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Science News for July 13, 2018


Expert panel compares opioid epidemic to early days of HIV epidemic

An expert panel has identified parallels between the current opioid epidemic and the early days of the HIV epidemic. The panel recommends five crucial steps for clinicians treating patients affected by opioid addiction and these intersecting infections, including increasing access to addiction care and developing hospital-based protocols.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 2018

Routine, coordinated treatment of opioid abuse can stem national epidemic

Oregon Health & Science University researchers recommend routinely screening and treating patients for opioid abuse when they come to clinics and hospitals seeking other services. This approach can save lives and turn around the national opioid epidemic by addressing opioid use disorder as a chronic medical condition.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 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.

Reading rivers

A study led by Tamara Pico from Harvard University estimates how glaciers moved by analyzing the weight of the ice sheet's impact on topography and river course. The researchers used a model that connects the growth of the ice sheet with changes in the Hudson River's direction, potentially offering new insights into glacier growth.

SourceHarvard University·JournalGeology·DateJul 13, 2018

Study: Journalists view co-workers as more ethical than peers

Researchers found that American journalists tend to trust the actions of their co-workers more than those from other news outlets, and believe they act unethically less frequently. The study's findings suggest ways for newsrooms and writers to improve ethical actions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournalism·DateJul 13, 2018

Keeping kidney stones at bay during space flights

A new procedure harnessing ultrasound technology to reposition kidney stones is being tested in emergency patients at UW Medicine's Harborview Medical Center and University Center. The approach could benefit astronauts as well as Earth-side patients, providing quick relief and avoiding unnecessary pain medications.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·DateJul 13, 2018

Sticking with the wrong choice

Researchers discovered that mice, rats, and humans all exhibit the sunk cost fallacy, preferring to continue with a choice despite clear evidence of a better alternative. The study used economic games to test species' willingness to wait for rewards, finding that all three groups became more reluctant to quit as time passed.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study finds 84 highly endangered Amur leopards remain in China and Russia

Scientists estimate 84 remaining Amur leopards in the wild across southernmost border of Primorskii Province in Russia and Jilin Province of China. Camera traps provided more precise estimate, highlighting transboundary movements and differences in population dynamics between Russia and China.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Letters·DateJul 13, 2018

Yale researchers identify target for novel malaria vaccine

Researchers have identified a critical protein produced by malaria parasites that can be targeted to elicit protection against re-infection. The vaccine, which targets the protein PMIF, has shown promise in mouse models and could potentially prevent transmission of the disease.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2018

Deaths from cardiovascular disease rising in India, study finds

A nationally representative study found that cardiovascular mortality rates increased rapidly in rural India and surpassed urban areas between 2000 and 2015. Younger adults, particularly those born after 1970, are at the highest risk of death due to heart problems caused by narrowing of the heart's arteries.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJul 13, 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.

Allergy potential of strawberries and tomatoes depends on the variety

Research found that strawberry and tomato allergy potential depends on the specific variety, with some varieties exhibiting lower allergenic proteins due to heat sensitivity. The study's results could lead to the development of hypoallergenic tomato and strawberry varieties.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 13, 2018

By sending tests in the mail, researchers boost colorectal cancer screening

A study at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that mailing colorectal cancer screening tests to patients insured by Medicaid increased screening rates for this population. The project resulted in a nearly 9 percentage point increase in screening rates compared to patients who just received a reminder.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalCancer·DateJul 13, 2018

Testosterone research brings new hope for cancer patients

Researchers at Texas A&M University found that testosterone treatment can help combat cachexia, a syndrome characterized by rapid or severe loss of fat and skeletal muscle, in cancer patients. Patients treated with testosterone maintained total body mass and increased lean body mass, allowing them to perform daily activities more easily.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateJul 13, 2018

Protecting ribosome genes to prevent aging

Scientists have identified a protein called SIRT7 that protects cells against senescence by keeping certain genes turned off. This function is crucial for preventing age-related deterioration and could lead to therapies targeting cellular senescence.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 13, 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.

The love lives of fruit flies

Research at Harvard Medical School reveals that fruit fly courtship is influenced by the convergence of motivation, perception, and chance. The study found that dopamine levels play a crucial role in directing courtship behavior, with high levels leading to persistent pursuit.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateJul 13, 2018

Researchers trace Parkinson's damage in the heart

A new method tracks mechanisms causing nerve cell damage in the heart, a previously unappreciated area affected by Parkinson's disease. The research has implications for testing therapies and exploring causes of fatigue, fainting, and falling.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateJul 13, 2018

The secret sulfate code that lets the bad Tau in

Scientists have discovered a specific sulfate pattern on the cell's surface that allows misfolded tau protein to enter cells, leading to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Understanding this process could lead to new therapies to halt disease progression.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 13, 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.

Residential segregation associated with black-white disparity in firearm homicide rates

A new study published in the Journal of the National Medical Association suggests that residential segregation is independently linked with racial disparities in firearm homicides, even when controlling for other inequalities. States with greater residential segregation have higher racial disparities in firearm homicide fatalities.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateJul 13, 2018

Mangroves to mudflats and not back again

Research suggests mangroves can reduce elevation loss and promote wetland stability through root production. However, mangrove conversion to mudflats can have long-lasting negative impacts on ecosystem resilience against extreme events.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateJul 13, 2018

Looking at the urine and blood may be best in diagnosing myeloma

Researchers suggest looking at both urine and blood for answers in diagnosing monoclonal gammopathy and multiple myeloma. A study found that serum free light chain assays can miss abnormal lambda light chains in the urine, leading to false negatives.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine Research·DateJul 13, 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.

Nano-kirigami: 'Paper-cut' provides model for 3D intelligent nanofabrication

Researchers developed a direct nano-kirigami method to create complex 3D shapes using flat films at the nanoscale. The technique enables precise manipulation of light and can be used for sensing, computation, and biomedical devices. A multidisciplinary connection between nanomechanics and nanophotonics has been established.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 13, 2018

Community colleges can boost access to primary care and physician diversity

Research shows that community college graduates are more likely to select family medicine for residency training and come from diverse backgrounds. Strengthening medical school outreach at the community-college level is recommended to increase physician diversity and access to primary care.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 13, 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.

Synapse-specific plasticity governs the identity of overlapping memory traces

Research shows that synapse-specific plasticity is necessary and sufficient for associative fear memory storage, guaranteeing uniqueness to the memory trace. This process enables the selective erasure of fear memory from an engram network without affecting other memories stored in the same ensemble.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2018

National Academies target opioid abuse and infectious disease consequences

The National Academies have released a report on the intersection of opioid use disorder and infectious diseases, highlighting the urgent need for integrated treatment strategies. The report suggests five action steps to target both opioid use disorder and its resulting rise in infectious diseases, including screening for OUD, implemen...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 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.

Improving cancer treatment with 3D modeling of drug resistance

Researchers developed a method to create 3D cultures of clustered cancer cells that better mimic tumors, enabling more accurate drug testing. A new NIH grant will model the response of colon cancer cells to anticancer drugs, aiming to identify molecular mechanisms of drug resistance and develop new treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Akron·DateJul 13, 2018

New study reveals Ulsan is exposed to yearlong toxic fine dust

A new study led by Professor Sung-Deuk Choi found that Ulsan, South Korea, is affected by toxic substances in fine dust particles throughout the year. The study analyzed PAHs concentrations in air samples and showed that even in summer, when fine dust concentration is lowest, PAHs remain present.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJul 13, 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.

Reducing Australia's cancer death rate

A study by La Trobe University found that cutting back on tobacco and alcohol consumption as a population would significantly reduce future cancer deaths. Reducing smoking by half a kilogram less annually per capita could lower cancer deaths by 8%, while reducing drinking by three litres less annually per capita could lower them by 12%.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 13, 2018

Study finds deep subterranean connection between two Japan volcanoes

Researchers found a common magma source connecting the two volcanoes, which led to changes in behavior before and after an eruption. The study provides new insights into volcano interactions and potential hazards in densely populated areas.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 13, 2018

Growing a dinosaur's dinner

Researchers at the University of Leeds grew herbivore dinosaurs' diet by mimicking atmospheric conditions similar to those found roughly 150 million years ago. The study showed that many plant species had significantly higher energy and nutrient levels under high CO2 concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPalaeontology·DateJul 13, 2018

Strengthening US manufacturing using advanced robotics

The Rensselaer project aims to develop an operator-guided, semi-automatic assembly process using industrial robots integrated with multiple sensors. The goal is to improve manufacturing productivity by enhancing the operator's capabilities through advanced robotics and appropriately applying technological strengths.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateJul 13, 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.

NASA finds fragmented remnants of Beryl, located west of Bermuda

NASA's Aqua satellite detected scattered thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures near minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. The remnants of former Tropical Storm Beryl are being battered by upper-level winds, limiting further development.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 13, 2018

How looking at the big picture can lead to better decisions

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that people make more efficient decisions when they consider the long-term consequences and maximize overall value for the group. By creating psychological distance from a decision, individuals can see beyond immediate considerations and allocate resources effectively.

SourceOhio State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJul 13, 2018

Researchers to target mosquito egg production to curtail disease

Researchers at UC Riverside are exploring a hormone-targeting approach to control mosquito reproduction, which is linked to blood feeding. The goal is to develop innovative vector control methods and potentially reduce the spread of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJul 13, 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.

New research calculates capacity of North American forests to sequester carbon

Researchers have calculated the capacity of North American forests to sequester carbon, finding that they have reached 78% of their potential and will only gain 22% more in the next 60 years. This is a critical finding with implications for forest management, climate scientists, and policymakers.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 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.

Seth Davidovits wins 2018 Marshall N. Rosenbluth dissertation award

Davidovits won the award for his outstanding thesis research on turbulence in compressing fluids and plasma, with a focus on novel mechanisms and applications in inertial-confinement-fusion and astrophysical plasmas. His work has significant implications for plasma physics research.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateJul 13, 2018

Tree shrew tolerance for spicy foods unlocked by researchers

Researchers found that tree shrews have a unique mutation in their TRPV1 ion channel, which lowers sensitivity to capsaicinoids, allowing them to consume chili peppers. This adaptation is thought to be driven by strong selection for this residue due to its prevalence in spicy plants.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 13, 2018

Better methods improve measurements of recreational water quality

Researchers developed a new approach to measuring recreational water quality, focusing on the quantity and type of mammalian feces in the water. They found that ecosystem-specific characteristics, such as freshwater sediment and estuary transport, also play a significant role in determining enterococci concentrations.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 13, 2018

Mice study implicates fat as obesity cause

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that a high-fat diet was the sole driver of weight gain in mice, with no significant impact from carbohydrates or protein. The researchers believe that fat uniquely stimulates the brain's reward centers, leading to increased calorie intake.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 13, 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.

PTSD rate among prison employees equals that of war veterans

A new study from Washington State University finds that PTSD rates among prison employees are on par with those of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to promote resilience in corrections professionals.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateJul 13, 2018