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Science News for November 2, 2018


Half as many US children die from firearm injuries where gun laws are strictest

A new study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found a strong correlation between state-level gun legislation and pediatric firearm mortality rates. States with stricter gun laws had significantly lower firearm-related fatalities among children, even after adjusting for poverty, unemployment, and education rates.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateNov 2, 2018

Nature of immune cells in the human brain disclosed

A study published in Nature Communications reveals the nature of immune cells in the human brain, including their location and function. The research provides valuable insights into the immune system's role in brain disorders such as multiple sclerosis and tumors.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Soft furniture doesn't cushion risk of falls by young children

A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that over 230,000 children under 5 are treated in hospital emergency departments each year for soft furniture-related injuries. Children under 1 year old were more than twice as likely to be hospitalized and boys accounted for 56% of cases.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateNov 2, 2018

What's in the air? There's more to it than we thought

Scientists have discovered that organic aerosols in the atmosphere are more varied and complex than previously thought. Analyzing air samples from forests and urban environments, researchers found that up to 70% of compounds changed over consecutive samples, highlighting the need for improved air pollution control policies.

SourceYale University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateNov 2, 2018

Molecular virologist fights influenza at the molecular level

Researchers have identified two small-molecule experimental inhibitors that target the influenza protein NS1, which plays a crucial role in blocking the body's immune response. The study's findings provide strong evidence for the mechanism of action of these compounds and offer significant structural insights into NS1.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 2, 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.

Voters' preexisting opinions shift to align with political party positions

A longitudinal study of voters in New Zealand found that participants tended to shift their opinions to align with those of their preferred political party. Strong supporters of a party were more likely to change their opinions over time, while those whose opinions were already aligned with the party position were less likely to shift.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 2, 2018

Lateral inhibition keeps similar memories apart

The dentate gyrus uses a process called pattern separation to store distinct memories of similar events. Researchers found that parvalbumin-expressing interneurons play a key role in this process, using lateral inhibition to keep similar memories apart.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 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.

Disorder plays a key role in phase transitions of materials

Researchers used a new technique to examine the crystal structure of Vanadium Dioxide (VO2) and found that atomic motions during phase transitions are disordered, contradicting previous assumptions. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of complex materials such as high-temperature superconductors.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 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.

RIT collaborates on multi-university research exploring the quantum world

A Rochester Institute of Technology researcher is collaborating on a multi-university project exploring quantum science in levitated mechanical systems. The project aims to create and sustain a quantum state with levitated optomechanics using advanced sensing designs based on the 'optical tweezers' technique.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateNov 2, 2018

Most children surveyed couldn't tell real guns from toy guns

A study found that only 41% of children aged 7-17 correctly identified both real and toy guns. The researchers emphasize the need for safe firearm storage in homes where children live or play, especially among gun owners who were more likely to let their children play with toy guns.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateNov 2, 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.

How one tough shrub could help fight hunger in Africa

A new study has found that a native shrub can effectively share its water with millet plants, boosting production by over 900%. The optimized shrub system involves increasing shrub density and fertilizing the ground with organic matter, improving soil quality and yields.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·DateNov 2, 2018

Tying the knot: New DNA nanostructures

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to create complex knot-like nanostructures in single-stranded DNA, with crossing numbers ranging from 9 to 57. This breakthrough enables the design of molecular structures with specific functions and unprecedented complexity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2018

Can chocolate, tea, coffee and zinc help make you more healthy?

Researchers discovered that zinc can activate a molecule helping to shield against oxidative stress, which contributes to aging and illnesses. Zinc combined with polyphenols in foods like coffee, tea, and chocolate may provide natural protection.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 2, 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.

Injury to a parent can lead to sleep issues in children and teens

Children whose parents are injured may experience altered sleep habits due to post-traumatic stress disorder from military combat. Researchers found a 48% increase in sleep visits among these children, with some experiencing increased symptoms of insomnia and restlessness.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateNov 2, 2018

Gene PPM1D gives stem cells a 'winning boost' after chemotherapy

A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that the PPM1D gene confers a survival advantage to blood cells exposed to chemotherapy, potentially favoring the development of secondary leukemia. The research suggests that the presence of this gene and other mutations should be considered when choosing chemotherapies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 2, 2018

Molecular biology: Phaser neatly arranges nucleosomes

A team of researchers has discovered a novel protein called Phaser that neatly arranges nucleosomes in the fruit fly genome. This finding sheds new light on how gene regulation is controlled, and could have important implications for our understanding of human disease.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 2, 2018

Online program helps prevent teen depression

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago conducted a multicenter, randomized clinical trial evaluating an online intervention called CATCH-IT. The study found that high-risk adolescents who participated in the CATCH-IT program demonstrated significant risk reduction for depressive episodes, with up to 80% reduction in risk.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 2, 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.

Training with states of matter search algorithm enables neuron model pruning

The new algorithm simplifies neural models through synaptic pruning and dendritic pruning procedures, resulting in simplified structures that can be implemented as logic circuits. These circuits achieved satisfactory classification accuracy on benchmark problems, suggesting potential for solving complex real-world problems with high ha...

SourceKanazawa University·JournalKnowledge-Based Systems·DateNov 2, 2018

Researchers discover potential antidote to botulism

Scientists have discovered a compound that strongly inhibits botulinum neurotoxin, potentially reversing paralysis caused by the toxin. Nitrophenyl psoralen, identified through high-throughput screening of natural compounds, shows powerful anti-botulinum toxin activity with low toxicity to human cells.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 2, 2018

For older adults, does eating enough protein help delay disability?

A recent study found that eating more protein can slow the loss of muscle mass and preserve daily activity abilities in older adults. The researchers examined data from the Newcastle 85+ Study and discovered that participants who ate more protein were less likely to become disabled over five years.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 2, 2018

One step closer to complex quantum teleportation

Researchers successfully generate three-photon entanglement in three dimensions, increasing information capacity and paving the way for future technologies such as quantum computers and encryption. This breakthrough could enable teleportation of complex quantum systems and has significant implications for quantum communication networks.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 2, 2018

ACL re-injury appears to be a subject of 'relative risk'

A recent study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found that children with a family history of ACL tears are more likely to experience complications requiring additional surgical repair. The research examined data from 425 childhood patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction and foun...

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateNov 2, 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.

Exploring the structure and properties of new graphene-like polymers

Researchers at Siberian Federal University have created a new class of two-dimensional materials called circulenes, which exhibit high stability, symmetry, and optical properties. These materials show promise for nanoelectronics applications, including solar cells and organic LEDs, with advantages over traditional materials like silicon.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateNov 2, 2018

A prognostic model may predict survival in African-American women with breast cancer

A prognostic model using machine learning accurately stratifies African-American breast cancer patients into high- and low-risk populations based on protein expression levels. The model identifies a combination of four proteins associated with increased risk of death, suggesting specific therapeutic regimens for this underserved demogr...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 2, 2018

Fleets of drones could aid searches for lost hikers

Researchers develop autonomous drone system that collaboratively maps terrain under dense forest canopies without GPS, enabling more efficient searches for lost hikers. The system uses LIDAR and path-planning software to fuse individual drone maps into a global 3D map, facilitating human rescuers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 2, 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.

Ring-shaped protein complex wrangles DNA

Researchers at Rice University have discovered the structure of the condensin protein complex, a ring-shaped protein that helps condense chromosomes. The finding settles a long-standing controversy over the mechanism by which the complex wrangles DNA, and provides insight into its activity during mitosis and cell life cycles.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2018

Racial, ethnic minorities face greater vulnerability to wildfires

A new study reveals that racial and ethnic minorities face greater vulnerability to wildfires, with Native Americans being six times more likely to live in high-risk areas. The research used a 'vulnerability index' to assess wildfire risk in communities across the US, integrating physical risk with social and economic resilience.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 2, 2018

Russian physicists upgrade cheap diode laser for use in precise measurements

Researchers have developed a method to narrow the emission spectrum of an ordinary diode laser, making it suitable for spectroscopic chemical analysis. The technique uses optical microresonators to generate frequency combs, which can be used in applications such as security monitoring systems and lidars for self-driving cars.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 2, 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.

NIH greatly expands investment in BRAIN Initiative

The NIH has increased investment in the BRAIN Initiative to over $400 million, supporting more than 200 new awards for cutting-edge brain research. These projects aim to develop new tools and knowledge to discover answers for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateNov 2, 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.

First discovery of adventive populations of Trissolcus japonicus

Scientists discovered Trissolcus japonicus, a parasitoid wasp, in European apple orchards, which could help control the invasive brown marmorated stink bug. The wasp was found to be highly effective in reducing stink bug densities below economic thresholds.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Pest Science·DateNov 2, 2018

Are children's television programs too cool for school?

A study at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found that children's TV shows often portray academics in a negative light, with teachers being shown as mean and students being stereotyped as nerdy or socially-awkward. As recommended viewing age increased, overall portrayal of academics became more negative.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateNov 2, 2018

Food for thought

The Tsimane's high-carbohydrate and protein-rich diet with low fat intake is associated with low cardiovascular disease risk. Despite the lack of dietary diversity, their daily food intake provides a balanced nutrient profile, highlighting the importance of adopting similar eating habits to mitigate the effects of Western diets.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 2, 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.

Seed banking not an option for over a third of threatened species

A recent study published by Kew scientists reveals that 36% of 'critically endangered' plant species produce recalcitrant seeds, making seed banking an ineffective conservation method. This means alternative techniques like cryopreservation are necessary to safeguard the world's most threatened species and iconic tree species.

SourceRoyal Botanic Gardens Kew·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 2, 2018

Good sleep quality encourages better recovery after sport-related concussion

A new study published at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found that young athletes with good sleep quality after a sport-related concussion recover quicker, with symptoms resolving within two weeks. Those with poor sleep quality often take longer to recover, sometimes greater than 30 days.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateNov 2, 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.

Will there be enough water in the future?

The Water Scarcity Atlas provides an interactive map visualizing water scarcity around the globe, highlighting its evolution over the past century. The tool enables users to explore how their daily choices, such as diet and food waste, affect water resources worldwide.

SourceAalto University·DateNov 2, 2018

Researchers at IRB Barcelona explain the origin of the periodicity of the genome

Scientists have discovered that DNA damage and repair processes can generate sequence periodicity in the genomes of eukaryotes, favouring a certain composition with a periodic nature. This explanation offers an alternative to natural selection, which has been accepted by the scientific community to date.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCell·DateNov 2, 2018

Shortening the rare-earth supply chain via recycling

A Kanazawa University-led team has created a method to extract rare earth elements from spent phosphors in fluorescent lamps using chelator chemistry and mechano-chemical energy. The process results in recoveries of 53% to 84% of the metals, offering a sustainable solution for technology

SourceKanazawa University·JournalWaste Management·DateNov 2, 2018

Genetic factors tied to obesity may protect against diabetes

Researchers identified 14 genetic variants associated with fat storage patterns and their impact on metabolic risk. These genetic factors tend to protect against diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension when stored under the skin, rather than in organs like the liver.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDiabetes·DateNov 2, 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.

Study: Culture strongly influences coping behaviors after natural disasters

A new study found that cultural differences play a significant role in how young people cope with natural disasters. The research used a new method to assess coping among disaster-affected youths and found that middle-class teen girls in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, used different coping strategies than low-income, predominantly Afri...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSchool Mental Health·DateNov 2, 2018

New insights on comet tails are blowing in the solar wind

Researchers have developed an image-processing technique to study comet tails, revealing the unexpected impact of solar winds on dust particles. The findings suggest that the solar wind can disperse dust in McNaught's tail, leading to a better understanding of cometary behavior and its connection to asteroid and planet formation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalIcarus·DateNov 2, 2018

Spaced-out nanotwins make for stronger metals

Varying nanotwin spacing produces dramatic improvements in metal strength and work hardening rates. Researchers created composites with different nanotwin boundary spacings, resulting in stronger materials than their constituent components.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 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.

Unraveling a genetic network linked to autism

Donnelly Centre researchers have identified a genetic network linked to autism, revealing a mechanism underlying alternative splicing events. The study reveals that microexons, small protein-coding gene segments, are disrupted in autism and could be targeted for therapeutic applications.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 2, 2018

Alcohols as carbon radical precursors

Researchers have developed a method to convert alcohols into reactive carbon radicals, enabling the direct formation of C-C bonds. This approach allows the use of ubiquitous alcohols without complex pre-transformation steps.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateNov 2, 2018

'Good guys' in superhero films more violent than villains

A new study at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found that protagonists in superhero films engage in more violent acts than their villainous counterparts. The research analyzed 10 films and classified characters as either hero or villain, with protagonists averaging 23 violent acts per hour compared to 18 for villains.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateNov 2, 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.

Bohr scientists figure out how to measure electrical activity in a fetal heart

Researchers at University of Copenhagen create technique to observe and measure fetal heart rhythms without direct electrode placement. The method uses a cloud of caesium atoms to detect small magnetic fields, mimicking the effect of placing an instrument on a pregnant woman's belly.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 2018

Researchers identify additional inoculation source for lambic beer production

Researchers in Belgium have identified an additional inoculation source for lambic beer production, the wooden casks or foeders. The microbial compositions of these surfaces differed statistically based on barrel cleaning procedures and type, reflecting different characteristics of lambic barrels.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 2, 2018

Physicists explain how large spherical viruses form

A UC Riverside-led study deciphers the key elements for assembling large viruses, which may aid in interrupting their formation and containing viral diseases. The research uses continuum elasticity theory to explain how protein subunits arrange themselves into stable icosahedral structures with precision and symmetry.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 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.

Scientists find a 'switch' to increase starch accumulation in algae

A breakthrough study has identified a key protein that controls starch content in algae, allowing for increased production of biofuels and sustainable materials. The discovery could accelerate the development of environmentally friendly products and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateNov 2, 2018

Grandparents: Raising their children's children, they get the job done

Researchers found that grandparents raising grandchildren face similar challenges to biological parents but report no difference in coping mechanisms. Grandparents are more likely to experience physical and mental health problems, lower education levels, and single status, while grandchildren may exhibit behavioral issues.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateNov 2, 2018