. The study found that glial cell maturation is severely impaired in patients with the disease, leading to behavioral and motor changes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 21, 2018

Two Type 2 diabetes drugs linked to higher risk of heart disease

A Northwestern Medicine study found that sulfonylureas and basal insulin increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and amputation in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests a paradigm shift in treatment, recommending newer diabetes medications with more favorable cardiovascular profiles.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 21, 2018

Quantum tricks to unveil the secrets of topological materials

Researchers at TU Wien and China's University of Science and Technology have developed a new method to identify topologically interesting quantum states in materials. By manipulating the geometry of atomic arrangements using light waves, they can reveal clear signatures indicating whether such states exist or not.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 21, 2018

A novel mechanism that regulates cellular injury by phagocytes during inflammation

A novel mechanism regulating cellular injury by phagocytes has been identified through research on myoferlin, a protein involved in calcium-dependent lysosomal exocytosis. Myoferlin deficiency impairs the cytotoxic capacity of phagocytes, leading to increased accumulation of debris and reduced secretion of lysosomal enzymes.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateDec 21, 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.

Fire air pollution weakens forest productivity

A new study found that fire air pollution weakens forest productivity globally, with surface O3 reducing GPP by 4.9 Pg C and global aerosols enhancing it by 1.0 Pg C. The net impact is dominated by O3, leading to a reduction of 0.9 Pg C annually.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2018

Researchers suggest ways to reduce head impacts in youth football

A recent study suggests that limiting contact in football practice can reduce head impacts, but the correct approach involves adjusting practice methods such as reducing speed and improving tackling technique. The researchers found that full-speed tackling and blocking drills resulted in the highest head impact severity and frequency.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateDec 21, 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.

A safe, wearable soft sensor

Researchers have created a soft, non-toxic wearable sensor that measures force and motion to diagnose developmental disabilities. The sensor is designed for small children and has the potential to provide advantages not currently available.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 21, 2018

Electric fish in augmented reality reveal how animals 'actively sense' world around them

Researchers used augmented reality to investigate the link between active sensing movement and sensory feedback in weakly electric fish. The study found that subtle active sensing movements are controlled by sensory feedback, enhancing sensory information reception. This discovery may have implications for neuroscience and robotics.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 21, 2018

Readmissions reduction program may be associated with increase in patient-level mortality

A large-scale study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology found that the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program may be associated with an increase in patient-level mortality. The researchers evaluated trends in mortality among Medicare patients hospitalized for heart failure, a hear...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateDec 21, 2018

North-star perspectives for Actinium-225 production at commercial scale

Actinium-225 has low production yields, making its commercial production unsustainable. Research from Northstar Medical Technologies LLC presents techniques to improve sustainability, including established and experimental methods. The company aims to provide reliable and environmentally friendly radioisotope supply solutions.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Radiopharmaceuticals·DateDec 21, 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.

Lean electrolyte design is a game-changer for magnesium batteries

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a high-energy magnesium battery with up to 243 watt hours per kilogram, outperforming earlier models. The new design uses a chloride-free electrolyte and organic cathode, enabling stable performance and high energy storage capacity.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJoule·DateDec 21, 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.

Baby star's fiery tantrum could create the building blocks of planets

A massive stellar flare on a baby star has been spotted by University of Warwick astronomers, revealing how it could create the building blocks for future planets. The flare's x-rays are thought to affect the formation of chondrules, flash-melted calcium-aluminium-rich grains that eventually coalesce into orbiting planets.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 21, 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.

Liver disease could be picked up much sooner by nurse-led tests in GP surgeries

A nurse-led specialist clinic in GP surgeries has been shown to diagnose twice as many cases of liver disease than usual care. Simple tests, such as liver stiffness measurements and blood samples, detected nearly half of the patients as having some form of liver disease, including cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 21, 2018

University of Birmingham develops sight-saving treatment for eye infection or trauma

The University of Birmingham has developed an innovative eye drop treatment that rapidly reduces sight-threatening scarring to the surface of the eye. This novel treatment, which consists of a fluid gel loaded with a natural wound-healing protein called Decorin, shows promise in promoting scarless healing and improving corneal transpar...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalRegenerative Medicine·DateDec 21, 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 dietary fiber and gut bacteria protect the cardiovascular system

Researchers found that a fatty acid produced by gut bacteria, propionate, helps defend against the effects of high blood pressure, including atherosclerosis and heart tissue remodeling. A diet rich in fiber can increase survival rate and reduce damage to the cardiovascular system.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCirculation·DateDec 21, 2018

300 blind mice uncover genetic causes of eye disease

A team of researchers has identified 261 new genes linked to blindness and vision disorders in mice, which could help identify new causes of hereditary blindness in humans. The study uses a large database of gene-knockout mice to accelerate the application of genomics in clinical medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCommunications Biology·DateDec 21, 2018

Twisting light to enable high-capacity data transmission

Researchers have developed tiny gears made of germanium that can generate a vortex of twisted light, enabling high-capacity data transmission with chip-based optical computing and communication. The new technology has the potential to boost the amount of data that can be transmitted using less light.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 21, 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.

Camera trap study reveals the hidden lives of island carnivores

A study by Max Allen and colleagues found several mammalian predators, including gray wolves and American martens, living on islands with varying sizes and proximity to the mainland. The research offers new insights into island biogeography and highlights the importance of preserving carnivore habitats.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCommunity Ecology·DateDec 21, 2018

Study looks at ED visits to examine opioid prescribing in pediatric patients

The study analyzed data from over 69,000 ED visits for patients under 18 and found a decrease in opioid prescribing rates from 2006-2010 to 2011-2015. Regional and demographic differences were observed, with higher rates among white patients and those aged 13-17, as well as lower rates among Medicaid recipients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 21, 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.

New insight into what a mother gives to her baby in the womb besides genes

A new special issue of Birth Defects Research explores the role of maternal contributions on fetal development, including organ formation and immune system regulation. Studies show that mother-to-baby transmission affects the risk of birth defects and diseases like food allergy and schizophrenia.

SourceTeratology Society·JournalBirth Defects Research·DateDec 21, 2018