A new algorithm developed by University of Illinois researchers enables condensed matter physicists to find interesting properties in materials. The algorithm starts with the desired type of physics and works backward to generate Hamiltonians, which can predict or explain material behaviors.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJul 27, 2018
Researchers used data analysis techniques, including decomposing songs into musical features, to determine Beatles songwriting styles. The approach identified distinct patterns in Lennon and McCartney's compositions, allowing for the prediction of disputed authorship.
Researchers at the University of South Australia used machine-learning algorithms to demonstrate a link between eye movements and Big Five personality traits. The study tracked eye movements of 42 participants and found reliable recognition of neuroticism, extroversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJul 27, 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.
A genome-wide association study identified novel risk loci for non-syndromic orofacial clefts in an African population, refining the genetic architecture of the condition. The study also revealed new genetic associations with cleft lip and palate sub-phenotypes.
SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 27, 2018
Researchers analyzed ocean sediments to understand Atlantic Ocean circulation changes, finding two episodes of ice melting linked to slow-downs in ocean circulation. The findings have implications for future long-term changes in Earth systems with global climate change.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2018
A Kanazawa University researcher identifies features limiting UNESCO's Memory of the World program, focusing on disagreement between China and Japan over Nanjing Massacre documents. The professor proposes alleviating tension through state participation and transparency in the nomination process.
SourceKanazawa University·JournalContemporary Politics·DateJul 27, 2018
Benjamin Fingerhut, a junior group leader at the Max Born Institute, has been awarded the prestigious ERC Starting Grant to study ultrafast biomolecular dynamics. The project aims to elucidate fundamental processes in biological systems using innovative non-adiabatic approaches.
Researchers developed a computational method to accurately predict cell subpopulation conversions, enabling potential applications in regenerative medicine. The platform, TransSyn, identifies subtle genetic differences between cell subtypes, allowing for targeted gene expression alteration and cell reprogramming.
SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Allowing students to access electronic devices during lectures can lower scores in end-of-term exams by at least 5%, or half a grade. Students who don't use devices but attend classes where they're permitted also perform poorly.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEducational Psychology·DateJul 27, 2018
Researchers discovered 44 chromosomal regions linked to abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation and heart block. The study's findings could lead to better treatments and a greater understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2018
The Upper Guadiato Archaeological Ager Mellariensis project has analyzed 49 km2 of the territory containing ancient Roman city Mellaria using the COSMO-SkyMed constellation. The satellite technology has revealed invisible moist and floodable areas, groundwater flow, and lost medieval roads.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalArchaeological Prospection·DateJul 27, 2018
A new study found that US universities lack effective policies against workplace bullying, with most faculty codes of conduct failing to address the issue. The authors argue that policies can be crafted to balance First Amendment rights with the need to protect employees from a hostile work environment.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalFirst Amendment Studies·DateJul 27, 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.
Astronomer Daniel Wang will collaborate with Jorge Cuadra in Chile to study the massive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, aiming to understand its interactions with the galactic ecosystem. This research has significant implications for our understanding of galaxy-wide properties and astrophysical processes.
A team of scientists has uncovered a previously undescribed geometric shape, the scutoid, adopted by epithelial cells during embryonic development. This discovery could lead to advancements in tissue engineering by understanding the three-dimensional organization of epithelial organs.
SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2018
Researchers successfully created nitrides, a previously considered impossible material, using a direct synthesis method under ultra-high pressure. The development of these materials could lead to improved cutting tools and innovative applications in electronics.
SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2018
Scientists found a link between the brain's response to taste stimuli and high anxiety in patients with anorexia nervosa. The study suggests that this response may drive the illness and proposes potential treatments based on manipulating biomarkers.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJul 26, 2018
Researchers found a new protein iTAP that regulates TNF release from immune cells, reducing its levels in circulation. This discovery offers potential for developing improved treatments for inflammatory diseases.
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.
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
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
Patients who underwent donor transplants in childhood have a higher risk of dying prematurely compared to the general population. The main causes of death were infection and chronic graft-vs-host disease, with patients' primary disease also contributing to their mortality.
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
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.
A Rutgers-led team of scientists has identified two molecules that protect nerve cells after traumatic brain injury and could lead to new treatments. The study found that speeding the breakdown of guanine protects neurons from injury and retains brain functioning.
SourceRutgers University·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateJul 26, 2018
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
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 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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
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
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that mossy cells regulate adult neural stem cells to control neurogenesis, which is disrupted in many common brain disorders. Targeting these cells may offer a new treatment strategy for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and depression.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNeuron·DateJul 26, 2018
Researchers discovered fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells promote muscle wasting and scarring in spinal cord injury, ALS, and SMA models. By targeting IL-6-STAT3 signaling, they found a potential new avenue for treating or testing motor neuron diseases.
SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 26, 2018
Ceria nanoparticles selectively remove reactive oxygen species from mitochondria, intracellular and extracellular spaces, improving Parkinson's disease symptoms in mice. Lowering oxidative stress in these compartments is crucial for treating the disease.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie·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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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 new study found that genetic variation in Caucasians with chronic hepatitis B infection increases the risk of severe liver damage and inflammation. Researchers identified a link between the STAT4 gene and liver fibrosis, suggesting that genetic factors may play a role in disease progression.
SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateJul 26, 2018
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
A study published by the USDA Forest Service found that tweets from California during the 2015 wildfire season could predict air quality impacts from smoke. The research combined ground-based monitoring with a topic model mapping citizens' tweets to improve models for predicting smoke dispersion.
SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·DateJul 26, 2018
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.
A study of five coralline algae species found that organismal size is the main factor in determining physiological performance under acidic conditions. The findings provide insight into how different species will respond to ocean acidification and its effects on marine ecosystems.
SourceOregon State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·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.
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
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
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
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is partnering with Iowa State University to create an institute addressing antimicrobial resistance, an urgent global public health concern. The institute aims to accelerate discoveries and enhance stewardship of disease prevention tools.
Researchers found that land sparing, combining high-yield agriculture with preserving natural habitats, stores greater amounts of carbon than other systems. Lower-yield farming practices consistently held more carbon than high-yield farms due to increased area requirements.
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 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.
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
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
A recent study found that US sexual minorities are more likely to be unemployed and uninsured than their straight counterparts, with poorer health and quality of life reported. The disparities may be even wider due to the predominantly white and affluent sample used in the study.
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
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.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have found significant mass loss in East Antarctica's Totten and Moscow University glaciers. If these glaciers fully collapse, they could add up to 16 feet to global sea levels.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 26, 2018
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.
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
Patients with advanced cancer who discussed personal care goals with a trained nonclinical worker were more likely to talk with doctors, report higher satisfaction, and incur lower health costs in their final month of life. The study suggests that these conversations can improve the quality of end-of-life cancer care while lowering costs.
SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJul 26, 2018
Researchers identified a molecule, propionate, produced by Bacteroides bacteria, that inhibits Salmonella growth in the intestinal tract of mice. This finding may lead to better treatment strategies and understanding why some people are more resistant to infection.
SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·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.
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
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
As adults age, muscle loss in the throat impairs efficient constriction during swallowing, leading to increased food retention. This study explains why 15% of seniors experience dysphagia, a condition that can cause malnutrition, dehydration, and pneumonia.