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Science News for July 26, 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.

Reducing the uncertainty of climate projections

Researchers argue that CO2's role in radiative forcing can be calculated with less uncertainty than current models suggest. The study suggests that incorporating line-by-line (LBL) calculations into climate models could reduce uncertainty in climate projections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 2018

Extinct vegetarian cave bear diet mystery unravelled

A recent study reveals that the direct ancestor of the cave bear had a similar diet to its descendant, suggesting a dietary specialization in vegetal matter. The researchers used geometric morphometrics and micro-CT scanning to analyze ancient fossils, providing new insights into the evolution of Europe's iconic species.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHistorical Biology·DateJul 26, 2018

Ant study sheds light on the evolution of workers and queens

A new study sheds light on the evolution of workers and queens in ants by identifying a key gene involved in regulating reproduction. Researchers found that a gene coding for an insulin-like peptide, ILP2, promotes and suppresses reproduction in ants.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unusual rare earth compound opens doorway to new class of functional materials

Scientists at Ames Laboratory have discovered a rare-earth intermetallic with an unusual magnetoelastic transition that displays a sharp magnetic phase change, giant magnetocaloric effect, and no hysteresis. This discovery has the potential to lead to the development of new materials for applications like magnetic refrigeration.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2018

New technique offers faster, safer way to optimize industrial chemical reactions

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a flow-based high-throughput screening technology for optimizing hydroformylation reactions. The new technique significantly reduces testing time to about 30 minutes, while also minimizing human interaction with toxic gases and saving money.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChemical Communications·DateJul 26, 2018

Researchers identify new arthritis severity gene

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital discovered a new gene, HIP1, linked to disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that knocking out the gene reduced synovial fibroblast invasiveness and protected against arthritis progression.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJul 26, 2018

Role of oral microbiota in the severity of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis

Researchers found that germ-free mice exhibited reduced inflammation and atrophy compared to specific pathogen free mice, while probiotic administration improved epithelial thickness. Probiotics also reduced the severity of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in mice.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 26, 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.

Google unveils new virtual reality experience at ACM SIGGRAPH 2018

The Google team developed a comprehensive system for capturing and rendering high-quality spherical light field still images from footage captured in the real world. The processing pipeline uses computer vision to place the images in 3D and generate depth maps, resulting in a truly immersive experience with unmatched realism.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 26, 2018

Aging overweight scuba divers at risk of underwater heart attack

Older, overweight scuba divers are at increased risk of dying due to cardiac issues. The study found that one-third of scuba divers are aged 50 years or older, with a significantly greater proportion having smoked cigarettes and high blood pressure.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 26, 2018

Neurobiology: Finding one's way home

Researchers discovered that afferent nerves from transplanted otic placodes form functional connections with the brainstem, allowing them to reach their target cells. The study found that these neurons rely on diffusible molecules and other guidance mechanisms to navigate the hindbrain.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalDevelopmental Neurobiology·DateJul 26, 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 last wild ocean

A new study finds that the ocean has lost most of its untouched areas, leaving only 13% classified as wilderness due to human activity such as fishing and shipping fleets. The authors call for conservation policies to protect marine wilderness, which is home to high levels of species diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 26, 2018

Fertilizer destroys plant microbiome's ability to protect against disease

A new study reveals that fertilizing plants can destroy the beneficial microbiomes on their leaves, making them more susceptible to disease. Researchers found that low doses of beneficial microbes are often more effective in protecting plants from infection than higher doses.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 26, 2018

Adherence to healthy diets associated with lower cancer risk

A study found that a diet discouraging alcohol consumption and promoting healthy eating was associated with reduced overall and breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer risks. Adherence to the WCRF/AICR score had the strongest association with reduced risk.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 26, 2018

DEEP study: Modelling persistent orofacial pain management's costs and benefits

The DEEP study examined the costs and quality-of-life of individuals with persistent orofacial pain (POFP) and estimated outcomes from pain onset. The results showed that high pain levels led to increased healthcare costs and decreased quality-of-life, highlighting the burden of POFP on health.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 26, 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.

Surrey develops ground-breaking flexible X-ray detector

Researchers at University of Surrey develop ground-breaking flexible X-ray detector, overcoming rigid detector limitations. The new technology achieves high sensitivity levels while operating at low voltages, enabling real-time imaging and border security monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2018

New two-dimensional material could revolutionize solar fuel generation

Researchers have synthesized a new 2D material called hematene from iron ore, which exhibits enhanced photocatalytic properties. Hematene's ability to split water into hydrogen and oxygen makes it an efficient candidate for generating electricity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 26, 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.

First mapping of global marine wilderness shows just how little remains

Researchers mapped global marine wilderness, finding only 13% of the world's ocean can still be classified as wilderness. The remaining areas are mostly located in remote regions, such as Arctic and Pacific Island nations, while coastal regions have almost no wilderness left. Protecting what remains is crucial to preserve biodiversity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 26, 2018

Specialized approach to open heart surgery saves lives

A specialized heart bypass program with a dedicated team may result in faster operations and improved patient survival. The study found lower rates of blood transfusions and complications such as stroke during the specialized era.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateJul 26, 2018

World's marine wilderness is dwindling

A study by University of Queensland scientists reveals that only 13% of the ocean can be classified as wilderness, leaving it vulnerable to loss. Marine areas devoid of intense human impacts are being protected, but most remaining wilderness is located in remote regions and is unprotected.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 26, 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.

Fat production and burning are synchronized in livers of mice with obesity

Researchers found that mice with obesity develop new liver circadian rhythms that impact fat accumulation and burning, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for treating obesity-related liver diseases. Administering drugs at specific times when PPAR-alpha is most active could enhance effectiveness and reduce toxicity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateJul 26, 2018

A spin trio for strong coupling

A team of scientists at ETH Zurich have found a way to avoid disturbances in qubit operations by coupling a microwave photon to a spin qubit. The researchers created a 'spin trio' consisting of three quantum dots and demonstrated strong coupling between the spin qubits and a microwave photon.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 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.

How do jumping genes cause disease, drive evolution?

Researchers found that jumping genes use nurse cells to produce virus-like particles, which then integrate into the genome of developing egg cells. This process can lead to genetic disorders and cancer. The study provides new insights into how parasitic genetic elements manipulate their environment to drive evolutionary change.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalCell·DateJul 26, 2018

Solution to medical mystery may help some children avoid bone marrow transplantation

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and UCSF identified germline mutations in the genes SAMD9 or SAMD9L as responsible for a rare bone marrow disorder, myelodysplasia and leukemia syndrome with monosomy 7. The research found that some children with these mutations can spontaneously recover normal bone marrow function witho...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJCI Insight·DateJul 26, 2018

One gene to rule them all: Regulating eusociality in ants

A single gene, insulin-like peptide 2 (ilp2), regulates eusociality in ants by influencing reproductive cycles and division of labor. High expression of ilp2 in reproductive ants suggests a key role in the development of complex societies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 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.

Electricity sparks neuronal diversity during brain development

UNIGE researchers found that bioelectrical potential is a driving force for stem cells to generate different types of neurons during embryogenesis. This discovery reveals an unexpected role for electrical charge in generating neuronal diversity, which could help explain how neurological disorders affect brain development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateJul 26, 2018

Soundwave-surfing droplets leave no traces

Researchers create a digital microfluidics platform using soundwaves and oil to avoid contamination for reusable lab-on-a-chip devices. The technology enables programmable, rewritable biomedical chips with exponentially increased combinations of reagent inputs.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 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.

Engineers use Tiki torches in study of soot, diesel filters

A team of engineers at the University of Notre Dame is using Tiki torches to simulate real-world driving conditions for testing diesel particulate filters. They aim to develop a low-cost catalyst that can reduce soot oxidation temperatures, improving efficiency and reducing emissions.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalCatalysts·DateJul 26, 2018

A calmer horse is just a sniff away

Researchers at the University of Arizona found that horses experience significant stress reduction when inhaled lavender from a diffuser, as measured by heart rate variability. The data showed a significant increase in relaxation signals such as neck lowering and licking, indicating a calming effect on the horses.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Equine Veterinary Science·DateJul 26, 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.

NIST chip lights up optical neural network demo

Researchers at NIST have developed a silicon chip that uses light instead of electricity to precisely distribute optical signals across a miniature brain-like grid. The chip enables complex routing schemes necessary to mimic neural systems and has demonstrated uniform output with low error rates.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAPL Photonics·DateJul 26, 2018

NASA-developed coating investigated for protecting Smithsonian specimens

Scientists are testing a NASA-coated material to reduce mercury vapor and other contaminants in the Smithsonian Institution's cultural artifacts and natural-science specimens. The Molecular Adsorber Coating (MAC) is being evaluated for its effectiveness in protecting the over 54-million collection items.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 2018

Redefining 'small-scale' fishing may help support English fisheries

A study by the University of York suggests that small-scale fishing vessels are underutilized and need support to ensure sustainable fisheries in England. The researchers argue that a length-based definition of scale is flawed, as it doesn't account for fishing capacity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalMarine Policy·DateJul 26, 2018

Bile acids from the gut could help to treat cocaine abuse

A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that bile acids from the gut can reduce the rewarding properties of cocaine use, potentially leading to new treatment strategies. The research found that surgery that increases bile acid levels in the brain reduces dopamine release and preference for cocaine.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 26, 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.

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.

Night-time lighting changes how species interact

New research reveals that night-time lighting from streetlights and other sources can change the way different species interact. Low levels of artificial lighting enhance the hunting advantage of parasitoid wasps, leading to a reduction in aphid populations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 26, 2018

Making thread in Bronze Age Britain

Researchers identified splicing as the earliest plant fibre technology for making thread in Early Bronze Age Britain and across Europe. This technology is fundamentally different from draft spinning and was previously unknown in Britain.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·DateJul 26, 2018

Previously overlooked 'coral ticks' weaken degraded reefs

Snail attacks reduce Porites cylindrica coral growth by up to 43% in less than a month, threatening the survival of degraded Pacific reefs. The snails selectively prey on the last remaining coral species, exacerbating the downward spiral of reef decline.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 26, 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.

Plant defense mechanisms

Researchers have identified multiple enzymes and channel proteins involved in plant defense mechanisms, including a reserve system that acts as backup for immune responses. The findings have practical utility for agriculture, such as cultivating crops that can resist different stresses more effectively.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Signaling·DateJul 26, 2018

Lectins help social amoeba establish their own microbiome

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that sugar-binding proteins called lectins are essential for social amoebas and bacteria living together. Lectins protect bacteria from being killed by amoebas and mediate the establishment of a microbiome, allowing bacteria to transfer genetic material to the amoeba.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 2018

5 percent sodium fluoride varnish trial: 18-month results

A new trial found that 5% sodium fluoride varnish is not more effective than other treatments in reducing cavities among preschool children. The study tested two different solutions and showed mixed results.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 26, 2018

Imaging technology could bring more targeted Earth observation

A new imaging technology is being developed to enable more targeted Earth observation, allowing for the monitoring of climate change and ocean activity. The technology, which could be mounted on many nanosatellites, would enable continuous global coverage and more efficient data collection.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateJul 26, 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.

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.

Europe may thrive on renewable energy despite unpredictable weather

A new study reveals that Europe's power system can comfortably generate at least 35% of its electricity using renewable energy alone without major impacts on prices or system stability. The research, which analyzed 30 years of meteorological data, found that Europe could use renewables for more than two-thirds of its electricity by 2030.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateJul 26, 2018

Previously undiagnosed neurological disorder linked to gene IRF2BPL

A new genetic link has been found between the gene IRF2BPL and a previously undiagnosed neurological disorder characterized by progressive neurodevelopmental regression. Mutations in IRF2BPL were identified in seven individuals, including five with severe symptoms and two with milder characteristics.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 26, 2018

New hope for rare disorder

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in treating hereditary angioedema with the new drug BCX7353. The medication has been shown to significantly reduce attack frequency and improve quality of life by up to 75% compared to placebo, offering a convenient oral administration without severe side effects.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 26, 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.

Researchers develop a new method to detect nucleation

Researchers developed a new method to detect nucleation in microdroplets by measuring contrast between droplets and their surroundings. The technique provides the most accurate and efficient way to detect crystal nucleation, overcoming previous resolution challenges.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJul 26, 2018

Researchers design a nano-carrier to release drugs into damaged cells

Senescent cells, also known as 'zombie cells,' interfere with tissue function and contribute to aging diseases. Researchers have designed a nano-carrier that selectively targets these cells, releasing drugs to kill them and improving therapeutic outcomes in pulmonary fibrosis and cancer models.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJul 26, 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.

Breakthrough in industrial CO2 usage

Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed an enzymatic process to produce methionine from gaseous CO2, replacing the current petrochemical-based method. The new process requires just two enzymes and has a yield of 40 percent, compared to photosynthesis which uses 14 enzymes with only a 20 percent yield.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJul 26, 2018

Mysteries of Okinawan habu venom decoded

Researchers mapped Okinawan habu genome to identify venom production genes, potentially leading to novel therapies for cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The venom's hemotoxic properties destroy blood cells and tissues, causing severe pain and permanent damage.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 26, 2018

Researchers discover chemical reaction that uses a surprising molecule

UCLA researchers have discovered a chemical reaction that uses non-classical carbocations to convert alkanes from petroleum waste into more chemically useful compounds. The finding introduces new ways to break apart strong bonds in alkanes and has practical potential for processing unwanted waste products.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 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.

The ultimate combination: A 3D-printed optical deep learning network

A new 3D-printed optical deep learning network called Diffractive Deep Neural Network (D2NN) has been developed by Xing Lin and colleagues. This system processes information through layers of optically diffractive surfaces that work together to recognize handwritten digits with high accuracy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 2018

Reducing opioid prescriptions for one operation can also spill over to other procedures

Researchers developed prescribing recommendations for opioids after gall bladder removal and discovered a spillover effect that led to significant reductions in pill prescriptions for other major operations. The study found that the reduction in prescribing resulted in roughly 10,000 fewer pills entering the community.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 26, 2018

Changes to small RNA in sperm may help fertilization

Studies by UMass Medical School Professor Oliver J. Rando and colleagues found that small RNAs in sperm play a crucial role in normal pre-implantation development, with subtle differences between sperm from the epididymis impacting offspring health.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 26, 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.

Manufacturing engineer Mostafa Bedewy lands $330,000 National Science Foundation grant to study 'nanotube forests'

Dr. Bedewy will explore the kinetics of activation and deactivation in large populations of carbon nanotubes known as 'nanotube forests' using experimental and modeling techniques. The research aims to gain a fundamental understanding of how these forest structures behave collectively, impacting their properties for emerging applications.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJul 26, 2018

Galaxy outskirts likely hunting grounds for dying massive stars and black holes

A new study from RIT reveals that galaxy outskirts are likely hunting grounds for dying massive stars and black holes. Researchers have identified a method to pinpoint the location of massive black holes using supernovae with collapsing cores, offering a promising approach to detecting gravitational waves.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 26, 2018

Black holes really just ever-growing balls of string, researchers say

Researchers at Ohio State University have calculated that the probability of an electron burning up in a black hole is negligible. The study challenges the firewall argument, which suggested a ring of fire around black holes, and instead supports the fuzzball theory, which describes black holes as giant balls of yarn.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of High Energy Physics·DateJul 26, 2018

Exploring the microbial dark matter of the human mouth

A recent study has identified novel bacteria in the human mouth using metagenomic analysis, which were not detectable by traditional methods. The research team successfully cultivated these 'microbial dark matter' organisms, known as Saccharibacteria, and found them to be abundant in human saliva samples.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 26, 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.

Non-invasive, ultrasound-based approach for pocket depth measurements

Researchers have developed a new method to measure pocket depths in periodontal disease using photoacoustic imaging and ultrasound. The technique offers high precision and covers all areas of the tooth, outperforming traditional probing methods.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 26, 2018

EPSRC announces £16 million investment in Supergen Energy Hubs and Solar Network

The UK will build multidisciplinary collaborations between universities and industry through three £5m energy research hubs focused on Offshore Renewable Energy, Bioenergy, and Energy Networks. A new solar network will facilitate knowledge exchange and bring together researchers from 19 universities and 70 partners.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateJul 26, 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.

Researchers discover thin gap on stellar family portrait

Astronomers at Georgia State University have discovered a thin gap on the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram, indicating where stars transition from being larger and mostly convective to smaller and fully convective. This finding reveals information about the interior structures of low-mass stars in the Milky Way Galaxy.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 26, 2018

Engineers track neural activity, muscle movement in ageless aquatic creatures

Engineers at Rice University have developed methods to study the neural patterns driving muscle movements in freshwater hydrae, a species that appears ageless and can regenerate its body parts. By analyzing neural activity and muscle responses, the team hopes to uncover similarities with other animals and gain insights into their nervo...

SourceRice University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJul 26, 2018

Lynchings of the past affect health today

A new study by researchers from the University of South Carolina shows that US counties with a history of lynching events have higher contemporary mortality rates for both white and black populations. The study found significant associations between past lynchings and increased mortality rates, especially among African American females.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateJul 26, 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.

Molecules from breast milk and seaweed suggest strategies for controlling norovirus

Researchers have discovered that adding a fucose-based supplement to the diet could capture noroviruses and prevent them from infecting cells. Fucoidan, a compound found in seaweed, tightly binds to the virus protein and has shown promise as a potential treatment for norovirus infections.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 26, 2018

Osteoporosis, fracture risk predicted with Stanford-developed genetic screen

A new genetic screen developed at Stanford University School of Medicine can predict a person's future risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture. The screen identified 899 regions in the human genome associated with low bone-mineral density, with those deemed high-risk being nearly 17 times more likely to develop osteoporosis.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 26, 2018

Ability to identify genuine laughter transcends culture, UCLA-led study finds

A new study by UCLA communication researcher Greg Bryant found that people across cultures and continents can tell the difference between a fake laugh and a real one. The study, published in Psychological Science, used recordings of laughs from English-speaking friends and women who laughed on command to test participants' ability to i...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 26, 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.

Rewriting our understanding of gastric tumors

Researchers at McGill University have made a groundbreaking discovery linking stomach tumours in patients with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome to immune system inflammation. The study suggests targeting inflammatory pathways may lead to potential new treatments for this rare genetic disorder.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 2018

Public views of gene editing for babies depend on how it would be used

A majority of Americans support using gene editing to treat serious diseases in babies, but are less accepting of its use to boost intelligence or develop gene editing technology. The survey also found that people with high science knowledge and lower religious commitment tend to view gene editing more positively.

SourcePew Research Center·DateJul 26, 2018