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Science News for February 16, 2018


High levels of microplastics found in Northwest Atlantic fish

A new study published in Frontiers found microplastics in the stomachs of nearly three out of four mesopelagic fish caught in the Northwest Atlantic, with 73% ingesting pollutants. This high ingestion rate has significant consequences for marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycling.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateFeb 16, 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.

Evolutionary origin of termite gut microbiome revealed

Researchers have uncovered the evolutionary origin of termite gut microbiomes, finding a mix of both vertical and horizontal transmission. The study, which analyzed 211 bacterial lineages from 94 termite species across four continents, reveals that termites acquire their gut bacteria from both parents and other termite colonies.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2018

Study sheds light on how plants get their nitrogen fix

A study has identified a key genetic pathway in the legume Lotus japonicus that regulates nodulation in response to nitrogen levels in the soil. The researchers found a gene called NRSYM1 that, when mutated, causes the legume to continue forming new nodules even when nitrate is present in the soil.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 16, 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.

New approaches in neuroscience show it's not all in your head

Recent research in neuroscience suggests that our experiences shape our perceptions, emotions, and behaviors. Studies using imaging tools like fMRI and EEG have identified neural networks involved in well-being and mental health disorders when considering individual experience.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateFeb 16, 2018

Contacting the molecular world through graphene nanoribbons

Researchers have developed graphene narrow stripes to use as electrical wires and a method to precisely contact individual molecules. The discovery has enabled direct atomic precision contacting, leading to the creation of a single-molecule magnetic device.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 16, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists shed light on biological roots of individuality

Researchers discovered patterns of behavior across different stages of life in C. elegans worms, showing that genetic differences and neuromodulators contribute to individuality. The team found that removing serotonin reduced unique foraging behaviors, highlighting the importance of diversity in species survival.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateFeb 16, 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.

Breast reconstruction patients often less satisfied than expected post surgery

A new study published in JAMA Surgery found that breast cancer patients who undergo mastectomy with or without immediate reconstruction tend to be less satisfied than expected with their physical and sexual health post-surgery. Women who choose immediate reconstruction overestimated their satisfaction with appearance, while those who d...

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateFeb 16, 2018

Even without the clean power plan, US can achieve Paris Agreement emissions reductions

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University have found that US power sector carbon dioxide emissions are on track to meet near-term targets under the Paris Agreement despite the Trump Administration's withdrawal of the Clean Power Plan. A strong link between natural gas prices and emission reductions has been identified, with declining...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 16, 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.

UNLV study finds no testosterone changes in esports gamers

A study published in Computers in Human Behavior found no significant changes in testosterone levels among UNLV's esports players during gameplay. The research suggests that familiar environments and competition may not elicit the same hormonal responses as unfamiliar situations and large audiences.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateFeb 16, 2018

Penn engineers test drug transfer using placenta-on-a-chip

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated the feasibility of their organ-on-a-chip platform in studying drug transport across the human placental barrier. The study found that the placenta-on-a-chip successfully emulated the protective mechanism against toxic drugs, paving the way for its use as a screening platform.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateFeb 16, 2018

How #MeToo, awareness months and Facebook are helping us heal

A Drexel University study explores how social media platforms like Facebook facilitate healing for women who experience pregnancy loss and stigmatized disclosures. Researchers found that sharing personal stories online reduces stigma, builds support networks, and promotes emotional well-being.

SourceDrexel University·DateFeb 16, 2018

A mineral blueprint for finding Burgess Shale-type fossils

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a mineral signature that enables them to predict the presence of rare, soft-tissue preserving fossils. The study found that rocks rich in berthierine are more likely to contain Burgess Shale-type fossils.

SourceYale University·JournalGeology·DateFeb 16, 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.

Humans will actually react pretty well to news of alien life

A recent study by Arizona State University Assistant Professor Michael Varnum suggests that humans will likely react positively to the discovery of extraterrestrial life. In three pilot studies, language analysis revealed significantly more positive emotions in coverage of past potential discoveries and participant reactions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 16, 2018

Women who clean at home or work face increased lung function decline

A new study found that women who clean at home or work experience a greater decline in lung function over time compared to those who do not. The accelerated lung function decline is comparable to smoking less than 20 pack-years.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 16, 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.

Precision experiments reveal gaps in van der Waals theory

Researchers performed synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments on titanium disulfide and compared results with theoretical calculations. They found that interlayer interactions are stronger than theory indicates, involving significant electron sharing.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 16, 2018

Rice U. reports progress in pursuit of sickle cell cure

Scientists at Rice University have successfully used CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing to repair 20-40% of stem and progenitor cells from patients with sickle cell disease. The study, led by bioengineer Gang Bao, aims to find a cure for the hereditary disease.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 16, 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.

Helen L. Reed wins 2018 Yvonne C. Brill Lectureship in Aerospace Engineering

Dr. Helen L. Reed, a renowned expert in aerospace engineering, has been awarded the 2018 Yvonne C. Brill Lectureship for her groundbreaking work on student design-build-fly micro- and nano-satellites. Her expertise in laminar-to-turbulent transition has significantly influenced the development of aerospace systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateFeb 16, 2018

Bringing a hidden superconducting state to light

Researchers discovered a previously unknown superconducting state in layered material LBCO, which occurs above the temperature at which it transmits electricity without resistance. The team used high-intensity infrared light to reveal this hidden state, providing new insights into the decades-long mystery of superconductivity in cuprates.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateFeb 16, 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.

At AAAS: Reducing bird-related tragedy through understanding bird behavior

Researchers have developed two initiatives to minimize bird-human interactions, using acoustic deterrence technology. Sonic Nets uses sound to make gathering birds uncomfortable, while Acoustic Lighthouse alerts flying birds to avoid collisions with wind turbines and other structures.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·DateFeb 16, 2018

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Gita weakening

Tropical Cyclone Gita is weakening due to vertical wind shear, posing threats to New Caledonia and New Zealand. The storm will encounter cooler ocean waters and transition into an extra-tropical low on February 20.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 16, 2018

Lab-grown human cerebellar cells yield clues to autism

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital used stem cell technology to create Purkinje cells from patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, a genetic syndrome often linked to autism. The lab-grown cells showed structural abnormalities and impaired development of synapses, which may help explain how autism develops at the molecular level.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 16, 2018

Hidden talents: Converting heat into electricity with pencil and paper

Scientists have discovered a simple method to harness the thermoelectric effect by combining a graphite pencil with a conductive coating on paper. The resulting voltage is comparable to expensive nanocomposites, offering potential applications in flexible electronics and wearable devices.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 16, 2018

Stanford scientists eavesdrop on volcanic rumblings to forecast eruptions

Researchers analyzed infrasound from Villarrica volcano to predict eruptions, finding a connection between sound waves and lava lake changes. The study suggests that infrasound could aid in forecasting volcanic eruptions hours or days ahead.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 16, 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.

Computers outperform lab rats in detecting toxic chemicals

A recent study by UL and Johns Hopkins University found that artificial intelligence (AI) is superior to traditional animal testing in detecting toxic substances. The AI-powered software, REACHAcross™, can predict chemical toxicity with high accuracy and speed, reducing the need for animal testing.

SourceSciCom - Making Sense of Science·DateFeb 16, 2018

How to train like the world's most successful female cross-country skier

Marit Bjoergen trained for an average of 70 hours per month and 15 hours per week over nearly two decades, with a focus on endurance training. She also tapered her training in the final weeks before major championships, revealing secrets to her success.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateFeb 16, 2018

Link between hallucinations and dopamine not such a mystery, finds study

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that people with schizophrenia who experience auditory hallucinations tend to hear what they expect, an exaggerated version of a perceptual distortion. Elevated dopamine can exacerbate distorted perceptions.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 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.

Cells communicate in a dynamic code

Caltech scientists have discovered that cells can transmit multiple messages through the Notch signaling pathway by encoding them rhythmically over time. This discovery reveals that cellular messaging is closer to sending smoke signals than texting, and cells use temporal patterns to differentiate between similar ligands.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateFeb 16, 2018

Birds and beans: Study shows best coffee for bird diversity

A new study finds that Robusta beans can support higher densities of sensitive avian populations and harbor substantial biodiversity benefits. Arabica beans, on the other hand, are more species rich but may pose deleterious impacts for forest wildlife due to intensive full-sun agricultural systems.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 16, 2018

Newly-hatched salmon use geomagnetic field to learn which way is up

Researchers at Oregon State University found that newly-hatched salmon use the geomagnetic field to orient themselves vertically when emerging from gravel nests. This ability allows them to navigate three-dimensionally and orient themselves in their environment, which is crucial for survival.

SourceOregon State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 16, 2018

Immune signature predicts asthma susceptibility

A subset of T cells identified as an early childhood immune signature predicts the risk of developing asthma later on. The presence of house dust components stimulating the innate immune system decreases asthma risk, supporting the hygiene hypothesis. Researchers found MAIT cells to be protective against asthma.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateFeb 16, 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.

Marshall School of Medicine receives multi-million dollar grant to research obesity

The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has received a five-year, $10.78 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate obesity and its related disorders. The funding will support research focused on inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, and obesity in West Virginia and central Appalachia.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2018

Major discovery in controlling quantum states of single atoms

Scientists at the Institute for Basic Science have made a major breakthrough in controlling the quantum properties of individual atoms. They used advanced methods to image and measure individual iron atoms, finding that nearby electrons destroy their quantum behavior.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 16, 2018

First multiplex test for tick-borne diseases

A new multiplex test can detect six of eight tick-borne pathogens including Lyme disease simultaneously in a single blood test, offering improved diagnostic accuracy. The test's potential for early detection and treatment is expected to improve patient outcomes for those infected with tick-borne diseases.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateFeb 16, 2018