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Science News for November 7, 2018


'Bargaining while black' may lead to lower salaries

Research published by the American Psychological Association reveals that African-American job candidates receive lower salaries when evaluators believe they have negotiated too much. Racially biased individuals often hold negative stereotypes about African-American job seekers as less qualified or motivated than white applicants.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 7, 2018

Graphene takes a step towards renewable fuel

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to produce graphene with several layers in a controlled process, enabling the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into renewable fuel. The graphene also exhibits superconducting properties when arranged in a special way.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCarbon·DateNov 7, 2018

Smoking during pregnancy may lead to childhood eye condition

Maternal smoking is associated with a higher risk of strabismus in children, which can lead to visual impairment and emotional problems. A study of 11 relevant articles found that maternal smoking during pregnancy increases the risk by up to 79 percent.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Ophthalmologica·DateNov 7, 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.

Tiny molecule has big effect in childhood brain tumor studies

Researchers discovered MiR-584-5p, a tiny molecule, can kill medulloblastoma and sensitizes cancer to chemotherapy and radiation. This could lead to treating the tumor with one-tenth the current required dose.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2018

Save wildlife? Researchers use geology to track elusive animals

Researchers at UC are using isotopic analysis to identify the habitats of migratory hawk species. By analyzing the strontium and hydrogen isotopes in feathers, they can determine the geographic origin of individual birds, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 7, 2018

Need to mail mosquitoes? Pack them up nice and snug

Researchers at New Mexico State University have developed an optimal protocol for shipping and handling mosquitoes for population control methods. Tightly packing mosquitoes at a rate of about 240 per cubic centimeter resulted in the highest survival rates.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Insect Science·DateNov 7, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Will tarloxotinib finally break the HER2 barrier in lung cancer?

Researchers have developed a new strategy against HER2-driven lung cancers using tarloxotinib, a potent HER2/EGFR inhibitor that is more active in low-oxygen conditions than existing therapies. This innovative approach has shown significant promise in treating patients with HER2 lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateNov 7, 2018

Young researcher wins PETA International Science Consortium Award

Dr. María Laura Gutiérrez, a young researcher from Argentina, has won the PETA International Science Consortium Award for her work on developing non-animal test methods. The award sends her to an annual workshop at the Institute for In Vitro Sciences, where she will learn hands-on laboratory experience using human cells or tissue models.

SourcePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)·DateNov 7, 2018

Study compares stools of breastfed and formula-fed infants

A study of 40 breastfed and 13 formula-fed infants found that breastfed babies had significantly more frequent stools and liquid stools during the first two months. The researchers are still unsure about the underlying mechanisms behind this phenomenon.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateNov 7, 2018

Hunt for interesting metabolites with the antiSMASH database

A new database collects results from the antiSMASH tool to ease comparison of thousands of bacterial genomes when it comes to metabolites. The database contains 6,200 full bacterial genomes and allows users to quickly access precomputed results.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 7, 2018

Dry conditions may have helped a new type of plant gain a foothold on Earth

Researchers suggest water availability, not carbon dioxide levels, drove the emergence of C4 plants, which supplemented the earlier C3 pathway. The C4 pathway enabled plants to make food with less water loss, gaining a competitive advantage in relatively arid environments.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 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.

Interdisciplinary interactions inspire new discovery

Researchers at Tohoku University have found new good catalysts using unique Heusler alloys, enabling the replacement of expensive Pd-based catalysts. The discovery also offers insight into the mechanisms of catalysis on alloys, paving the way for further investigation.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 7, 2018

Artificial sensor mimics human sense of touch

Researchers developed an artificial tactile sensor that detects surface information like shapes, patterns, and structures with high accuracy. The sensor uses piezoelectric materials to mimic the properties of human skin, offering advantages over existing sensors, including detection through touch and sliding.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics·DateNov 7, 2018

Protecting adult female North Atlantic right whales from injury and death key to recovery

Researchers found that preserving the lives of adult females in the North Atlantic right whale population is crucial for promoting population growth and recovery. Most deaths are attributed to entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with ships, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these animals.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 7, 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.

Jefferson Lab receives DOE Award for energy efficient upgrade

The Jefferson Lab team received a DOE Award for its energy-efficient data center upgrade, which improved flexibility, reduced costs, and increased security and reliability. The lab achieved an average power use effectiveness level of 1.27 through the consolidation of space and implementation of advanced technologies.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateNov 7, 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.

IOB contributes to one of four new #BertarelliNeuro research projects

Researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology are developing a novel gene therapy to treat Usher syndrome type IF. They will use three different strategies to overcome the challenge of delivering the unusually large Usher 1F protein into target cells.

SourceInstitute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel·DateNov 7, 2018

Childhood exercise can reverse negative health effects caused by father's obesity

New research shows that childhood exercise can counteract the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in offspring born to obese fathers. Early exercise training has been found to reverse low insulin sensitivity and improve muscle function, offering a potential long-term health benefit for these individuals.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateNov 7, 2018

Dr. M. Brandon Westover receives 2018 BIG Award

Dr. M. Brandon Westover has been awarded a two-year, $300,000 BIG Award to develop methods to track brain aging by monitoring brain rhythms during sleep. The goal is to create a low-cost marker of brain age that may help identify individuals at risk of age-related cognitive impairment.

SourceAmerican Federation for Aging Research·DateNov 7, 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.

Health services must address multiple conditions in dementia care

A new study by the University of Exeter found that most people living with dementia also have at least one additional chronic health condition. The study, led by Professor Linda Clare, highlights the need for better care planning and support to deal with multiple conditions in a more integrated way.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAge and Ageing·DateNov 7, 2018

Bird feathers and shark skin: Explained by the same patterning mechanism

Researchers found that sharks' tooth-like skin follows a similar patterning mechanism to bird feathers, using the reaction-diffusion model to explain its development. This discovery suggests a shared developmental pathway across vertebrates, with implications for our understanding of evolution and animal diversity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 7, 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.

Announcing 2018 Glenn Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships in Aging Research

The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) and the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research announced the recipients of the 2018 Glenn Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships in Aging Research, supporting postdocs studying basic research mechanisms of aging. The program provides $60,000 grants to study human health and disease.

SourceAmerican Federation for Aging Research·DateNov 7, 2018

Genetic study clarifies the causes of the most severe heart muscle diseases of children

A genetic study led by University of Helsinki researchers has uncovered the underlying causes of severe heart muscle diseases in children, revealing a unique genetic profile for each family. The study's findings have significant implications for predicting disease course and treatment decisions, paving the way for personalized medicine.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 7, 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.

Novel antibiotic shows promise in treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea

A Phase 2 clinical trial found that zoliflodacin cured most cases of uncomplicated gonorrhea, with cure rates ranging from 98% to 100%, depending on the dose. The antibiotic also showed promise in treating rectal and throat infections, although performance varied between doses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 7, 2018

Stroke of genius: Drug could target leading cause in young

Researchers have identified a drug that inhibits the signalling pathway of enzyme MEKK3, a process contributing to cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM), a leading cause of stroke in young people. A suitable candidate, Ponatinib, is currently used to treat cancer patients and may offer a non-invasive treatment option.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 7, 2018

Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Centers mark 30 years of research

The Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Center (TBIMSC) program has served as a critical source of research to improve care and outcomes for patients with TBI. The TBIMSCs have produced hundreds of research papers advancing the field, including studies on long-term health, social participation, employment, and quality of life.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateNov 7, 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.

Finding a rhyme and reason to CRISPR-Cas9's mutations

A team at Brigham and Women's Hospital has developed a machine learning model that can accurately predict insertions and deletions caused by CRISPR-Cas9. In experiments, the approach corrected mutations in human cell lines for three diseases with high efficiency.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 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.

Long-term study shows that HIV-2 is deadlier than previously thought

A new study published in The Lancet HIV indicates that HIV-2 is more pathogenic than previously demonstrated, with a slower but identical progression to AIDS as HIV-1. Early treatment is recommended for all patients with HIV-2, despite current WHO guidelines only offering treatment to those with HIV-1.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateNov 7, 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.

Autonomous vehicles could shape the future of urban tourism

The study explores the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on urban tourism, highlighting both benefits such as reduced traffic congestion and improved foreign car hire processes, as well as concerns over job losses and increased urban sprawl. As AVs become mainstream, urban attractions may be transformed, and new industries like A...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·DateNov 7, 2018

Improving the understanding of death receptor functions in cells

A team led by Dr. Sjoerd van Wijk is exploring M1-deubiquitinating enzymes and their interactions with death receptors to better comprehend programmed cell death regulation. This research may lead to insights into human diseases, such as cancer development and bacterial invasion.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateNov 7, 2018

Nasal delivery of weight-loss hormone eases breathing problems in sleeping mice

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully delivered the weight-loss hormone leptin through the nose to obese mice, alleviating breathing problems during sleep. The study suggests that nasal delivery may overcome leptin resistance and provide a new treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 7, 2018

Low health literacy associated with early death for cardiovascular patients

Patients hospitalized with cardiovascular disease are more likely to die within a year if they have low health literacy. The study considered social and behavioral factors such as physical activity, medication adherence, and perceived health competence, which were found to be significant predictors of mortality.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateNov 7, 2018

Filtering liquids with liquids saves electricity

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute developed a liquid-gated membrane system that filters nanoclay particles out of water with high efficiency, reducing fouling and pressure requirements. This innovation has the potential to save energy and improve industrial processes in various industries.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAPL Materials·DateNov 7, 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.

Clearing up information about corneal dystrophies

A new editorial and free resource clarify corneal dystrophy diagnoses based on corrected medical literature, with the International Committee for Classification of Corneal Dystrophies providing an updated standard classification. The IC3D nomenclature has become internationally accepted.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateNov 7, 2018

Quantum systems: Same, but different

Two experiments at TU Wien and Heidelberg University demonstrate that disequilibrium processes in quantum systems belong to universality classes, behaving identically. This allows for indirect study of inaccessible quantum systems like the Big Bang.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2018

Microbiome implicated in sea star wasting disease

A research study shows that the microbiomes of sea stars play a critical role in the progression of the disease. The study found that an imbalance of beneficial and disease-causing bacteria contributes to the severity of the illness, with healthy animals hosting more helpful microbes.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 7, 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.

A bionic mushroom that generates electricity

Researchers have created a bionic mushroom that produces electricity through photosynthesis, generating a current of about 65 nanoAmps. The system uses cyanobacteria and graphene nanoribbons to capture electrons released during photosynthesis.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 7, 2018

Study explores timing of muscle-related problems of statin use

A recent study found that statin-induced musculoskeletal adverse events (MAEs) have distinct onset timings for different statins, with high-intensity statins triggering symptoms faster. The study also revealed that concomitant drug use does not alter the timing of MAEs associated with statins.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateNov 7, 2018

Watching nanoparticles

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new technique to study individual nanoparticles undergoing photocatalytic reactions. The method, published in Nature Communications, uses a custom-designed specimen holder and mirrors to focus light onto the nanoparticle, allowing scientists to observe the reaction as it unfolds.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2018

Astronomers get best view yet of supermassive black holes in colliding galaxies

A team of astronomers captured the best view yet of merging galaxies and their supermassive black holes, revealing that galaxy mergers are critical in fueling the growth of these massive black holes. The discovery uses high-resolution images and X-ray data to pinpoint the location of these hidden black hole mergers.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 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.

Tumor immune cells could aid cancer therapies, study shows

Researchers developed a gene analysis approach to spot immune cells in tumors, which could help doctors choose best treatments and predict therapy responses. This new method, called ImSig, provides a detailed picture of tumors and will aid scientists in studying the impact of immune cell types on cancer growth.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateNov 7, 2018

Skin-like sensor maps blood-oxygen levels anywhere in the body

A new flexible sensor maps blood-oxygen levels over large areas of skin and organs, allowing for real-time monitoring of healing wounds. This innovation could benefit patients with diabetes, respiration diseases, and sleep apnea by tracking blood-oxygen levels 24/7.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 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.

'Bionic mushrooms' fuse nanotech, bacteria and fungi

Researchers created bionic mushrooms by integrating cyanobacteria with graphene nanoribbons, producing electricity through photosynthesis. The hybrid system can produce eight-fold more electricity than traditional methods, opening opportunities for next-generation bio-hybrid applications in healthcare, defense, and the environment.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 7, 2018

Scientists shuffle the deck to create materials with new quantum behaviors

Researchers have successfully created complex multi-principle element transition metal dichalcogenides with unique quantum phenomena. By combining layered TMDCs using ball-milling and reactive fusion, they have demonstrated the possibility of forming 3D-heterostructured architectures with tunable properties.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalChemical Communications·DateNov 7, 2018

Immune cells could hold key to therapies for spinal cord injuries

Researchers discovered large immune cells called macrophages play a vital role in repairing damaged nerve connections in zebrafish. These molecules dampen inflammation at the injury site, enabling nerve cells to bridge gaps and repair lost connections.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2018

Among heart attack survivors, drug reduces chances of second heart attack or stroke

A large international clinical trial found that alirocumab, a PCSK9 antibody, reduced the chance of additional heart problems or stroke in heart attack survivors. LDL cholesterol levels decreased by 50% with alirocumab treatment, leading to a 15% reduction in risk of death from coronary heart disease, another heart attack, or stroke.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 7, 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.

Scientists reveal spring cold spells that reduce crop yields

Scientists have identified a significant link between spring cold spells and crop yield losses in North China. Continuous negative temperature anomalies during these events can lead to devastating effects on wheat yields, resulting in losses of up to 20%.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 7, 2018

Body clock researchers prevent liver cancer growth in mice

A preclinical study found that inhibiting liver cancer cell growth can be achieved by manipulating the circadian clock. Fifty percent of liver tumors express a malfunctioning protein that induces circadian dysfunction, and forcing tumor cells to re-express this protein leads to their death.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2018

ASU geoscientists discover an overlooked source for Earth's water

A team of Arizona State University geoscientists has found a new source of water on Earth, tracing it back to the formation of our planet. They discovered that the solar nebula, the gases and dust out of which the Sun and planets formed, contained hydrogen and oxygen, which could have supplied the origin of Earth's global ocean.

SourceArizona State University·DateNov 7, 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.

Levitating particles could lift nuclear detective work

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory use laser-based optical tweezers to levitate uranium and plutonium particles, allowing for accurate measurement of nuclear recoil during radioactive decay. This technique enables the detection of isotopes in nanometer and micrometer-sized particles, crucial for nuclear forensics.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review A·DateNov 7, 2018

Bullying 'follows' LGB people from school to work

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University finds that around one in three LGB individuals who are bullied at school will experience similar bullying in the workplace. The study also examines the impact on job satisfaction and mental health, finding a negative association between bullying and job satisfaction.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalManchester School·DateNov 7, 2018

Discovery: Rare three-species hybrid warbler

Scientists have identified a rare three-species hybrid warbler found in Pennsylvania, resulting from a Golden-winged/Blue-winged Warbler mother and a Chestnut-sided Warbler father. Genetic analysis revealed the unique combination of traits, shedding light on bird's adaptability and genetic diversity.

SourceCornell University·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 7, 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.

Selective amnesia: How rats and humans are able to forget distracting memories

Researchers found that rats possess the capacity for selective amnesia, using a similar brain mechanism as humans. By actively recalling memories, rats can selectively forget distracting experiences, improving memory efficiency but potentially leading to problems like witness forgetting in police interviews.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2018

White wine, lemon juice combo prevents unwanted discoloration of pastry dough

Researchers have developed a natural way to prevent enzymatic browning in pastry dough, driven by polyphenol oxidase (PPO). A combination of white wine and lemon juice inhibits PPO activity and prevents discoloration, making it an attractive alternative to synthetic additives.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 7, 2018

Can social media lead to labor market discrimination?

A new study found that social media can be a source of information for recruiters to discriminate against job applicants based on their city of origin. Researchers sent over 800 applications with different cities listed on Facebook profiles and found a significant gap in callback rates between applicants from France and Morocco.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Economics & Management Strategy·DateNov 7, 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.

How beatboxers produce sound: Using real-time MRI to understand

A team of researchers used real-time MRI to study how beatboxers produce percussion sounds, finding that they can create unique sounds not seen in any language. The study used video signal processing to demystify the mechanics of artistic style and characterized different beatboxing styles.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 7, 2018

Doing the wave: how stretchy fluids react to wavy surfaces

Researchers at OIST investigate viscoelastic fluid flow over wavy surfaces, revealing unexpected effects of elasticity. The critical layer, a region where vortices are amplified, is confirmed experimentally for the first time.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 7, 2018

Chlamydia attacks with Frankenstein protein

Researchers have discovered a Chlamydia protein that manipulates human cells by removing ubiquitin and acetylation, essential for the bacterium's survival. This finding could pave the way for treating Chlamydia with fewer antibiotics.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 7, 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.

Mailed HPV tests can help find women at-risk for cervical cancer, study finds

Researchers found that mailing self-collection kits to test for high-risk human papillomavirus infection detected high-risk HPV in all cases of women with high-grade, abnormal cervical precancerous growths. This approach has the potential to boost cervical cancer screening, especially among low-income women who are overdue for testing.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 7, 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 do babies laugh? Like chimps!

Researchers analyzed laughter clips from 44 infants to children aged 3-18 months and found that youngest babies laughed on both inhalation and exhalation, similar to chimpanzees. Older babies primarily laughed on the exhale, as seen in older children and adults.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 7, 2018

Study shows how vultures evesdrop to gather vital flight information

A new study reveals how vultures use social networks to gather flight information, making risky yet efficient choices. The research, led by Hannah Williams from Swansea University, tracked the movements of five vultures using special tag technology and found that they fly towards areas where other birds had been circling.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateNov 7, 2018

Promising new targeted therapy for acceleration of bone fracture repair

Researchers developed a targeted therapy that enhances fracture repair in vivo, reducing healing time by 60% without impacting surrounding healthy tissue. The therapy, DAC, was found to double bone density and improve treatment intervals, offering potential benefits for the orthopedic community.

SourceAmerican Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists·DateNov 7, 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.

Dr. Peter Adams receives 2018 Glenn Foundation BIG Award

Dr. Peter Adams has been awarded a two-year $300,000 Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Breakthroughs in Gerontology (BIG) Award to investigate chromatin misfolding causes of aging. The award aims to support research that leads to a greater understanding of biological aging and its treatment.

SourceAmerican Federation for Aging Research·DateNov 7, 2018

Financial giants can have a pivotal role for climate stability

A new study links international investors to economic activities that modify large ecosystems, including the Amazon rainforest and boreal forests. Financial institutions can play a crucial role in bolstering or undermining climate stability through their investments.

SourceStockholm Resilience Centre·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateNov 7, 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.

Many older adults do not take prescribed statins properly

A study of Australian seniors reveals high rates of nonadherence and discontinuation with prescribed statins. Factors such as age, comorbidities, and type of prescribing doctor influence the likelihood of proper statin use.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateNov 7, 2018

Machine-learning algorithm predicts how cells repair broken DNA

A machine-learning algorithm, inDelphi, predicts the precise correction of broken genes by analyzing data from CRISPR-induced breaks. Researchers successfully corrected nearly 200 disease-associated genetic variants, restoring gene function to healthy states.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2018

Researchers have unlocked secrets about engineered protein receptor, CAR

Researchers have discovered how engineered protein receptor CAR activates cancer-fighting cells, shedding light on effective treatments and side effects. By understanding phosphorylation processes, they aim to design better cancer-fighting CARs with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateNov 7, 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.

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.

Astronomers unveil growing black holes in colliding galaxies

Researchers have observed two galaxy nuclei in close proximity to each other, providing a rare glimpse of supermassive black hole pairs. The study offers insights into the final stages of galaxy mergers and their role in shaping the evolution of massive black holes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2018

Disrupting communication in infectious bacteria

The Konstanz research team developed a technique to measure enzyme inhibition in living cells, which allows for the discovery of inhibitors targeting quinolone biosynthesis. Inhibiting this process disrupts bacterial communication and prevents toxin production, blocking infectious properties.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 7, 2018

Exhaustive analysis reveals cell division's inner timing mechanisms

A new analysis of E. coli cell data sheds light on the long-standing question of what triggers cell division, suggesting that both DNA replication and septum formation occur concurrently. This discovery challenges existing models and offers new perspectives on cellular growth and potential applications in understanding cancer.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 7, 2018

Sizing up tumor DNA fragments improves blood-based cancer detection

Researchers have developed a new method that can detect hard-to-trace tumor DNA in the blood by focusing on specific fragment sizes. The technique improves cancer detection and may also be applicable to other types of DNA in body fluids.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 7, 2018

Announcing Glenn /AFAR 2018 Research Grants for Junior Faculty

The 2018 Glenn Foundation for Medical Research and AFAR Research Grant for Junior Faculty has awarded $1,200,000 to twelve researchers studying aging processes and age-related diseases. The grants will support research focused on mechanisms of biology governing normal human aging and its related physiological decline.

SourceAmerican Federation for Aging Research·DateNov 7, 2018

Modern slavery promotes overfishing

New research reveals modern slavery promotes overfishing by allowing distant-water fishing fleets to remain profitable, with crews from China, Taiwan, and Russia facing high risk of labour abuses. Global marine fish catches are declining at a rate of 1.2 million tonnes per year.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2018

Surgery patients use only 1/4 of prescribed opioids, and prescription size matters

A new study found that surgery patients often take less than half of the prescribed opioid pain medications, with prescription size being the most important factor. The study suggests that surgeons can reduce opioid prescriptions and improve patient safety by considering individual factors such as pain scores and operation intensity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateNov 7, 2018