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Science News for June 11, 2018


Mu­sic play­school en­hances chil­dren's lin­guistic skills

A low-cost music playschool significantly improved the development of children's phoneme processing and vocabulary skills compared to peers attending dance lessons or none. The study suggests regular music playschool lessons can positively impact preschoolers' linguistic abilities.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 11, 2018

Reporting and evaluating wait times for urgent hip fracture surgery in Ontario, Canada

A new study found that nearly two-thirds of patients admitted to Ontario hospitals with hip fractures did not receive surgery within the recommended 24-hour window. Hospital-level improvements are necessary to address these delays, with factors such as patient transfer and preoperative consultations contributing to wait times.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 11, 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.

Researchers identify new type of depression

A study by Hiroshima University found a link between the protein RGS8 and depression behaviors in mice. RGS8 may be a promising candidate for developing new antidepressant drugs.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalNeuroscience·DateJun 11, 2018

Adapting lifestyle habits can quickly lower blood pressure

A new program has been shown to lower blood pressure in just 14 days, with participants seeing an average drop of 19 points. The Weimer Institute Newstart Lifestyle program aims to modify lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise to achieve this result.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateJun 11, 2018

Further drivers of ocean deoxygenation identified

Previous ocean model calculations underestimated recent oxygen decline, with global warming as the main cause. The study identifies additional drivers, including changes in ocean circulation and biogeochemical processes, which were insufficiently represented in models.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 11, 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.

Squashing cyberbullying: New approach is fast, accurate

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new approach to detecting cyberbullying on social media networks like Instagram. The technique combines multiple computing tools to scan large amounts of data and send alerts to parents or administrators in real-time, with an accuracy rate of 70%.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJun 11, 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.

Citizen science -- A powerful tool to combat invasive giant slugs

Researchers used citizen science to analyze slug appearances and complex weather patterns, revealing correlations between humidity, precipitation, and windspeed. This prediction method could inform targeted eradication policies against invasive species like the giant slug.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 11, 2018

Study points to possible treatment target for aggressive liver cancer in kids

A study published in Communications Biology has linked the protein PARP1 to an aggressive form of pediatric liver cancer called hepatoblastoma. Researchers found that inhibiting PARP1 slowed or stopped cancer progression in laboratory tests, providing a potential treatment target for this disease.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 11, 2018

What makes aggressive mice so violent

A study found that aggressive mice showed increased dominance and aggression when ΔFosB was overexpressed, suggesting a link between this protein and violent behavior. The research suggests targeting ΔFosB may reduce aggression by modifying the brain's reward system.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJun 11, 2018

Army scientists have a blast with aluminum nanoparticles

Researchers from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and Texas Tech University demonstrated a 30-percent enhancement in TNT detonation velocity by adding novel aluminum nanoparticles. The AIH-coated nanoparticles showed improved reactivity due to their unique morphological feature, leading to enhanced explosive performance.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 11, 2018

Orange peels may hold secret to airborne medicine, safer bridges

Engineers at UCF have discovered a way to release fragrant oil from oranges, mimicking nature's mechanism to create microjets. This discovery may lead to less expensive and biodegradable methods for delivering medication, as well as innovative solutions for detecting bridge failures.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Designing a better superconductor with geometric frustration

A new system discovered by Jankó and collaborators enables ongoing adjustments to the material's properties over time. This allows for multiple reversible spin cycle configurations for the vortices, which can be rearranged site by site.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 11, 2018

Interstellar dust and Solar System formation

Comet-derived IDPs contain presolar interstellar dust, such as GEMS, with organic carbon mantles that decompose at high temperatures. The results suggest that GEMS formed in a cold environment and represent surviving building blocks of the Solar System.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Algorithm predicts dangerous low blood pressure during surgery

A new algorithm developed by researchers at UCLA Medical Center can predict hypotension in surgical patients with high accuracy, enabling physicians to take proactive measures. The algorithm uses machine learning to analyze physiological data and identifies subtle signs of impending hypotension, reducing the risk of serious complications.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesiology·DateJun 11, 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.

Regenerative wound dressing for diabetic ulcers

Researchers developed a peptide-infused dressing that promotes dermal cell adhesion and proliferation, accelerating wound closure and tissue regeneration in diabetic mice. The dressing showed significant benefits compared to control treatments.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

How to slow down Ebola

Researchers created a genetic family tree of the Ebola epidemic, revealing its spread between 2013-2016. Closing international borders proved effective in slowing down the virus, while local measures had little impact.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2018

Heritage science: Where the past looks to the future

A special issue of Angewandte Chemie explores the intersection of chemistry, conservation, and archaeology in preserving cultural heritage. Research articles examine methods for analyzing antiques, classifying plastic artifact degradation, and conserving cannonballs from shipwrecks.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 11, 2018

Fueling a deep-sea ecosystem

Microbes at deep-sea hot springs are surprisingly productive, generating more than 4,000 tons of organic carbon daily, equivalent to the amount in 200 blue whales. They convert chemicals into energy through chemosynthesis, serving as a crucial base for the food web.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 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.

Evidence for a new property of quantum matter revealed

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have detected electrical dipole fluctuations in a quantum material at extremely low temperatures, revealing a new property of quantum matter. The study uses Raman spectroscopy to observe the irregular oscillations of tiny charged poles on the material.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateJun 11, 2018

Climate change and food production shocks

Climate change could lead to increased global maize yield variability, particularly in the US, Europe, and Africa. Aggressive carbon dioxide emissions mitigation and heat-tolerant crop breeding are crucial to mitigate these effects.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

PARP inhibitor improves overall response rates in small cell lung cancer patients

A Phase II trial found that adding PARP inhibitor veliparib to standard chemotherapy improved overall response rates and progression-free survival in patients with small cell lung cancer. Researchers identified SLFN11 as a biomarker for patient selection, which may lead to new treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 11, 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.

New epigenetic drug against Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Researchers have developed a new epigenetic drug that slows down cell growth in Mantle Cell Lymphoma by inhibiting the HDAC6 gene. The substance shows high efficacy in cultured cells, murine studies and patient-derived cells with minimal toxicity to healthy cells.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalHaematologica·DateJun 11, 2018

Regenerative bandage accelerates healing in diabetic wounds

A Northwestern University team developed a regenerative bandage that heals diabetic wounds 33% faster than current market products, leveraging the body's natural wound-healing process. The bandage uses an antioxidant hydrogel with a thermally responsive segment of laminin to facilitate tissue regeneration and counter inflammation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Scientists watch bacteria 'harpoon' DNA to speed their evolution

Researchers at Indiana University have made the first direct observation of bacteria using a 'DNA harpoon' process to rapidly evolve new traits, including antibiotic resistance. The study revealed that pili act like microscopic harpooners to cast their line through pores in the cell's wall and reel in DNA fragments.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 11, 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.

Audio-motor learning during musical training

A study discovered rapid recruitment of auditory-to-motor cortical pathways when participants played or passively listened to learned melodies. Brain connectivity between motor and auditory areas was also associated with training success, suggesting potential implications for rehabilitation strategies based on audio-motor learning.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Artificial gene defect reveals target to fight genetic disease

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that the enzyme USP48 plays a crucial role in DNA repair and may hold promise as a therapeutic target for Fanconi Anemia. Inactivation of USP48 in FA-deficient cells restores nearly error-free repair of damaged DNA.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2018

Soil profile changes in urban areas

A study analyzed soil horizons in 11 US cities, finding approximately 50% fewer soil horizons than pre-urban soils. The researchers attributed changes to local management processes such as soil removal, mixing, and fill additions, leading to potential effects on ecosystem functioning.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 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.

Improving electoral accountability

A study found that sending voters messages about district budget irregularities increased the likelihood of voting for incumbent councilors if corruption was low and reduced it when corruption was high. This method could empower voters and increase electoral accountability in some political offices.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Stanford nectar research sheds light on ecological theory

A Stanford study using nectar-dwelling yeast found that relative nonlinearity is crucial for species coexistence, contradicting common assumptions among ecologists. The research used microcosms to gather data on the complex interactions between yeasts and environmental conditions.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Approaching an ideal amino acid synthesis using hydrogen

Osaka University researchers have developed a practical and environmentally innocuous method for functionalizing multiply substituted amines. Their reductive alkylation approach uses hydrogen directly, generating only water as a byproduct and efficiently synthesizing a wide variety of amines, including amino acids.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 11, 2018

1.45 million children's lives saved by HiB and pneumococcal vaccines since 2000

Since 2000, conjugate vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae have prevented a significant decline in child mortality from these bacterial infections, with estimated reductions of 90% and 51%, respectively. The introduction of these vaccines has been instrumental in reducing the global burden o...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJun 11, 2018
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Many at risk for HIV despite lifesaving pill

A new University of Michigan study reveals that high-risk individuals face multiple barriers to accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a lifesaving HIV drug. The researchers outline 31 potential solutions to overcome these barriers, which affect patient, provider, and health-system levels.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateJun 11, 2018

Philosopher warns against 'drifting into state terrorism'

Philosopher Prof. Dr Michael Quante warns against 'drifting into state terrorism' due to modern weapon systems and ambiguity in the concept of peace. He advocates for honest discussion about war and peace, clearly naming interests pursued by warfare, and remembering the 'just war' doctrine.

SourceCluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics"·DateJun 11, 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.

Making the oxygen we breathe, a photosynthesis mechanism exposed

Researchers at Georgia Tech have elucidated the role of a small metal catalyst and an amino acid in the release of oxygen from water in photosystem II, a complex protein structure found in plants and algae. The discovery sheds light on the intricate chemistry of photosynthesis and has potential applications in improving crop productivi...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Turbocharge for lithium batteries

Scientists have developed a new anode material for lithium-ion batteries that can store more energy and charge faster. The hybrid material combines tin oxide nanoparticles with antimony on a graphene base, improving stability and conductivity.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 11, 2018

Key cancer-fighting gene's secret weapons revealed

Researchers have discovered how p53 stops the development of lymphoma and potentially other cancers by targeting specific DNA repair genes. This new information could help doctors identify patients at risk and develop safer treatments.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 11, 2018

New 28-GHz transceiver paves the way for future 5G devices

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology designed a tiny, fast, reliable, and accurate 28-GHz transceiver for stable high-speed 5G communications. The new transceiver employs a local oscillator (LO) phase shifting approach, achieving an improvement in beam steering resolution of an order of magnitude compared to previous designs.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·DateJun 11, 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.

'Tricking' bacteria into hydroxylating benzene

Researchers have successfully used E.coli bacteria to oxidize C-H bonds in benzene to generate phenol by activating a genetically inserted cytochrome P450BM3 enzyme with a decoy molecule. This novel approach enables whole-cell biotransformation without harsh conditions or genetic modification.

SourceNagoya University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 11, 2018

Double-checking diabetes medications may reduce re-hospitalizations

A new study suggests that medication reconciliation programs can reduce risks of diabetes patients, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The program's effectiveness was associated with improved patient outcomes and decreased healthcare costs.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJun 11, 2018

Special issue to highlight climate science for service partnership between China and the UK

The Climate Science for Service Partnership China (CSSP China) has improved understanding of climate change effects and reduced climatic risks through research collaborations with the UK. The partnership has led to advancements in seasonal forecasting, crop security, and climate services.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Are you really you when you're hungry?

A study published by the American Psychological Association suggests that hunger can lead to emotional states like anger, but only when certain context and self-awareness factors are present. Participants who were more aware of their hunger feelings were less likely to become hangry.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalEmotion·DateJun 11, 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.

DIY brings high throughput to continuous cell culturing

eVOLVER, an open-source system developed by Rice University, enables high-throughput continuous cell culturing using automated growth experiments. The system can support 96-chamber experiments and allows for real-time data tracking and monitoring of culture conditions, making it suitable for applications in synthetic biology and antibi...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 11, 2018

Fighting tobacco use among adults with mental illness

A University of Houston researcher is targeting adults with anxiety and depression who struggle to quit smoking by providing individualized, online feedback. The goal is to increase motivation, confidence, and intention to quit while reducing perceived barriers to quitting. The study aims to improve distress tolerance skills to help pa...

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJun 11, 2018

Experiments trace interstellar dust back to solar system's formation

Researchers have found evidence of pre-solar interstellar dust in glassy grains called GEMS, which were formed in a cold environment. The discovery provides insight into the solar system's formation and the processes that created the planets.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Manipulated enzymes

Researchers at TU Graz have achieved a breakthrough in biocatalysis by manipulating an enzyme to create ring-shaped molecules. This innovation enables the production of novel pharmaceuticals and plant protection products with high enantiomeric purity, opening doors for sustainable 'green' chemistry.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 11, 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.

The language of facial expressions

A study by University of Miami Professor Daniel Messinger and colleagues found that eye wrinkles around the eyes, known as the Duchenne marker, convey more intense and sincere emotions across multiple facial expressions. Participants rated Duchenne smiles and sad expressions as more sincere and intense than non-Duchenne expressions.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalEmotion·DateJun 11, 2018

'Therepi' device attaches to heart

A new study from MIT and Harvard University introduces the 'Therepi' device, which attaches directly to damaged heart tissue to deliver multiple therapies. The device addresses issues with current drug delivery methods, providing a non-invasive solution for treating heart disease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 11, 2018

Tracing the impacts of food and nutrition policies

Researchers found that children in WIC households ate more fruits and vegetables, while a CDC study assessed local government incentives for healthy food options. Model estimates also show banning trans fats could reduce health disparities and save billions in healthcare costs.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateJun 11, 2018

Taking a closer look at 'electrifying' chemistry

Researchers have developed a new method to study electrocatalysts, enabling the precise mechanism of electrocatalytic reactions to be understood. This breakthrough can lead to more efficient and sustainable chemical processes using renewable energy.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 11, 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.

Implantable device delivers drugs straight to the heart

Researchers developed a refillable, implantable device called Therepi that can deliver drugs and therapies directly to diseased tissue. The device increases heart function for more than four weeks when stem cells are repeatedly delivered.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 11, 2018

Negative emotions are murkier, less distinct in adolescence

A study published in Psychological Science found that adolescents experience less distinct and more 'murky' negative emotions compared to children and adults. Researchers discovered a U-shaped pattern of emotion differentiation across different age groups, with the lowest clarity during adolescence.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 11, 2018

A new system optimizes electric transmission from offshore wind farms

A new system developed by UC3M researchers allows for efficient energy transmission from offshore wind farms to the mainland electrical grid. The system uses a distributed control system and diode rectifier stations to synchronize wind turbine voltage and frequency, reducing costs by up to 30%.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateJun 11, 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.

Diamond dust shimmering around distant stars

Astronomers identify hydrogenated nanodiamonds as likely source of anomalous microwave emission (AME), a type of faint microwave light emanating from regions across the Milky Way. The discovery provides new insights into the formation of nanodiamonds in protoplanetary disks and has implications for cosmology research.

SourceGreen Bank Observatory·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 11, 2018

Choice matters: The environmental costs of producing meat, seafood

A new analysis finds that small, wild-caught fish and farmed mollusks have the lowest environmental impact, while industrial beef production and farmed catfish are the most taxing. The study used life-cycle assessments to compare environmental costs across various types of animal protein production.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 11, 2018

A new therapy proves effective against brain metastasis

A study led by CNIO researchers shows that silibinin reduces brain metastasis lesions in mice and patients, targeting the tumor microenvironment. The treatment has shown encouraging results, with 75% of patients reacting positively and a 15.5-month average survival rate

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 11, 2018

How physically active are adolescents, young adults?

Adolescents girls reported less physical activity than their male counterparts, with activity dropping off sharply during the transition to young adulthood. The study highlights disparities in physical activity among certain groups, emphasizing the importance of promoting physical activity among adolescents and young adults.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 11, 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.

Ingesting honey after swallowing button battery reduces injury and improves outcomes

Researchers found that honey and sucralfate significantly reduce morbidity and mortality from highly caustic batteries. Ingesting honey before removing a button battery may protect against serious injuries in small children. The study's findings will inform clinical practice and guidelines for managing button battery ingestions.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJun 11, 2018

New wind turbines are even efficient in low winds

VTT's research reveals that new-generation wind turbines are reasonably efficient in low winds, allowing for more flexible turbine locations. The new technology increases the potential offered by wind power, covering up to 86 TWh of Finland's electricity consumption, fivefold more than previous technology.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 11, 2018

New aircraft-scheduling models may ease air travel frustrations

Researchers developed models to create schedules with built-in flexibility, reducing delay cascades and costs for airlines. By analyzing historical data from US airlines, the team found that tweaking aircraft routing can make a significant impact on delay costs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalComputers & Operations Research·DateJun 11, 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.

New target for treating heart failure identified by Penn Medicine researchers

Researchers from Penn Medicine identified a new target for treating heart failure by reversing the stiffness of diseased heart muscle cell struts, which can improve the beating strength of cells isolated from transplant patients. The team aims to develop therapies that seek out damaged cellular struts to reverse their harmful influence.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 11, 2018

Fathers' early parenting quality affected by mothers

A new study found that fathers' early parenting quality is influenced by their partner's gatekeeping behaviors, with more criticism leading to worse parenting at 9 months old. Mothers' attitudes and behaviors can shape how fathers interact with their children.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateJun 11, 2018

UNC-Chapel Hill researchers ask Americans 'What does God look like?'

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill used a new technique to construct a composite 'face of God' reflecting Americans' diverse perceptions. The study found that people's perceptions tend to rely on their demographic characteristics, such as age, attractiveness, and ethnicity.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 11, 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.

Long periods of viral suppression shown to prevent cancer in aging HIV population

Researchers found that long-term viral suppression significantly reduces cancer risk in aging HIV-positive individuals, with lower rates seen in patients with sustained suppression compared to those with early or no suppression. The study highlights the importance of viral suppression in preventing cancer and may inform strategies for ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 11, 2018

MD Anderson Therapeutics Discovery team identifies and advances a drug that targets metabolic vulnerability and impairs cancer cell growth and survival

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's Therapeutics Discovery team has developed a drug called IACS-10759, which targets metabolic vulnerability in cancer cells. The drug, an inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation, shows promise for treating acute myeloid leukemia and solid tumors.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 11, 2018

A system purely for developing high-performance, big data codes

PlinyCompute is a system designed for developing high-performance big data codes, offering faster implementation of complex object manipulation and library-style computations compared to Spark. The platform was developed by Rice University's DARPA-funded Pliny Project team, which aims to create sophisticated programming tools using mac...

SourceRice University·DateJun 11, 2018

'Surgery in a pill' a potential treatment for diabetes

Researchers have developed a pill that can temporarily coat the intestine to prevent nutrient contact and lower blood sugar spikes in preclinical study. The engineered compound, LuCI, was found to alter nutrient contact and lower blood glucose response after a meal, with benefits lasting only a few hours.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 11, 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.

Wastewater treatment plants are key route into UK rivers for microplastics

Research found that water samples downstream of six UK wastewater treatment plants contained significantly higher concentrations of microplastics. The study suggests that these plants are a key route into UK rivers for microplastic pollution, posing a threat to river ecosystems and marine environments.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateJun 11, 2018

RNA changes aided sunflower's rapid evolutionary transformation, domestication

A new study reveals that RNA changes played a crucial role in the domestication of sunflowers, allowing for rapid evolutionary transformation over 5,000 years. The researchers identified key genes and regulatory mechanisms involved in alternative splicing, which created useful efficiencies but also introduced variation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 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.

Discovery in the sky with nanodiamonds

A team of researchers at Cardiff University has discovered that tiny crystals of carbon, nanodiamonds, are likely the source of a mysterious microwave glow emanating from star systems in the Milky Way. The discovery was made by studying infrared light from protoplanetary disks surrounding newly formed stars.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 11, 2018

Federal food aid to Puerto Rico high in salt, sugar

An analysis of federal food aid delivered after Hurricane Maria found that nearly 10% of items exceeded daily limits for sodium, added sugars, or saturated fats. The study highlights the need for better programs to protect the health of communities affected by disasters.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateJun 11, 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.

Two bilateral French-Austrian research projects start at IST Austria

Two joint projects between IST Austria and French research institutes will study how polarity, shape and mechanics of cells control cell division. Johann Danzl and Olivier Thoumine investigate the role of synaptic adhesion molecules in synapse function using optically controlled molecules and high-resolution optical imaging.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·DateJun 11, 2018

Doing right by the whales

A new study urges a more proactive conservation management strategy for North Atlantic right whales due to declining calf births and shifting distribution. Researchers recommend expanding protective policies to cover their new habitat range and implementing advanced monitoring programs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalOceanography·DateJun 11, 2018

Experiments at Berkeley Lab help trace interstellar dust back to solar system's formation

Researchers at Berkeley Lab used infrared light and electron microscopy to study interplanetary particles, finding they contain pre-solar dust leftover from the solar system's formation. The dust, consisting of carbon, ices, and disordered silicate, was mostly destroyed by planet formation processes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Nano-decorations in nature's subsurface water filter

Researchers have found that certain colloids can stick to sediment grains due to decorative nanoscience, allowing for predictable attachment and removal of contaminants. This discovery could help improve prediction of contaminant transport distances and protect water resources.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 11, 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.

Rutgers physicists create new class of 2D artificial materials

A Rutgers-led international team of scientists has verified a 53-year-old theory on ferroelectric metals, creating a new class of two-dimensional artificial materials that exhibit ferroelectric-like properties at room temperature. These findings have the potential to spawn a new generation of multi-functional devices and applications.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 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.

Discovery of the oldest mammal in Brazil pays tribute to David Bowie

The discovery of Brasilestes stardusti, the oldest known mammal in Brazil, is a significant find that sheds light on the evolution of mammals during the Mesozoic Era. The species was named after British rock star David Bowie and is believed to be a placental mammal.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 11, 2018

A better device for measuring electromagnetic radiation

Researchers have developed a new ultrafast and highly sensitive bolometer that can work at room temperature, paving the way for new astronomical observatories, heat sensors, and quantum sensing devices. The device uses graphene to amplify absorption of electromagnetic radiation, enabling precise measurements in picoseconds.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 11, 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.

Key difference between humans and other mammals is skin deep, says study

A comprehensive survey of mammalian microbiomes found humans to have a significantly lower diversity of skin microorganisms compared to other mammals. This difference may be attributed to modern hygiene practices, habitat, and co-evolution between host and skin microbial communities.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Slips of the ear: When knowledge deceives perception

A human neuroimaging study found that the brain creates perceptual illusions when speech is degraded due to prior expectations. The study suggests that predictive coding plays a crucial role in speech perception, with reduced activity in the left superior temporal sulcus associated with misperception.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJun 11, 2018

Mount Sinai team diagnoses asthma with nasal brush test

A new diagnostic test that uses a simple nasal brush to identify mild to moderate asthma has been developed by Mount Sinai researchers. The test, which uses machine learning algorithms and RNA sequencing, can differentiate asthma from other respiratory conditions and is less expensive than traditional pulmonary function testing.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 11, 2018

Prostate cancer DNA test identifies men with six-fold increased risk

A new DNA test has identified 63 genetic variations that increase the risk of prostate cancer, with men inheriting these variants having a 5.7 times higher risk. The test combines multiple genetic variants to predict individual risk, offering hope for early detection and prevention.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 11, 2018

Mangoes helped improve cardiovascular and gut health in women

A new study found that mango consumption lowered systolic blood pressure and reduced breath methane levels in healthy postmenopausal women. The researchers believe the polyphenols in mangos may be responsible for these favorable effects.

SourceWeber Shandwick Chicago·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 11, 2018

Patients' self-diagnosis of personality disorders not as far off as previously believed

A recent study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that patients' self-reports of personality disorder traits are more accurate than previously believed. The research suggests that clinicians' diagnoses may be less reliable than thought, and that using similar evaluation tools can bridge the gap between...

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJun 11, 2018

Genome-editing tool could increase cancer risk

A new study found that CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing can activate the p53 protein, which reduces the efficiency of gene editing but also contributes to cancer cell growth. Researchers recommend further studies to improve safety for CRISPR-based therapies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 11, 2018