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Science News for February 1, 2018


Rare ichthyosaur is only second known example

A rare 200-million-year-old ichthyosaur specimen of the new species Wahlisaurus massarae has been discovered in a UK private collection. This fossil is only the second known example of this species, previously discovered by Dean Lomax in 2016.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalGeology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Parenting program brings 'joy' to Africa's poorest communities

A widely used parental guidance program has been shown to reduce domestic conflict and boost economic resilience in South Africa's poorest communities. The Sinovuyo Caring Families Programme for Parents and Teens transformed family relationships in severely at risk communities, improving teenagers' safety and family relationships.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateFeb 1, 2018

The disappearance of common species

A study published in Biological Conservation found that widespread insects are threatened with a decline in species diversity, genetic diversity, and ability to adapt to environmental changes. The research highlights the importance of maintaining genetic diversity through population exchange for common species.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalBiological Conservation·DateFeb 1, 2018

Simmons Cancer Center researchers part of historic CAR-T breakthrough

Researchers at UT Southwestern's Simmons Cancer Center have made a historic breakthrough in CAR-T therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and young adults. Eighty-one percent of patients treated with CAR-T therapy went into remission, offering new hope for those previously untreatable.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2018

Zeroing in on dopamine

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified the molecular machinery responsible for precise dopamine release in the brain, challenging current models of dopamine signaling. The study found specialized active release sites that enable fast and spatially precise secretion of dopamine.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateFeb 1, 2018

Wastewater injection depth important trigger for induced quakes

A new study suggests that wastewater injection depth is a critical factor in inducing earthquakes. Simulations using an advanced computer model reveal that limiting depth to 500 meters above the basement can reduce seismic energy release by a factor of 2.8.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 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.

Multidrug-resistant malaria spread under the radar for years in Cambodia

A comprehensive genetic study reveals that multidrug-resistant malaria parasites emerged and spread aggressively in Cambodia, under-reporting for years. Ongoing genomic surveillance is vital to inform public health malaria control strategies and detect patterns of resistance.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 1, 2018

Typical woman or typical man?

The Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) recognizes Professors Louise Pilote and Rhonda Voskuhl for their pioneering work on sex and gender differences in cardiovascular diseases and multiple sclerosis. Their research focuses on incorporating gender aspects into medical practice.

SourceBIH at Charité·DateFeb 1, 2018

Patients and doctors often disagree in evaluation of surgical scarring

Researchers found patients and doctors disagree on surgical scarring evaluation 28% of the time, with patients focusing on depth and physicians on coloration and texture. This highlights the need for better assessment methods and improved preoperative counseling.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateFeb 1, 2018

Practical hair regeneration technology

Researchers have developed a method for mass preparing cellular aggregates called 'hair follicle germs' that may lead to new treatment for hair loss. The therapy involves regenerating hair follicles, the tiny organs that grow and sustain hair, on a large scale.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 1, 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.

Why basal cell tumors return when drug treatment stops

A new study reveals how basal cell cancer responds to treatment and offers new ideas for controlling this disease. The researchers found that the relative location of a cell within a tumor can have a big effect on its sensitivity to drug treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Cell·DateFeb 1, 2018

Scientists reveal a molecule that may underpin neurological disorders

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have discovered a molecule called progranulin that plays a crucial role in strengthening and eliminating synapses in the brain. This process is essential for developing neural circuits, but genetic or environmental mutations can disrupt it, leading to disorders such as autism and dementia.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 1, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The benefits of social media for young people in care

Young people in care benefit from social media by maintaining healthy birth family relationships and friendships, making new connections, and easing transitions. Social media provides emotional support, increased self-esteem, and mental well-being, helping reduce stigma and shame associated with being in care.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe British Journal of Social Work·DateFeb 1, 2018

New technique can capture images of ultrafast energy-time entangled photon pairs

Scientists at the University of Waterloo have captured the first images of ultrafast photons that are energy-time entangled, enabling direct applications for quantum cryptography and communication protocols. This technique will allow for establishing highly secure communication channels over long distances.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 1, 2018

Self-assembled 'hairy' nanoparticles could give a double punch to cancer

Researchers have developed 'hairy' nanoparticles that can assemble and disassemble on demand, allowing for simultaneous delivery of therapeutic drugs and heating to cancer cells. This technology combines light-sensitive materials with water-repelling yet light-absorbing materials to create photo-responsive gold nanoparticles.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 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.

Family impact of congenital Zika syndrome likely to last a lifetime

A new supplement in Pediatrics synthesizes research on congenital Zika syndrome, exploring prevention, development profiles, and family support. It highlights the need for accurate information, active surveillance, and formal support services to address the ongoing health impact of Zika virus.

SourceRTI International·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 1, 2018

Surprise: Satellite galaxies of Centaurus A are on a coordinated dance

Researchers found that 14 out of 16 satellite galaxies of Centaurus A orbit in a single plane and rotate coherently. This synchronized movement contradicts standard cosmology simulations, suggesting flaws in current theories of galaxy formation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 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.

Instagram users less likely to engage with political or controversial images, MU finds

A new study from the University of Missouri found that Instagram users are drawn to social news and entertainment content, but less likely to engage with political or controversial images. Researchers identified strategies for increasing engagement with audiences, including presenting news images in aesthetically pleasing ways.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalVisual Communication Quarterly·DateFeb 1, 2018

New mouse model makes stem cells light up green

Researchers have developed a method to selectively mark multipotent stromal cells in mice using the CD73 gene, allowing for the analysis of their distribution pattern and function in living organisms. This breakthrough enables the study of these stem cells in their original state, providing insights into their role in regenerative medi...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 1, 2018

Geese reduce metabolic rate to cope with winter

A new study found that geese reduce their metabolic rate to cope with winter by lowering their heart rate and body temperature. By doing so, they can conserve energy in the harsh cold conditions.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 1, 2018

Magnesium makes chromosomes

Researchers develop MARIO, a fluorescent probe that measures magnesium ion concentration, showing its critical role in chromosome condensation. The study provides a new mechanism for chromosome organization and may help understand diseases like cancer.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Infrared lasers reveal unprecedented details in surface scattering of methane

Researchers have used novel infrared laser techniques to study methane scattering on a nickel surface with full quantum-state resolution. This breakthrough allows for the observation of vibrational energy redistribution during surface scattering, which can be tested by state-of-the-art quantum theories.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 1, 2018

'Islands' of cell membrane components

A study by Toyohashi University of Technology found that cell membrane components form isolated domains within an artificial lipid bilayer, separated from the surrounding membrane. The findings provide valuable information for understanding membrane protein functions and developing experimental techniques.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 1, 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.

Neurons get the beat and keep it going in drumrolls

Researchers discovered complex patterns of electrical impulses in brain neurons, with repeating rumblings and spikes sustaining activity for hundreds of milliseconds. These findings suggest that neurons may not fire randomly, but rather follow structured rhythms that could influence our understanding of their function.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 1, 2018

Experimental therapy could boost stroke recovery

Researchers at the University of Alberta discovered that injecting a drug called chondroitinase ABC into the spinal cord can enhance recovery in stroke victims. The therapy, combined with rehabilitative training, showed significant improvements in sensorimotor deficits and allowed subjects to perform tasks at pre-stroke levels.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·DateFeb 1, 2018

Scandinavians shaped by several waves of immigration

A study of 9500-year-old bone samples found that people from western Norway were genetically similar to those east of the Baltic Sea in Russia, while eastern Scandinavians were more similar to central and western Europe. The discovery highlights multiple waves of migration to Scandinavia.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Anxious personality may be linked to heightened dog bite risk

A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that people with anxious personalities are more likely to be bitten by dogs. The survey revealed nearly three times the actual number of dog bites as hospital records indicate, suggesting a higher risk for anxious individuals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateFeb 1, 2018

Regular exercise halves complication rate after lung cancer surgery

Exercising regularly before surgery for lung cancer halves the complication rate afterwards, with a 48% reduction in postoperative complications. Exercise also reduces the length of hospital stay by almost three days, according to a pooled analysis of 13 clinical trials involving 806 participants.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2018

Researchers discover the unexpected role of platelets in immune response

Platelets have been found to act as the immune system's first responders when a virus, bacterium, or allergen enters the bloodstream. They release serotonin, which triggers an inflammatory response in mice with antigen-antibody complexes, leading to septic or anaphylactic shock.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 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.

Boosting a key protein to help bones that won't heal

Researchers have developed a new therapeutic approach to enhance bone healing by delivering additional Jagged-1 protein at the site of injury. In a study published in npj Regenerative Medicine, rodents treated with Jagged-1 showed improvements in skull and femoral bone injuries, unlike BMPs which caused excessive bone growth.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2018

New insights into how employees manage stressful situations at work

Researchers developed a new self-efficacy scale to assess employees' ability to manage tasks, negative emotions, and interpersonal relationships. The findings show that high self-efficacy in these areas leads to better job performance, reduced counterproductive behavior, and improved well-being.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·DateFeb 1, 2018

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Rapid spread of multidrug-resistant malaria in southeast Asia demands urgent action

A genetic study reveals that multidrug-resistant malaria in southeast Asia originated from a single mutation combination in 2008, which spread rapidly across the region before becoming apparent in 2013. The study highlights the need for close monitoring of genetic mutations to mitigate resistance and prevent further outbreaks.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 1, 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.

Measuring molecular interactions

Researchers have developed a new method to quantify protein-metabolite interactions, discovering hundreds of new interactions and binding sites. The approach has the potential to identify new regulatory mechanisms, enzymes, and metabolic reactions in cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell·DateFeb 1, 2018

Research uncovers gene network that regulates motor neuron formation during embryonic development

Researchers at UCLA have uncovered a gene network that promotes the formation of spinal motor neurons in chicken and mouse embryos. The study sheds light on how embryonic development is orchestrated for motor neuron formation, with implications for stem cell-based therapies to repair or study neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 1, 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.

New focus on where heart disease and breast cancer treatment meet

A new scientific statement highlights the interconnection between cardiovascular disease and breast cancer, emphasizing the need for research and specialized treatment. The American Heart Association emphasizes prevention and modification of cardiac risk factors during and after breast cancer treatment.

SourceMediaSource·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 1, 2018

Silk fibers could be high-tech 'natural metamaterials'

Researchers discovered that silk fibers exhibit Anderson localization of light, a phenomenon that enables efficient control of light due to their nano-architecture. This discovery could lead to innovations in medical therapies and biosensing, as well as the creation of synthetic materials with similar properties.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2018

Advanced dosimetry phantoms improving radiotherapy verification

Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a technology to create individual, 3D-printed dosimetry phantoms tailored to each patient's anatomy, enabling more accurate radiotherapy treatment plans. The new phantoms can replicate complex internal structures and take into account implants and pacemakers.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·DateFeb 1, 2018

Do career NFL players have a higher risk of death?

A study of 3,812 retired NFL players found a slightly higher risk of death compared to replacement players, mainly due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Repeated head trauma in football may lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 1, 2018

For Americans, understanding money eases old age anxiety

A new study from Hiroshima University finds that financially literate individuals are less anxious about life in old age, having accumulated more wealth. Having a child and regular exercise also reduce concern about aging.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalReview of Economics of the Household·DateFeb 1, 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.

House dust mites evolved a new way to protect their genome

A genetic study found that house dust mites replaced the traditional Piwi pathway with a new small RNA mechanism to control transposable elements, affecting up to 1.2 billion people worldwide. The discovery provides insights into the evolutionary history of these common indoor pests.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 1, 2018

Strange things happen when a crystal gets split in two

The study reveals that when a crystal is broken along certain directions, atoms reorganize into labyrinthine structures. These structures have potential applications in hydrogen production and chemical reactions, enabling the splitting of water to produce hydrogen.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 2018

CNIO researchers discover a potential new therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer

CNIO researchers have identified a subpopulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts that foster tumour growth and discovered the Saa3 gene as a key player. Eliminating this gene reprograms the cells, losing their pro-tumour properties, opening a new avenue for therapeutic strategies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2018

The American Stroke Association receives $11.1 million gift from the Henrietta B. and Frederick H. Bugher Foundation to fund targeted research network in hemorrhagic stroke

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has received a $11.1 million gift from the Henrietta B. and Frederick H. Bugher Foundation to fund targeted research in hemorrhagic stroke. The centers will employ precision medicine, data analysis, and core collaborative research to prevent and treat this type of stroke.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 1, 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.

Photoreversible molecular switch changes the physical property of thermoresponsive polymer

Scientists at Yokohama National University developed a photoresponsive molecular switch that enables the control of sol-gel transitions in thermoresponsive polymers. The azobenzene-containing ionic liquid triggers reversible physical property changes upon light irradiation, showing tunable sol and gel states.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 1, 2018

Astronomy: A rotating system of satellite galaxies raises questions

A team of astronomers from the University of Basel has found that satellite galaxies around Centaurus A co-rotate within disc-shaped planes, a phenomenon that challenges the standard model of cosmology. This discovery suggests that these systems are not isolated cases but part of a widespread pattern.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 2018

A biological approach to precision medicine targets endless number of diseases

A Tel Aviv University study proposes a novel approach to manipulate genes using a self-assembling platform that delivers nucleic acids to distinct cell subsets. The platform shows promise in treating autoimmune diseases and cancer by targeting specific cells and reducing inflammation.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 1, 2018

Scientists discover new field affecting metals solidification

Researchers have discovered a fundamental energy field guiding formation of complex patterns in materials that crystallize, altering current understanding of metal solidification. This finding has the potential to improve casting and welding processes, leading to stronger alloys and improved metallurgical process control.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·JournalMetals·DateFeb 1, 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.

Splashdown: Supersonic cold metal bonding in 3-D

Researchers have developed a 3D temperature-based model to understand the CGDS film-growing process. The model connects particle impact velocity, energy transformation, and temperature rise in three dimensions, predicting how the average temperature of the particle impact zone will rise and subside.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Thermal Spray Technology·DateFeb 1, 2018

Electro-mechano-optical NMR detection

Researchers at Kyoto University and University of Tokyo have developed a new method for light detection in nuclear magnetic resonance, promising higher sensitivity for MRI. The 'up-convertion' technology converts radio-frequency signals into optical ones using an elastic membrane and optics.

SourceKyoto University·JournalOptica·DateFeb 1, 2018

Breathing problems linked to drug that treats opioid addiction

A new study from UT scientists finds that buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid addiction, can impair the ability of obese mice to vary their breathing. This discovery may encourage similar studies in humans, who also need to achieve tasks like climbing stairs and respond to challenges such as disease and surgical stress.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalAnesthesiology·DateFeb 1, 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.

New, safe zinc oxide quantum dots

Researchers have created defect-free ZnO quantum dots with record-long luminescence lifetimes and resistance to chemical and biological environments. The new nanoparticles are biocompatible and safe for human use, offering hope for numerous applications in biology and medicine.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateFeb 1, 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.

Belief in conspiracy theories associated with vaccine skepticism

A study published by the American Psychological Association found a strong correlation between belief in conspiracy theories and vaccine skepticism worldwide. The research suggests that conspiracy beliefs can override scientific evidence and lead to negative attitudes towards vaccinations.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateFeb 1, 2018

Scientists identify weight loss ripple effect

A University of Connecticut study tracked 130 couples over six months and found that when one member commits to losing weight, the chances are good the other partner will lose some weight too. The researchers discovered a significant weight loss ripple effect where couples' weights were interlinked.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalObesity·DateFeb 1, 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.

Two-stage gas sensor reports on soil dynamics

Researchers at Rice University have created a new type of gas sensor that can monitor microbes' health and activity in soil without disturbing them. The sensor uses genetically engineered microbes to report on their environment and activity, providing valuable data for bioengineers, geobiologists, and other researchers.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateFeb 1, 2018

New study challenges popular theory about dwarf galaxies

A new international study has found a plane of dwarf galaxies orbiting around Centaurus A, challenging a long-held theory that these galaxies are spread out in all directions. The research reveals that spinning pancake-like systems of satellite galaxies are more common than previously thought.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 2018

A higher(er)-definition nose

Researchers have discovered a two-dimensional metallic material called MXene that can detect gases at very low concentrations, improving the sensitivity of chemical sensors. This could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as ulcers, diabetes, cancer, cirrhosis, multiple sclerosis, and kidney disease.

SourceDrexel University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 1, 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.

Even small changes within an ecosystem can have detrimental effects

New research from Binghamton University reveals that interactions between relatively small organisms are crucial to mutualistic relationships in an ecosystem dominated by larger organisms. The study found that a third partner, scale insects, strengthens an ant-plant mutualism, providing vital nutrients and defense against predators.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalEcology·DateFeb 1, 2018

Short section of DNA predicts kidney transplant success

A landmark study has identified a small stretch of DNA that best predicts long-term kidney transplant success. The HLA locus genetic match between donor and recipient is crucial for predicting transplant survival and potential personalized treatments.

SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateFeb 1, 2018

UH engineer locates brain's seizure onset zone in record time

A University of Houston biomedical engineer has developed a new method to locate the brain's seizure onset zone in record time, reducing hospitalization time from up to 10 days to just one hour. This breakthrough could save patients weeks of treatment and improve their quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalBrain·DateFeb 1, 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.

Shedding light on arctic zooplankton in the dark

Recent research reveals that even weak Moonlight and aurora-induced light can trigger a rapid migration of Arctic zooplankton to deeper waters. This phenomenon is caused by the animals' extreme sensitivity to light, which can be disrupted by light pollution from vessels or ocean structures.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 1, 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.

Research in olive varieties steps up the fight against anthracnose

Research classifies olive varieties by their susceptibility to anthracnose, with Picual variety found to be highly resistant. Almost all Spanish cultivars are classified as susceptible or moderately susceptible, highlighting the need for farmers to choose resistant varieties.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateFeb 1, 2018

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite tracking Tropical Cyclone Cebile

Tropical Cyclone Cebile was a powerful hurricane in the Southern Indian Ocean when NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of its well-rounded circulation center. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 132 mph, centered near 16.1 degrees south latitude and 76.1 degrees east longitude.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 1, 2018

Ultrafine aerosol particles intensify rainfall in Amazon region

A study published in Science reveals that ultrafine aerosol particles can intensify rainfall in the Amazon region by enhancing cloud formation and thunderstorms. The presence of these nanoparticles, which are too small to play a significant role in polluted areas, has a substantial impact on the hydrologic cycle in the Amazon.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 2018

More rice, please: 13 rice genomes reveal ways to keep up with ever-growing population

Researchers have sequenced the genomes of 13 wild and domesticated rice species, revealing valuable genetic information for developing new, efficient, and sustainable rice varieties. The newly created genetic resource provides insights into disease resistance genes, which could help reduce pesticide use and ensure reliable rice harvests.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 1, 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.

Food preservative enhances schizophrenia treatment

A randomized, double-blind trial showed that adding sodium benzoate to clozapine improved negative symptoms and overall symptoms in patients with refractory schizophrenia. The treatment had no side effects and may provide hope for treating the most difficult-to-treat patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 1, 2018

New method could open path to hydrogen economy

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a simple method to generate high-quality hydrogen from water using inexpensive nickel and iron. The technique could be scaled up for large-scale testing and store renewable energy generated by solar and wind sources.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNano Energy·DateFeb 1, 2018

Quantum 'hack' to unleash computing power

Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered a 'quantum hack' that improves quantum error correction by up to 400 percent, allowing for more efficient computations. This breakthrough could lead to fewer physical qubits required for basic calculations, making practical quantum computers a reality.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 1, 2018

New UC Riverside research advances spintronics technology

Researchers at UC Riverside have developed methods to detect signals from spintronic components made of low-cost metals and silicon, overcoming a major barrier to wide application. This breakthrough enables the creation of spintronic computers that generate little heat and use relatively minuscule amounts of electricity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 1, 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.

UA researchers observe electrons zipping around in crystals

Researchers at the University of Arizona used a novel technique to observe electrons moving through crystals, shedding light on the unique properties of transition metal dichalcogenides. The study revealed that electrons move differently within and across layers, with implications for future processing technologies.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2018

Evidence: Chaplains crucial for advance care planning in medical practice

A quality improvement project found that 80% of patients completed advance directives after discussing their wishes with a hospital-based chaplain. Chaplain-facilitated conversations provided patients with peace of mind and reduced family member guilt, as they documented their wishes in a shared document.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2018

A bacterial duo linked to colon cancer

A bacterial duo has been identified as a potential contributor to colon cancer risk. Escherichia Coli and Bacteroides fragilis alter the gut microenvironment by depleting mucus and inducing inflammation, facilitating E.coli colonization.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 2018

Study reveals how the most common DNA mutation happens

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered how the most common DNA mutation happens, a phenomenon that allows guanine and thymine bases to change shape and avoid detection by enzymes. This finding provides a foundation for understanding other types of DNA mutations, which are responsible for diseases and normal aging.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 2018

Supermassive black holes can feast on one star per year

Researchers at CU Boulder discovered a mechanism explaining the persistence of asymmetrical stellar clusters surrounding supermassive black holes. This rate suggests that in post-galactic merger periods, orbiting stars could be flung into the black hole and destroyed at a rate of one per year.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateFeb 1, 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.

Ninety-six scientists co-author paper on rainforest mammals

The study provides a comprehensive dataset of mammalian traits in the Atlantic Forest, expanding possibilities for zoological and ecological research. The data aims to draw attention to the region's importance and encourage conservation efforts, highlighting the crucial role small mammals play in the ecosystem.

SourceField Museum·JournalEcology·DateFeb 1, 2018

Macromolecular order in plastic kingdom

Polymer researchers found that manipulating polypropylene molecules' regularity affects the end product's mechanical properties. They discovered a relationship between isotacticity, degree of crystallinity, and material toughness.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPolymer·DateFeb 1, 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.