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Science News for March 6, 2018


Chronic ill-health and the chances of surviving a heart attack

Patients with pre-existing health conditions are more likely to die after a heart attack due to the lack of specific guidelines. The study found that clustering of chronic conditions affects mortality rates, with those in high multimorbidity groups having poorer outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 6, 2018

Portland State receives $1 million grant to aid STEM transfer students

The university aims to improve STEM transfer student success by providing academically promising, low-income community college students with opportunities for relationships with faculty, advisors, and fellow students. PSU will offer substantial course-based research experiences and individual internships or independent research projects.

SourcePortland State University·DateMar 6, 2018

Moving toward a future free of drug-induced hearing loss

A new special publication compiled by leading hearing experts highlights the latest research on drug-induced hearing loss. The study reveals that ototoxicity affects millions of people worldwide, particularly those age 75 or older, and emphasizes the need for better monitoring and detection of hearing loss over time.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateMar 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.

Overlooked cell key player in preventing age-related vision loss

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that Müller glia play a crucial role in preserving retinal synapses and preventing vision loss in macular degeneration. The research suggests that Müller glia are an important therapeutic target for treating degenerative eye diseases.

SourceDuke University·DateMar 6, 2018

Scientists seek unfiltered truth about 'light' cigarettes

Researchers from Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and other institutions study the effects of ventilated filter cigarettes on smoking behavior, addiction potential, and lung cancer risk. They aim to inform FDA decisions on regulating cigarette design changes, ultimately moving toward safer products.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMar 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.

Comet Chury formed by a catastrophic collision

A team of researchers proposes a new scenario for the formation of Comet Chury, suggesting it formed through a gentle encounter between two comets, preserving its primordial composition. This process allows for the survival of small bodies like Chury, which would otherwise be destroyed by collisions in the regions where they orbit.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 6, 2018

Many small differences contribute to a large variation

Researchers found that multiple small differences, rather than a single factor, explain the large variation in how people respond to drugs. The study used systems biology and metabolomics techniques to analyze protein and metabolite concentrations in cell culture experiments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Systems·DateMar 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.

UGA researchers develop new method to improve crops

Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new technique called epimutagenesis that allows them to selectively activate silenced genes in plants, resulting in increased resistance to drought and disease. This method has the potential to create crop varieties with improved yield and adaptability.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2018

University of Guelph researchers reveal new way to potentially fight Ebola

Researchers at the University of Guelph have made a breakthrough in combating Ebola with an innovative antibody delivery method. The approach delivers monoclonal antibodies through a viral vector, bypassing the need for a natural immune response, offering 100-per-cent protection against Ebola infection in mice.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 6, 2018

Logo recognition associated with kids' choice of international junk foods

A new study from the University of Maryland School of Public Health found that kids who easily identified international food logos preferred them over local options. The research team gathered data from 2422 children in six countries, showing a strong association between logo recognition and junk food preferences.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Children and Media·DateMar 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.

Frequent 'I-Talk' may signal proneness to emotional distress

Researchers found that frequent use of first-person singular pronouns may indicate a tendency towards negative emotionality, rather than depression alone. High levels of 'I-talk' were linked to anxiety and other negative emotions, suggesting it could be a broader risk factor for mental health concerns.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 6, 2018

Strict eating schedule can lower Huntington disease protein in mice

Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that restricting food access to a six-hour window per day stimulated autophagy and lowered mutant huntingtin protein levels in mice with Huntington disease. This suggests a potential new treatment approach for the disorder, which could be complementary to existing therapies.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateMar 6, 2018

Salk scientists find power switch for muscles

Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified ERRγ as a key player in delivering benefits associated with endurance exercise. By increasing ERRγ, they found that skeletal muscle energy production and endurance were restored, making it a potential therapeutic target for conditions such as muscular dystrophy.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 6, 2018

Bacteria resistant to last-resort antibiotic, missed by standard tests

Researchers at Emory University have discovered heteroresistance to colistin in already carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, making it harder to monitor and treat. The findings pose a significant threat to public health, highlighting the need for novel diagnostics to rapidly detect colistin resistance.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalmBio·DateMar 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.

Escape artist

Researchers from the University of Toronto discovered that Captorhinus, a small reptile from the Early Permian period, could detach its tail to escape predators. The reptiles had naturally occurring cracks in their vertebrae that allowed them to break away and escape relatively unharmed.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 6, 2018

Engineering a new spin for disease diagnostics

A new liquid biopsy platform uses centrifugal microfluidics to isolate and enrich circulating disease biomarkers from patient blood, promising a less invasive diagnostic procedure. The technique, called μCENSE, separates vesicles containing biomarkers using centrifugal force, reducing extraction time from hours to minutes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateMar 6, 2018

Cleaning nanowires to get out more light

Researchers developed LEDs made of dislocation-free aluminum-gallium-nitride nanowires, which can efficiently extract light due to air gaps between nanowires via scattering. Treating the nanowires with a diluted potassium-hydroxide solution suppresses surface reabsorption, leading to a 49.7% enhancement in ultraviolet light output power.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Photonics·DateMar 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.

Current deforestation pace will intensify global warming, study alerts

A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that deforestation could lead to a significant rise in global temperatures if not addressed. The research, led by Paulo Artaxo, used computer modeling and found that the loss of tropical forests would intensify global warming by 0.8°C on average.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2018

Towards an unconscious neural reinforcement intervention for common fears

Researchers have created an innovative method to alleviate common fears by reading out unconscious brain activity and associating feared objects with positive feelings. By using a mental exercise game and leveraging artificial intelligence algorithms, participants can become desensitized to phobic stimuli without encountering the feare...

SourceATR Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2018

Researchers reshape the energy landscape of phonons in nanocrystals

Scientists have discovered a new way to modify phonon response in nanomaterials by harnessing zero-point energy, opening up possibilities for nanophotonics and nanoelectronics applications. The researchers created hybrid nanosystems with novel optical phonon properties.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 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.

Study reveals how the brain tracks objects in motion

A new study from MIT reveals that the brain uses both speed and rhythmic patterns to track objects in motion, leading to more accurate estimates. Researchers found that participants made better predictions when they had access to information about both speed and timing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2018

Paying attention as the eyes move

Researchers found that the primate brain quickly and efficiently shifts attention with each eye movement in a well-synchronized manner. This synchronization allows for optimal processing of relevant stimuli across saccades. The study's findings have implications for understanding disorders like schizophrenia and visual neglect.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2018

Different strokes for different folks

Research reveals that individuals have different mindsets depending on their consumption goals, affecting how they perceive risk, product uniqueness, and purchase intentions. Marketers can improve sales by aligning selling cues with product types and customer inclinations.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateMar 6, 2018

Neurocognitive impairment linked to worse outcomes after total joint replacement

Research finds that patients with undiagnosed neurocognitive deficits have poorer short-term outcomes after hip and knee replacements. Neurocognitive impairment was prevalent in older patients and those with depression, leading to increased hospital resources and slower physical therapy progress.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Arthroplasty·DateMar 6, 2018

The Forsyth Institute expands key human microbiome database

The expanded Human Oral Microbiome Database (eHOMD) now contains 772 species, providing a wealth of information for researchers studying oral health and overall wellness. The database's expansion will facilitate work on fighting infectious diseases and better understanding human health and disease.

SourceForsyth Institute·DateMar 6, 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.

Poor mothers face greater scrutiny over their children's weight

A new study found that low-income mothers, especially black and Latina mothers, are subject to greater scrutiny over their children's weight. The mothers worry about losing custody of their kids if they can't meet the health standards.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMar 6, 2018

What the smell can tell

Researchers have developed a detection system for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by modern museum artifacts, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of their preservation status. The system uses gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry to identify characteristic VOC patterns, enabling the classification of degradation states.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 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.

Our circadian clock sets the rhythm for our cells' powerhouses

Researchers discovered that the fission protein Drp1 is controlled by an internal biological clock, which determines the design of mitochondrial networks and their energy capacity. Impairing this rhythm leads to a decline in energy production, with potential therapeutic applications for diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 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.

Spicing it up: High school students may prefer seasoned veggies over plain

Researchers found that high school students preferred seasoned vegetables, except for sweet potatoes, and the seasonings were developed specifically with school dietary guidelines in mind. This simple recipe modification could result in more students eating vegetables and less food waste in schools.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateMar 6, 2018

Scientists engineer crops to conserve water, resist drought

Researchers have improved crop water-use-efficiency by 25% without compromising yield, using a single gene. The team increased photosynthetic protein PsbS levels to conserve water, allowing plants to grow faster and yield more during dry spells.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2018

Lithium-related discovery could extend battery life and improve safety

Researchers at Arizona State University have made a significant breakthrough in lithium-metal batteries, discovering a way to mitigate dendrite growth that can reduce energy density and cause fires or explosions. The new solution involves using a 3D layer of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the substrate for lithium metal anode.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 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.

Estimating lives saved by England's NHS Health Check program

The NHS Health Check programme is estimated to prevent around 300 premature deaths annually, with feasible changes potentially tripling the benefits. The programme improves population health and reduces health inequalities by targeting high-risk adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 6, 2018

Alzheimer's research: Christian Haass receives 'Brain Prize'

Four neuroscientists, including Christian Haass, receive the Brain Prize for their work on the genetic and molecular bases of Alzheimer's disease. Their research has revolutionised understanding of the changes in the brain that lead to Alzheimer's, with potential implications for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·DateMar 6, 2018

Dynamic processing in 5G networks

IMDEA Networks Institute and TELCARIA launch project to achieve high performance and dynamic traffic processing in 5G networks. The research aims to separate processing from factors like location, time, scaling, and hardware, enabling scalable and flexible network design.

SourceIMDEA Networks Institute·DateMar 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.

New test extends window for accurate detection of Zika

A new blood test for Zika virus can detect the virus up to 8 weeks after infection, providing a powerful tool for screening pregnant women and adults. The test, called ZIKV-NS2B-concat ELISA, is faster, less expensive, and more accurate than existing options, with rates of false positives and false negatives of less than 5%.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmBio·DateMar 6, 2018

NASA examines Tropical Cyclone Dumazile's flooding rainfall

Tropical Cyclone Dumazile brought extremely heavy rainfall to Madagascar, with over 210 mm of precipitation reported along the northeastern coast. The GPM satellite detected intense bands of rain and storms dropping rain at rates of up to 160 mm/hour, causing widespread flooding.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 6, 2018

Rigor mortis in worms offers new insight into death

A study using worms has discovered the mechanisms involved when multicellular organisms die, particularly as a result of old age. The research found that death spreads through the organism via cellular necrosis, triggered by calcium release, leading to muscle hypercontraction and rigor mortis.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 6, 2018

Supportive colleagues could be the key to health and fairness at work

A new study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found a clear link between a person's health and their perceptions of fairness at work over time. Colleague support was identified as the most significant factor in this link, suggesting that organisations should foster a supportive culture among colleagues to ensur...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateMar 6, 2018

Untapped gold mine is lost from end-of-life vehicles

A new database charts Europe's urban mine, revealing vast quantities of scarce metals in vehicles and electrical equipment. The EU's dependence on imported metals poses a strategic and economic risk, and recycling is crucial for the transition to greener technologies.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·DateMar 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.

The growing trend of youth sports specialization

Research finds that 54.7% of parents encourage their children to specialize in a single sport, increasing injury risk and burnout. Sports specialization can decrease enjoyment due to excessive training and limit cross-training benefits.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 6, 2018

Fish team up for more food

Researchers observed cooperative behavior in Neolamprologus obscurus fish, excavating stones to create shelter and increase food abundance. The study found that helpers played a crucial role in maintaining and expanding these shelters, leading to increased prey abundance and improved breeding success.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 6, 2018

Physicists lay groundwork to better understand the birth of the universe

Physicists Sebastian Deffner and Anthony Bartolotta developed techniques for describing the thermodynamics of very small systems with high energy, which could lead to a better understanding of the birth of the universe. They found that in their model system, the system was more likely to return multiple particles upon sending in just one.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMar 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.

CRISPR enhances cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at WashU Medicine used CRISPR to engineer human T cells that can attack human T cell cancers without succumbing to friendly fire. The new approach also allows for the use of therapeutic T cells from any healthy donor, eliminating the need for a matched donor or patient's own T cells.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalLeukemia·DateMar 6, 2018

Does single PSA test have effect on prostate cancer detection, death?

A single PSA test increased detection of low-risk prostate cancer, but made no significant difference in prostate cancer deaths after 10 years. This study suggests that current policy against prostate cancer screening may be justified, as potential benefits are outweighed by harms from overdetection and overtreatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 6, 2018

Enhanced weathering of rocks can help to suck CO2 out of the air -- a little

The enhanced weathering process has the potential to remove up to 4.9 billion tons of CO2 per year from the atmosphere if basalt is used, but its costs and trade-offs are significant. The study suggests that basalt could be a more sustainable option than dunite, which contains harmful substances.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 6, 2018

For blind gamers, equal access to racing video games

A new audio-based interface called RAD enables visually impaired players to experience full 3D graphics and complex racetracks in racing video games. The system uses sonification techniques to provide players with relevant information, allowing them to form a plan of action and compete at the same level as sighted players.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateMar 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.

Reality television played a key role in taking Trump from apprentice to president

Researchers found that viewers' parasocial bonds with Trump formed through his reality TV shows contributed to his election, making voters more likely to like him and believe his promises. The study suggests that this phenomenon can explain the surprise of many Trump voters who crossed party lines.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 6, 2018

Controlling ceramides could help treat heart disease

A study published in Cell Reports found that accumulating ceramides can lead to lipotoxic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition often associated with diabetes and obesity. Researchers discovered potential therapeutic targets to prevent or reverse the effects of this condition.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 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.

The final frontier's final frontier

A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's NSF Center for Space, High-performance, and Resilient Computing has developed a radiation-resistant computer capable of high-performance computing in space. The system will be launched on the International Space Station and is nearly three times more powerful than its predecessor.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateMar 6, 2018

BU study: Insurance status affects in-hospital complication rates after total knee arthroplasty

A recent study by Boston University School of Medicine found that cardiac events and urinary tract infections were more common in Medicare patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The study also showed increased risks of central nervous system complications, gastrointestinal issues, and mortality among Medicare patients compared to...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalOrthopedics·DateMar 6, 2018

Pain's origins may be significantly different in males and females

A recent study found that a specific manipulation of dopamine receptors impairs chronic pain in male mice but has no effect on females. The researchers suggest that different types of cells drive the development of pain in males and females, leading to the potential for sex-specific pain relief medications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateMar 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.

Conservationists find birds in central African rain forest are facing major threats from bushmeat hunting

A new study finds that large forest birds such as raptors and hornbills are being killed for bushmeat, leading to a decline in their populations. The research also reveals a surprising link between education levels and hunting habits, suggesting that higher education levels may be contributing to the problem.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMar 6, 2018

Waterfalls offer insights into how rivers shape their surrounds

A study of waterfalls found that river bed rock composition plays a crucial role in shaping the surrounding landscape over time. The research revealed that changes to the river bed material significantly impact how quickly waterfalls migrate upstream.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 6, 2018

A treasure trove for nanotechnology experts

A team from EPFL and NCCR Marvel has identified more than 1,000 materials with a particularly interesting 2D structure, paving the way for groundbreaking technological applications. The researchers developed an algorithm to analyze 100,000 materials, creating a database of promising 2D materials.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 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.

Cannabis compound may help curb frequency of epileptic seizures

A review of available evidence suggests that cannabis compound cannabidiol (CBD) may curb the frequency of epileptic seizures, particularly in children and teens with rare and severe forms of epilepsy. CBD was found to be more effective than a placebo at reducing seizure frequency by 50% or more, and improving quality of life.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateMar 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.

The body's 'glucostat' identified

The study found that pancreatic islets, particularly human cells releasing glucagon, play a crucial role in regulating insulin-producing cells and blood glucose levels. This discovery has important implications for diabetes treatment and transplantation using stem cell technology.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 6, 2018

A new tactic for eczema?

Researchers discovered that retinoid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) in skin Tregs regulates immune response. Removing RORα from Tregs led to an increase in inflammatory cells and worsened eczema symptoms. The study suggests boosting RORα or targeting related pathways may be effective treatments.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 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.

Environmental exposures more determinant of respiratory health than inherited genetics

A large-scale study analyzing over 1.6 million data points found that environmental exposures, such as air pollution, have a greater impact on gene expression related to respiratory diseases than genetic ancestry. The research used big data to uncover the environmental factors behind diseases and inform strategies for prevention.

SourceOntario Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2018

Running on renewables: How sure can we be about the future?

Researchers at Imperial College London caution against relying on over-optimistic renewable energy models that predict whole systems can run on near-100% renewables by 2050. Despite increasing UK energy production from renewables, the lack of firm and dispatchable backup energy systems poses reliability issues.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJoule·DateMar 6, 2018

Study advances research in pelvic organ prolapse among women

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine provides a long-awaited baseline measure of the rate of progression of pelvic organ prolapse. The research found that pelvic organ prolapse progresses slowly, with women who gave birth vaginally being about five years ahead in progression compared to those who delivered by Caesarean section.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 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.

Brown fat flexes its muscle to burn energy

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that brown fat cells can be activated to burn calories when stimulated, similar to how muscle cells work. The team identified a potential pathway to trigger this activation and hopes to develop drugs to stimulate brown fat function.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 6, 2018

Glaciers provide clues to combat desertification

Researchers analyzed bacterial content of Svalbard glacier soil, revealing microbes trigger soil formation under extreme conditions. The study provides clues for combating desertification in hot arid environments.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateMar 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.

Texas A&M chemists use technology to decode language of lipid-protein interaction

Researchers discovered that membrane proteins can recruit their own lipid microenvironments through allostery, enabling new possibilities for pharmaceutical drug design and delivery. This finding is critical to understanding how the lipid environment influences protein structure and function.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2018

Teachers, pedagogical skills, and the obstacle of intuition

Teachers often rely on intuitive knowledge when students struggle with math problems. However, research by UNIGE shows that this can lead to misconceptions and hinder effective teaching. Training teachers to recognize the limitations of intuition is crucial for improving pupil outcomes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalEducational Studies in Mathematics·DateMar 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.

Where fresh is cool in Bay of Bengal

A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers found that the Bay of Bengal's monsoon runoff generates a layer of fresh water on its surface, suppressing nutrient mixing and preventing upwelling. This phenomenon can lead to colder waters in winter, contrary to expectations.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2018

A simple trick for modeling calcium

Researchers have developed a straightforward modification to computer models of calcium ions that leads to highly accurate simulations. The new model can simulate calcium interactions with proteins and other molecules, providing powerful tools for studying biological processes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMar 6, 2018

Preventing exhaustion in immune cells boosts immunotherapy in mice

Research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discovered that preventing T-cell exhaustion with targeted therapies enhances immunotherapy outcomes. Activating a protein called 41BB on the surface of T-cells improves energy reserves and prolongs their ability to attack cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 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.

Return to play for soccer athletes and risk for future injury

A new study found that soccer athletes who returned to play after ACL reconstruction had a lower success rate than those who underwent primary ACL reconstruction. Female athletes faced a higher risk of additional knee surgery, with about one in five needing further surgery, compared to one in twenty for males.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 6, 2018

Study shows cycling as number one cause of cervical fractures in men

Research reveals cycling as the leading cause of cervical fractures in men, with a significant increase in injuries over the past two decades. The study analyzed 50,000 patient cases and found that football was the most common cause of neck sprains in women, while horseback riding caused the most cervical fractures in females.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 6, 2018

Teaching computers to guide science: Machine learning method sees forests and trees

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley have developed a novel machine learning method called 'iterative Random Forests,' which can identify high-order interactions in complex systems. This approach enables scientists to gain radically richer information than traditional methods, with applications in biology, precision medicine, ma...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 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.

Green spaces in cities help control floods, store carbon

A study by Carly Ziter found that urban green spaces provide significant ecosystem services such as carbon storage, water quality regulation, and flood mitigation. These services can be fostered through small interactions like gardening or walking in nature, promoting physical health and mental well-being.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateMar 6, 2018

Neuroprotective mechanisms of gene and cell therapy of spinal cord injuries

Researchers at Kazan Federal University used gene and cell therapy to treat spinal cord injuries, improving motor functions and tissue structure. The approach, which uses umbilical cord blood cells to transport therapeutic genes, has potential applications for other demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalStem Cells International·DateMar 6, 2018

Why the latest shingles vaccine is more than 90 percent effective

The new Shingrix vaccine has been shown to be more than 90% effective in protecting against the herpes zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. The vaccine stimulates production of immune memory cells, generating a strong and sustained protection against the virus.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 6, 2018

Scientists developed a material for the new type of liquid crystal displays

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University and their international colleagues created a ferroelectric liquid crystal material that outperforms traditional LCDs in terms of speed, stability, and color accuracy. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient displays with improved resolution and reduced energy consumption.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 6, 2018

Bioengineering team's 'circuit' work may benefit gene therapy

A bioengineering team has designed genetic 'circuits' using living cells to study microRNA expression. This research aims to improve synthetic biology and gene therapy by understanding how microRNAs function in different biological contexts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·Journalnpj Systems Biology and Applications·DateMar 6, 2018

Social status influences infection risk and disease-induced mortality

High-ranking mothers' cubs have lower CDV infection probability and reduced mortality, while high-ranking adults are more likely to be infected but experience similar mortality rates. The study highlights the impact of social status on immune processes and disease transmission in a wildlife population.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateMar 6, 2018

One-off PSA screening for prostate cancer does not save lives

A recent trial found that a one-off PSA test does not save lives in asymptomatic men, highlighting the need for more accurate ways to diagnose aggressive prostate cancers. The study of over 400,000 men aged 50-69 showed no significant difference in mortality rates between those who were screened and those who were not.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalJAMA·DateMar 6, 2018