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Science News for July 17, 2018


Gold nanoparticles to find applications in hydrogen economy

Researchers at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Leibniz University Hannover, and Ioffe Institute create a novel nanocomposite material to harness energy in hydrogen economy. The new structure isolates gold nanoparticles from silicon, increasing efficiency.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalSemiconductor Science and Technology·DateJul 17, 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.

What psychological science can offer to reducing climate change

Researchers propose tailoring information to local circumstances, emphasizing the importance of children's vulnerability in raising awareness. They also suggest using competitive mindset among leaders to develop global policies, such as a sustainable city award.

SourceVrije Universiteit Amsterdam·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJul 17, 2018

No more zigzags: Scientists uncover mechanism that stabilizes fusion plasmas

Researchers at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have discovered a mechanism called magnetic flux pumping that stabilizes plasma in tokamaks, preventing sawtooth gyrations and halting fusion reactions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of fusion energy by regulating plasma current and pressure.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateJul 17, 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.

Immigrants and their children are more likely to be profiled for citizenship

Research by Maria Cristina Morales found that first- and second-generation Latinos are more likely to be questioned about their citizenship status than those who have been living in the US for longer. This phenomenon, known as citizenship profiling, highlights the disproportionate surveillance of Latino immigrants and their children.

SourceSpringer·JournalRace and Social Problems·DateJul 17, 2018

For professional baseball players, faster hand-eye coordination linked to batting performance

Professional baseball players with faster hand-eye coordination tend to draw more walks and swing at pitches in the strike zone, indicating improved plate discipline. The study suggests that measuring hand-eye coordination may be helpful in player selection and training could potentially lead to better batting performance.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateJul 17, 2018

Childhood adversity increases susceptibility to addiction via immune response

A study by researchers at IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation and University of Rome found that childhood adversity alters the immune system, increasing sensitivity to cocaine in adulthood. Exposure to psychosocial stress early in life leads to permanent changes in immune function, sensitizing the body to cocaine's effects.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychology·DateJul 17, 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.

DNA-ROM: New grant aims for memory chips based on DNA

Scientists aim to create a DNA-based read-only memory (ROM) with applications in electronic devices, leveraging the unique electrical properties of DNA molecules. The proposed technology could lead to more efficient and compact devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJul 17, 2018

Celebrating positives improves classroom behavior and mental health

A training programme called Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management Programme improves child behaviour, concentration, and mental health by focusing on positive conduct and ignoring minor disruptions. Teachers who underwent the training reported improved teaching practices and increased student compliance.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 17, 2018

Study demonstrates impact of temperature on mitochondrial DNA evolution

A new study by researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University found that temperature shapes how mitochondrial DNA varies in nature. The study used fruit flies to demonstrate the selection of one mtDNA variant over another under different environmental temperatures.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 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.

Brain iron levels may predict multiple sclerosis disabilities

A new MRI technique monitors brain iron levels to identify MS patients at higher risk of developing physical disability. Iron depletion or increase in certain brain structures is associated with longer disease duration and higher disability degree.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 17, 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.

As we get parched, cognition can easily sputter, dehydration study says

Researchers analyzed data from multiple studies on dehydration and cognitive ability, finding that functions like attention and complex problem-solving suffer most. The study also warned that older people and those with high body fat content are more susceptible to dehydration-related impairments.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJul 17, 2018

BU: Almost half of US adults who drink, drink too much, and continue to do so

A new study published in the Journal of Substance Use found that approximately 40% of adult drinkers in the US exceed safe consumption levels. The research identifies factors associated with starting or stopping excessive drinking, including younger age, social status, and health conditions.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Substance Use·DateJul 17, 2018

The scent of coffee appears to boost performance in math

Research at Stevens Institute of Technology found that smelling coffee-like scent improves analytical task performance, particularly due to the expectation that it will boost alertness. The study suggests that subtle scents can be used to shape employee experience and improve performance in various tasks.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateJul 17, 2018

SunTrust Foundation awards $300,000 grant to UTIA for financial literacy program

The SunTrust Foundation has awarded the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture a $300,000 grant to expand its financial literacy program, On My Own, which already reaches over 30,000 students annually. The program uses simulation-based challenges to teach students about managing family income and make real-life decisions.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateJul 17, 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.

Study: Childhood abuse linked to greater risk of endometriosis

A large prospective study has found that childhood sexual and physical abuse is associated with a greater risk of endometriosis diagnosed during adulthood. Women reporting severe-chronic abuse had a 79 percent increased risk of laparoscopically-confirmed endometriosis.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJul 17, 2018

Major study identifies new hay fever risk genes

A large international study has identified 41 genes that increase the risk of developing hay fever, including 20 new to science. The study found a significant overlap between risk genes for hay fever and autoimmune diseases, suggesting a common underlying mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 17, 2018

The pain circuit breaker

Researchers at UniSA's Body in Mind Research Group have found visual illusions can reduce knee pain in people with osteoarthritis by up to 40%. The study used visual illusions that altered the size of participants' knees and lower legs, resulting in a cumulative analgesic effect.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalPeerJ·DateJul 17, 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.

Incarceration of parents impacts health of their children into adulthood

A new study found that young adults who had a parent incarcerated during childhood are more likely to skip needed healthcare, smoke cigarettes, engage in risky sexual behaviors, and abuse alcohol and prescription drugs. Young Black adults were disproportionately affected, with a higher prevalence of parental incarceration.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 17, 2018

New target protein for colon cancer identified

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified c-Cbl as a potential target protein in colon cancer. High levels of c-Cbl were found to be associated with longer patient survival rates.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 17, 2018

Study: Protein found to be key component in irregularly excited brain cells

In a new study, researchers have identified the protein p53 as a key component in irregularly excited brain cells associated with autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy. The protein's role in regulating neural excitability has significant implications for understanding these developmental disabilities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJul 17, 2018

Digital media use linked to behavioral problems in kids

A new study by USC researchers links digital media use to increased risk of ADHD symptoms in teenagers. The study found that teens who frequently used smartphones and multimedia devices were twice as likely to show symptoms of ADHD.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA·DateJul 17, 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.

The freediving champions of the dolphin world

Bottlenose dolphin populations vary in diving ability by almost 1000m due to lung architecture and gas management. The research suggests that deep divers use elevated heart rates during surface intervals and directed blood flow through collapsed lung regions to manage nitrogen levels.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJul 17, 2018

Early supper associated with lower risk of breast and prostate cancer

A new study has found that eating an early supper is associated with a lower risk of breast and prostate cancer. Participants who ate before 9pm had a 20% lower risk compared to those who ate late, suggesting the importance of meal timing in cancer prevention.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJul 17, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

World's largest study on allergic rhinitis reveals new risk genes

A large international study has identified new genetic risk factors for allergic rhinitis, accounting for about eight percent of all cases. The study, involving nearly 900,000 participants, revealed loci in the human genome associated with an increased risk of disease.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 17, 2018

Feeding plants to this algae could fuel your car

Researchers discovered that a freshwater algae strain can degrade and utilize non-food plant substrates, leading to improved cell growth and lipid productivity. This breakthrough has the potential to boost algal biofuel production by utilizing waste plant material, such as switchgrass and corn stover.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalAlgal Research·DateJul 17, 2018

High vinculin levels help keep aging fruit fly hearts young

Researchers found that maintaining high levels of the protein vinculin in fruit flies' hearts reduced the effects of aging and improved their life span, quality of life, and metabolism. Flies bred with higher vinculin levels lived up to nine weeks, compared to six weeks for typical fruit flies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateJul 17, 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.

The depths of the ocean and gut flora unravel the mystery of microbial genes

An international team of researchers developed a new computational method to predict the functions of thousands of microbial genes. The method, based on machine learning algorithms, analyzes 'big data' from human microbiomes and other environments to identify evolutionary signals that can assign biological roles to unknown genes.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalMicrobiome·DateJul 17, 2018

Close-ups of grain boundaries reveal how sulfur impurities make nickel brittle

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have found that competition between interfacial ordering and disordering leads to brittle fractures at grain boundaries. They also discovered bipolar interfacial structures cause brittle intergranular fractures in sulfur-doped nickel.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2018

Five new research units and two new humanities centers for advanced studies

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is funding seven new research units and two new humanities centers focused on pressing issues in various fields. The research units will explore topics such as quantum thermodynamics, sustainability, and pruritus, while the humanities centers will investigate the reciprocal influences of religi...

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateJul 17, 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.

SD mines scientists and students contribute to IceCube breakthrough

An international team, including SD Mines researchers, has found the first evidence of a source of high-energy cosmic neutrinos detected by IceCube. The blazar TXS 0506+056 is confirmed as the source, providing a pathway for scientists to follow back to the source.

SourceSouth Dakota School of Mines and Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 2018

Solutions to water challenges reside at the interface

Researchers are studying how material-water interfaces impact water quality sensors, filtration membranes, and pipes. New sorbents with high reusability and specificity are being designed to address global clean water accessibility challenges.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 17, 2018

TGen opens DIPG tissue donation portal to accelerate research

TGen has opened a DIPG tissue donation portal to advance research into the rare and incurable disease, which affects about 350 children in the US each year. The portal aims to accelerate the development of new treatments through collaboration with researchers and families affected by the disease.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateJul 17, 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.

Diabetes drug with better side-effect tolerance could improve treatment

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Syracuse University have developed a compound that effectively controls hyperglycemia in animal trials without causing nausea and vomiting. The modified compound is less absorbed into brain regions that trigger these side effects, leading to vastly improved tolerance.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·DateJul 17, 2018

Forty percent of people have a fictional first memory, says study

A survey of 6,641 people found that nearly 40% had a fictional first memory, with middle-aged and older adults more likely to claim such memories. Researchers suggest these may be based on remembered fragments of early experience and facts about infancy.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 17, 2018

Despite digital revolution, distance still matters

Researchers analyzed over 51 million tweets to find that people are more likely to interact with those geographically near, even in the age of digital technologies. This study challenges the idea that geography is dead and instead highlights the importance of distance in human interactions.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalInternational Journal of Digital Earth·DateJul 17, 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.

A single genetic change in gut bacteria alters host metabolism

A study published in eLife found that deleting a single gene from a particular strain of gut bacteria causes changes in metabolism and reduced weight gain in mice. The researchers discovered that this genetic change altered the levels of certain bile acids, leading to a preference for metabolizing fats rather than carbohydrates.

SourceeLife·DateJul 17, 2018

The rise of secondary imaging interpretations

The study found a significant increase in secondary imaging interpretations across various modalities and body regions, driven by high-volume service families. Denial rates for these services were uniformly low, below 25%, contradicting conventional wisdom.

SourceHarvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateJul 17, 2018

Newly discovered shark species honors female pioneer

A new species of dogfish shark, Genie's Dogfish (Squalus clarkae), has been discovered in the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic Ocean. The species was identified through genetic testing and morphology, and is named after Eugenie Clark, a pioneering female shark biologist.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·JournalZootaxa·DateJul 17, 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.

Homogeneous BTK occupancy assay

The new assay enables simultaneous measurement of tirabrutinib bound and total BTK levels, reducing sample requirements. It uses full-length purified recombinant human BTK protein and PBMCs derived from healthy volunteers and patients with CLL, demonstrating its utility for pharmacodynamic assessments.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateJul 17, 2018

White mass shooters receive sympathetic media treatment

A new study found that white mass shooters are 95% more likely to be described as mentally ill in media coverage compared to black shooters. The research analyzed 219 mass shootings and found that whites were often framed as sympathetic characters, while black shooters were portrayed as dangerous and a menace to society.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Research in Crime and Delinquency·DateJul 17, 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.

Broadly acting antibodies found in plasma of Ebola survivors

Scientists have discovered a set of powerful broadly neutralizing antibodies in the blood of Ebola survivors, providing substantial protection against disease caused by three Ebola virus species. The researchers hope that these antibodies will serve as promising candidates for further development as therapeutic molecules.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalImmunity·DateJul 17, 2018

Why men might recover from flu faster than women

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that males recover more quickly from influenza infections because they produce more of the key lung-healing protein, amphiregulin. The research found that females have slower tissue-repair during recovery due to relatively low production of amphiregulin.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalBiology of Sex Differences·DateJul 17, 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.

Black children subjected to higher discipline rates than peers

A new study reveals that black children are more likely to be suspended or expelled from elementary school due to factors such as school characteristics rather than behavior problems. The researchers found that about 40% of African-American boys were suspended or expelled, compared to 8% of white boys or from other ethnic groups.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalSocial Forces·DateJul 17, 2018

Nitric oxide tells roundworms to avoid bad bacteria

A new study published in eLife reveals that roundworms, specifically Caenorhabditis elegans, use nitric oxide gas as a sensory cue to avoid the pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The protein thioredoxin plays a crucial role in regulating the temporal dynamics of the worm's response to the gas.

SourceeLife·DateJul 17, 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.

Mathematicians receive high honors for global contributions

The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) has awarded 16 distinguished mathematicians for their outstanding research and contributions to the field of applied mathematics and computational science. The recipients were honored at the SIAM Annual Meeting Prizes and Awards Luncheon in Portland, Oregon.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateJul 17, 2018

Pediatric NEXUS head CT DI reliably guides blunt trauma imaging decisions

The Pediatric NEXUS Head Computed Tomography Decision Instrument (DI) reliably guides blunt trauma imaging decisions and may decrease head CT imaging in low-risk pediatric populations. The study found that the decision instrument could significantly reduce head CT utilization by up to 34%.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJul 17, 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.

What is the meaning of life? Ask a conservative

A new USC Dornsife-led psychology study shows that conservatives tend to feel their lives have meaning or purpose. The results suggest a unique aspect of political conservatism provides people with this sense. Other factors like personal characteristics and situational influences also play a role.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 17, 2018

Researchers enable transmission of specific colors of light over long distances

Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill developed a new technique to selectively send specific colors of light over long distances using nanoscale wires. This breakthrough enables the creation of more controlled and effective optical computing technology, promising faster and more efficient computers.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2018

Algorithm identifies patients best suited for antidepressants

Researchers have developed an algorithm that predicts which individuals with depression are most likely to benefit from antidepressant medications. The study found that approximately one-third of participants responded meaningfully to medication, while the remaining two-thirds showed no significant improvement.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 17, 2018