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Science News for June 5, 2018


Transferring quantum information using sound

A team of researchers has found a way to couple and precisely control quantum systems using phonons, the smallest units of sound waves. This allows for the creation of a scalable quantum network, enabling new technological breakthroughs.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 5, 2018

Putting lungs under less stress

Researchers have identified a new less-invasive treatment option for patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), using ultra-protective mechanical ventilation. This approach may mitigate further lung injury and improve outcomes without requiring extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the Intensive Care Society·DateJun 5, 2018

Sleep disturbances more common for immigrants than non-immigrants

A recent study found that immigrants in Switzerland are more likely to experience sleep disorders due to high levels of emotional distress. The study analyzed data from 17,968 participants and found that immigrants reported higher levels of trouble falling asleep, disrupted sleep, and early morning awakenings.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 5, 2018

Using envy as a marketing tool can backfire

A recent study found that employing envy in marketing can boost brands but also completely backfire, depending on a consumer's self-esteem. People with high self-worth are more likely to want the envied brand and stay motivated to attain it.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJun 5, 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.

New algorithm keeps data fresh in wireless networks

Researchers at MIT developed an algorithm to prioritize and transmit data from sensors in real-time, ensuring the freshest possible data is received by a network. The algorithm calculates an 'index' based on data age, channel reliability, and node priority, guaranteeing optimal decision-making without overloading wireless channels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 5, 2018

Fungi-produced pigment shows promise as semiconductor material

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a fungus-produced pigment, xylindein, that could become a sustainable alternative to silicon in electronic applications. The pigment, found in infected wood, has high durability and stability, making it suitable for wearable electronics.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMRS Advances·DateJun 5, 2018

New method enables high quality speech separation

Researchers have developed a novel audio-visual model that can isolate and enhance speech in videos, even in challenging real-world scenarios. The model uses both visual cues, such as lip movements, and auditory signals to focus on the speaker's voice and improve speech quality.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJun 5, 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.

One in four Americans develop insomnia each year

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that about 25% of Americans experience acute insomnia annually, but 75% recover normal sleep within a year. The study tracked 1,435 adults nationwide and found no significant differences in recovery rates among racial, ethnic, or gender lines.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJun 5, 2018

You talking to me? Scientists try to unravel the mystery of 'animal conversations'

An international team of academics reveals that turn-taking behaviour, a hallmark of human conversation, is remarkably widespread across the animal kingdom. The study proposes a new comparative framework for future research on turn-taking behaviour, which may shed light on the evolution of language.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJun 5, 2018

Yellowstone study explores park's geothermal system

Researchers used deuterium to estimate heat flow in Yellowstone hot springs, accounting for both visible and subsurface water flows. The new method provides an important step towards understanding the complex processes driving Yellowstone's volcano and geothermal features.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJun 5, 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.

Russian and Georgian universities unite to study properties of solitons

Researchers from Kazan Federal University and Tbilisi State University investigate conditions for soliton formation in the solar corona and Earth's ionosphere. They successfully mathematically prove the possibility of soliton emergence, with significant implications for space navigation and safety.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalAdvances in Space Research·DateJun 5, 2018

Why are migraine patients skipping effective behavioral treatments?

A new study found that only half of migraine patients referred for behavioral treatment made an appointment, citing lack of time, cost concerns, and skepticism as barriers. Despite being first-line, safe, and effective treatments, many patients are not accessing these therapies due to perceived barriers.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalPain Medicine·DateJun 5, 2018

Nutrient pollution makes ocean acidification worse for coral reefs

A recent study by researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa found that nutrient pollution accelerates ocean acidification's negative impacts on coral reefs. This increases calcification rates, disrupts natural chemical dynamics, and promotes seaweed growth over corals.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·DateJun 5, 2018

NASA funds Rutgers scientists' pursuit of the origins of life

A Rutgers-led ENIGMA team will investigate the evolution of protein nanomachines, which may have arisen before life began, using a $6 million NASA grant. The team aims to understand the earliest processes that support life, including the movement of electrons and hydrogen atoms.

SourceRutgers University·DateJun 5, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cornell research illuminates inaccuracies in radiocarbon dating

New research from Cornell University challenges widely accepted radiocarbon dating standards, potentially altering historical timelines for the southern Levant region. The study reveals variations in the radiocarbon cycle, causing offsets of up to 20 years in calibration, which could be related to climatic conditions.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2018

Detecting the birth and death of a phonon

Researchers create method to detect individual phonons, enabling study of phonon decay and its implications for quantum technologies. The technique uses ultra-short laser pulses to excite and probe phonons in diamond crystals.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 5, 2018

Cedars-Sinai research identifies gut gas linked to diarrhea

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have identified a link between the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas in the gut and diarrhea in patients with small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A new four-gas breath test device is being developed to improve diagnosis and treatment for these conditions.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·DateJun 5, 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.

Computer simulations identify chemical key to diabetes drug alternatives

Researchers discovered a chemical compound that lowers sugar levels as effectively as metformin but with a 30-times lower dose, providing an alternative treatment option for patients unresponsive to the current medication. The study published in PLOS One could lead to the development of a new and effective drug to fight diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 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.

Mandatory bundled-payment Medicare programs should stay, Penn study suggests

A new study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that hospitals receiving bundled payments for joint replacements either voluntarily or through Medicare's mandatory programs vary in size and volume but not in spending or quality. The authors suggest both programs are needed to engage more hospitals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 5, 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.

Listening to gut noises could improve diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome

Researchers developed an acoustic belt that uses machine learning techniques to identify complex features and patterns of bowel sounds. The preliminary results showed high accuracy in predicting IBS with sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 92%. This new technology may offer a less-invasive way to diagnose the painful condition.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateJun 5, 2018

Blowing bubbles for cancer treatment

Researchers have discovered that gas embolotherapy, using acoustic droplet vaporization, can starve tumors by shutting off blood flow and also deliver drugs through the capillaries

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 5, 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.

Injuries and loss of life boost religious faith after disasters

A new UBC study found that disasters with significant human toll strengthen religious faith, while those with mostly economic damage do not. For every one per cent increase in injured people due to a climate disaster, attendance at religious services rises by four per cent.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEconomics of Disasters and Climate Change·DateJun 5, 2018

Throw like a girl? No, he or she just hasn't been taught

Researchers found that a new movement curriculum increased physical activity and motor skills competence in preschoolers by two minutes per day, compared to traditional programs. The study suggests that teaching basic skills like throwing, running, and jumping can improve girls' physical activity levels and close the gender gap.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalResearch Quarterly for Exercise and Sport·DateJun 5, 2018

Family blood mystery solved

Researchers have finally found the answer to a 35-year-old Norwegian family mystery: a genetic mutation in the EPO gene causes abnormally high red blood cell counts. The condition, called familial erythrocytosis, affects several members of the family who were born with it, while others developed it over time.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNEJM Catalyst·DateJun 5, 2018

Large-scale and sustainable 3-D printing with the most ubiquitous natural material

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design have successfully developed sustainable 3D printing using cellulose, a widely available organic compound. The new material, FLAM, is strong, lightweight, and inexpensive, with a production cost 10 times lower than traditional plastics.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 5, 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.

NASA analyzes Northern Indian Ocean rainfall of soaking separate cyclones

Tropical Storm Sagar brought heavy rainfall to Somalia, while Cyclone Mekunu caused widespread flooding in Oman and Yemen. The Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for the Global Precipitation Measurement mission estimated heavy rainfall in various regions, with some areas receiving over 3 times their annual average.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 5, 2018

A little water could make a big difference for endangered salmon

A new study by California Sea Grant reveals that even small amounts of running water can make a big difference for juvenile coho salmon in coastal California streams. The research found that pools interconnected by water can help young salmon survive through hot, dry summer months.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTransactions of the American Fisheries Society·DateJun 5, 2018

Mergers are good news for investors

A new study by the University of Waterloo confirms that mergers create value for investors, improving shareholder value and market share. The research found that firms realize synergies from mergers, benefiting all stakeholders, including consumers who do not face higher prices.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalManagerial and Decision Economics·DateJun 5, 2018

Religiosity plays a role in educational success of immigrant children

A recent study by University of Cologne researchers found that religiosity plays a significant role in the educational success of Muslim and Christian immigrant children. Regular prayer and engagement in mosques are linked to better school performance, particularly in non-segregated neighborhoods.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalResearch in Social Stratification and Mobility·DateJun 5, 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.

Women more likely to use other preventive health services after mammography

Researchers found that women who underwent mammography screening were significantly more likely to utilize Pap smear, bone mass measurement, and influenza vaccine services than unscreened women. The study suggests that breast cancer screening may increase awareness of other preventive services among Medicare beneficiaries.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 5, 2018

Surprising resurgence of red spruce likely result of cleaner air and warmer winters

New research by the USDA Forest Service suggests that reduced acid rain and warmer temperatures are behind the resurgence of red spruce. The study found that over 75% of red spruce trees exhibited increasing growth since 2001, indicating a positive response to recent climate shifts.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 5, 2018

African-Americans still disproportionately affected by HIV

Despite recent drops in HIV diagnoses across all US populations, African-Americans continue to be overrepresented among those diagnosed with HIV. The disparity has worsened, with Black males being 8.4 times more likely to be diagnosed than whites.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateJun 5, 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.

Research on spider glue resolves sticky problem

Researchers at University of Akron discover the secret behind spider silk's sticky properties in humid conditions. They found that a combination of glycoproteins and low molecular mass compounds helps sequester interfacial water, preventing adhesive failure.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2018

Blast from the past

Researchers analyzed data from the MiniBooNE experiment and found thousands of neutrino-nucleus collisions with the same energy, shedding light on neutrino interactions with matter. The discovery could help solve long-standing problems in experimental design and potentially reveal new physics processes.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 5, 2018

Lighting intervention improves sleep and mood for Alzheimer's patients

A tailored lighting intervention has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of depression and agitation in Alzheimer's patients. The study found that the lighting intervention significantly decreased sleep disturbances, with a significant improvement seen in sleep quality.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 5, 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 Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology: Job strain linked to increased risk of premature death for men with cardiometabolic disease

An observational study tracking over 100000 men and women found that job strain is associated with a higher risk of premature death in men with coronary heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. Despite achieving treatment targets, men experiencing job strain had a 68% greater risk of death compared to those with no job strain.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJun 5, 2018

Penn Medicine GI bleeding research points to need for updated Medicare policies

A new study categorizes GI bleeding outcomes by cause, revealing high readmission rates and significant differences in length of stay and mortality. The findings suggest grouping patients by type of MS-DRG and clinical conditions could provide a more accurate assessment of quality metrics.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 5, 2018

Invasive species of coral boasts amazing capacity for regeneration

Researchers in Brazil have discovered that sun coral can regenerate at a faster rate as water temperature increases, making it a formidable invasive species. The study's findings suggest that the genus Tubastraea, which comprises seven species, including two invasive ones, can thrive in various marine environments.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateJun 5, 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.

Beyond superstition to general causality: AI nutcracker for real-world problems

Researchers developed a robust model for general causality that identifies multiple causal connections without time-sequence data. The Multivariate Additive Noise Model (MANM) works on simulated real-world datasets, offering opportunities to analyze complex phenomena in areas like economics and disease outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalNeural Networks·DateJun 5, 2018

Sticky situation: New process turns wood scraps into tape

Researchers at the University of Delaware developed a novel process to convert lignin, a common wood byproduct, into high-performance adhesive tape. The new process performs just as well as commercially available products and uses a sustainable material.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalACS Central Science·DateJun 5, 2018

Coffee helps teams work together, study suggests

A new study from Ohio State University suggests that coffee can improve teamwork by making people more alert. Researchers found that participants who drank caffeinated coffee rated themselves and their group members more positively after a task.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateJun 5, 2018

Red tide fossils point to Jurassic sea flood

Tiny dinoflagellate fossils discovered in Jurassic rocks of south-western Queensland suggest a short-lived precursor to the Eromanga Sea. The fossils date back 148 million years, providing evidence of rising sea levels and incursions of saltwater inland.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPalynology·DateJun 5, 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.

More detailed data on thermal conditions of Arctic ground

Researchers from the University of Helsinki and University of Oulu have developed a new model to forecast Arctic ground temperatures, revealing significant changes in permafrost occurrence. The study predicts that areas favourable to permafrost will shrink by over one-third by 2050 under worst-case climate change scenarios.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 5, 2018

Does living near wind turbines negatively impact human health?

A recent study in Canada investigated the relationship between wind turbine proximity and human health, finding no direct correlation. However, respondents closer to turbines reported lower environmental quality of life ratings, suggesting potential indirect effects.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateJun 5, 2018

New tool enables big-scale analysis of single cells

Researchers developed a computational framework to analyze large-scale single-cell gene expression levels, enabling the study of unprecedented cellular heterogeneity in rare cell populations. The BigSCale tool successfully processed 1.3 million individual cells from a mouse brain dataset.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 5, 2018

Decades of type 1 diabetes linked to mild drop in cognition

A study by Joslin Diabetes Center researchers has found a correlation between long-term type 1 diabetes and mild cognitive decline, particularly in memory. The decline is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJun 5, 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.

NASA finds some fragmented strength in Tropical Depression 05W

Tropical Depression 05W shows strong storms with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. The depression is expected to reach tropical storm strength late on June 5 and make landfall in southeastern China early on June 7.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 5, 2018

Unzipping graphene nanotubes into nanoribbons

Researchers have developed a method to analyze electron flow in graphene nanoribbons using a simplified physics model. This approach uses a matching method to calculate transmission properties of electrons through the junction.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 5, 2018

The key triggers of the costly 2017 wildfire season

The 2017 US wildfire season was exacerbated by a series of extreme events, including a wet winter, hot summer, and dry fall. Climate change likely played a role in fueling the fires, while human activity contributed to ignition, with nearly 90% of wildfires sparked by people.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalFire·DateJun 5, 2018

A new indicator of human development at subnational level

The Sub-national Human Development Index (SHDI) provides a new tool for monitoring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting regional disparities in poverty, education, and health. By analyzing data from 160 countries, the SHDI reveals uneven distribution of human development across regions within poor countries.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalSocial Indicators Research·DateJun 5, 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.

Arizona work law found to affect US-Mexico migration

A study found that Arizona's Employment-Focused System, using E-verify, reduced unauthorized migration from Mexico. The researchers measured geographic migration patterns and found that communities in Mexico sending migrants to specific US destinations often came from different parts of Mexico.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalDemography·DateJun 5, 2018

Physicists devise method to reveal how light affects materials

Researchers have devised a method to study how light affects materials, shedding light on the fundamental laws governing electron-light interactions. The new approach enables better understanding of material behavior, which can be applied to improve devices such as optical sensors and photovoltaic cells.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2018

Common diabetes drug found safe for most diabetics with kidney disease

A recent study suggests that metformin is safe for most adults with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The research, conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, found no association between metformin use and acidosis in patients with mild to moderate CKD. However, the risk of acidosis increased significantly among patients with severe...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 5, 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.

Stunting cell 'antennae' could make cancer drugs work again

Scientists have found that drug-resistant cancer cells have longer antennae-like structures called cilia, which can be targeted to restore sensitivity to treatment. Blocking growth of cilia restored cells' response to cancer drugs, with nearly doubling effectiveness.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 5, 2018

Neurons ripple while brains rest to lock in memories

Researchers from Rice University and Michigan Medicine developed a tool to analyze brain waves during periods of rest. They found that these ripples can be used to reconstruct memories of an environment, even when the animals were not actively exploring. The study provides new insights into how brains sort and store information.

SourceRice University·DateJun 5, 2018

Surprising recovery of red spruce shows value of Clean Air Act

A new study found that red spruce tree growth has increased by over 75% since 2001, with reduced pollution and warmer winter temperatures likely contributing to the resurgence. The research suggests that the Clean Air Act is working to enhance conditions for red spruce, but future changes in climate may impact their recovery.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 5, 2018

Swimming without an engine

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new propulsion concept that exploits water temperature for swimming robots, eliminating the need for engines or power supplies. The robots use bistable propulsion elements triggered by shape memory polymer strips to propel forward.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 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.

Psychedelic drug use associated with reduced partner violence in men

Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus found that men who have used psychedelic drugs are less likely to engage in partner violence. The study suggests that psychedelics may help improve emotion regulation and reduce violent tendencies.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateJun 5, 2018

More breast cancers found with combined digital screening

A combination of digital mammography and tomosynthesis detects 8.6 cancers per 1,000 cases, almost twice the rate detected by mammography alone. The technology's higher sensitivity is notable for small and medium invasive cancers, but not large ones.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 5, 2018

Dogs can be a potential risk for future influenza pandemic

Researchers have identified influenza viruses jumping from pigs into dogs, increasing the risk of a future pandemic. The study found that these viruses can reassort with existing canine influenza viruses, producing new strains.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJun 5, 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.

CWRU School of Medicine researchers create first artificial human prion

CWRU School of Medicine researchers synthesized the first artificial human prion, offering hope for treatment and cure of brain-wasting diseases. The discovery provides a basis for understanding how mis-folded protein structure affects prion transmissibility and manifestation in humans.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2018

UCI scientists analyze first direct images of dissolved organic carbon from the ocean

A team of scientists has obtained direct images of dissolved organic carbon molecules from the ocean using atomic force microscopy. The visualization provides clues about their persistence in the marine environment and sheds light on the cycling of carbon in oceans, helping better understand the overall health of marine environments.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 5, 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.

Rigorous study finds widely used treatment for infection fails young cancer patients

A rigorous study found that ethanol-lock therapy, widely used to reduce bloodstream infections, was ineffective in preventing new or recurring infections in young cancer patients with central venous catheters. The treatment was associated with increased complications, including catheter blockages and hospitalization.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 5, 2018

Rules about technology use can undermine academic achievement

A study by Eszter Hargittai and Drew Cingel found that parents' rules on technology use can have unintended adverse consequences on their children's academic performance in college. Students whose parents justified restrictions due to homework time actually performed worse, while those with health-related reasons did better.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Communication Review·DateJun 5, 2018

Data discrepancies may affect understanding of the universe

Researchers at UT Dallas developed a tool to identify inconsistencies in cosmological data, revealing potential errors in current models. The findings suggest that either systematic errors need to be removed or the underlying model is incomplete, leading to questions about Albert Einstein's theory of gravity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJun 5, 2018

A better statistical estimation of known Syrian war victims

Researchers from Rice University and Duke University developed a new method to accurately estimate the number of identified victims killed in the Syrian civil war. Using 'hashing with statistical estimation,' they produced real-time estimates with a lower margin of error than existing methods.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Annals of Applied Statistics·DateJun 5, 2018

Engineers solve excessive heat removal from NASA's Webb Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope's instruments are shielded from excessive heat using specially designed baffles that reflect infrared radiation outward. The baffles, coated with gold to maximize reflectivity, are reinstalled before the observatory's integration at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 5, 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.

Tax hurts investment in medical device research and development

A new study by Iowa State University researchers found that a tax on medical devices significantly reduced R&D investment, sales revenue, and earnings. The tax, part of the Affordable Care Act, affected operating and marketing costs as well, but firms diversified their customer base and increased global market sales to offset the impact.

SourceIowa State University·JournalResearch Policy·DateJun 5, 2018

What effect does transcranial magnetic stimulation have on the brain?

Researchers found that TMS facilitates the reorganization of neuronal connections in the visual cortex, which could be beneficial for therapies. A short visual training after TMS treatment can remodel the maps and incorporate biases in information content.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 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.

Thousands of turtles netted off South America

New research reveals tens of thousands of sea turtles are caught each year by small-scale fishers off South America's Pacific coast, with over 16,000 killed. The study highlights Ecuador and Peru as key places to tackle this issue, which threatens critically endangered species like leatherbacks and hawksbills.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFisheries Research·DateJun 5, 2018