Researchers at Cornell University developed a novel analytical technique to visualize polymer chain growth in real-time. By combining magnetic tweezers, optical microscopy, and spectroscopic techniques, they discovered that individual polymer chains undergo consecutive wait-and-jump steps.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a highly efficient ammonia synthesis catalyst that functions at low temperatures, exceeding the efficiency of conventional ruthenium and iron catalysts. The catalyst's unique structure expands surface area to improve performance.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 7, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Experts emphasize need for standardized quality review, transparent data sharing and greater stakeholder involvement in risk assessment. Workshop participants agree on importance of harmonized system for efficient regulation.
SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·DateFeb 7, 2018
Researchers develop risk assessment framework to incorporate three common failure modes into a comprehensive strategy. The analysis finds that any risk assessment must consider all pertinent failure modes of a structure.
SourceLehigh University·JournalEngineering Structures·DateFeb 7, 2018
A recent study in Oregon revealed that more than half of the public consider alcohol to be more harmful than marijuana. The study found a significant correlation between age and perceived harm, with younger people substantially more likely to view alcohol as more harmful.
SourceRTI International·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2018
A new study reveals that genetic factors causing autism spectrum disorders diminish brain cognitive functions, leading to lower non-verbal IQ. Motor skills also correlate with de novo mutations in ASD, making them a sensitive indicator of damage.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2018
Women who underwent mastectomy without reconstruction underestimated their future quality of life, while those with immediate reconstruction overestimated it. The study highlights the importance of decision support for breast reconstruction, taking into account patients' expectations about well-being.
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.
Recent publications by Dr. Joseph Michalski and colleagues cast doubt on the idea of surface life evolving on Mars due to extremely cold and dry climate conditions. However, they suggest subsurface life is a promising option, focusing exploration on hydrothermal deposits.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 6, 2018
The Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science is awarded to Alexander Rudensky for his work on regulatory T cells and their role in cancer treatment. Two younger immigrants, Polina Anikeeva and Sergiu P. Pasca, receive $50,000 prizes for their promising contributions to biomedical engineering and brain disease research.
A new study demonstrates the feasibility of using terahertz carrier waves for data transmission in diverse situations and environments. Researchers successfully measured data transmission at high frequencies, including non-line-of-sight applications.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Photonics·DateFeb 6, 2018
A new study found that an intensive 6-day Ayurveda-based mind-body program increased self-awareness and related health benefits. The program was compared to a control group, showing significant increases in neti values at both immediate completion and the 1-month follow-up.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2018
The September 2017 earthquakes showcased the effectiveness of Mexico's SASMEX early warning system, which detected the magnitude 8.2 Tehuantepec earthquake and sent alerts to residents with almost two minutes' notice. However, improvements are needed to reduce processing times and ensure timely warnings for all residents.
SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateFeb 6, 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.
The study reveals that methane hydrate melts from the Arctic sea floor due to sea floor uplift, causing a slow and steady methane release over 8000 years. The research suggests that this process is more likely than ocean warming as the cause of methane seeps in the region.
SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018
Researchers from Uppsala University and collaborating institutions developed a new method to measure magnetism at the atomic level, enabling detailed analysis of magnetic nanostructures. This advancement is crucial for the development of next-generation spintronic components that require functional units only a few nanometers large.
SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 6, 2018
Brown University researchers demonstrate that terahertz frequency data links can maintain acceptable bit-error-rates after bouncing off objects, enabling the possibility of non-line-of-sight links. The study's findings support the idea of terahertz local-area networks and could pave the way for future wireless networks with increased b...
SourceBrown University·JournalAPL Photonics·DateFeb 6, 2018
Researchers have discovered that Bayesian model selection tends to produce very high posterior probabilities for estimated evolutionary trees even if they are clearly wrong. This phenomenon is attributed to the non-nested nature of some models, which can lead to polarized behavior.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 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.
The ozone layer has continued to decline in the lower stratosphere, contrary to expectations that it would have recovered by the middle of the century. Satellite measurements show a decrease in ozone concentrations at latitudes between 60° S and 60° N since the Montreal Protocol banned ozone-depleting substances in 1989.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateFeb 6, 2018
Global experts argue that solar-driven water splitting can become the technology of choice for producing hydrogen, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, significant research efforts are needed to industrialize this process and make it suitable for the 21st century and beyond.
SourceCambridge University Press·JournalMRS Energy & Sustainability·DateFeb 6, 2018
Researchers employed computational approaches to estimate the fitness landscape of gp160, a polyprotein that comprises HIV's spike. The inferred landscape was validated through comparisons with diverse experimental measurements.
SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2018
Scientists analyzed data from HINODE to reveal a strongly magnetized iron atom signature in a sunspot, with a magnetic field strength of 6,250 gauss, more than double the usual amount. The strongest field was found at a bright region between two umbrae, not in the dark core as expected.
SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 6, 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.
A recent study has estimated the frequency of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders among first-graders in four US communities, finding rates as high as 50 per 1,000 children. The findings suggest a more accurate prevalence estimate than previous studies, but may not be generalizable to all communities.
A team of UMass Lowell researchers has developed sensing fabrics with optical fibers and sensors to monitor structural health and integrity of vital infrastructures. These fabrics can detect cracks and strain early on, minimizing maintenance costs and environmental impacts.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateFeb 6, 2018
Researchers have uncovered how an inflammation process automatically switches off in healthy cells, a discovery that could lead to stopping damage caused by uncontrolled inflammation. The study focuses on inflammasomes, which are machine-like protein complexes at the heart of inflammation and disease.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalExperimental Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2018
Scientists have discovered a way to create materials with new properties by inducing liquid crystals to form ordered rings in nanopores. This self-assembly process allows for the design of nanomaterials that can be controlled through temperature, enabling novel applications in organic semiconductors.
SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 6, 2018
Research suggests that irregular schedules can lead to inflammation, exacerbating metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes. Disrupted biological clocks may contribute to these effects by altering inflammatory responses.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 6, 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.
The study reveals that the remarkable surface conductivity of SmB6 is not related to its topological nature but rather due to a shifting of band gaps. This finding opens up new possibilities for energy-efficient information technology and spintronics.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018
Scientists have discovered key regulators that control the inflammatory response in chronic diseases such as Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis. The NOD2 pathway plays a critical role in detecting bacterial invaders, but faults in its regulation can lead to uncontrolled inflammation.
SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 6, 2018
Researchers in Australia have developed a novel platform for light-matter interaction in fiber optics, opening up new horizons for communication and photonics technology. The system uses terahertz radiation with higher bandwidth capacity than current microwave networks.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Photonics·DateFeb 6, 2018
A new study found that farmed fish and shrimp convert protein and calories in feed to edible products at rates similar to livestock. Researchers assessed feed composition, feed conversion ratios, and nutritional content to provide a more complete understanding of feed efficiency across species.
SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Earth Sciences·DateFeb 6, 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.
A Portland State University study found that counties with more religious populations tend to have less risk-averse hedge fund managers, resulting in smaller and younger funds. Despite this, these funds produce returns comparable to the industry average, suggesting a link between local religiosity and organizational risk-taking.
SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·DateFeb 6, 2018
Researchers developed a new molecule, EH44, to replace the unstable spiro-OMeTAD layer in perovskite solar cells. The new design resolves chemical makeup issues and maintains steady efficiency, bringing emerging technology closer to commercial deployment.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 6, 2018
A Baylor University study published in the Journal of Business Ethics reveals that ethical leadership compounded by job-hindrance stress and supervisor-induced stress can lead to employee deviance and turnover. The research found that employees who feel unsupported may be more likely to engage in workplace deviance.
SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateFeb 6, 2018
Researchers have used genomic data to gain the most detailed information yet of cockroach evolution. The study suggests that extant families evolved during the breakup of Pangaea and prior to continental separation within Gondwana, with divergence times dating back up to 180 million years.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 6, 2018
Researchers from Lund University have identified a previously unknown language in northern Peninsular Malaysia, dubbed Jedek. Spoken by 280 people, the language is an Austroasiatic variety with unique grammatical structures and vocabulary.
SourceLund University·JournalLinguistic Typology·DateFeb 6, 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.
Researchers have created a graphene-based radiation detector with a fast response time and the ability to work over a wide range of temperatures. The device exploits graphene's thermoelectric properties, generating an electric field that provides a direct measurement of radiation.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 6, 2018
A study by TUM researchers found that outdoor instruction enhances students' basic psychological needs, particularly autonomy and competence. This leads to increased motivation in science subjects, with a positive impact on overall learning experience.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 6, 2018
A new study from Binghamton University found that advertisers may be getting more clicks by placing ads in lower positions if they prioritize website quality, brand equity, and selling proposition over top spot ad placement. The model helps advertisers quantify expected clicks based on these factors.
SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateFeb 6, 2018
Researchers propose using gallium oxide for producing microelectronics due to its large bandgap and high-breakdown-voltage capabilities. This enables the design of FETs with smaller geometries and improved energy density.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 6, 2018
A large-scale trial found that upskilling care home staff to deliver person-centred care, combined with just one hour of social interaction per week, significantly improves quality of life and reduces agitation and aggression in people with dementia. The approach also saves money compared to standard care.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 6, 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.
A satellite-based earthquake early warning system called G-FAST performed well in a replay of three large earthquakes in Chile, providing accurate magnitude and epicenter estimates. The system's performance suggests it could provide early warnings for Chile's coastal communities.
SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateFeb 6, 2018
A study published in Global Change Biology warns that China's growing milk demand will strain global dairy resources, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and land use if left unchecked. Improving domestic milk production efficiencies and adopting more sustainable practices could mitigate these impacts.
SourceRothamsted Research·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 6, 2018
A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that exercise training enhances fat metabolism and strengthens the anti-inflammatory properties of the immune system. Daily doses of kynurenic acid activated cell receptor GPR35, converting white fat to energy-burning brown fat.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 6, 2018
A new study found that individuals who choose to stay during wildfires have a higher tolerance for risk and believe they can prepare their property. Issuing voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders significantly decreases the odds of staying, while relying on physical cues increases the likelihood of waiting and seeing.
SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateFeb 6, 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.
A team of University of Pennsylvania neuroscientists developed a system to monitor brain activity and trigger stimulation responsively, improving learning and memory performance. The study found that precisely timed electrical stimulation can reliably enhance memory function in patients with memory loss.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018
The study analyzed changes in rodent faunas between 12 and 5 million years ago, revealing their migration northwards in search of more humid conditions. This shift was driven by intense cooling and increased aridity, transforming landscapes in Southwestern Europe.
SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2018
Researchers have developed a process to produce porous films made from shape memory polymers with precise dimensions, which can be reversibly changed with light. The films feature micropores that switch between different shapes and/or sizes, expanding possibilities in fields such as electronics and separation processes.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 6, 2018
Wind shear significantly impacted Tropical Cyclone Cebile, with the bulk of clouds and thunderstorms being sheared to the southeast of the center. The storm is weakening due to dropping sea surface temperatures and high vertical wind shear, according to NASA's Aqua satellite observations.
The new FluChip-8G technology uses microarray analysis and artificial intelligence to identify flu viruses, providing rapid and detailed information for enhanced influenza surveillance. This will enable early warning systems in remote locations to detect potential pandemic threats.
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.
Researchers at UIC have identified a small molecule that promotes quorum sensing in Streptococci, stabilizing chemical signals between cells. This discovery may lead to new ways to manipulate bacterial activity and suppress virulence, potentially aiding in the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 6, 2018
Portland State University is part of a research center developing brain-inspired computing to enable computers to perform uniquely human tasks. The Center for Brain-inspired Computing Enabling Autonomous Intelligence aims to improve pattern and image recognition for intelligent autonomous systems.
Researchers investigated naked mole rats' cellular senescence mechanism, finding unique features that contribute to their cancer resistance and longevity. Despite exhibiting senescence similar to mice, naked mole rats display a more structured response to senescence, which may be beneficial for longevity.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2018
A study by Uppsala University researchers reveals that a vesicle attachment defect is the root cause of insulin secretion problems in type-2 diabetes. The defect leads to slowed arrival of new insulin-containing vesicles at the cell membrane, resulting in insufficient insulin release.
SourceUppsala University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 6, 2018
Researchers discovered carbapenem-resistant plasmids in hospital pipes and sewers, suggesting a vast reservoir for antibiotic resistance. The findings imply that surveillance efforts can minimize patient infections, but the presence of resistant organisms in wastewater raises questions about their impact on public health.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateFeb 6, 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.
Researchers discover a two-step process to kill liver cancer cells by silencing an enzyme and adding metformin, potentially accelerating new treatments for this deadly disease. This approach has shown promise in treating liver cancer, where surgery is often not an option and available drugs are only moderately effective.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018
A team of engineers and biologists have developed a bioinspired structure that can increase airfoil lift and decrease drag. The new vortex generators are based on the shape of shark scales and have shown significant improvements over traditional designs.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 6, 2018
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill identified mixing patterns among men who inject drugs in Vietnam to pinpoint high-risk groups for HIV transmission. They found assortative mixing by age and linked this information with HIV infection rates, revealing key risk groups.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateFeb 6, 2018
Researchers have found that lithium can eliminate periodic instabilities in plasma known as edge-localized modes (ELMs) when used to coat tungsten surfaces. This improvement has good news for future devices designed to work with lithium, which can damage the divertor and cause fusion reactions to fizzle.
SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateFeb 6, 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.
Researchers found that standard practices for comparing cervical cancer radiation therapy treatments may be misleading. A new mathematical formula could improve outcomes by providing more accurate predictions and personalization of treatment plans.
A recent study published in the Journal of Mammalogy reveals that over 1000 new species of mammals have been described globally during the last dozen years. This rate of species discovery parallels that seen in global amphibians, driven by advances in DNA analysis methods and field exploration.
SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateFeb 6, 2018
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that approximately one to five percent of first-grade children in the US have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, rates comparable to those of autism spectrum disorders. Researchers evaluated over 6,000 children across four regions and estimated prevalence ...
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 6, 2018