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Science News for June 6, 2018


Education linked to higher risk of short-sightedness

A study published in The BMJ found that spending more years in full-time education is associated with a greater risk of developing myopia. Every additional year of education was linked to more myopia, with university graduates being at least 1 dioptre more myopic than those who left school earlier.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 6, 2018

Neighborhoods can help buffer impacts from childhood poverty

A study by San Francisco State University and UCSF found that higher opportunity neighborhoods can protect children from negative health impacts associated with growing up poor. Living in such neighborhoods may mitigate stress, improve physical health, and lower cortisol levels.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJun 6, 2018

Internet search data shows link between anti-Muslim and pro-ISIS searches in the US

A new analysis of US internet search data found a strong association between anti-Muslim and pro-ISIS searches in ethnically alike communities with high poverty levels. The study suggests that counterterrorism policies targeting Muslims may inadvertently increase radicalization in these communities.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 6, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

It's about time: Immediate rewards boost workplace motivation

New Cornell research finds that immediate rewards increase intrinsic motivation by increasing positive experience of a task. This can lead to improved persistence and motivation, with important implications for employee motivation and loyalty programs.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 6, 2018

Preterm newborns sleep better in NICU while hearing their mother's voice

A new study found that playing a recording of a mother reading stories can improve sleep in preterm newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit. The research involved 20 near-term and 27 premature infants born between 33-34 weeks, with results showing reduced likelihood of wakefulness during peak noise levels.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 6, 2018

When did animals leave their first footprint on Earth?

Researchers discovered fossil footprints for animal appendages in the Ediacaran Period in South China, revealing evidence of early animal life. The trackways indicate that bilaterian animals with paired appendages existed during this period, raising questions about their evolutionary origins.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 6, 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.

Airlines and passengers save billions through crew planning

According to a Dartmouth College study, airlines can avoid 60-80 percent of crew-related delays through sophisticated crew scheduling practices. This results in savings of up to $13 billion system-wide each year in terms of reduction in delay costs to airlines and consumers.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalTransportation Science·DateJun 6, 2018

Transparent, conductive films promising for developing flexible screens

Researchers demonstrate large-scale fabrication of transparent conductive electrode film based on nanopatterned silver, offering high-performance and long-lasting option for use with flexible screens. The silver-based films could also enable flexible solar cells and improve existing flexible displays.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateJun 6, 2018

Urinary markers predict bone problems after hip replacement

Researchers identified urinary markers that differentiate between hip replacement patients who develop bone tissue destruction and those who do not. The combination of α-CTX and IL-6 biomarkers predicted osteolysis with high accuracy.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateJun 6, 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.

Breeding better Brazilian rice

Researchers at Embrapa have developed improved rice varieties with increased yields and reduced plant height, allowing for more efficient use of resources. Over a 45-year period, grain yield improved by an average of 0.62-0.73% per year, resulting in thousands of pounds in increased yield for farmers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJun 6, 2018

How the brain performs flexible computations

Researchers identified a neural strategy that enables the brain to rapidly select and perform different mental operations. The brain uses a combination of internal cues and external inputs to control movement times flexibly, allowing for novel computations on the fly.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateJun 6, 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.

Fungicide impairs silk production, according to study

A study has revealed that pyraclostrobin, a widely used fungicide, impairs silk production in silkworms by increasing caterpillar mortality up to three times and reducing cocoons size. This finding suggests that pesticide poisoning may be one of the causes of the decline in Brazilian silkworm cocoon production.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateJun 6, 2018

Scientists work to dissolve the NETs that worsen TBI damage

Researchers have found evidence that dissolving NETs can reduce swelling and improve blood flow after traumatic brain injuries. A drug called DNase, which is currently used to thin out lung mucus in cystic fibrosis, appears to dissolve NETs and has shown promise in reducing swelling and improving recovery.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJun 6, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Human drug addiction behaviors tied to specific impairments in 6 brain networks

Research reveals that impaired neural mechanisms in six large-scale brain networks contribute to human drug addiction behaviors, affecting cognition, emotional processing, and decision-making. The study identifies consistent impairments in brain function across these networks, which can inform the development of targeted treatment inte...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateJun 6, 2018

Restricting unwanted immune reactions

Scientists at the University of Münster have decoded a mechanism that regulates the release of S100A8/S100A9 protein complexes, which can trigger or amplify inflammatory reactions. The researchers aim to develop new treatment options for autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 6, 2018

NUST MISIS scientists prove the toxicity of silver nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles have been found to be highly toxic to Danio fish embryos, with flat particles being more toxic than spherical ones. The research suggests that the toxicity of nanosilver is due to the presence of nanoparticles themselves, not just silver ions.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateJun 6, 2018

Targeting strategy may open door to better cancer drug delivery

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new nanoparticle-based drug delivery system that targets cancer cells using mechanical properties of diseased cells. The 'mechanotargeting' approach outperforms existing 'chemotargeting' strategy in delivering drugs to targeted cells.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 6, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Pollution hits the fungi that nourish European trees

A large-scale study found that tree fungi communities are stressed by pollution across 20 European countries. The study revealed thresholds of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus beyond which the community of mycorrhizal fungi changes.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2018

Recorded calls beat Facebook ads in getting residents to request free smoke alarm

A Baltimore campaign found that automated phone calls were more effective than Facebook ads in encouraging residents to request free smoke alarm installations. The campaign, which ran in 2014, reached over 90,000 households via landline and resulted in 458 requests for smoke alarms, compared to just 25 from Facebook ads.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateJun 6, 2018

Tumultuous galaxy mergers better at switching on black holes

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder found that single activations of black holes occur more often in mismatched galaxy mergers, where one galaxy is huge and the other is puny. This is because violent collisions lead to less gas and dust falling onto black holes, making it less likely for two black holes to become active.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJun 6, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

A laser that smells like a hound

University of Adelaide researchers have developed a laser that can measure gas composition in under one second with high accuracy and precision. The device uses patterns of light absorption to differentiate between different gas compounds, mimicking the sensitive nose of a bloodhound.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 6, 2018

'Super window' could save $10 billion annually in energy costs

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a 'thin triple' super window design that is seven times more insulating than a single-glazed window. The new technology could save $10 billion annually in energy costs, outperforming insulated walls in winter.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJun 6, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

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

Different outdoor professions carry different risks for skin cancer

A new study of 563 participants found significant differences in skin cancer risk among outdoor professionals, with mountain guides facing the greatest threat. The research highlights the need for tailored prevention efforts based on individual profession and environmental factors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·DateJun 6, 2018

Desert bighorn sheep are crossing Interstate 40 in California

Research reveals that desert bighorn sheep have begun crossing Interstate 40, potentially increasing genetic diversity among populations but also risking disease transmission. The ability to cross may be attributed to individual animals discovering a new route.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJun 6, 2018

New link identified between inflammation and depression in type-1 diabetes

Research published in Endocrine Connections found that individuals with type-1 diabetes and depression have higher galectin-3 levels, a protein involved in inflammatory immune responses. Elevated galectin-3 levels were also linked to an increased risk of inflammatory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalEndocrine Connections·DateJun 6, 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.

Aircraft microbiome much like that of homes and offices, study finds

Researchers found that airline passengers' bacterial communities have much in common with those surrounding people at home and office environments. The core airplane microbiome included genera Propionibacterium, Burkholderia, Staphylococcus, and Strepococcus (oralis).

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalMicrobial Ecology·DateJun 6, 2018

How plants work on the inside

Researchers at Technical University of Munich discovered a new regulator called PAX that helps cells determine their respective cell types in vascular tissue. The discovery sheds light on how plants develop new leaves, branches, and roots over weeks, months, and years.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2018

How do you weigh a galaxy? Especially the one you're in?

A new technique combines satellite galaxies' motions with computer simulations to estimate a galaxy's mass. The method yields more reliable results than previous methods, especially for large datasets generated by current and future surveys.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateJun 6, 2018

Human encouragement might influence how dogs solve problems

A new Oregon State University study reveals that human encouragement significantly influences how dogs solve problems. Search and rescue dogs outperformed pet dogs when encouraged by their owners, but only solved the task independently after receiving social cues from their owners.

SourceOregon State University·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·DateJun 6, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Study explores options that optimize profit in broadband satellite constellations

A study at the University of Illinois explores cost-effective options for providing global broadband services by launching satellites into orbit. The research suggests designing a satellite constellation that provides regional coverage first, then expands stage by stage to maximize profit.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalActa Astronautica·DateJun 6, 2018

Killing bacteria by silencing genes may be alternative to antibiotics

Researchers have created new antibiotics that target specific genes in C. difficile bacteria, allowing for precise killing of the infection while sparing other beneficial gut bacteria. The antisense therapy approach has great potential for treating hospital-acquired infections.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Antibiotics·DateJun 6, 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.

A better way to trace neuronal pathways

A new technology improves on retrograde viral tracing, enabling neuroscientists to study the connectivity of specific neurons and their functions. The 'receptor complementation' strategy eliminates tropism, a common problem in retrograde tracing, allowing for more accurate results.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNeuron·DateJun 6, 2018

A common electronic language for magnetic resonance

A UNIGE-led team of chemists has created a common electronic language, NMReDATA, to process organic molecule data. This standardizes the translation of spectra, enabling easy export and reuse of data, and paving the way for an international, open-access database and AI analysis.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalMagnetic Resonance in Chemistry·DateJun 6, 2018

What does the future hold for the children of the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil?

Researchers developed a mouse model to investigate the potential long-term symptoms of congenital Zika virus infection, finding weight loss, cognitive deficits, and impaired motor function. Infliximab, a TNF-α inhibitor, showed promise in reducing seizures in young mice, offering new hope for public health crisis

SourcePublicase International·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 6, 2018

World's most efficient production of succinate from carbon dioxide

Researchers discovered that increasing cyanobacteria growth temperature boosts succinate production by 7.5 times, thanks to genetic engineering and dynamic metabolome analysis. The study uses Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 as a model organism to develop more efficient metabolic pathways.

SourceKobe University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateJun 6, 2018

Salt Lake's light rail trains are air quality sleuths

The TRAX project is the only known transit-based mobile air quality network in North America. It has mapped out where and when different pollutants are present along its route, providing valuable insights into air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJun 6, 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.

Drug combination offers more effective care for patients suffering miscarriage

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that a two-drug combination of mifepristone and misoprostol can effectively complete miscarriages, reducing the need for surgical intervention. The study showed that 91.2% of women experienced gestational sac expulsion after receiving the treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 6, 2018

California's other gold

Sea urchin researchers found that understanding local dynamics can make fishing resource management more effective. The study quantified the relationship between uni quality and fishermen's behavior, revealing a predictable pattern that links seasonal reproductive cycles to fishing patterns.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 6, 2018

Seeing the light? -- Study illuminates how quantum magnets mimic light

A recent study validates a theory on quantum magnets behaving like photons of light, opening up new possibilities for understanding light's properties. The research team used neutron spectrometers to detect the presence of emergent electric and magnetic fields in a material called praseodymium hafnate.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 6, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Are two cancer immunotherapy drugs better than one?

Researchers investigating combination therapies have encountered disappointing results. However, experts advocate for well-planned, randomized mid-stage trials to increase the chances of successful combined immunotherapies before Phase III trials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 6, 2018

Patenting marine genetic resources: Who owns ocean biodiversity?

A single transnational corporation has registered 47% of marine genetic sequences, while entities in only 10 countries account for 98% of patents. The study highlights the need for a legal framework to regulate access and use of marine genetic resources beyond national jurisdiction.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 6, 2018

NASA observes the formation of Tropical Storm Aletta

Tropical Storm Aletta formed on June 5 over the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing its development. The storm strengthened into a tropical depression and later a tropical storm, moving westward at 7 mph, expected to become a hurricane by June 7.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 6, 2018

A new method for solving a series of global optimization problems developed

Scientists from Lobachevsky University have created a new algorithm to solve a series of global optimization problems, ensuring uniform convergence and efficient parallel processing. The research aimed to develop an approach that would accurately estimate solutions for all problems in the series simultaneously.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalLobachevskii Journal of Mathematics·DateJun 6, 2018

Want narcissists to donate to your cause? Make it about them

Researchers found that appeals asking narcissists to put themselves in the recipient's circumstances were more effective at provoking concern and donations. The study, published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, suggests using vivid pictures and first-person stories to engage narcissistic donors.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 6, 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.

Inexpensive detector is like 'Velcro®' for cancer cells

A new sensor detects prostate cancer cells in blood samples with high efficiency, using a low-cost method that resembles Velcro. The device captures tumor cells from circulation, enabling doctors to diagnose the disease earlier and monitor its effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 6, 2018

What doctors wear really does matter, study finds

A study of over 4,000 patients found that doctors' attire can significantly impact patient satisfaction. Formal wear scored highest, followed by scrubs with a white coat, and was particularly popular among older adults and those in certain medical specialties.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 6, 2018

Link found between neurotransmitter imbalance, brain connectivity in those with autism

A study at the University of Missouri-Columbia has identified a link between neurotransmitter imbalance and brain connectivity in individuals with autism. The research found that those with low functional connectivity tended to have impaired listening comprehension and reduced balance of excitatory to inhibitory neurotransmitter levels.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJun 6, 2018

International 'A' team debuts brain cancer atlas

A new atlas maps out comprehensive information on glioblastoma at the cellular and molecular levels, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment. The atlas, created by an international team led by Jill S. Barnholtz-Sloan, provides a road map of different cells and potential molecular changes in glioblastoma tumors.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 2018

Study on economics of fishing on the high seas

A new study by National Geographic Society researchers found that 54% of high seas fishing industry is unprofitable at current scale without large government subsidies. The global cost of fishing in high seas ranged between $6.2 billion and $8 billion USD, with profits ranging from a loss of $364 million to a profit of $1.4 billion USD.

SourceNational Geographic Society·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 6, 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.

A typical communication pattern of people with Alzheimer's disease

Researchers from Kumamoto University analyzed over 107 Alzheimer's patients and found that face-saving responses are a common communication pattern in the disease. The study suggests that these responses may indicate conflicted feelings about questions that patients cannot answer correctly.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 6, 2018

Do arthritis treatments provide mental health benefits?

A recent review of over 70 clinical trials found that rheumatoid arthritis treatments alone are unlikely to improve mental health outcomes. Instead, integrated psychological support alongside routine care may achieve optimal mental health outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and depression.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJun 6, 2018

Is a stress shot on the horizon?

Researchers found that immunizing with Mycobacterium vaccae creates a lasting stress-resilient phenotype in the brain by blocking sensitizing effects of stress. This could lead to new probiotic-based immunizations for PTSD and anxiety, or treatments for depression.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJun 6, 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.

Optimal sleep linked to lower risks for dementia and early death

A study of Japanese adults aged 60 found that short and long daily sleep durations were risk factors for dementia and premature death. Participants with optimal sleep duration (5-6.9 hours) had a lower risk of dementia and death compared to those with shorter or longer sleep durations.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 6, 2018

New data-mining technique offers most-vivid picture of Martian mineralogy

A new data-mining technique developed by Carnegie's Shaunna Morrison improves the understanding of Mars' geologic history and habitability. By analyzing mineral compositions and unit cell dimensions, scientists gained a more detailed picture of Martian minerals, including their origins and alteration processes.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalAmerican Mineralogist·DateJun 6, 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.

Disaster recovery requires rebuilding livelihoods

A new Michigan State University study found that disaster recovery policies must consider the livelihood portfolio of families to avoid long-term devastation. The research focused on the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake in China, where rebuilding efforts inadvertently worsened poverty and environmental degradation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcological Economics·DateJun 6, 2018

Stem-cell niche for 10 billion colon cells a day

The human intestine constantly regenerates itself, with 10 billion epithelial cells replaced each day. Researchers have identified the stem-cell niche responsible for providing the activating signal to these stem cells, called Gli1-positive cells surrounding crypts.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2018

Excess zinc in muscles contributes to wasting syndrome in cancer

A new study from Columbia University Irving Medical Center suggests that excess zinc in muscles contributes to cachexia, a debilitating muscle-wasting syndrome affecting 80% of advanced cancer patients. The discovery could pave the way for developing drugs to treat or prevent muscle wasting in cancer patients.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 6, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Sensor detects whiff of bad breath

Researchers developed a sensor that can detect halitosis with high sensitivity and portability, providing doctors with a convenient test for diagnosing the condition. The sensor uses a color-changing chemical reaction to detect traces of hydrogen sulfide gas in breath samples.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 6, 2018

New nuclear medicine method shows promise for better detection of neuroendocrine tumors

Researchers have developed a new nuclear medicine procedure that can safely and effectively detect cancerous gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The novel radiolabeled tracer Ga-OPS202 has been shown to improve imaging contrast and sensitivity for detecting primary tumors or liver metastases.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 6, 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.

Inside the brains of killer bees

Researchers examined neuropeptide changes in aggressive and non-aggressive Africanized honeybees, finding that specific peptides can trigger aggression. The study provides new insights into the neurological basis for honeybee behavior, highlighting the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJun 6, 2018

Older breast cancer patients in England less likely to survive

Breast cancer patients aged 70 and over in England have a higher risk of mortality due to reduced surgical intervention compared to other countries. Patients with stage three breast cancer in England are also more likely to not receive surgery, which has been linked to poorer survival rates.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJun 6, 2018

Scientists create 'genetic atlas' of proteins in human blood

Researchers have created a comprehensive genetic atlas of human plasma proteins, identifying nearly 2,000 genetic associations with almost 1,500 proteins. This discovery promises to aid in the development of new drugs and enhance our understanding of various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 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.

Combination drug therapy effectively treats male infertility

A new study found that combination CC+AZ therapy is safe and effective for patients with elevated estradiol or low testosterone/estradiol ratios. The treatment improves testosterone levels and reduces estradiol levels by lowering conversion of testosterone to estradiol.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateJun 6, 2018

Bioengineers identify safer way to make rugby tackles

Researchers have identified a safer way to make rugby tackles by reducing the impact on the head. The recommended techniques include tackling at the lower trunk and avoiding high-impact tackles to the upper trunk. These strategies aim to minimize the risk of concussions and other head injuries.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateJun 6, 2018

Lab-grown neurons improve breathing in rodents after spinal cord injury

Researchers at Drexel University successfully transplanted V2a interneurons into injured rodent spinal cords, improving respiratory function and demonstrating potential for future treatment of paralyzed patients. The study capitalizes on previous findings that these cells contribute to plasticity and self-repair in the spinal cord.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJun 6, 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.

Organic insect deterrent for agriculture

Researchers at TUM have developed a biodegradable insect deterrent that repels pests without poisoning them, potentially saving bees and other beneficial insects. The new product is produced by bacteria that use terpenoid-based compounds to protect themselves from pests, offering an alternative to traditional synthetic pesticides.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJun 6, 2018

Study examines how pathogens affect bird migration

Researchers found that haemosporidians impede migratory performance in infected birds, causing them to arrive later at breeding grounds. Infected individuals have elevated white blood cell counts, indicating an immune response that may divert resources from migration.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateJun 6, 2018

Single molecular insulator pushes boundaries of current state of the art

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a single molecular insulator that can effectively block leakage current in transistors, paving the way for smaller and more efficient devices. The breakthrough uses quantum interference-based approach to create a novel technique for blocking tunnelling conduction at the nanoscale.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2018

Risk assessment tools may increase incarcerations rates

A new study by Rice University sociologist Robert Werth suggests that risk assessment tools in the US parole system contribute to higher incarceration rates. The study found that these tools consider everyone a risk, leading to an environment where most people are supervised closely.

SourceRice University·JournalSocial & Legal Studies·DateJun 6, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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

New research identifies how blind cavefish lose their eyes

A new study led by the NIH identified roles for over two dozen genes shared with humans, many linked to human eye disorders, in causing cavefish blindness. Epigenetic regulation mechanisms have been found to play a key role in this process.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 6, 2018

Social media images of culture can predict economic trends in cities

Researchers used social media images of cultural events to create a model that predicts neighborhoods with high wellbeing and gentrification. The study found a correlation between cultural capital and neighborhood growth, providing insights for city planners to prevent displacement.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physics·DateJun 6, 2018

As solar wind blows, our heliosphere balloons

The solar wind pressure increase in 2014 led to a change in the shape of our heliosphere. The boundaries of the heliosphere expanded outward as particles rebounded off their edges. This expansion can be seen in the increased density of energetic neutral atoms detected by IBEX, which have been traveling through space and returned to Earth.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 6, 2018

Teenage girls are more impacted by sleepiness than teen boys are

A recent study found that teenage girls reported a higher degree of interference of daytime sleepiness on multiple aspects of their school and personal activities compared to boys. The study also showed that girls were more likely to miss school due to tiredness and felt less motivated in school because of poor sleep quality.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 6, 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.

Simpler model gets to the point with proteins

Rice University researchers develop a molecular modeling framework that combines experimental data with coarse-grained simulations, enabling more accurate protein dynamics modeling. The technique reveals unanticipated molecular properties and can be scaled up to larger systems, reducing simulation time by hours.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·DateJun 6, 2018

Early indicators of bone loss after hip replacement discovered

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center identified two biomarkers that indicate patients likely to develop osteolysis, a condition causing joint loosening and potential revision surgery. These biomarkers can be detected up to six years before diagnosis.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateJun 6, 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.

New tools reveal prelude to chaos

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed mathematical tools that determine when randomness emerges in stochastic systems, describing the kinetics before dissolving into randomness. The tools have potential to predict onset of chaos in nanoparticles to checking accounts.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 6, 2018

Mangos help promote gut health

A new study suggests that eating mangos may be more effective than taking a comparable amount of fiber in relieving constipation. The research found that mango polyphenols helped improve gut health by reducing markers of inflammation and changing the microbiome.

SourceWeber Shandwick Chicago·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateJun 6, 2018