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Science News for May 30, 2018


With supercomputing power, scientists solve a next-generation physics problem

Researchers calculate fundamental property of protons and neutrons with unprecedented 1 percent precision, matching long-standing experimental results. The new calculation provides a critical benchmark for applying lattice QCD to nuclear physics problems, which could aid in dark matter searches and answer outstanding questions about th...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breaking good -- Key discovery made for battling opioid epidemic

A novel gene encoding the enzyme thebaine synthase has been isolated from the opium poppy, enabling the commercial production of non-plant based biosynthetic manufacturing systems for active opioid agents and intermediates. This breakthrough opens the door to creating new opioid molecules with reduced addictiveness.

SourceEpimeron Inc.·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 30, 2018

Older men with higher levels of sex hormones could be less religious

A new study found that men with higher levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) had weaker religious ties. The research analyzed data from over 1000 men and suggests that physiological factors, such as hormones, may play a role in shaping religiosity later in life.

SourceSpringer·JournalAdaptive Human Behavior and Physiology·DateMay 30, 2018

New research predicts likelihood that one will believe conspiracy theories

New social psychology studies predict the likelihood of believing conspiracy theories, finding that people with high confidence in their politics understanding are more likely to endorse conspiracies. Researchers suggest that challenging one's assumptions and seeking credible perspectives can lead to more informed opinions.

SourceLehigh University·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateMay 30, 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.

Using telemedicine to bring genetic counseling to community cancer care

A randomized, controlled trial found that 77% of patients who received remote phone or video counseling sessions underwent genetic testing, compared to just six percent in the usual care group. The study also highlights the importance of addressing disparities in genetic testing and knowledge among community practice patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 30, 2018

NUS scientists discover a new way to control blood pressure

Researchers found that Galectin-1 can lower blood pressure by reducing activity of L-type calcium channels in arteries. This discovery offers a novel approach to treating hypertension, potentially with minimal side effects.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateMay 30, 2018

Is a common antimicrobial harmful to gut health?

Researchers found that triclosan causes colon inflammation and worsens colon cancer in mice, raising concerns about its safety for human consumption. The study suggests that individuals with inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer may be more vulnerable to the chemical's adverse effects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 30, 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.

Free tax services in pediatrics clinics yield high returns

A free tax preparation program in pediatric clinics helped over 753 clients receive $1.6 million in federal tax returns, with a significant improvement in tax filings and client knowledge about the EITC. The program also reduced financial stress for low-income families and maximized their tax refunds.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 30, 2018

Italy's oldest olive oil discovered in peculiar pot

Researchers from University of South Florida have identified oleic and linoleic acids in ancient pottery from Sicily, dating back to the Early Bronze Age. The discovery confirms olive oil existed in Italy hundreds of years earlier than previously recorded.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAnalytical Methods·DateMay 30, 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.

Magic in metal could help put excess carbon dioxide to good use

Researchers have discovered a way to harness bismuth's unique property, called catalytic plasticity, to convert carbon dioxide into liquid fuels and industrial chemicals. This approach could potentially provide sustainable routes to making fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMay 30, 2018

Insomnia is a likely long-term side effect of stroke

Researchers found stroke patients took longer to fall asleep, had poorer sleep efficiency, and were more prone to errors during the day. The study suggests sleep problems in stroke patients are due to psychological strain, pain, and reduced physical activity, highlighting the importance of good sleep for recovery.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 30, 2018

The smallest biggest theropod dinosaur

A new Spinosaurus fossil from Africa is reported to be the smallest known individual of this giant, sail-backed theropod. The tiny claw phalanx found in Cretaceous-aged sandstones retains the same locomotor adaptations as larger adults.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateMay 30, 2018

Study examines tax compliance behavior in small business owners

A new study surveyed 330 UK micro-business owners, finding that internalised motivation (fair fiscal system) and extrinsic motivation (severe penalties) predict self-reported tax compliance. Internalised motivation but not extrinsic motivation predicts tax compliance when considered together.

SourceWiley·JournalApplied Psychology·DateMay 30, 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.

Oil and gas wastewater on the road could mean health and environment woes

Research found that oil and gas wastewater used as a dust suppressant on unpaved roads contains harmful pollutants, including salt, radioactivity, and toxic metals. These substances can be detrimental to human health and aquatic life, potentially contaminating nearby bodies of water.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 30, 2018

Global warming hits poorest hardest, new research shows

New research reveals that global warming hits poorest regions hardest, with temperate nations like the UK being less affected than tropical countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study found that as average temperatures rise to 1.5°C or 2°C, wealthy areas will experience fewer climate changes compared to poor nations.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 30, 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.

Growth of Greenlandic children is no longer stunted

A recent study published in Acta Paediatrica reveals that Greenlandic children are growing taller than ever before, with average heights now comparable to those of Danish children. This shift is attributed to a combination of genetic factors and improved maternal health, particularly among mothers who are obese.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateMay 30, 2018

A novel data-driven method to personalize cancer treatment

A novel data-driven approach called PanDrugs prioritizes cancer treatments based on patient genetic alterations. The method integrates pathway context and collective gene impact to provide therapeutic options for patients with limited druggable genes.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalGenome Medicine·DateMay 30, 2018

ASCO to honor Ludwig scientists at 2018 Annual Meeting

Ludwig scientist Ralph Weichselbaum receives the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award and Lecture for his discoveries in basic mechanisms of signal transduction and gene expression following radiation exposure. Jedd Wolchok, another Ludwig researcher, is named a 2018 ASCO Fellow for his work on harnessing the immune system to treat cancer.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·DateMay 30, 2018

Queen Mary research forecasting the evolution of cancer

Researchers developed a computer model that forecasts tumour changes, allowing for early disease course prediction and personalized treatment. The study reveals driver mutations can accelerate tumour growth by up to 30%.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 30, 2018

Creating an automated high-throughput flow cytometry system

Researchers from the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation developed a fully automated screening system that solves the slow and low-throughput problem of high-throughput screening in flow cytometry. The system achieves a throughput of 50,000 wells per day, enabling robust phenotypic drug discovery.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateMay 30, 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.

Powered by citizen volunteers, air pollution study gets $1.6 million

The Citizen-Enabled Aerosol Measurements for Satellites project deploys 250 air samplers across Colorado and the Northwest, collecting precise measurements of air quality. The study aims to improve satellite-derived pollution estimates and better understand where air pollution is dirtiest.

SourceColorado State University·DateMay 30, 2018

Huddling for survival: monkeys with more social partners can winter

Wild Barbary macaques that have more social partners tend to form larger huddles at night, allowing them to conserve energy and reduce environmental stress. This social thermoregulation behavior is linked to higher fitness levels, as it enables monkeys to better cope with adverse weather conditions.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 30, 2018

Teaching chores to an AI

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL have developed a system called VirtualHome that can simulate detailed household tasks and train artificial agents to execute them. The system uses natural language descriptions of activities, such as making coffee or setting the table, to instruct robots on how to complete tasks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateMay 30, 2018

After 40 years in limbo: Styrene is probably carcinogenic

A recent study by Aarhus University found a fivefold risk of nasal cancer following styrene exposure. The researchers also discovered that styrene doubles the risk of acute myeloid leukemia in workers exposed to high levels of styrene. These findings, combined with animal evidence and epidemiological studies, led WHO to classify styren...

SourceAarhus University·JournalEpidemiology·DateMay 30, 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.

CLL patient treated at Penn goes into remission thanks to single CAR T cell

A 2013 CLL patient achieved complete remission with a single CAR T cell infusion, sparking insights into the human genome and immune response that may enhance response rates. The successful treatment was linked to the specific location of the CAR gene within the patient's T cell DNA.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2018

Kicking the car(bon) habit better for air pollution than technology revolution

The study, led by Dr Christian Brand, finds that both lifestyle change and zero-emission technologies are needed to meet Scotland's 80% carbon reduction target by 2050. Lifestyle changes such as walking, cycling, and using clean public transport can show quicker results than gradual transitions to electric vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalEnergy Efficiency·DateMay 30, 2018

Having an abortion does not lead to depression

A new study analyzing data from Danish women found that taking antidepressants did not change significantly before or after an abortion, and actually decreased over time. The research supports recent reports concluding that abortion does not cause depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 30, 2018

Getting conservationists and fishers on the same page

A new online tool, EcoCast, provides fishermen with computer-generated maps to target productive fishing spots while avoiding protected species. By predicting where different marine species are likely to be found under various ocean conditions, EcoCast aims to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of fisheries.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 30, 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.

Body knows best: A natural healing mechanism for inflammatory bowel disease

Weizmann Institute of Science researchers found a natural defense mechanism that prompts the body to alleviate intestinal inflammation. Boosting signals in certain cells, such as those making up the inner lining of the gut, may help treat inflammatory bowel diseases and potentially even colon cancer.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 30, 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.

Here is what it looks like, when a massive black hole devours a star

A new computer model developed by Dr. Jane Lixin Dai and Prof. Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz enables the categorization of variations in observations of Tidal Disruption Events, allowing for a better understanding of black hole properties and the study of rare celestial events.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 30, 2018

Seismometer readings could offer debris flow early warning

Researchers deciphered seismometer readings from a 2017 Montecito landslide to determine the disaster's scale and location. The findings suggest that seismometers can be used to provide an early warning of incoming debris flows, potentially saving lives.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 30, 2018

NCI-MATCH precision medicine trial reaches milestone

The NCI-MATCH trial has released findings from three treatment arms, offering hope for targeted therapies in patients with specific gene abnormalities. The trial's results could aid in identifying effective treatments for various cancers, paving the way for future research.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·DateMay 30, 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.

Scientists use photonic chip to make virtual movies of molecular motion

Researchers have developed a method to simulate molecular motion using a photonic chip, allowing for the creation of virtual movies of molecular dynamics. This technology has the potential to improve the accuracy of molecular models and aid in the development of new pharmaceuticals.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2018

Igniting the rheumatoid arthritis flame through a cellular cascade

Researchers at Osaka University identified a cellular network involving Th17 cells and stromal cells that secretes inflammatory cytokines to initiate and maintain rheumatoid arthritis. By targeting this network, a novel immunotherapeutic approach has been proposed to reduce chronic joint inflammation.

SourceOsaka University·JournalImmunity·DateMay 30, 2018

New study shows evidence that health information exchanges improve care, reduce costs

A recent systematic review found that health information exchanges can significantly reduce healthcare costs and usage. Community-based exchanges showed more promising results than proprietary ones. The study's lead investigator attributed the difference to more mature systems being examined in the current review.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMay 30, 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.

Surgical technique improves sensation, control of prosthetic limb

Researchers developed a new neural interface paradigm that preserves dynamic muscle relationships in amputated limbs, allowing for proprioceptive feedback and movement commands. The technique improved sensation and control of prosthetic limbs, enabling people with artificial limbs to move more efficiently and naturally.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 30, 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.

Building nanomaterials for next-generation computing

Researchers created a unified Time-Temperature-Architecture Diagram to guide the fabrication of heterostructures with favorable electronic properties. The blueprint enables the generation of numerous nanostructures with physical properties of interest, paving the way for advancements in computing power and transistors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 30, 2018

Cometh the cyborg: improved integration of living muscles into robots

Researchers at The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science have developed a method to integrate living muscle into robots, overcoming previous issues with force and function. The resulting biohybrid robots achieved remarkable movement and continued muscle function for over a week.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Robotics·DateMay 30, 2018

Heat is driving off clouds that dampen California wildfires

A new study found that urbanization and climate change are driving off low-lying morning clouds in southern California, leading to increased wildfire risk. The decrease in cloud cover correlates with lower vegetation moisture and higher fire danger.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 30, 2018

New tool improves fishing efficiency and sustainability

A new tool called EcoCast uses satellite data, maps, and observations to help fishers locate the most productive fishing spots while avoiding protected species. The study shows that this approach can be up to 10 times more efficient in protecting species than previous management styles.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 30, 2018

Sugarcane pest produces foam to protect itself from heat

Researchers discovered that the root spittlebug produces a thermal insulator-foam to maintain an optimal body temperature during development. The foam, composed of palmitic acid, stearic acid, proteins, and carbohydrates, protects nymphs from temperature fluctuations in the external environment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 30, 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.

Some blood stem cells are better than others

Researchers discovered that blood stem cells with a genetic mutation can be compensated by normal stem cells producing specific types of immune cells. Key findings suggest these highly productive stem cells proliferate dramatically and maintain a balanced immune system when transplanted into mice.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalEMBO Reports·DateMay 30, 2018

Societies may help promote female representation within academic science

A study found that smaller societies with female leadership have higher female representation, but still lag behind male representation, indicating a need for constitutional commitments to equality. Academic societies can promote gender equity through supporting female leadership and making an outward commitment of equality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 30, 2018

Law firms do not encourage men to take parental leaves

A Finnish-Canadian study found that law firms' professional ethos discourages men from taking parental leave, perpetuating gender inequality. The study suggests organisational solutions and male law firm partners' encouragement are needed to promote a more family-friendly culture.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of the Legal Profession·DateMay 30, 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.

Iron-sulfur cluster research offers new avenues of investigating disease

Researchers have discovered that disruptions in iron-sulfur cluster formation can lead to the buildup of fat droplets in cells, a hallmark of conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The study provides clues about the biochemical causes of these diseases and may help researchers find new targets for treatment.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 30, 2018

Two-pronged antibodies draw immune killers directly to cancer cells

Scientists have engineered new anti-cancer antibodies that attract killer T cells directly to cancer cells covered with the ROR1 protein. These bi-specific antibodies can target several types of cancer and work for about five days, outlasting current approaches.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2018

Radish cover crop traps nitrogen; mystery follows

Researchers found radish cover crops significantly reduced soil nitrate content, but decomposed nitrogen was not returned to the soil. The study suggests radish can trap nitrogen without providing a fertilizer benefit to subsequent crops.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMay 30, 2018

New guidance on treating diabetes in elderly and frail adults

The new guidance, developed by experts at the University of Exeter Medical School, aims to improve quality of life for older adults with type 2 diabetes. For the first time, it provides guidance on stopping treatment in particularly frail adults, a move welcomed by Diabetes UK.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDiabetic Medicine·DateMay 30, 2018

Ants provide clues to why biodiversity is higher in the tropics

A team of scientists analyzed ant species distributions to understand why biodiversity is higher in the tropics. Their research suggests that time is key to species diversity, with tropical habitats having had more time to accumulate species.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 30, 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.

New journal series provides insights on European medication-related guidelines

A new journal series published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology aims to provide insights into European medication-related guidelines. The series, developed in collaboration with the EMA, offers annotated versions of relevant guidelines and regulatory documents, facilitating discussion among professionals and patients. Ex...

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateMay 30, 2018

Research finds pain expectation is pain reality for children

New research from UC Riverside psychologist Kalina Michalska finds that children's experience of pain is significantly influenced by their expectations. The study, involving healthy and anxious children, reveals that simply telling them they will experience pain can actually increase the severity of their pain. In contrast, distracting...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateMay 30, 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.

Welfare backlash tied to white fear of declining status

New research finds a causal relationship between whites' attitudes towards welfare and their perceived threatened racial status. Whites who fear losing their socioeconomic standing oppose government anti-poverty programs they perceive as benefiting minorities, while not affecting views on programs benefiting themselves.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalSocial Forces·DateMay 30, 2018

Researchers devise new way to discern what microbes eat

Researchers developed a new method to identify microbe food sources using carbon stable isotope ratios, providing insights into microbial communities and their impact on animal and plant health. The technique uses mass spectrometry and software to link microbes with substrates, enabling the study of complex microbial relationships.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2018

Sniffing out real truffles

Researchers developed a technique to distinguish between natural and synthetic truffle compounds using carbon isotope ratios. The method can reliably detect foods containing synthetic truffle aroma or a mixture of synthetic and natural aromas, helping to fight food fraud.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 30, 2018

ESA tipsheet for June 2018

Researchers developed a new method to detect insect invaders using eDNA, while coral reef studies highlighted the importance of cultural values in conservation. Additionally, designers created fish-friendly architectural engineering designs for marine infrastructure, and a study examined the effects of oil sands on wildlife populations

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMay 30, 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.

NIH scientists show how tularemia bacteria trick cells to cause disease

Scientists at the NIH have unraveled the process by which the tularemia bacteria cause disease, finding that it tricks host cell mitochondria in two phases of infection. This understanding could lead to the development of effective treatment strategies for the life-threatening disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateMay 30, 2018

Supercomputers give scientists key insight into the lifetime of neutrons

Scientists have calculated the axial coupling of neutrons with unprecedented precision using supercomputers, paving the way for more accurate nuclear physics predictions. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields like nuclear energy and nuclear weapon detection research.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 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.

New compound effective against drug-resistant pathogens, could lead to new antibiotics

Researchers at North Carolina State University have synthesized a new compound inspired by a natural product that is effective against drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. The molecule, JJM-35, has been shown to be up to 50 times more effective than the original natural product against several bacterial strains.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 30, 2018

Along Alaska's Pacific coast, early humans could have migrated to the Americas

New research suggests that a narrow corridor along Alaska's Pacific coast could have enabled early human migration to the Americas as far back as 17,000 years ago. The authors used dating and reanalysis of animal bones to reconstruct deglaciation and find that the area was habitable during this time period.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 30, 2018

From Haifa to Tokyo: Medical detectives team up on selenoprotein1/EPT1

Researchers from Israel and Japan collaborated to diagnose a child with an ultra-rare genetic disease caused by a mutation in the EPT1 gene, which is essential for making myelin in the normal brain. The team found that the disease affects PE production, leading to reduced plasmalogen synthesis, but not enough to prevent myelin damage.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateMay 30, 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.

Pigs digest fiber efficiently even at high inclusion rates, study finds

Researchers found that pigs can ferment fiber in their hindgut without a decrease in efficiency up to 30% inclusion rate. The energy utilization from high-fiber diets is mainly affected by faster passage through the digestive tract, rather than fermentation capacity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateMay 30, 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.

Better biomimetic bone focus of NIH grant

A $1.7 million NIH grant will aid in understanding citrate signaling for bone development and designing novel biomaterials. Researchers aim to mimic native tissue composition and induce bone growth through citrate-presenting biomaterials.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 30, 2018

'Hidden' driver discovered that helps prime the anti-tumor immune response

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a hidden driver, kinases Mst1 and Mst2, that regulates the function of different dendritic cell subsets and primes anti-tumor T cells. This discovery provides clues for new treatment strategies by modulating dendritic cell activity to shape the immune response.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2018

Surgical technique improves sensation, control of prosthetic limb

Researchers have developed a novel approach to limb amputation that preserves dynamic muscle relationships, enabling patients to feel the movement of their prosthetic limbs. This new paradigm, called the agonist-antagonist myoneural interface (AMI), has been successfully implemented in a human patient with below-knee amputation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 30, 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.

High protein diet slightly increases heart failure risk in middle-aged men

Researchers found that higher protein intake from most sources was associated with a slightly higher risk of heart failure, with the greatest increase seen for animal-based proteins. The study suggests that moderating protein intake may be beneficial in preventing heart failure, but further research is needed.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·DateMay 30, 2018

Workplace dress codes present barriers to people living with disabilities

Research from the University of Missouri finds that workplace dress codes present a significant barrier to people living with disabilities, leading to increased stigma and decreased confidence. The study highlights the need for inclusive and adaptive clothing options to promote workplace inclusivity.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSocieties·DateMay 30, 2018

One-step, 3D printing for multimaterial projects developed by WSU researchers

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a one-step 3D printing process for multimaterial projects, allowing for faster production and reduced manufacturing steps. The technology enables the creation of complex products with multiple parts in one operation, reducing the need for adhesives and joint connections.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateMay 30, 2018

Alternative inflation rate may offer more accurate economic guidance

Researchers found that official inflation indexes, such as CPI and PCE, may overestimate or underestimate the true inflation rate due to errors in housing rent assessments. The alternative method suggests an error range of 1.7-4.2% during the Great Recession and 0.3-0.9% during the current expansionary period.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Macroeconomics·DateMay 30, 2018

Even a shark's electrical 'sixth sense' may be tuned to attack

Researchers discovered that sharks' electrosensing organs react in an all-or-none manner to tiny electrical fields, unlike skates which respond with graded currents. The study suggests that genes controlling ion channels may be responsible for this difference.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 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.

New review highlights benefits of plant-based diets for heart health

A new review published in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases found that plant-based diets can prevent and reverse atherosclerosis, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by 40%. Plant-based diets are rich in fiber and phytonutrients, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, while animal products are high in saturated fat a...

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalProgress in Cardiovascular Diseases·DateMay 30, 2018

Oil and gas wastewater as dust suppressant less than ideal

A multidisciplinary team of researchers found that oil and gas wastewater can be effective at suppressing dust, but it also carries high salt, organic, and radioactivity concentrations. The team recommends using alternative materials or treatment to remove contaminants before using the wastewater.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 30, 2018

NASA finds Subtropical Depression Alberto's center over Indiana

Subtropical Depression Alberto's center has been located near latitude 38.7 degrees north and longitude 87.4 degrees west, approximately 80 miles southwest of Indianapolis, Indiana. The depression is moving toward the north-northeast at 17 mph, with maximum sustained winds near 30 mph and higher gusts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 30, 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.

Supercomputers provide new window into the life and death of a neutron

A team of researchers used powerful supercomputers to calculate the nucleon axial coupling, which is central to understanding a neutron's lifetime. Their method offers a clear path to resolving the experimental discrepancy and provides new insights into fundamental forces of nature.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2018

How to build a brain: discovery answers evolutionary mystery

Researchers at King's College London have discovered a fundamental process by which brains are built, involving the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. This finding may lead to new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and epilepsy.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 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.

New Omega-3 trial for secondary liver cancer surgery

A new clinical trial is testing whether omega-3 capsules can stop bowel cancer from returning after liver surgery. The trial, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, involves 450 patients and investigates the effectiveness of a highly purified form of EPA.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateMay 30, 2018

Microscopic universe provides insight into life and death of a neutron

Scientists have calculated the axial coupling constant of the weak interaction with high precision using lattice QCD simulations. This method allows for the comparison of experimental results and may explain discrepancies in neutron lifetime, shedding light on dark matter and fundamental universe questions.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2018