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Science News for November 29, 2018


Some blood cells have a surprising source: Your gut

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that circulating white blood cells from donors contain matured cells that educate recipients' immune system to be tolerant of donated tissues. The study suggests new strategies for managing organ transplantation and reducing immunosuppression.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 29, 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.

NASA's IMERG analyzed Tropical Storm Usagi's rainfall

NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) data revealed that Tropical Storm Usagi dropped moderate to heavy rain along its path in Southeast Asia. The analysis showed the storm produced over 350 mm of rainfall in Vietnam, causing widespread flooding around Ho Chi Minh City.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 29, 2018

Artificial magnetic field produces exotic behavior in graphene sheets

Researchers have discovered a way to create artificial magnetic fields using graphene sheets with a twist, enabling the control of electronic properties through electrical fields. This breakthrough has clear technological potential and could lead to new materials with unique properties.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 29, 2018

Discovering a new compound

A team of scientists has uncovered a new compound produced by the bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum, which is found in volcanic hot springs. The discovery reveals that the microbe modifies a previously unknown thiol to produce a compound called N-methyl-bacillithiol, which plays a crucial role in the sulfur cycle. This finding has signif...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalmBio·DateNov 29, 2018

Insight into the catalytic activity of MXenes for hydrogen evolution reaction

The article explores the catalytic activity of MXenes for hydrogen evolution reaction, revealing that Ti2NO2 and Nb2NO2 possess ultra-high HER activity. A Fermi-abundance model is proposed as a good descriptor to understand variation in different Mxenes, highlighting the importance of occupied p electronic states of surface O atoms.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateNov 29, 2018

Curry spice boosts exercise performance in mice with heart failure

Researchers found that curcumin treatment improved muscle function and exercise capacity in mice with heart failure and healthy controls. Curcumin also increased Nrf2 activation and antioxidant enzyme levels, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy to improve quality of life for people with heart failure.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 29, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Until leaving the nest, jumping spiders suckle spider milk from their moms

A new study reveals that jumping spiders exhibit lactation-like provisioning behavior, where motherly care and nutritious milk are provided to offspring until they become independent. Spiderlings remained in the nest and nursed on spider milk for nearly 40 days, ensuring their overall health and adult survival.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 2018

Thriving reef fisheries continue to provide food despite coral bleaching

A new study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution found that reef fisheries can still provide stable catches despite extreme coral bleaching. However, the fishery's success is more patchy and dependent on fewer species, with algal-feeding fish like rabbitfish providing a temporary boost.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 29, 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.

Newly discovered supernova complicates origin story theories

The discovery of ASASSN-18bt, a Type Ia supernova, has revealed an unexpected pattern in the light from its first hours, complicating our understanding of how these phenomena originate. The findings suggest that the genesis of Type Ia supernovae is even more mysterious than previously thought.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 29, 2018

Fruit flies can transmit their sexual preferences culturally

Researchers demonstrate that fruit flies meet five criteria for culturally transmitted behavior: learned socially, copied from older individuals, memorized over time, involves individual characteristics, and conformist. Computer simulations also show the emergence of long-lasting cultural traditions through transmission chains.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 2018

Shape-shifting protein protects bacteria from invaders

Researchers discovered that the Cas10 enzyme, part of the type III CRISPR-Cas system, can selectively target foreign genetic material while avoiding its own DNA. This dynamic regulation enables bacteria to maintain a robust immune response even when invaders mutate their genetic sequences.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 29, 2018

Revealing hidden information in sound waves

University of Michigan researchers have developed a technique to reveal hidden information in sound waves by shifting frequencies, allowing for improved detection and tracking capabilities in sonar systems. This breakthrough could enhance performance in naval vessels and medical imaging devices, such as biomedical ultrasound.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateNov 29, 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.

Big results from small solutions: new method for analyzing metalloproteins

Researchers developed a new EPR method using a nanomembrane to analyze metalloproteins with minimal liquid sample. The technique detects changes in magnetic properties and enables sensitive measurements across a wide frequency range, shedding light on the mechanisms behind these vital proteins' functions.

SourceKobe University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 29, 2018

Adoption of mobile payment shifts consumer spending patterns, habits

Research finds that mobile payment adoption leads to increased total transaction amounts and frequencies, affecting traditional channels. The study also reveals that the mobile channel substitutes for offline payments and complements online transactions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalManagement Science·DateNov 29, 2018

An important step towards completely secure quantum communication networks

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new technique to improve the storage time of quantum states in optical fibers, enabling secure quantum information transmission over longer distances. This breakthrough enables the creation of a completely secure quantum communication network by teleporting quantum informatio...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 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.

What seabirds can tell us about the tide

A new study uses tagged seabirds to measure ocean currents and track tidal patterns. This non-invasive method could provide crucial data for the marine renewable energy industry, helping identify sites for tidal energy generation.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalOcean Science·DateNov 29, 2018

Even if doing a good job, women CEOs more likely to be fired

A recent study by the University of Alabama found that female CEOs are about 45% more likely than male CEOs to be dismissed from their firms. Performance improvements do not protect female CEOs from dismissal, unlike male CEOs.

SourceUniversity of Alabama in Tuscaloosa·JournalJournal of Management·DateNov 29, 2018

First study of terahertz radiation in liquids

Researchers from ITMO University and the University of Rochester successfully generated terahertz radiation in a liquid medium, demonstrating its efficiency comparable to solid-state sources. The team found that liquids have several advantages over gases, including higher electron density and lower pumping energy requirements.

SourceITMO University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 29, 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.

When good macrophages go bad

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles discovered that cancer cells use Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) to manipulate healthy macrophages, changing their behavior from anti-cancer to pro-cancer. This mechanism is associated with more aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancers.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 29, 2018

Oldest-known ancestor of modern primates may have come from North America, not Asia

New research reveals that a species of ancient primate, Teilhardina brandti, found in Wyoming, is as old or older than its Asian and European relatives. This discovery challenges the prevailing hypothesis that Teilhardina first appeared in China. The study analyzed 163 teeth and jaws to determine the species' origins and migration patt...

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateNov 29, 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.

Virtual training for aircraft carrier flight deck crews

The system allows for individual, team or multi-team training events in a virtual environment, simulating normal operations and emergency conditions. This cutting-edge technology has been developed by the Office of Naval Research Global TechSolutions program and the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateNov 29, 2018

UA team uncovers promising lead in genetic approach to treating glioblastoma

A team of University of Arizona researchers discovered a protein called WIF-1 that might increase survival in glioblastoma patients. Long-term survivors rely on genes that suppress the Wnt signaling pathway, which fuels tumor growth. The study aims to create a drug targeting this pathway for more precise treatment.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·DateNov 29, 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.

What happens when materials take tiny hits

Researchers at MIT used high-speed imaging to study the effects of tiny particles striking metal surfaces. They found that a brief period of melting upon impact plays a crucial role in eroding surfaces, challenging the industry rule that higher velocities always lead to better results.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2018

33-million-year-old whale from Oregon had neither teeth nor baleen

A 33-million-year-old fossil whale named Maiabalaena from Oregon had neither teeth nor baleen, challenging previous assumptions about the evolutionary origin of these structures. The discovery provides new insights into the feeding habits of early whales and sheds light on the complex evolution of whale species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 29, 2018

New research could fine-tune the gene scissors CRISPR

Researchers have developed a deeper understanding of the CRISPR-Cas12a mechanism, enabling fine-tuning of the gene-editing process. By mapping the molecular structure and sequence of events, scientists can optimize the technology to achieve desired effects while minimizing side effects.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell·DateNov 29, 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.

How to detect signs of neurodegeneration earlier and more accurately

A new dye has been developed to detect signs of neurodegenerative diseases earlier and with greater precision. The dye can bind to specific amyloid structures in medical samples, allowing for the early detection of brain disease.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Luminescence·DateNov 29, 2018

Central mechanisms of salt-induced hypertension

Research reveals that the Nax channel in circumventricular organs detects increases in body fluids' sodium levels, triggering sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure elevations. The study identifies acid-sensing ion channel 1a as a key mediator of this process, opening new avenues for treating salt-sensitive hypertension.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNeuron·DateNov 29, 2018

NASA's Fermi traces the history of starlight across cosmos

Scientists used data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope to measure all starlight produced over 90% of the universe's history. This analysis provides a reference for future missions exploring stellar evolution and confirms previous measurements of star-formation rates.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 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.

Soil compound fights chronic wasting disease

A major soil organic matter compound, humic acid, has been found to degrade chronic wasting disease prions and reduce their infectivity in mice. The findings suggest that soil organic material can break down the prions, making them less infectious.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 29, 2018

USC scientists find a way to enhance the performance of quantum computers

Researchers at USC have successfully implemented a method called dynamical decoupling to suppress erroneous calculations and increase the fidelity of results in quantum computers. The technique, which uses staccato bursts of energy pulses to offset ambient disturbances, improved final fidelity by threefold in IBM's 16-qubit QX5 computer.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 29, 2018

Effective new target for mood-boosting brain stimulation found

Researchers have identified a key brain region, the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), as an effective target for electrical stimulation to improve mood in people with depression. Stimulation of this area has been shown to produce acute improvement in mood and normalize activity in mood-related neural circuitry.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 29, 2018

Researchers produce six antibodies to combat Zika virus

Researchers have generated six Zika virus antibodies that could be used to diagnose and potentially treat the mosquito-borne disease. The neutralizing property of these antibodies prevents the virus from infecting cells, rendering it harmless.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 29, 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.

Sweet lysine degradation

Scientists at the University of Konstanz have gained a fundamental understanding of lysine degradation in bacteria, revealing a previously unknown pathway that generates energy. The discovery also highlights the compound hydroxyglutarate as an oncometabolite with potential links to cancer and neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2018

Youth football changes nerve fibers in brain

A new study found that repetitive subconcussive head impacts in youth football can alter the corpus callosum, a critical band of nerve fibers connecting the two halves of the brain. This change may lead to greater risk of cognitive and motor problems in these young athletes.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 29, 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 catalyst produces cheap hydrogen

A new composite material enables electrochemical water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen without emissions. The catalyst uses cobalt, nickel oxide, and gold nanoparticles to produce cheap, clean hydrogen for fuel cells. This innovation has the potential to store renewable energy on a large scale.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 29, 2018

Interfacial electronic state improving hydrogen storage capacity in Pd-MOF materials

The study found that transferring an electric charge equivalent to 0.4 electrons from Pd to MOFs enables electron bands in Pd nanocubes to store more hydrogen, resulting in doubled storage capacity for hybrid materials. Hybrid materials with superior hydrogen storage properties or catalytic capabilities may be developed using this method.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateNov 29, 2018

Hospital-wide scores underestimate readmission risk in neurocritical care patients

A new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing found that hospital-wide scores significantly underestimate readmission risk in neurocritical care patients. The study used data from 279 patients and found that only 38 were readmitted within 30 days, but nearly two-thirds were misclassified as low-risk using existing models.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Nursing·DateNov 29, 2018

Climate change and air pollution damaging health and causing millions of premature deaths

A new report by IIASA researchers reveals that climate change is causing millions of premature deaths globally due to air pollution, with older people in Europe and the East Mediterranean being particularly vulnerable to heatwaves. The study also finds that phasing out coal-use can significantly reduce pollution-related deaths.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 29, 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.

Weight cycling is associated with a higher risk of death

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals weight cycling is associated with a higher risk of death. Conversely, weight loss from weight cycling can reduce diabetes risk in people with obesity.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 29, 2018

A new way to create Saturn's radiation belts

A team of scientists has found a new way to explain the formation of Saturn's radiation belts, which challenges current theories on electron acceleration. They suggest that Z-mode waves are responsible for energizing electrons in the belt, rather than radial diffusion.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2018

Whales lost their teeth before evolving hair-like baleen in their mouths

Scientists have discovered an ancient whale that lacked teeth and baleen, revealing a surprising intermediate step in the evolution of this innovative feeding strategy. The newly described fossil, Maiabalaena nesbittae, lived about 33 million years ago and likely had strong cheeks and a retractable tongue.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 29, 2018

Stuck in a loop of wrongness: Brain study shows roots of OCD

Researchers analyzed brain scans from hundreds of people with OCD, finding that brains get stuck in a loop of 'wrongness' and have trouble stopping repetitive behaviors. The study identifies specific brain areas and processes linked to OCD, setting the stage for new therapy targets.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 29, 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.

Insight into swimming fish could lead to robotics advances

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that fish constantly adjust their movements to optimize sensory input, a phenomenon also observed in humans. This discovery could lead to the development of smarter sensors in robots, enabling them to interact with their environment more effectively.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 29, 2018

When it comes to using birth control, both intention and attitude matter

A new VA study found that women's attitudes towards becoming pregnant also play a role in their contraceptive use. Women who don't plan on getting pregnant but are open to the idea may be less likely to use birth control. The study, which analyzed data from 858 women veterans, suggests that routine assessment is needed to help women ma...

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·DateNov 29, 2018

Brain stimulation relieves depression symptoms

Researchers found that stimulating the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) improved mood in patients with moderate to severe depression. The study suggests that OFC stimulation may help individuals experience a naturally positive mood state, removing an impediment to positive mood common in people with depression.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 29, 2018

Climate change risks 'extinction domino effect'

Researchers simulated catastrophic environmental changes, leading to the extinction of all life. Co-extinctions amplify the effects of climate change, with a 5-6 degree warming globally enough to wipe out most life. This study warns humanity not to underestimate the impact of co-extinctions.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 29, 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.

Reproducing paintings that make an impression

RePaint uses a combination of 3D printing and deep learning to authentically recreate paintings, regardless of lighting conditions. The system was tested on oil paintings and found to be more than four times more accurate than state-of-the-art physical models.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateNov 29, 2018

Inconspicuous protein key to deadly blood cancer

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified ZFP64 as the single key to the cascade of events leading to mixed lineage leukemia (MLL), an aggressive blood cancer. Shutting down this protein may be a cure for MLL, which predominantly occurs in infants and is difficult to treat.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 29, 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.

A new approach to automation of chemical synthesis

A new approach to automate chemical synthesis has been developed, achieving yields and purities comparable to manual efforts. The robotic platform uses a conductivity sensor to outperform human vision in assembling molecules, with instructions that can be coded by users with little programming knowledge.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 2018

Illuminating the mysterious cultures of fruit flies

A new study by Etienne Danchin and colleagues found that female fruit flies learn mating preferences from others and copy them when choosing a mate. This social learning can produce and maintain local traditions for potentially thousands of generations, with significant evolutionary implications.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 2018

High-contrast imaging for cancer therapy with protons

Researchers have successfully combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with proton beam cancer treatments, enabling targeted and healthy tissue-sparing therapy. The integration of real-time MR imaging with proton therapy aims to improve the precision and effectiveness of particle beam cancer treatments.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateNov 29, 2018

Study unlocks full potential of 'supermaterial' graphene

Researchers identify silicon contamination in graphene, which has hindered its performance. By removing contamination, the material's full potential is revealed, doubling its performance and enabling the creation of high-capacity supercapacitors and sensitive humidity sensors.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 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.

Venetoclax combination approved for elderly AML

A new combination of venetoclax with standard drugs azacitidine or decitabine has been granted accelerated approval for treating elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia. The trial showed a 67% overall response rate, with improved efficacy and tolerability compared to traditional hypomethylating agents.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalBlood·DateNov 29, 2018

How HIV DNA is blocked from entering the cell nucleus

A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals how the human myxovirus resistance 2 (MX2) protein blocks HIV-1 infection by inhibiting nuclear import of viral DNA. The findings suggest that TNPO1 and nucleoporins facilitate MX2 positioning at the nuclear envelope.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 29, 2018

ERC awards €573 million for mid-career researchers from 40 countries

The European Research Council awarded €573 million in funding to 291 top mid-career researchers from 40 countries, with a focus on building teams and pursuing innovative ideas. The grants will support research projects across various domains, including physical sciences, life sciences, and social sciences.

SourceEuropean Research Council·DateNov 29, 2018

The polar regions communicate via 'postcards' and 'text messages'

Researchers discovered that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) sends messages to Antarctica, causing sudden changes in global climate conditions. The study found that a weakening AMOC could trigger abrupt climate shifts, affecting Asia's monsoons and carbon dioxide absorption.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature·DateNov 29, 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.

Quirky glacial behavior explained

Researchers used detailed dataset to identify factors causing speedup and slowdown of tidewater glacier, finding geometry of fjord bed plays critical role. The study may help predict how tidewater glaciers contribute to sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateNov 29, 2018

Meeting the challenge of engaging men in HIV prevention and treatment

Researchers emphasize the importance of treating and preventing HIV among men, citing gaps in care due to gender norms and stigma. Innovative approaches are being explored, including workplace testing and care, ART home delivery, and expanded diagnosis and treatment for men.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 29, 2018

Chipped stones and cut bones show early hominin presence in North Africa

Researchers uncover evidence of early hominin presence in northern Africa, with chipped stones and cut bones dating back nearly 2 million years. The discovery, made at Ain Boucherit site in Algeria, suggests a rapid dispersal of stone tools out of East Africa.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 2018

The German Bundesliga: Are the players worth the money?

Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg investigated the relationship between footballers' performance and market value in the German Bundesliga. They found that star players tend to be overvalued, while others are traded at below-market value. The study also highlights the impact of a club's reputation and commercia...

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Applied Statistics·DateNov 29, 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.

Snoring poses greater cardiac risk to women

A new study presents findings on the impact of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on cardiac function in women, suggesting that OSA may be underdiagnosed. Researchers analyzed data from over 4,000 participants to find increased left ventricular mass in both genders with OSA or snoring, highlighting earlier impairment in women.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 29, 2018

Study: Rise in meth and opioid use during pregnancy

A new study found that amphetamine and opioid use in pregnancy increased substantially over the last decade, particularly in rural counties. Amphetamine-affected births doubled, while the rate of opioid use quadrupled, resulting in higher risks of severe maternal morbidity and mortality.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 29, 2018

Breathlessness treatments do reduce patient distress

A new study from King's College London found that breathlessness-focused services can significantly reduce patient distress and symptoms of depression. These holistic services, which combine palliative care and self-management strategies, empower patients to take control of their breathlessness and improve their quality of life.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThorax·DateNov 29, 2018

Searching for the sources of particulate matter

The formation of secondary particulate matter in the atmosphere is still not fully understood. Alexander Vogel's research aims to identify its sources and improve air quality by analyzing molecular fingerprints from atmospheric samples.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateNov 29, 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 prions invade the brain

Researchers used genetically modified mice with a highly permeable blood-brain barrier to test whether prions in blood can enter the brain. Their results suggest that passage of prions through the blood-brain barrier may not be relevant to disease development. Instead, prions likely reach the brain by traveling along nerves.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 29, 2018

Functional nasal surgery relieves chronic headache for some patients

A systematic review of functional nasal surgery found that 85% of patients experienced at least partial improvement in their headaches. The procedure targets 'contact points' within the nose and sinuses believed to trigger chronic headaches, resulting in reduced symptoms and improved quality of life.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateNov 29, 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.

Mischievous responders taint LGBQ health estimates in national survey

A new study using national data suggests that many research studies on LGBQ health risks may be inflated due to respondents providing extreme and untruthful answers. Removing potentially mischievous respondents reduced estimated disparities in drug use, suicide attempts, and other outcomes.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 29, 2018

How a rat and bat helped heal a 90-year cultural rift

A reconciliation ceremony between the Kwaio community and Australian scientists has set a foundation for peace, collaborative research, and healing of historical trauma. The partnership, which began in 2015, involves the protection of Kwaio land for research and conservation entities, emphasizing local cultural processes.

SourceField Museum·JournalNature·DateNov 29, 2018

Getting older adults to be more active

A comprehensive study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that older adults prefer exercising outdoors, especially walking, and engaging with others. The study also identified characteristics such as memory loss and low education level that increase the likelihood of dropout from a training program.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateNov 29, 2018

Study could lead to safer and cheaper 3D medical imaging

A new study has discovered a promising approach to significantly lower doses of X-rays in 3D medical imaging, making it cheaper and safer. The technique, known as ghost imaging, uses a sensor instead of an X-ray camera to create 3D images.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalOptica·DateNov 29, 2018

How the devil ray got its horns

A new study by SF State biologists reveals that the distinctive 'horn-like' cephalic lobes of manta rays are actually modified fins, developed through a simple genetic tweak. The researchers found that the same Hox genes guiding fin development in related species also shape the horns in manta rays.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateNov 29, 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.

UIC's mission: To model life on Saturn's moon in the lab

Researchers at UIC aim to recreate Titan's oceanic conditions in a laboratory growth chamber to detect potential biosignatures of life on the moon. They plan to grow microorganisms under high pressure and extreme cold to identify characteristic chemical and biological signatures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateNov 29, 2018

Mammal-like milk provisioning and parental care discovered in jumping spider

A recent study reveals that a species of jumping spider provides milk to its offspring, similar to mammalian lactation. The researchers observed that the mother continued to care for her young even after they could forage for themselves, resulting in a high adult survival rate and normal body size.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 2018

Stop -- hey, what's that sound?

Scientists have identified a 'bottleneck' in the brain's speech perception mechanism, revealing how it processes language in noisy environments. The study found that the brain recognizes phonetic sounds and transitions to linguistic information in under 10ms.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 29, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

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

A prosthetic arm that decodes phantom limb movements

Researchers have developed a prosthetic arm that can detect and replicate phantom limb movements, revolutionizing amputee rehabilitation. The device uses muscle activity generated by mobilization of the phantom limb to achieve precise control, allowing patients to interact with their prostheses without extensive training or surgery.

SourceCNRS·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateNov 29, 2018

How skin cancer cells sidestep the immune system

Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center discovered a new signal pathway employed by skin cancer cells to evade the immune system. The ICER protein plays a significant role in this process, leading to rapid tumor growth and inflammation.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 29, 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.

New methods could improve, expand 3D imaging using X-rays

Researchers have developed two new approaches to 3D imaging with X-rays, enabling unprecedented detail in disease-screening, materials development, and structural information of opaque objects. The methods, including ghost imaging and single-shot techniques, reduce X-ray doses and destroy samples, paving the way for cheaper, more readi...

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateNov 29, 2018

Ending the HIV epidemic: Where does Europe stand?

Despite substantial progress, Europe still faces challenges in diagnosing HIV-positive individuals and providing antiretroviral therapy. The report highlights a significant gap between diagnosed cases and those receiving treatment, particularly in Eastern European countries.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·DateNov 29, 2018