Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 13, 2018


New guidelines on preventing and treating 'equine strep throat'

The new guidelines provide updated clinical recommendations for treating strangles in horses, including a shift away from bacterial culture as the gold standard and new methods for determining disease-free status. The consensus statement also outlines best practices for quarantine, examination, and biosecurity protocols to prevent dise...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateMar 13, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lack of water is key stressor for urban trees

A study found that urban trees can tolerate increased heat and insect pests but struggle with water stress, highlighting the importance of hydration strategies in urban forestry management.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 13, 2018

Hunger guides mountain lions' actions to enter residential areas

Researchers found that mountain lions avoid humans when they're full, but as hunger increases, they may use backyards to hunt for food. Female mountain lions also avoid houses more than males, likely due to energy expenditure on rearing kittens.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 13, 2018

Warm summers could weaken ocean circulation

Scientists found a correlation between sea surface temperatures in the Irminger Sea, surface freshwater, and atmospheric conditions in the Labrador Sea. The study suggests that freshwater can weaken deep convection, leading to delayed onset of winter convection and potentially weakening ocean circulation.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 13, 2018

Moffitt researchers use single-cell imaging & math models to find effect drug properties

Moffitt researchers used single-cell imaging and mathematical modeling to determine the most important drug characteristics for efficient uptake by tumor cells. They found that drugs with different diffusion rates and concentrations bind effectively to cells based on their distance from blood vessels and density of drug receptors.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 13, 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.

Surprising discovery provides insights into aggressive endometrial cancers

Research at Huntsman Cancer Institute found that estrogen and glucocorticoid receptors work together to promote more aggressive endometrial cancers. The study suggests that corticosteroids, a stress hormone, can make the uterine lining stop growing but may also contribute to tumor growth when combined with high estrogen levels.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 13, 2018

Study shows bias in use of alcohol screening after traumatic brain injury

A recent study found that standardized approaches are needed to ensure all TBI patients undergo alcohol screening in the emergency department. Women and younger patients were less likely to be screened due to systemic bias, highlighting the need for updated triage processes and screening tools.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Nursing·DateMar 13, 2018

Machines see the future for patients diagnosed with brain tumors

Researchers developed AI software to predict glioma patient survival by analyzing tissue biopsies, outperforming human pathologists' predictions. The approach combines deep-learning and conventional methods to provide more accurate and consistent information for doctors.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 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.

Asthma management tools improve asthma control and reduce hospital visits

The study found that using Asthma APGAR tools reduced asthma-related emergency department, urgent care, or hospital visits by 50% and improved asthma control by 14% compared to usual care. The tools also increased adherence to National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 13, 2018

Ash from dinosaur-era volcanoes linked with shale oil, gas

A Rice University study reveals a connection between dinosaur-era volcanoes and the formation of shale gas and oil fields. The research suggests that nutrient-rich ash from thousands of volcanic eruptions led to the creation of these deposits.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 13, 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.

Researchers develop spectroscopic thermometer for nanomaterials

Scientists have created a new way to measure the temperature of materials at the nanoscale using electron energy gain spectroscopy. This technique promises to advance microelectronic devices and semiconducting materials by mapping atomic-scale vibrations due to heat.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 13, 2018

Electronic consultation system improves access to specialty care

The Champlain BASE eConsult service significantly increased specialty input, with 769 cases in April 2016 compared to four cases in April 2011. Specialists responded within three days in 75% of cases, and the system reduced wait times for specialty care once integrated into practices.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 13, 2018

Shaken, and stirred: Scaling up bioreactors' fluid dynamics

By applying analytical techniques for stirred bioreactors to orbitally shaken bioreactors, researchers reconstructed a 3D model of OSB flow and identified key features of coherent structures. The study assesses the dispersion of nutrients in OSBs using Finite-Time Lyapunov Exponent analysis.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 13, 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.

Core outcomes established for multimorbidity research

A Delphi Panel established 17 core outcomes for multimorbidity research, including health-related quality of life, mental health outcomes, and mortality. Researchers suggest considering a full range of outcomes based on study aims and interventions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 13, 2018

Gifted Lancaster scientist invited to meet Nobel Laureates

Rhiannon Edge, a young scientist from Lancaster University, has been chosen to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in June. The meeting aims to foster collaboration among world-leading researchers to improve public health through innovative health research.

SourceLancaster University·DateMar 13, 2018

Researchers bring the bling to improve implants

Australian researchers at RMIT University have successfully coated 3D printed titanium implants with diamond, improving biocompatibility and reducing bacterial attachment. The breakthrough could lead to radical improvements in biomedical implants and orthopedic procedures.

SourceRMIT University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 13, 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.

A new twist to an old story of cellular signaling in the eye of a fly

A new study reveals that the regeneration of phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate (PIP2) in the fly eye is not as straightforward as previously thought. The researchers found that PIP2 cycle may be an 'open cycle' where breakdown products are siphoned away to other biochemical pathways.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalFEBS Journal·DateMar 13, 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.

Concerns rise over transgender violence since the 2016 US presidential election

A national sample of transgender individuals reported high levels of concern about violence and discrimination related to the 2016 US Presidential election. The majority had been directly exposed to hate speech and violence, with many expressing concerns that the election may have emboldened these acts.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalViolence and Gender·DateMar 13, 2018

Flood, drought and disease tolerant -- one gene to rule them all

A single gene, LGF1, has been discovered to control the surface properties of rice, making it superhydrophobic and enabling survival during flood events. The gene also confers drought tolerance by reducing evaporation from leaf surfaces.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 13, 2018

Astronomers discover galaxies spin like clockwork

Astronomers have discovered that all galaxies rotate at the same rate, with a sharp edge containing older stars, gas, and young stars. This regularity helps understand galaxy mechanics, enabling more efficient observations and reduced processing power.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 13, 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.

UH optometrist investigates changes in eye structure in astronauts

Changes in eye structure occur in astronauts after prolonged spaceflight, including a shift in Bruch membrane opening and increase in retinal thickness closer to the optic nerve head rim margin. These changes may be caused by microgravity-associated orbital and cranial fluid shifts.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMar 13, 2018

Where language pionieer Paul Broca and alien music meet

Researchers found that the right hemisphere equivalent of Broca's area processes musical non-local dependencies, and that this processing is integrated with working memory to determine grammatical rules. The study uses a novel 'genre' of music to tease apart contributions of local and non-local dependencies.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 13, 2018

Helpful B cells lend a hand to developing neurons

B cells play a key role in helping neurons develop by stimulating axon myelination, suggesting a potential link between B cell dysfunction and neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that specific B cell antibodies promote oligodendrocyte proliferation and neuron myelination.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 13, 2018

Feeding wildlife can influence migration, spread of disease

Human-provided food resources can alter animal migration patterns and increase disease transmission, as they allow some animals to forego migration and form resident populations. This can lead to a longer parasite transmission season and support more virulent parasites, posing risks to public health and conservation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 13, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

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

A starfish cold case reopens, climate change remains suspect

Researchers at Cornell University propose a new broad nomenclature to describe the complex connections between viruses, environment, and wasting diseases among sea stars in the Pacific Northwest. Climate change remains a suspect factor in the disease outbreaks.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateMar 13, 2018

Areas where homes, forests mix increased rapidly over two decades

The study reveals that new WUI area expanded by over 46 million acres, with significant growth in the East region. The expansion poses broad challenges for natural resource management and wildfire management, highlighting the need for effective planning and policy to reduce risk.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2018

Algorithm could streamline harvesting of hand-picked crops

A team of researchers has developed an algorithm that uses GPS tracking and data analytics to optimize the harvesting of hand-picked crops. By analyzing the movement of each worker in real-time, the algorithm can predict the amount of completed boxes and improve overall efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNatural Resource Modeling·DateMar 13, 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.

Key drivers of high US healthcare spending identified

The US spends substantially more on healthcare than other high-income countries despite poor population health outcomes, primarily due to higher prices for services and administrative complexity. Quality of care in the US excels in some areas but is not markedly different from that of other countries.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateMar 13, 2018

Why economic growth does not necessarily contribute to human happiness

A new study reveals that economic growth in developed countries may not improve human happiness, but rather erodes free goods and creates social problems. The Negative Endogenous Growth Model suggests that economic systems can produce wealth from the erosion of free goods, leading to unhappiness and excessive consumption.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateMar 13, 2018

New insights into the origin of elongated heads in early medieval Germany

An international team analyzed ancient genomes of 40 early medieval people from southern Germany, revealing a diverse genetic profile among women with artificially deformed skulls. Genetic analysis points to eastern European origins and suggests long-range female mobility bridging cultural spaces.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2018

Mindfulness meditation reduces incidence of major depression

Mindfulness meditation training significantly reduces the incidence of major depressive disorder and improves depression symptoms in adults with subthreshold depression. At 12 months, the mindfulness group had an 11% lower incidence of major depressive disorder compared to the usual care group.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 13, 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.

Bone marrow edema in lower spine is common in young athletes

Young recreational and elite athletes often accumulate excess fluid in bone marrow around joint connecting spine to pelvis. Magnetic resonance imaging detects this excess fluid in healthy individuals, raising debate about diagnostic thresholds for axial spondyloarthropathy.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMar 13, 2018

Toothpaste alone does not prevent dental erosion or hypersensitivity

A study found that none of nine analyzed toothpastes mitigated enamel surface loss, a key factor in tooth erosion and dentin hypersensitivity. Researchers stress the importance of proper dental treatment, diet, and lifestyle changes to prevent these problems.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 13, 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 study fundamental interactions in soil communities

The research team aims to understand how bacteria and fungi interact in soils, which could lead to advances in plant productivity and bioenergy. By studying these fundamental interactions, they hope to develop predictive models of ecosystem behavior and inform strategies for manipulating microbial communities.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMar 13, 2018

Larger families linked to heightened tooth loss risk for moms

A large European study found that women with larger families, particularly those with three children, experience an average of 4 fewer teeth than mothers with two children. Higher levels of educational attainment and age also contribute to a lower risk of tooth loss.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 13, 2018

Breeding trouble: Meta-analysis identifies fishy issues with captive stocks

A meta-analysis of 100 studies across 44 species reveals captive-born animals have significantly lower reproductive success rates compared to their wild-born counterparts. This finding highlights the need for improvement in animal breeding programs to boost sustainability and maintain food supply.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 13, 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.

Team training can reduce patient mortality by 13 percent

A new review paper by Eduardo Salas of Rice University found that team training can significantly improve health care outcomes, including reducing patient mortality by 13 percent. The research highlights the importance of incorporating considerations such as on-the-job skill building and simulations into team training.

SourceRice University·JournalGroup & Organization Management·DateMar 13, 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.

Pterosaurs went out with a bang, not a whimper

Researchers discovered six new species of pterosaurs with remarkable diversity in size and shape, contradicting previous studies that suggested a decline before the mass extinction. The fossils date to just over 66 million years ago, revealing that these flying reptiles dominated the skies until their extinction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 2018

Warm Arctic means colder, snowier winters in northeastern US, study says

A Rutgers University study finds that warmer Arctic temperatures cause extreme winter swings in the US, leading to colder winters in northern Europe and snowier conditions. The research suggests a strong connection between Arctic warming and severe winter weather patterns in the eastern United States.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 13, 2018

Health care reform and EHR design should be built around patients' goals

A report recommends replacing problem-oriented EHRs with goal-directed designs that incorporate patient profiles, health planners, and actionable information. This shift would improve patient care and refocus medical professionals on human health's full scope.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 13, 2018

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Linda lose an 'arm'

Tropical Cyclone Linda lost a strong band of thunderstorms east of its center, weakening and fragmenting in just 9 hours. Cloud top temperatures indicate the storm's capability for heavy rain, with temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 13, 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.

World's largest cities depend on evaporated water from surrounding lands

A study by Colorado State University found that 19 megacities worldwide depend on evaporation from surrounding lands for more than one-third of their water supplies. Cities such as Karachi and Shanghai are among those most dependent on moisture recycling, while others like Cairo and Paris have less vulnerable systems.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 2018

Smartphone-assisted neuroendoscopy

A new smartphone-endoscope device allows surgeons to perform intricate neurosurgical procedures with improved efficiency, reduced scarring, and shorter recovery times. The device's high-definition image provides a clear view of the surgical site, while its portability and affordability make it an attractive option for underserved areas.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateMar 13, 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.

Double or nothing: Astronomers rethink quasar environment

Researchers have identified nearly 200 regions of galaxies gathering together to form protoclusters in the early Universe 12 billion years ago. The discovery challenges the long-held assumption that quasars are created by galaxy mergers, suggesting alternative mechanisms for quasar activity.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateMar 13, 2018

The early bird got to fly: Archaeopteryx was an active flyer

Researchers used synchrotron microtomography to reveal that Archaeopteryx had adaptations similar to those of modern flying birds, suggesting it could have flown actively. This discovery provides insight into the early evolution of dinosaurian flight and challenges previous assumptions about its lifestyle.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 13, 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.

Google's AI program: Building better algorithms for detecting eye disease

A new study published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology journal demonstrates an AI program that detects diabetic eye disease with improved accuracy by incorporating expert feedback from retina specialists. The research provides a groundwork for developing automated systems for screening patients at risk for diabetic retinopathy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateMar 13, 2018

Study debunks fears of increased teen suicide risk from popular flu drug

A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago found no link between Tamiflu and increased suicide risk in pediatric patients. However, the researchers acknowledge that doctors will still prescribe the medication with caution due to other potential side effects and limitations in the study.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 13, 2018

Oseltamivir does not increase risk of suicide in children

A new study analyzed 21,047 children and found no association between oseltamivir use and increased risk of suicide. The research used a novel study design to reduce statistical concerns and concluded that oseltamivir does not increase the risk of suicide in pediatric patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 13, 2018

Scientists create hybrid nanomaterials in fight against cancer and bacteria

Researchers have created BN/Ag hybrid nanomaterials that demonstrate effectiveness as catalysts, antibacterial agents, and drug delivery systems for treating oncological diseases. The hybrids show high potential for cancer therapy and water disinfection, offering a new approach to combatting these threats.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalBeilstein Journal of Nanotechnology·DateMar 13, 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.

Team discovers that wind moves microinvertebrates across desert

Researchers from University of Texas at El Paso discover that high desert winds disperse small invertebrates and colonize hydrologically disconnected basins. The findings have large implications for understanding the wind-aided dispersal of freshwater organisms, which are crucial to the food web.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·DateMar 13, 2018

How much snow accumulates in North America each year? More than scientists thought

Scientists at Ohio State University have revised the estimate of snow volume for North America, finding that snow accumulation in a typical year is 50% higher than previously thought. The total snow accumulation is around 1,200 cubic miles, with most of it occurring atop the Canadian Rockies and other mountain ranges.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 13, 2018

Multifunctional metalens unlocks with light

Researchers at Harvard SEAS developed a flat metalens that can resolve details smaller than a wavelength of light, generate optical vortices and holograms, and exhibit achromatic behavior in multiple colors.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 13, 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.

Using whole genome analysis to home in on racing pigeon performance

Researchers identified new genetic clues for enhanced racing pigeon performance through whole genome sequencing and gene expression analysis. They found a polygenic basis for the birds' adaptations, with key genes involved in athletic performance such as CASK, SIK1, and PTPRD.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 13, 2018

Sensor City awarded £3.5 million for 5G health and social care project

Sensor City, a joint venture between University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, has been awarded £3.5m to investigate 5G community Wi-Fi in health and social care. The project aims to reduce the digital divide and measure its impact on patient monitoring, loneliness, and communication between hospitals and communities.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMar 13, 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.

Lopsided ear function can lead to lopsided brain development

Researchers found that lopsided ear function can lead to asymmetric brain development, causing differences in motor behavior. They used mice with a genetic defect to demonstrate the link between inner ear function and brain asymmetry, which was also observed in humans with normal ear function.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 2018

Thyroid gene variation may increase risk for Alzheimer's disease in African-Americans

Researchers found that African Americans with a common genetic variation are 30% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease dementia. In contrast, European Americans without the polymorphism are not at increased risk. Further studies are needed to understand why this correlation only appears in African-Americans.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 13, 2018

Technique developed to improve appendicitis care for pediatric patients

Researchers have created a new tool to help clinicians diagnose appendicitis in children, reducing the use of CT scans and healthcare expenditures. The calculator uses data from ten pediatric emergency departments and independently validated results using data from a single children's hospital.

SourceChildren's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 13, 2018

IUPUI field-data study finds no evidence of racial bias in predictive policing

The study, led by George Mohler, found no statistically significant difference in arrest rates by ethnic group between predictive policing and standard patrol practices. The researchers also discovered that arrests were higher in algorithmically-selected areas but remained unchanged when adjusted for crime rates.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalStatistics and Public Policy·DateMar 13, 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.

Ultra-white coating modelled on beetle scales

A team of scientists at the University of Cambridge has created a super-thin, non-toxic, lightweight, edible ultra-white coating that mimics the structure of beetle scales. The material scatters light extremely efficiently, producing bright white colours without the need for pigments.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 13, 2018

Mending broken hearts with cardiomyocyte molds

A team of researchers at Michigan Technological University has created 3D substrates that mimic the natural heart environment, enabling cardiomyocytes to mature more quickly and have improved functionality. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatment options for individuals with heart injuries.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 13, 2018

Emotional suppression reduces memory of negative events

A study published in Neuropsychologia found that both conscious and unconscious emotional suppression reduce participants' memory of negative images. However, explicit emotional suppression has a greater impact on reducing negative emotions associated with the images.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateMar 13, 2018

Field-data study finds no evidence of racial bias in predictive policing

A field-data study in Los Angeles found that predictive policing did not result in biased arrests, with arrest rates by ethnic group showing no statistically significant difference. However, the researchers noted that higher crime rates and proportionally higher arrest rates were observed in algorithmically selected areas.

SourceIndiana University·JournalStatistics and Public Policy·DateMar 13, 2018

What do spacecraft, newborns and endangered shellfish have in common?

Researchers developed a microbial detection technique that can reveal previously undetectable bacteria in various environments. KatharoSeq detected bacteria on surfaces at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a neonatal intensive care unit, and an endangered abalone rearing center, revealing new insights for improving environmental health.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalmSystems·DateMar 13, 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.

Toilet-to-tap: Gross to think about, but how does it taste?

A study published in Appetite found that people prefer the taste of ID-treated wastewater to traditional tap water. The researchers also discovered that women are more likely to prefer bottled water than men and that marketing efforts should focus on similarities between ID and bottled water.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAppetite·DateMar 13, 2018

Compassion helped Neanderthals to survive, new study reveals

New research reveals Neanderthal healthcare was widespread and effective, with a focus on caring for injured peers. Despite severe injuries, individuals remained part of the group, highlighting the social significance of healthcare in Neanderthal society.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalWorld Archaeology·DateMar 13, 2018

March/April 2018 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A randomized controlled trial found that mindfulness meditation training reduced the incidence of major depressive disorder by 11% compared to usual care, while also improving depression symptoms. Additionally, comprehensive asthma management tools improved asthma control and reduced hospital visits in primary care practices.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 13, 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.

Mowing the lawn less often improves bee habitat

A study by the USDA Forest Service found that mowing lawns less frequently can significantly improve pollinator habitat, increasing flower growth and diversity of bee species. This practice is estimated to benefit an estimated 40 million acres of lawn in the US, promoting native bee populations.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMar 13, 2018

'Digistain' technology offers revolution in detailed cancer diagnosis

A new imaging technology has been developed to grade tumour biopsies, eliminating human subjectivity and variability. The Digistain method uses mid-infrared light to map out chemical changes that signal cancer onset, providing a reliable indicator of disease progression.

SourceImperial College London·JournalConvergent Science Physical Oncology·DateMar 13, 2018