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Science News for July 6, 2018


Kirigami-inspired technique manipulates light at the nanoscale

Researchers create nanodevices using kirigami-inspired technique to filter out circularly polarized light, potentially enabling new applications in sensing, computation, and communications systems. The approach could lead to smaller, more efficient detectors and nanoscale optical isolators for laser optical communications systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 6, 2018

UMN researchers develop algorithm to improve care delivery to seriously ill patients

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have developed an algorithm to better identify seriously ill hospitalized patients, empowering them to make informed decisions about their medical care. The data-driven approach aims to reduce unnecessary invasive procedures and improve end-of-life planning.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 6, 2018

NASA's Aqua satellite spots the tiny, mighty Beryl

NASA's Aqua satellite gathered temperature data on Hurricane Beryl, showing coldest cloud top temperatures near -70 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is a compact hurricane with hurricane-force winds extending up to 10 miles from the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 6, 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.

City size plays crucial role in migration patterns

A new study by UCL academics found that people from smaller cities are twice as likely to migrate than those from larger cities. The research revealed that the size of origin and destination cities significantly impact migration behavior.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 6, 2018

It's official -- spending time outside is good for you

A new study from the University of East Anglia found that exposure to greenspace reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure. People living close to nature also experience reduced diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJul 6, 2018

How do state policies on alcohol use affect pregnant women and infants?

A new study found that six out of eight state-level policies aimed at reducing alcohol use during pregnancy have unintended consequences, leading to worse birth outcomes. These policies included mandatory warning signs, child abuse laws, and civil commitment laws, which made women reluctant to seek prenatal care.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·DateJul 6, 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.

Natural lipid acts as potent anti-inflammatory

Researchers identified phosphatidylethanoloamine as a potent anti-inflammatory lipid found in Francisella tularensis bacteria, which can impair host immune response. Synthetic versions of the lipid also showed therapeutic potential against dengue fever virus.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Innate Immunity·DateJul 6, 2018

UTSW scientists identify body's microreactors for innate immunity

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified the body's microreactors for innate immunity, which could lead to novel treatments for infections and autoimmune diseases. The discovery involves a DNA-sensing enzyme that forms droplets that act as tiny bioreactors creating molecules to stimulate the immune system.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Lifejackets could save 180 or more lives a year

A study by the University of Portsmouth found that potentially 180 deaths in British waters from 2007-2016 were avoidable if victims wore lifejackets. Anglers aged 41-50 are at highest risk, with leisure angling having the second-highest fatality rate.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalSafety Science·DateJul 6, 2018

Melting bacteria to decipher antibiotic resistance

Scientists adapted thermal proteome profiling technique to study bacteria's protein behavior, revealing novel drug resistance mechanisms and insights into bacterial cell function. The technique allows researchers to investigate thousands of proteins simultaneously, offering potential breakthroughs in understanding antibiotic resistance.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateJul 6, 2018

Breaking the bond: To take part or not?

Researchers at University of Innsbruck investigate proton exchange reaction using laser-induced vibration excitation. They find that the laser does not enhance the reaction, but rather amplifies a competing reaction process, highlighting the importance of controlling molecular interactions in chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 6, 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.

WSU researchers map DNA damage links to onset of skin cancer, melanoma

Researchers at Washington State University discovered a critical link between DNA binding by ETS transcription factors and the onset of melanoma. By mapping UV-induced DNA damage throughout the human genome, they found elevated mutation rates at specific genes, confirming UV-induced DNA damage as a major risk factor for melanoma.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2018

Preventative HIV vaccine candidate triggers desired immune responses in humans and monkeys, and protects monkeys from infection

A new HIV vaccine candidate has triggered desired immune responses in humans and monkeys, demonstrating robust protection against infection. The 'mosaic' vaccine contains a patchwork of genetic sequences found among various HIV strains, providing broad protection against the many strains prevalent worldwide.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 6, 2018

Model automates molecule design to speed drug development

Researchers at MIT have developed a machine-learning model that automates molecule design for pharmaceuticals, speeding up the process while producing better results. The model uses molecular graphs to select lead molecule candidates and modify their structures for higher potency.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 6, 2018

LandKlif: Changing ecosystems in Bavaria

A new research alliance in Bavaria is investigating the impact of climate change on ecosystems, focusing on four subprojects: measuring biodiversity and ecosystem performance, simulating climate scenarios and drought stress, landscape types and adaptability, and investigating vegetation with satellite data.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateJul 6, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Nature's antifreeze inspires revolutionary bacteria cryopreservation technique

Scientists at the University of Warwick have developed a revolutionary approach to 'freeze' bacteria using synthetic reproductions of natural antifreeze proteins, improving preservation and application in various industries. The new technique outperforms traditional methods, reducing additives and increasing recovery rates.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateJul 6, 2018

NASA satellite imagery finds Fabio fizzling fast

Tropical Storm Fabio's strong convection has dissipated, replaced by a swirl of low- to mid-level clouds. Ocean swells from the system are causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along southern California and Baja California coasts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 6, 2018

A structured solution

The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering is leading a $1 million project to advance design and manufacture of nuclear plant components via 3D printing. The team aims to develop innovative dissolvable supports, topology optimization, and microstructure design to reduce costs and improve structural integrity.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJul 6, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Laser experiments lend insight into metal core at heart of the Earth

Researchers used high-energy laser beams and optical sensors to observe nitrogen behavior at extreme conditions, confirming it exists as a liquid metal. The findings shed light on the fundamental nature of nitrogen and its potential role in the planet's atmosphere evolution.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2018

Breast cancer growth signals are enhanced by a protein outside cells

Researchers discovered a novel mechanism of estrogen receptor signaling regulated by fibronectin, which boosts cancer cell growth and survival. Fibronectin prolongs the activity of estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, allowing them to become resistant to common endocrine therapy drugs.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJul 6, 2018

Tailored polymers from a printer

Researchers develop a novel approach to create tailored, tough polymers for 3D printing. The new method uses an ester-activated vinyl sulfonate ester as a chain transfer agent, reducing the risk of shrinkage cracks and increasing material flexibility.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 6, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Smart bandages designed to monitor and tailor treatment for chronic wounds

Researchers at Tufts University have developed smart bandages with integrated pH and temperature sensors that can detect infection and inflammation. These bandages can deliver targeted drug treatments to improve the chances of healing for chronic wounds, which are a significant medical problem affecting millions of people worldwide.

SourceTufts University·JournalSmall·DateJul 6, 2018

Savory foods may promote healthy eating through effects on the brain

Researchers found that consuming savory umami-rich broths can cause subtle changes in the brain that promote healthy eating behaviors. The study used laboratory tools to detect changes in brain activity while participants made food choices, and found that the broth reduced saturated fat intake in those at higher risk of obesity.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJul 6, 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.

Research points to potential shortcoming of antibiotic lab tests

A recent study found that antibiotic susceptibility assays may yield unreliable results due to variations in inoculum levels. The findings suggest that clinical microbiology laboratories must adhere closely to standardized methods and target inoculum levels to obtain accurate testing results.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJul 6, 2018

Chinese scientists achieve success in nitrogen metallization

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have successfully metallized nitrogen under extreme conditions, revealing a pressure-temperature region above 125 GPa and 2500 K. This breakthrough sheds light on the interplay between molecular dissociation, melting, and metallization in nitrogen.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2018

Research suggests new vaccine candidates for malaria

Researchers have discovered a potential malaria vaccine target in the ICAM1 binding motif, which is critical to the parasite's virulence. Children with higher antibody levels to this motif had lower rates of clinical and severe malaria.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateJul 6, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

UVA develops way to create medicines without side effects

Researchers at UVA School of Medicine have developed a technique to manipulate molecules within cells, enabling precise targeting and minimizing side effects. This breakthrough has significant potential for treating diseases such as cancer, autism, and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNeuron·DateJul 6, 2018

Biomarker discovered for pathogen that can blind or kill healthy young people

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have discovered biomarkers that can accurately identify hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae, a rare but increasingly common strain of the bacterium. The discovery provides a clear roadmap for developing a diagnostic test to optimize patient care and epidemiologic surveillance.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateJul 6, 2018

Training artificial intelligence with artificial X-rays

A new approach uses machine learning to generate computer-generated X-rays to supplement real images, increasing the size of training sets for AI systems. This method improves classification accuracy for common and rare conditions by up to 40%, overcoming a challenge in applying artificial intelligence to medicine.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·DateJul 6, 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.

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.