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Science News for May 22, 2018


To have or not to have...your left atrial appendage closed

A study found that closing the left atrial appendage during coronary artery bypass or heart valve surgery reduces stroke and mortality risks, especially for patients with pre-existing atrial fibrillation. However, this procedure may increase risk in patients without prior atrial fibrillation.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateMay 22, 2018

Blue dye tablet helps identify polyps during colonoscopy

A study using oral-delayed release methylene blue during colonoscopy found a 56.3% detection rate for adenomas and carcinomas, nearly 9% higher than the standard of care. The tablet form reduces inconvenience and safety risks while improving adenoma detection rates.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateMay 22, 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.

Unlocking the secrets of HIV's persistence

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers reveals how HIV establishes a persistent reservoir of infected cells that can survive indefinitely. The findings highlight the role of BIRC5 and OX40 in these cells' long-term survival, providing potential targets for future therapy.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalImmunity·DateMay 22, 2018

Procedure plus medication is better than standard treatment for heart disease patients

A five-year analysis of the FAME 2 trial shows that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) along with prescribed medication is more effective than medication alone in preventing urgent hospital admissions, revascularizations, and likely heart attacks. The study found significant benefits for patients with stable coronary artery disease.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 22, 2018

Kids show adult-like intuition about ownership

A study from the University of Waterloo found that children can sense an item's ownership without direct interaction, using territory-based inferences. This suggests that children have adult-like intuitions about ownership, which is surprising given their age.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCognition·DateMay 22, 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 vegetarian diet is not only good for you -- it's the most affordable too

A new study found that a vegetarian diet is the most affordable healthy dietary pattern, with an average cost of $15.44 per person per day. Compared to the Mediterranean and US diets, it costs around $2.00 less per day. The study used Amazon Grocery data to assess the nutritional quality and cost of three menu plans.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 22, 2018

The CMAJ group: A home for patient-oriented research

The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) has launched a dedicated research collection in CMAJ Open to advance patient-oriented research. This collection aims to engage patients as partners in research, focusing on their identified priorities and improving patient outcomes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 22, 2018

Research reveals concerning childbirth trends

Research reveals a significant rise in postpartum haemorrhage in Victoria, with one in five women experiencing primary blood loss after childbirth. The study highlights the need for improved monitoring and treatment protocols to address this concerning trend.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateMay 22, 2018

Study: Guns in Chicago just '2.5 handshakes' away

A recent study by Northwestern University researchers used network science to map the gun market in Chicago, finding that individuals are on average 2.5 handshakes away from a gun. Gang membership was found to reduce this distance by 27 percent, highlighting the role of gangs in facilitating access to guns.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateMay 22, 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.

Advance genetics study identifies virulent strain of TB

A virulent strain of TB has been linked to 60% of cases in younger people in Ho Chi Minh City. The Beijing lineage bacteria shows positive selection for a gene that enhances its survival and may be responsible for increased virulence.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 22, 2018

How Australia got planted

A new study reveals that C4 plants, which dominate Australia's landscape, first expanded around 3.5 million years ago due to a strengthened summer monsoon. The research suggests that human influence on the atmosphere will play a significant role in shaping ecosystems in the future.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 22, 2018

Study casts doubt on traditional view of pterosaur flight

Researchers used a novel approach to study the movement of ancient birds and reptiles, finding that many assumed poses were impossible due to ligament limitations. This challenges traditional views on pterosaur flight and provides new methods for assessing joint mobility in extinct species.

SourceBrown University·DateMay 22, 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.

Researchers build artificial cellular compartments as molecular workshops

Scientists created self-contained spaces inside mammalian cells using bacterial proteins, allowing for controlled enzymatic reactions and iron biomineralization. This technology could aid in cell therapy, gene reporting, and sorting, opening new avenues for biomedical research.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2018

Annual Report to the Nation

The Annual Report to the Nation on Cancer finds a decline in US cancer death rates among men and women of all racial and ethnic groups. Prostate cancer incidence has increased, while mortality has stabilized, with trends linked to changes in PSA screening.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalCancer·DateMay 22, 2018

Improving health research among Indigenous peoples in Canada

Researchers must value Indigenous people's knowledge and experiences to conduct meaningful health research. The history of Indigenous health research in Canada involved unethical methods, but guidelines have been implemented to improve the field, including minimum requirements from the Tri-Council Policy Statement.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 22, 2018

Embryonic mammary gland stem cells identified

The study identifies embryonic mammary gland progenitors as multipotent cells that can give rise to both basal and luminal lineages. The researchers developed a novel strategy to isolate these cells and assessed their molecular features, revealing a hybrid transcriptional signature.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 22, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Training compassion 'muscle' may boost brain's resilience to others' suffering

A new study suggests that just two weeks of compassion meditation training can reduce distress and improve ability to respond with compassion when witnessing others' suffering. The research found that compassion training shifted habits of becoming overly distressed, leading to a calmer and more balanced response.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 22, 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.

Medicaid expansion associated with decline in ICU stays

The study found that Medicaid expansion was associated with a decline in ICU admission rates among patients with ambulatory-care sensitive conditions. Rates of uninsurance and Medicaid coverage increased significantly in expansion states, suggesting improved access to care.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 22, 2018

Early life trauma in men associated with reduced levels of sperm microRNAs

A new study found that early life trauma in men is associated with lower levels of two specific sperm microRNAs, which can be transmitted to the next generation. The study suggests a possible link between childhood trauma and increased risk of stress-related disorders.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMay 22, 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.

Faster genome evolution methods to transform yeast

Scientists have developed a rapid and efficient way to transform baker's yeast, enabling the creation of synthetic yeast strains that can be customized on-demand. This breakthrough could lead to mass production of advanced medicines and have significant implications for the future study of DNA.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2018

Gauging language proficiency through eye movement

A study by MIT researchers found that patterns of eye movement correlate strongly with performance on standardized tests of English as a second language. The study tracked eye movement to determine comprehension, revealing potential for use as a testing tool.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 22, 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.

Scientists find inconsistencies and biases in weather forecasting system

Researchers found that the Unified Model's microphysics scheme produces unrealistic raindrop size distributions, affecting storm structures. The study emphasizes the importance of selecting the right microphysics scheme for accurate weather prediction.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 22, 2018

Raiding the rape field

Researchers found that incorporating flowering areas and agri-environmental schemes in agricultural landscapes increases predator species and individuals, leading to effective natural pest control. The distance between the flowering plot and the oilseed rape field is crucial for this effect.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMay 22, 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.

Magnesium magnificent for plasmonic applications

Rice University researchers have synthesized and isolated plasmonic magnesium nanoparticles that show promise with all the benefits of their gold and silver cousins. The particles proved to be unexpectedly robust and can concentrate light in nanoscale volumes, useful for chemical and biological sensors.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 22, 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.

Technique doubles conversion of CO2 to plastic component

A new technique doubles the conversion of carbon dioxide to an essential plastic component, ethylene. The approach uses copper coated with polyacrylamide to increase efficiency, offering a promising method for recycling CO2 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMay 22, 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.

Closing coal, oil power plants leads to healthier babies

Studies found that retiring eight fossil fuel power plants in California resulted in a significant drop of 20-25% in preterm birth rates, particularly among non-Hispanic African-American and Asian women. The researchers also observed an increase in fertility rates in the surrounding areas.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMay 22, 2018

Study demonstrates new treatment for severe asthma

Researchers found a new treatment, dupilumab, effective in treating severe asthma by blocking key drivers of inflammation. The study showed improved asthma symptoms, lung function, and reduced need for corticosteroids.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 22, 2018

Embryonic gene regulation through mechanical forces

Researchers found that mechanical cues contribute to the regulation of gene expression during early development. External pressure can activate or restore the expression of a crucial developmental regulator gene, brachyury. This mechanism is conserved across species, including zebrafish and fruitflies.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 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.

Study: Ancient mound builders carefully timed their occupation of coastal Louisiana site

Researchers studied the Grand Caillou mound in coastal Louisiana, uncovering a timeline of natural and human events that shaped its construction and abandonment. The study provides insights into how Native peoples selected their villages' locations, using methods such as sediment coring and radiocarbon dating.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology·DateMay 22, 2018

New study sheds light on the opioid epidemic and challenges prevailing views about this public health crisis

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that fatal drug overdoses among young non-Hispanic white adults accounted for 62% of mortality rate growth between 1999 and 2015. The study highlights the rapid rise in lost life years and mortality rates for this population, particularly those aged 22-39 years.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 22, 2018

Under age 13, suicide rates are roughly double for black children vs. white children

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that racial disparities in childhood suicide rates are age-related, with black children under 13 facing twice the risk as their white counterparts. The study analyzed data from 2001-2015 and found a significant age-related difference in suicide rates among black and white youth.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 22, 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.

How wheat can root out the take-all fungus

A team of scientists from Rothamsted Research has found that certain commercial cereal varieties can support beneficial fungi that suppress the take-all fungus, a devastating disease in wheat crops worldwide. This could provide a potential biological management strategy to control the disease.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateMay 22, 2018

Young toddlers may learn more from interactive than noninteractive media

Research suggests that younger toddlers benefit more from interactive digital media than traditional TV and videos. Interactive features help children connect screen experiences to real-world interactions. However, not all types of interactivity are beneficial, and individual differences play a significant role in learning outcomes.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development Perspectives·DateMay 22, 2018

New network is installed to investigate space weather over South America

A new magnetometer network has been installed across South America to study magnetic field disturbances and their potential impact on electronic appliances and power grids. The project aims to improve the understanding of space weather effects on the continent, which could help mitigate damage caused by solar eruptions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalRadio Science·DateMay 22, 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.

IUPUI study finds missing link between blow flies and possible pathogen transmission

A recent IUPUI study has made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the role of blow flies in transmitting pathogens. Researchers found that analysis of blow fly digestive tracts can detect fecal metabolites, providing valuable insights into pathogen transmission and conservation.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateMay 22, 2018

Research reveals how order first appears in liquid crystals

Chemists at Brown University have developed a method to detect the intermediate state in liquid crystals, where order starts to form in discrete patches. This breakthrough could provide insights into slow molecular motion in various natural phenomena, such as Alzheimer's disease and protein tangles.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 22, 2018

MIT study helps driverless cars change lanes more like humans do

A new lane-change algorithm developed by MIT allows autonomous vehicles to model an entire range of driving styles, from conservative to aggressive, with safety guarantees. The system computes buffer zones on the fly and ensures collision avoidance within a given time frame.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 22, 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.

Digging into new ethical issues around stem cells

A special section in Perspectives in Biology and Medicine examines the newest and most complex issues surrounding stem cells. The issue includes essays on the potential impacts of using a person's own stem cells on patients, health-care systems, and the public trust in science and medicine.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPerspectives in Biology and Medicine·DateMay 22, 2018

Decoding digital ownership: Why your e-book might not feel like 'yours'

A new study by the University of Arizona found that young people and adults across all age groups perceive ownership of e-books differently than physical books. Psychological ownership is affected by control, identity, and belonging, with digital books feeling less valuable as possessions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalElectronic Markets·DateMay 22, 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.

In brain stimulation therapy less might be more

Researchers have found that faster brain stimulation can lead to neuronal response failures, suggesting a 'less is more' approach for optimal therapy. This discovery challenges traditional intuition and highlights the importance of optimizing stimulation scheduling.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateMay 22, 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.

Malaria-causing parasite manipulates liver cells to survive

A new study reveals that a malaria parasite manipulates liver cells to survive and reproduce, building strength before invading red blood cells. Disrupting this process by targeting the aquaporin-3 protein may lead to new treatments for malaria before symptoms appear.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 22, 2018

Adoption of 'healthier' Mediterranean-style diet varies considerably across US states

The adoption of the Mediterranean-style diet varies significantly across US states, with Western and Northeastern coastal areas showing highest adherence. The study found that socioeconomically disadvantaged rural minority neighborhoods have lowest adherence rates, while factors such as education, income, and physical activity levels a...

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 22, 2018

Tunable diamond string may hold key to quantum memory

Harvard researchers engineered diamond strings that can quiet a qubit's environment and improve memory from tens to several hundred nanoseconds, enough time for many operations on a quantum chip. This breakthrough could serve as the backbone of a future quantum internet.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 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.

Worst form of black lung disease appears resurgent among coal miners

A recent study found that progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) cases among former US coal miners increased by 50% since 2000, with the highest rates in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. The researchers attribute this trend to inadequate dust control measures, longer working hours, and higher silica exposure levels.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 22, 2018

Tianjin University makes breakthrough in synthetic genome rearrangement

Researchers at Tianjin University develop precise control of SCRaMbLE, a system for generating genotype diversity, allowing for increased production of bio-based chemicals and improved genome evolution. The team reports significant breakthroughs in using SCRaMbLE to drive phenotype evolution in heterozygous and interspecies hybrid stra...

SourceTianjin University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2018

Study finds popular 'growth mindset' educational interventions aren't very effective

A study by Michigan State University and Case Western Reserve University found that growth mindset interventions have little to no effect on academic achievement for typical students. The researchers suggest that the benefits of these interventions are overstated and that something other than mindset is causing the observed effects.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 22, 2018

From a model of fluids to the birth of a new field in computational physics

Computational statistical mechanics was born from numerical models of fluids developed in the 1950s, initially as a pet project by physicists. These Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics simulations were later confirmed through clever applications of importance sampling, proving reliable evidence for describing matter.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateMay 22, 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.

Posttraumatic stress affects academics

A new Penn State research study found that posttraumatic stress symptoms increase risks for academic difficulties in student veterans. Partnered women were particularly affected due to relationship problems impacting their academic functioning.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 22, 2018

Designer cells: Artificial enzyme can activate a gene switch

Researchers developed an artificial metalloenzyme that can penetrate a mammalian cell and accelerate hormone release, activating a gene switch to create a fluorescent protein. This breakthrough enables the modification of cell functions on a genetic level or the creation of drugs from harmless precursors.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2018

Hepatitis C infections resulting from medical treatment occur despite clear guidelines

A study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that 63% of Hepatitis C infections resulting from medical treatment were discovered after patients became acutely ill. Researchers highlight the importance of proactive reporting and proper infection control practices to prevent such incidents.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateMay 22, 2018

Power to the people

The University of Utah's Masood Parvania is developing microgrid controllers that can distribute electrical power more efficiently and securely in case of a power outage. His team will test these technologies on a new laboratory setup, also aiming to educate the next generation of power engineers.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMay 22, 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.

As harmful as dehydration?

A study by McGill University Health Centre researchers has uncovered the mechanisms of overhydration leading to hyponatremia, a common condition in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The study reveals that glial cells detect overhydration and trigger the release of taurine, which inhibits hydration sensing neurons.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 22, 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 brain development disorder identified by scientists

Researchers have identified a new inherited neurodevelopmental disease caused by a recessive mutation in the CAMK2A gene, leading to slow growth, seizures, and learning difficulties. The disorder is also linked to other neurological conditions such as epilepsy and autism.

SourceeLife·DateMay 22, 2018

Students taught by highly qualified teachers more likely to obtain bachelor's degree

A study by Se Woong Lee found that students taught by successive teachers with expertise in the subject they're learning are more likely to succeed both short-term and long-term. This suggests that schools can increase student success by prioritizing teacher qualifications and collaboration among educators.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateMay 22, 2018

Lead exposure found to affect fertility rates

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that exposure to lead in the air and topsoil is associated with lower fertility rates among US women and men. The study analyzed data from the 1970s to 2000s and found that reduced airborne lead levels boosted fertility, while higher levels of lead in soil decreased it.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 22, 2018

How coyotes conquered the continent

Researchers mapped coyote range expansion from ancient fossils to modern museum specimens, correcting misconceptions of their original range. Their findings indicate coyotes had a broader geographic distribution than previously thought, with significant expansions into taiga forests, deciduous forests, and tropical rainforests.

SourceNorth Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences·JournalZooKeys·DateMay 22, 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.

Early physical therapy benefits low-back pain patients

A study of 150,000 insurance claims found that patients who saw a physical therapist first had significantly lower rates of opioid prescriptions, advanced imaging services, and emergency department visits. They also had lower out-of-pocket costs and a higher probability of hospitalization in some cases.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalHealth Services Research·DateMay 22, 2018

NASA measures heavy US rainfall from space

NASA analyzed satellite data to measure heavy US rainfall, finding record amounts in the Mid-Atlantic region. The extreme precipitation led to severe flooding along several rivers, including Washington D.C.'s Potomac River.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 22, 2018

Recombinant E. Coli As a biofactory for the biosynthesis of diverse nanomaterials

A recombinant E. coli strain has been developed to biosynthesize 60 different nanomaterials covering 35 elements on the periodic table. The team successfully synthesized 33 novel nanomaterials for the first time, advancing the design of nanomaterials through biosynthesis.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 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.

'Virtual safe space' to help bumblebees

The Bumble-BEEHAVE model predicts individual and interacting effects of stressors on bumblebee survival and informs management recommendations. The tool aids in designing field experiments, risk assessments, and assigning bespoke management advice.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMay 22, 2018

Link between tuberculosis and Parkinson's disease discovered

Researchers have discovered a potential link between tuberculosis and Parkinson's disease, suggesting that drugs designed to treat Parkinson's may also work for TB. The study found that LRRK2 protein prevents immune cells from clearing bacteria, leading to build-up of protein in neurons that disrupts their function.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMay 22, 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 hidden world of communication, chemical warfare, beneath the soil

Researchers have discovered that soil microbes use chemical signals to defend against each other and devastating crop diseases. The study found that certain bacteria can induce fungi to produce protective compounds, while the fungus's own defense mechanisms are triggered by the bacterial invasion.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalmBio·DateMay 22, 2018

Amazonian 'lookout' birds help other species live in dangerous neighborhoods

A new study by San Francisco State University researchers finds that alarm-calling bird species promote the ability of other species to use risky parts of the forest, bringing together species that normally flock on their own. By creating a safe zone from predators, these birds maintain biodiversity in the rainforest.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalEcology·DateMay 22, 2018

Study finds boys' fitness has declined over past 20 years

Research shows that even healthy-weight boys have become less fit over the past 20 years. The study measured aerobic fitness in 11-year-old boys and found a decline in heart rate recovery, indicating poorer cardiovascular health.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 22, 2018

UNH researchers find invasive seaweed makes fish change their behavior

Researchers at UNH found that fish prefer kelp habitats over invasive seaweed species, but the shift may leave them with less refuge and protection. The study suggests that continued reduction in available kelp cover could have cascading effects on cunner populations and other ecosystem members.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateMay 22, 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 tech may make prosthetic hands easier for patients to use

Researchers developed a user-generic musculoskeletal model that translates neuromuscular signals into commands for prosthetic devices. The technology has shown promising results in early testing with able-bodied and amputee volunteers, potentially paving the way for more intuitive and reliable prosthetic control.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateMay 22, 2018

The case for not taxing multinationals

A new study by Nicolai Foss and colleagues argues that taxing Multinational Enterprises (MNEs)' profits is inefficient and detrimental to global welfare. The authors propose replacing corporate tax with a hike in taxes on dividends and sales, claiming this would be more effective and harmonize easier.

SourceBocconi University·JournalJournal of International Business Studies·DateMay 22, 2018

Married couples share risk of developing diabetes

Researchers discovered that a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be predicted based on their partner's BMI. The study, published in Diabetologia, found that women have a heightened risk due to their husband's BMI, regardless of the woman's own weight.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalDiabetologia·DateMay 22, 2018

More frequent checks control MRSA in newborns, but can hospitals afford them?

Researchers found that more frequent MRSA surveillance in newborns can significantly reduce infections, with weekly checks lowering colonization rates by 80% and hospital stays by 61 hours. However, the study suggests that daily surveillance may be too costly and could disrupt care practices, highlighting the need for balanced infectio...

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Hospital Infection·DateMay 22, 2018

Building a brain, cell by cell: Researchers make a mini neuron network (of two)

Researchers at The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science describe a new method for creating one mini neuron network model, using microscopic plates to connect neurons together one cell at a time. This approach guides neurons to grow in a defined way and form functional communication hubs.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalMicromachines·DateMay 22, 2018

Transgender brains are more like their desired gender from an early age

A study found that brain activity and structure in transgender adolescents are more similar to their desired gender than their assigned biological sex. This suggests that differences in brain function may occur early in development, making brain imaging a useful tool for earlier identification of transgenderism in young people.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·DateMay 22, 2018

Science in the palm of your hand: How citizen science transforms passive learners

A study by UC Davis researchers explores how citizen science activities support youth learning and agency in environmental science. Youth participants collected data on bird populations, butterfly life cycles, water quality, and land use, developing skills in data analysis, evaluation, and communication.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience and Children·DateMay 22, 2018

Remote control of transport through nanopores

Scientists have developed a way to alter external factors like voltage to control the transport of molecules through biological channels. The study, published in EPJ E, shows that applying an electric current can overcome energy barriers and facilitate molecule transfer.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 22, 2018