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Science News for July 31, 2018


Optical fibers that can 'feel' the materials around them

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new method to identify the material surrounding an optical fiber by generating a sound wave within the fiber. This technique allows for non-invasive detection of changes in temperature and pressure, with potential applications in structures such as bridges and gas pipelines.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2018

Exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields at work not associated with brain tumors

The INTEROCC study found no clear association between occupational exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields and risk of glioma or meningioma. However, the researchers suggest that radiofrequency magnetic fields may be associated with increased tumour promotion, warranting further investigation.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateJul 31, 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.

Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT) takes on solid tumor cancers

The Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT) is funding innovative clinical approaches to find gene therapy treatments for solid cancers. Recipients of the 2018 research grants include a team working on a vaccine for melanoma, an injectable genetic agent to program T cell receptors, and CAR T cell therapy for brain cancer.

SourceAlliance for Cancer Gene Therapy·DateJul 31, 2018

Red-blood-cell 'hitchhikers' offer new way to transport drugs to specific targets

A new drug-delivery technology called RBC-hitchhiking has been found to dramatically increase the concentration of drugs in specific organs, potentially decreasing side effects and improving efficacy. The technology uses red blood cells to transport nano-scale drug carriers, achieving a 40-fold increase in drug uptake in the lungs.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2018

Heat therapy boosts mitochondrial function in muscles

A new study found that long-term heat therapy increases mitochondrial function in the muscles by an average of 28 percent. Heat therapy may provide a new treatment option for people with chronic illness or disease who cannot exercise regularly.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJul 31, 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.

UTA technology could change way computers dissipate heat

Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington have developed a novel cold electron transistor that drastically reduces energy consumption. This innovation could lead to huge energy savings for companies like Google and Amazon, as well as enhance soldiers' combat capabilities in military applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateJul 31, 2018

Clearer vision of the biochemical reaction that allows us to see

Researchers propose a refined approximation of the photo-excitation equation that describes the effect of photons on rhodopsin protein in eyes. The study has implications for other molecules, like azobenzene, and demonstrates tunnelling process to populate excited states.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 31, 2018

Chinese scientists discover genomic key to plateau adaptation

Researchers identified 27 unique amino acid replacements in 27 different proteins of hot-spring snakes, which were associated with functions like immunity and DNA repair. These mutations enable the snakes to thrive under extreme conditions such as intense radiation and hypoxia.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2018

Father's genes can impact motherly love

Research in genetically altered mice reveals that paternal genes can affect the type of care a mother provides to her offspring both before and after birth. This study suggests that a father's genes can impact maternal behavior, potentially affecting the wellbeing of the new baby and their lifelong mental health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 31, 2018

Acidic pH: The weakness of cancer cells

A computational study has shown that cancer cells proliferate less and are more vulnerable to acidic conditions than initially thought. The researchers have identified potential therapeutic targets by analyzing how variations in pH affect metabolic enzyme activity, providing opportunities for new treatments.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chinese researchers further develop adenine base editing system

Chinese researchers have improved the adenine base editing (ABE) system to generate mouse or rat models for human genetic disorders, such as DMD and Pompe disease. The ABE system allows for efficient alteration of genetic codes with minimal undesired outcomes, making it a promising technology for therapeutic applications.

SourceSpringer·JournalProtein & Cell·DateJul 31, 2018

New cell lines produce NIST monoclonal antibody for improved biologic drugs

Researchers at IBBR have engineered three mouse cell lines to produce nonproprietary versions of the NISTmAb, a well-characterized monoclonal antibody used in biopharmaceutical development. The new cell lines will provide a standardized model for monoclonal antibody biomanufacturing and enable innovation in mAb therapeutics.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalmAbs·DateJul 31, 2018

Use of VA services impacted by external economic, policy changes

A new study found that VA healthcare utilization is influenced by external factors like unemployment, Medicaid eligibility, and housing costs. The study used VA data to analyze the impact of these factors on healthcare use among over 8 million Veterans between 2008-2014.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHealth Services Research·DateJul 31, 2018

NASA analyzes US east coast persistent rains

A stalled weather pattern led to significant rainfall and flood warnings along the eastern seaboard, with NASA utilizing satellite data to analyze rainfall totals. The heaviest accumulations were recorded in North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York, with some areas receiving over 7 inches of rain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 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.

Single-cell RNA profiling

Researchers have developed a more sensitive single-cell RNA sequencing method, mcSCRB-seq, to analyze the functional state of individual cells. This technique provides a molecular fingerprint of each cell's mRNA population, revealing its protein-making capacity and gene regulation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2018

£2 million for sepsis research in Africa

A £2 million project, ARCS, aims to tackle sepsis in Africa by creating sustainable partnerships between research, clinical, and government organizations. The initiative focuses on delivering high-quality training, establishing care quality indicators, and testing innovative interventions.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·DateJul 31, 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.

How chronic infections can outsmart the immune system

Scientists found that damage from chronic inflammation induces the death of white blood cells essential to eliminating the parasite, allowing it to sustain the infection. The findings may lead to possible treatment and shed light on a phenomenon shared by other chronic infections.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 31, 2018

Astronomers assemble 'light-fingerprints' to unveil mysteries of the cosmos

Researchers have developed a reference catalog of light spectra and albedos for 19 solar system bodies. By comparing this catalog to exoplanet observations, scientists can characterize new worlds in reference to our own diverse planetary system. The catalog offers insights into the challenges of categorizing rocky and icy exoplanets.

SourceCornell University·JournalAstrobiology·DateJul 31, 2018

Study: Prayer makes families connected, unified and bonded with less relational tension

A recent study by Brigham Young University found that family prayer has a positive impact on family relationships, reducing relational tension and increasing feelings of connectedness. The research involved 198 Christian, Jewish, and Muslim families from diverse backgrounds who shared their experiences of praying together as a family.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateJul 31, 2018

Scientists uncover new facts concerning working memory in children

Researchers from the Higher School of Economics conducted a meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies on working memory in children, revealing concordance in frontoparietal regions and unexpected findings in the prefrontal cortex. The study sheds light on the complex role of the insula and its potential impact on learning.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalChild Development·DateJul 31, 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.

NASA finds Tropical Storm Jongdari now comma shaped

Tropical Storm Jongdari has taken on a distinctive comma shape, suggesting increased organization and intensification potential. The storm's sea surface temperatures are warm enough to support further strengthening.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 2018

Energy-intensive Bitcoin transactions pose a growing environmental threat

A new study assesses tax and regulatory options to incentivize the development of 'green' blockchain technologies and discourage polluting applications. The research recommends imposing levies to reduce energy consumption and offering financial rewards for innovators developing carbon-neutral blockchain designs.

SourceElsevier·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateJul 31, 2018

Six proposals receive seed funds to develop medical devices for children

The Philadelphia Pediatric Medical Device Consortium has awarded seed grants to six companies developing medical devices for children, including an airway clearance system and a vision acuity test. These innovative devices aim to address unmet clinical needs in pediatric care, such as cystic fibrosis and urinary flow disorders.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·DateJul 31, 2018

Aphids manipulate their food

Scientists found aphids change the quality of plant sap depending on the infested plant part, benefiting from these changes. This 'niche construction' enables aphids to thrive on specific host plants.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 31, 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.

Past experiences shape what we see more than what we are looking at now

Researchers found that brain activity patterns shift towards stored representations of clear images, suggesting that past experiences play a significant role in perception. The study used fMRI to analyze how the brain processes blurred images and found that higher-order circuits were more affected by clear image-induced shifts.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateJul 31, 2018

Animal taxonomy: Outwardly identical, yet distinct

A team of researchers has discovered a new species of Placozoa, a phylum of simple multicellular animals, by analyzing its genetic makeup. The study, published in PLOS Biology, used taxogenomics to describe the new species, which was previously thought to be a single species, Trichoplax adhaerens.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 31, 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.

Next-generation photodetector camera to deploy during demo mission

The Compact Thermal Imager (CTI) will measure fires, ice sheets, glaciers, and snow surface temperatures while also tracking water transfer from soil and plants into the atmosphere. The CTI's enabling technology, Strained-Layer Superlattice Technology, is 10 times more sensitive than its predecessor and operates at warmer temperatures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 2018

The tipping point: Service sector employees are more susceptible to mental health issues

A nationwide health study found that service workers, particularly those who rely on tips, are more susceptible to mental health issues such as depression and stress. The research team suggests that the precarious nature of service work, including lower wages and lack of control over work hours, may contribute to these findings.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 31, 2018

Blood samples used to investigate adaptive repair mechanisms of transplanted kidneys

Gene expression analysis of blood samples from 15 kidney transplant recipients revealed that the most robust gene expression changes occurred in the first day following transplantation. A comparison between living donors and deceased donor groups identified 11 genes that may play a key role in kidney repair and regeneration.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateJul 31, 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.

Real-time foot-and-mouth strategy to better fight disease

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new real-time strategy for controlling foot-and-mouth disease, finding that local targeted methods are the most effective in halting disease spread. The approach prioritizes surveillance and vaccination to quickly control outbreaks, even with minimal information.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 31, 2018

Eat high-fiber foods to reduce effects of stress on gut and behavior

Research suggests that consuming high-fiber foods can decrease the impact of stress on the gut and brain. This is due to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by gut bacteria, which have been shown to reduce anxiety-like behavior and improve bowel function.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJul 31, 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.

A colossal breakthrough for topological spintronics

Scientists have developed BiSb alloys with a colossal spin Hall effect and high electrical conductivity, making them suitable for ultra-low-power SOT-MRAM devices. The breakthrough could accelerate the development of non-volatile memories for IoT applications.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 31, 2018

ERC Starting Grant for Clara Saraceno

The ERC grant will help Dr. Saraceno find new highly-efficient sources of light waves in the terahertz range, with potential applications in chemistry, physics and biology. The researchers aim to gain further insights into interactions between water molecules and substances dissolved in it.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateJul 31, 2018

Turning off protein could boost immunotherapy effectiveness on cancer tumors

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center discovered that inhibiting the Yes-associated protein (YAP) reduces tumor burdens and enhances the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments. YAP plays a role in suppressing antitumor immunity by regulatory T-cells, which can dampen immune responses to tumors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJul 31, 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.

Researchers predict distribution of rat lungworm, now and into future

A recent study predicts the widespread presence of rat lungworm in Hawaii's islands and its expansion into higher elevations as climate warms. Researchers used molecular techniques to screen snails and slugs across the islands, finding the parasite in numerous species on five of six largest islands.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalParasitology·DateJul 31, 2018

Hate speech from women is judged harsher than that from men

A new study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that women who make hateful remarks on social media are more likely to be flagged and judged severely. Women's reactions to hate speech are also less accepted than those made by men, highlighting the need for online moderators to be sensitive to gender stereotypes.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJul 31, 2018

Soccer heading worse for women's brains than for men's

A new study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that women's brains are five times more extensive in damaged tissue after repeated soccer heading compared to male players. The study suggests sex-specific guidelines may be necessary for preventing soccer-related head injuries.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalRadiology·DateJul 31, 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.

Soccer heading may be riskier for female players

A new study published in the journal Radiology found that women soccer players exhibit more extensive changes to brain tissue after repetitive 'heading' of the soccer ball. Women showed lower fractional anisotropy values across a larger volume of brain tissue compared to men.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 31, 2018

Mapping of magnetic particles in the human brain

A study led by LMU researchers confirms the presence of magnetic particles in human brains, with striking asymmetry in their distribution. The particles were primarily found in the cerebellum and brainstem, but their chemical nature remains unknown.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 31, 2018

British Journal of Cancer press notice

Scientists have found that internal mammary chain irradiation and anthracycline-based chemotherapy increase cardiovascular disease risks, while a new test may detect colorectal cancer in primary care. Researchers also discovered circulating tumor cell clusters in human glioblastoma, suggesting a new target for treatment

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJul 31, 2018

Flies meet gruesome end under influence of puppeteer fungus

A fungus called Entomophthora muscae has been found to control the behavior of fruit flies, infecting their nervous system and causing them to climb to high points. The fungus feeds on the fly's fat stores before altering its behavior, eventually leading to the fly's death.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateJul 31, 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.

Predicting heart attack, stroke risk just got easier

A new online tool, Astro-CHARM, has been developed to predict who is at the highest risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. The calculator combines coronary artery calcium measurement with traditional risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateJul 31, 2018

Urban geophone array offers new look at northern Los Angeles basin

Researchers map San Gabriel and San Bernardino sedimentary basins in greater detail than previous studies, revealing the San Gabriel basin is deeper and has an irregular shape. The study provides new insights into the structure of these basins, which may act as a 'waveguide' to focus energy from earthquakes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateJul 31, 2018

Heatwave deaths will rise steadily by 2080 as globe warms up

A new study predicts a significant increase in heatwave-related deaths globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries, with Australia, Europe, and the US expected to be among the hardest hit. The study suggests that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, heatwaves will become more frequent, intense, and deadly.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 31, 2018

Can seagrass help fight ocean acidification?

Researchers found that seagrass meadows can buffer ocean acidification in short-term periods, particularly during low tide and daylight hours. While limited, this effect could benefit marine life and aquaculture endeavors, but long-term solutions rely on reducing carbon emissions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 31, 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.

Do spiders have a favorite color?

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati studied wolf spiders' color vision, finding they are sensitive to green light but don't have a favorite color. Their eyes adapt to changing seasons, allowing them to see contrast against colored backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJul 31, 2018

Scientists discover potential therapy for human copper metabolism disorders

Researchers have identified elesclomol as a potential treatment for human copper metabolism disorders by restoring mitochondrial energy production. The study found that elesclomol can mimic the missing transporters of copper, providing a new opportunity to treat genetic disorders such as Menkes disease.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2018

China could face deadly heat waves due to climate change

A new study shows that China's North China Plain, a region with intensive irrigation, is expected to experience deadly heat waves repeatedly, with the risk being significantly increased due to higher humidity. The region faces the greatest risks to human life from rising temperatures, surpassing other global hotspots.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 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.

Survey of Sexual Medicine Society members reveals only half ask for patients' sexual orientation

A survey of Sexual Medicine Society members found that only half routinely ask patients about their sexual orientation, with 40% of those who don't believe it's relevant to good patient care. The study highlights the need for more professional and patient education to address the LGBT community's unique health needs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateJul 31, 2018

Juvenile justice practices in Europe can inform practices in the United States

Research from Germany, Netherlands, and Croatia highlights the importance of adopting special laws and procedures for youth aged 18-25 in the US. These countries apply juvenile sanctions and facilities, divert more juveniles, and rely on educational approaches to address delinquent behavior. By considering these European strategies, US...

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Evaluation Journal·DateJul 31, 2018

River complexity maintains regional population stability

A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that branching complexity of rivers, rather than ecosystem size, contributes to regional population stability in nature. This challenges current theories and highlights the importance of environmental diversity in maintaining stable populations.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2018

Fruit flies farm their own probiotics

Researchers discovered that fruit flies have a diverse and stable gut microbiota, with bacteria able to colonize the fly's intestine. This discovery sheds light on how fruit flies 'farm' bacteria, similar to humans using yeast or bacteria in food production.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 31, 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.

Differences in social status and politics encourage paranoid thinking

A new UCL study found that people with higher social status or opposing political beliefs are more likely to assume their partner's decision is motivated by wanting to cause them harm. The study also suggests that paranoia fuels social exclusion and disadvantage, fueling severe mental health problems

SourceUniversity College London·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJul 31, 2018

EV charging in cold temperatures could pose challenges for drivers

New research from Idaho National Laboratory found that cold temperatures significantly impact EV charging efficiency, leading to longer charging times. The study analyzed data from a fleet of electric vehicles in New York City, revealing a decrease in battery state of charge with lower temperatures.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalEnergy Policy·DateJul 31, 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.

Dental plaque is no match for catalytic nanoparticles

Researchers used FDA-approved nanoparticles to disrupt biofilms and prevent tooth decay in both human-plaque-like biofilm and animal models. The treatment showed strong evidence of its effectiveness in preventing mineral destruction of the tooth's surface and blocking cavity formation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2018

Distracted pedestrians walk slower and are less steady on their feet: UBC study

A UBC study analyzed pedestrian behavior at a busy intersection in Kamloops, B.C., finding that over a third of pedestrians were distracted by their cellphones. Distracted pedestrians had slower walking speeds, more unstable gait patterns, and took longer to cross the road, increasing the risk of conflicts with vehicles.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJul 31, 2018

Recreational fisheries pose threat to skittish sea turtles

Researchers found that recreational scallop harvesting disrupts native sea turtle behavior, causing them to change their distribution and habitat use. The study suggests that reducing boat density and implementing measures to avoid turtle collisions could minimize ecological damage.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalOryx·DateJul 31, 2018

Study: UVA heart failure program improves survival, reduces costs

A new study found that UVA's Hospital-to-Home program significantly improves survival and other outcomes for heart failure patients while saving money. The program slashed mortality rates by 41% and reduced hospital readmissions by 24% compared to non-participants.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateJul 31, 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.