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Science News for October 10, 2018


Cells in 'little brain' have distinctive metabolic needs

Researchers discovered that cells in the cerebellum, or 'little brain', have unique metabolic needs. The study found that blocking an enzyme regulating mitochondria impairs cerebellar development more than other parts of the brain.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2018

Babies of overweight mothers may risk developing self-regulation problems

A study published in Pediatric Research found that babies born to overweight mothers are more likely to develop regulatory problems, including excessive crying and feeding difficulties. The research suggests that prenatal factors, such as maternal weight during early pregnancy, may contribute to these issues.

SourceSpringer·JournalPediatric Research·DateOct 10, 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.

Galactic archaeology

Researchers from Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias have discovered a star with an atmosphere devoid of metals, which is believed to be one of the oldest objects in the Milky Way. The study provides valuable information about the origin of the universe and the formation of the first stars.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 10, 2018

Study to explore how cognitive development shapes attitudes about physical activity

Researchers at Iowa State University investigate how childhood emotional connections with physical activity influence adult attitudes and behaviors. They suspect the prefrontal cortex plays a significant role in regulating emotions during exercise. The study, using children aged 7-9, aims to measure brain activity, exertion, and pleasu...

SourceIowa State University·JournalTranslational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine·DateOct 10, 2018

How to make fish shine

Researchers from the University of Bath have identified the genetic basis for iridophore formation in zebrafish, a process that allows shoals to flash silver. The study used a combination of genetic techniques and mathematical modeling to pinpoint key genes driving this complex process.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 10, 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.

Path to deadly sepsis varies by bacterial infection

Researchers have discovered that host responses during sepsis progression can vary in important ways based on pathogen type. Boosting anti-inflammatory enzymes or using neuraminidase inhibitors showed therapeutic approaches, indicating a potential direction for drug development.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 10, 2018

Higher levels of urinary fluoride associated with ADHD in children

University of Toronto researchers found that higher levels of urinary fluoride during pregnancy are linked to more ADHD-like symptoms in school-age children. The study analyzed data from over 200 mother-child pairs and found a strong association between prenatal fluoride exposure and inattentive behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEnvironment International·DateOct 10, 2018

THC amounts identical in most cannabis strains, UBC study finds

A UBC study discovered that many cannabis strains have virtually identical levels of THC and CBD, contradicting their unique street names. The research also found new, previously unknown cannabinoids in low quantities that could be related to pharmacological effects and serve as a source of new medicines.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 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.

Newly described fossils could help reveal why some dinos got so big

A new anatomical description of the car-sized sauropod relative Sarahsaurus aurifontanalis has shed light on its evolutionary changes and potential clues to why some dinosaurs got so big. The fossils, discovered in Arizona, provide a rare glimpse into the anatomy of these massive creatures.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 10, 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.

Blue roses could be coming soon to a garden near you

Researchers have successfully created a blue rose through genetic engineering by expressing pigment-producing enzymes from bacteria in white roses, resulting in a blue color. The team's breakthrough could lead to the mass production of true-blue roses without dye or injections.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateOct 10, 2018

Successful tests mark important milestone towards a 5G future

A European consortium has successfully tested a cutting-edge millimeter wave wireless technology, transmitting data at speeds of up to 10 Gigabit per second in real-world environment. The breakthrough addresses two major 5G challenges: wirelessly connecting new small cells networks and bridging the digital divide in rural areas.

SourceLancaster University·DateOct 10, 2018

Klebsiella pneumoniae drug resistance in infants studied in Kazan

Researchers at Kazan Federal University investigated the virulence factors of Klebsiella pneumoniae in neonates with sepsis and urinary tract infections. They found that rmpA gene-containing strains were associated with more severe diseases, revealing a higher prevalence of virulent K. pneumoniae strains than previously thought.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateOct 10, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genetics allows personalized disease predictions for chronic blood cancers

Researchers developed a method to make personalized predictions of future disease outcomes for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. By combining genetic and clinical information, the study identified eight different genetic subgroups that link to patterns of clinical disease and patient prognosis.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 10, 2018

Clues to lupus's autoimmune origins in precursor cells

A recent study found that DN2 B cells, a type of immune cell, are expanded in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and may be responsible for the production of autoantibodies. The research suggests that targeting these cells could provide new insights into treating the disease.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalImmunity·DateOct 10, 2018

Nail polishes with 'n-free' labels are not necessarily free of toxic compounds

Researchers found that some substitutes for di-n-butyl phthalate and triphenyl phosphate may be harmful, raising concerns about 'regrettable substitution'. The study of 40 nail polishes revealed that manufacturers have removed DnBP but still use similar toxic substitutes without disclosure.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 10, 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.

The making of soldier ants

Scientists at McGill University found that a rudimentary 'organ' in ants regulates the balance between soldiers and workers, allowing colonies to maintain a constant ratio. By controlling the growth of this organ, ants can rapidly produce more soldiers when needed.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2018

NIH study finds probiotic Bacillus eliminates Staphylococcus bacteria

A NIH study found that probiotic Bacillus eliminates Staphylococcus bacteria, preventing its growth in the gut and nose of healthy individuals. The researchers identified fengycins, a specific class of lipopeptides, as the substance responsible for inhibiting S. aureus sensing system.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2018

Team gets a closer look at how proteins meet on the cell membrane

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered the molecular mechanisms of protein talin's activation of integrin on the cell membrane. This process is essential for cell adhesion and plays a crucial role in cancer progression and metastasis.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 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.

E-cigarettes should be used more actively to help smokers quit, experts recommend

Research suggests that e-cigarettes have the potential to significantly impact smoking cessation efforts, particularly among vulnerable populations. A study by the University of Exeter found that stop-smoking services which are e-cigarette friendly can make a considerable difference in helping people give up smoking.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHarm Reduction Journal·DateOct 10, 2018

Prescience: Helping doctors predict the future

Researchers developed Prescience, a system that uses patient charts and sensor data to predict hypoxemia. The system provides explanations for its predictions, enabling anesthesiologists to better understand patient risks and prevent complications.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 10, 2018

Heusler, Weyl and Berry

Heusler compounds have been found to host non-trivial topological properties, including the discovery of Weyl fermions. The study also reveals the importance of Berry curvature in determining key effects like the anomalous Hall Effect. This research has significant implications for energy conversion and quantum electronic devices.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature Reviews Materials·DateOct 10, 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.

UCI researchers discover molecular mechanisms of ancient herbal remedies

Researchers from the University of California, Irvine have discovered that two components of the Mallotus leaf extract activate KCNQ2/3 potassium ion channels, essential for controlling electrical activity in the brain. The combination of these compounds is highly effective at preventing life-threatening seizures.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2018

Boxing up ag field nitrogen

Saturated riparian buffer strips can effectively reduce nitrate loads into nearby streams and lakes by reconnecting water flow through the soil, allowing growers to continue using tile drains. The system's cost per pound of nitrate removed is $1.33 for a 40-year lifetime, making it a simpler and cheaper alternative to other systems.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateOct 10, 2018

Pneumonia-causing bacteria can be spread by nose picking and rubbing

A study found that pneumococcus bacteria can spread at the same rate whether it is dry or wet, and when a person picks or pokes their nose as when they rub their nose. Ensuring good hand hygiene and keeping toys clean could help protect young children from catching and spreading the bacteria.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateOct 10, 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.

Cancer patients with rare deadly brain infection treated successfully with off-the-shelf adoptive T-cell therapy

A Phase II clinical trial found marked improvement in three patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and often fatal brain infection. Patients infused with donor T cells targeting the BK virus experienced significant reductions in JC viral load and clinical improvement.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 10, 2018

Hundreds of patients with undiagnosed diseases find answers, study reports

A study by Stanford Medicine and the Undiagnosed Disease Network has diagnosed over 100 patients with previously unknown ailments, providing actionable information for treatment. The network, created in 2014, uses a combination of traditional medicine and cutting-edge genomic technologies to solve mysterious cases.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 10, 2018

Feeding 10 billion people by 2050 within planetary limits may be achievable

A new study suggests that feeding 10 billion people sustainably by 2050 is achievable through a combination of dietary changes, improved agricultural practices, and reduced food loss and waste. The researchers found that adopting more plant-based diets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over half and other environmental impacts.

SourceStockholm Resilience Centre·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 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.

Creating custom brains from the ground up

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed a new method to create customized mouse models for studying the brain. This technique involves using a natural toxin to kill off developing brain cells, allowing scientists to reconstitute the forebrain from genetically engineered stem cells. The resulting mice have tightly contr...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2018

Indigenous fire practice protecting the Gibson Desert's biodiversity

Research suggests that Indigenous fire practices are protecting plant biodiversity in the Gibson Desert by preventing ecosystem transformations, retaining critical species. The traditional burning practices of the Pintupi people have helped conserve unique flora and prevent the destruction of desert myrtle shrubs.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalOecologia·DateOct 10, 2018

What causes nuclear waste glass to dissolve?

Researchers from the University of Houston and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are investigating what causes nuclear waste glass to dissolve over time. They found that zeolite crystals facilitate faster dissolution, and are exploring ways to slow or impede their formation.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 10, 2018

New approach could jumpstart breathing after spinal cord injury

A team at the Krembil Research Institute in Toronto has developed a novel strategy to target dormant neurons that can restore breathing following spinal cord injury. The research, published in Nature, shows promise for treating dysfunctional breathing, a major cause of death or disease among people with spinal cord injuries.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 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.

Mount Sinai builds modeling systems identifying gene-drug and environment interaction

A new approach integrates genomic and temporal information to infer causal relationships between genes, drugs, and their environment, allowing for a more accurate prediction of their interactions over time. The tool demonstrates the improvements in inferring genetic causes of disease enabled by higher-resolution molecular profiling.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 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.

Tracking a killer

UCSB, UCSD, and SBP researchers developed a method to track sepsis development on a molecular level, revealing different pathways depending on host responses to various pathogens. Boosting anti-inflammatory activity or blocking TLR-4 activation showed potential as therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 10, 2018

Nutrients may reduce blood glucose levels

A study by Joslin Diabetes Center shows that alanine can activate AMPK, increasing energy production and lowering glucose levels. This finding suggests a new potential way to modify glucose metabolism in the body.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateOct 10, 2018

The pentagon and the bean

Researchers have revealed the structure of immune protein IgM, showing it to be an incomplete hexagon. This discovery has significant implications for developing effective medicines for various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. The structural connection between IgM and AIM proteins suggests that drugs targeting AIM...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2018

Understanding catalysts at the atomic level can provide a cleaner environment

By studying materials down to the atomic level, researchers have found a way to improve catalytic efficiency and reduce environmental impact. They used advanced electron microscopy and computer simulations to optimize atomic spacing in metallic nanoparticles, leading to more energy-efficient catalysts.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 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.

GeoSEA array records sliding of Mount Etna's southeastern flank

Scientists have recorded horizontal and vertical movement of a submerged volcanic flank for the first time using a sound-based underwater geodetic monitoring network. The entire southeastern flank is in motion due to gravity, and a catastrophic collapse could trigger a major tsunami.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2018

Synapse 'protection' signal found; helps to refine brain circuits

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a 'don't eat me' signal that prevents microglia from pruning useful connections. This 'yin/yang' system helps fine-tune brain circuits, ensuring normal brain development and potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNeuron·DateOct 10, 2018

Simple fabrication of full-color perovskite LEDs

Perovskite nanoparticles are capable of emitting different colors depending on the internal halogen element. Researchers at UNIST developed a simple method to replace certain elements via solution process, allowing for the creation of red, blue, and green LEDs with high luminous efficiency.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJoule·DateOct 10, 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.

Molecular link between body weight, early puberty identified

Scientists have identified a molecular mechanism that leads overweight female rats to experience early-onset puberty. The study found that the SIRT1 enzyme plays a crucial role in transmitting body weight information to the brain, affecting the expression of the Kiss1 gene.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2018

Risk of blindness among premature babies with low levels of blood platelets

A Swedish-US study found that premature babies with low platelet levels have a fourfold increased risk of severe retinopathy of prematurity, a condition that can cause permanent vision impairment and blindness. Injections of platelets may provide new therapeutic possibilities for treating this disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 10, 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.

MU, MIT researchers show effectiveness of new noninvasive blood glucose test

Researchers at MU and MIT developed a noninvasive technology to monitor blood glucose levels without needles or finger pricking. The device uses Raman spectroscopy to detect glucose molecules in the skin, achieving accuracy comparable to traditional finger prick tests.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateOct 10, 2018

A break from the buzz: bees go silent during total solar eclipse

Researchers monitored bee activity during the 2017 total solar eclipse and found that bees ceased flying during totality. The study, supported by a grant from the American Astronomical Society, engaged over 400 participants in setting up acoustic monitoring stations across the US.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateOct 10, 2018

Reconstructing the history of mankind with the help of fecal sterols -- first test on the Maori

Researchers at Ca' Foscari University of Venice identified and dated traces of sterols in Lake Diamond and Kirkpatrick sediments, proving the presence of the Maori people. The study demonstrates a method for reconstructing human history by analyzing fecal sterols, which also shows the impact of the Maori population on the native forest.

SourceUniversità Ca' Foscari Venezia·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 2018

Volcano researcher learns how Earth builds supereruption-feeding magma systems

Guilherme Gualda and his students studied magma storage-depth evolution in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. They found that magma moved closer to the surface with each successive eruption, likely preventing supereruptions. The dynamic nature of the crust allowed for frequent, smaller eruptions to occur, preventing a massive eruption.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 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.

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.

Altruism can be trained

Scientists discovered that specific mental trainings can improve prosocial behavior over several months. Affect Module, consisting of daily practices, boosted altruistic behaviors, making it a potential step towards a caring society.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 2018

Satellite sees Tropical Cyclone Luban nearing Oman

Tropical Cyclone Luban continued to move through the Arabian Sea toward the coast of Oman, with a visible image provided by NOAA-20 satellite on October 10. The storm has maintained deep central convection and spiral bands wrapped tightly toward the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 10, 2018

The culprit of superconductivity in cuprates

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences found that a strong chemical bond between the apical cation and oxygen in cuprate compounds impacts superconductivity temperature. This discovery sheds light on key component of complicated phenomena in cuprates, opening up new avenue for materials design.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 10, 2018

Lung cancer deaths are 28 percent lower in California

A recent study published in Cancer Prevention Research reveals that California's long-term tobacco control efforts have led to a 28% decrease in lung cancer deaths compared to the rest of the country. The state's approach has been particularly effective in discouraging young people from starting to smoke, with a 39% lower initiation ra...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateOct 10, 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.

Study identifies gene that makes gentle touch feel painful after injury

Researchers identified PIEZO2 as a gene controlling tactile allodynia, a form of pain caused by gentle touch after injury. The study found that PIEZO2 plays an essential role in the nervous system's reaction to injury and inflammation, making it a target for developing precise treatments for relieving painful skin injuries.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 10, 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.

NASA sees Atlantic's Leslie become a hurricane

Hurricane Leslie has formed in the Atlantic with strong storms circling its center, revealing temperatures as low as -63 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Hurricane Center forecasts some additional strengthening over the next day or so, with a northward motion expected to begin tonight.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 10, 2018

Study challenges widely held belief that gout is primarily caused by diet

A new study published in The BMJ suggests that genetics play a significantly larger role in the development of high serum urate levels than diet. Despite long-held assumptions about diet's impact on gout, researchers found that only a small percentage of variation in urate levels could be explained by food choices.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 10, 2018

Eczema drug restores hair growth in patient with longstanding alopecia

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital report significant hair regrowth in a 13-year-old patient with total alopecia and eczema after treatment with dupilumab. The drug's mechanism of targeting an immune system pathway overactive in eczema may also induce hair growth in other alopecia patients.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateOct 10, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Scientists get in touch with the biology underlying pain

Researchers discovered that activating Piezo2-expressing neurons induces painful sensations in mice and that rodents deficient in Piezo2 do not register pain in response to soft touches. Blocking Piezo2 function may prevent allodynia without affecting normal pain responses.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 10, 2018

New study helps explain recent scarcity of Bay nettles

A new study explains recent Bay nettle scarcity, attributing it to warm waters and decreased reproductive rates. The research warns of potential cascading impacts on Bay fisheries and ecosystems, as climate change may increase the prevalence of low-oxygen bottom waters and alter food web dynamics.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalEstuaries and Coasts·DateOct 10, 2018

Home rehabilitation helps people with heart failure achieve better quality of life

A new study found that a home-based rehabilitation programme for people with heart failure significantly improves their quality of life. The Rehabilitation Enablement in CHronic Heart Failure (REACH-HF) programme, which is deliverable within NHS cost guidelines, was shown to have significant clinical benefits.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateOct 10, 2018

Downy mildew research to benefit lettuce growers and consumers

Researchers at UC Davis will use genomics to combat downy mildew in lettuce, a pathogen causing $3 billion industry losses annually. The project aims to reduce crop losses and improve profitability for farmers, while providing consumers with produce using fewer chemicals.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 10, 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.

NASA finds Nadine a compact tropical storm

Tropical Storm Nadine is a small storm with tightly circling clouds, extending wind up to 80 miles from its center. The storm is forecast to move northwest and weaken by tomorrow, eventually dissipating over the weekend.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 10, 2018

Versatile molecular system extends the promise of light-activated switches

Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a new molecular switch based on the hydrazone functional group, combining key properties of current light-activated switches. The molecule shows 'on-off' fluorescence emission toggling and can be used for data storage in both liquid and solid states.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 10, 2018

UNC to create next generation, ultra-long-acting antiretroviral formulations

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine aim to create ultra-long-acting antiretroviral formulations for HIV treatment and prevention. The new grant will enable them to continue and expand upon a line of work that showed promise in animal models, where the implant delivered the drug effectively for five months.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateOct 10, 2018

English first: Suicide prevention

Researchers found that information on support services was significantly more likely to be displayed in English-speaking countries. The study uncovered striking differences not only between countries but also within countries with multiple officially recognized languages.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNew Media & Society·DateOct 10, 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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Tiny tools for a big industry

Researchers explore using nanoparticles as tiny scouts to map connectivity between wells, optimize injection schemes, and identify oil-rich spots. Nanomaterials also show promise in keeping surfactants from sticking to rocks and magnetically separating oil microdroplets.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 10, 2018

Setting personal goals for dementia care

Researchers used goal attainment scaling to help people with dementia and their caregivers set personalized health goals. The study found that 84% of goals were non-medical, focusing on improving the person's quality of life and reducing caregiver stress.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 10, 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.

Larger families reduce cancer risk

A study of 178 countries found a strong negative correlation between family size and cancer incidence, with larger families having a protective effect against various types of cancer. The protective effects are stronger for males than females, with non-reproduction-related cancers also being involved.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBMC Cancer·DateOct 10, 2018

The fine print

Researchers have developed a method to 3D-print cells to produce human tissue such as ligaments and tendons, eliminating the need for additional surgeries and reducing reliance on harvested tissue. The technique involves printing stem cells on hydrogel to form tissue that can grow in vitro before implantation.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine·DateOct 10, 2018

Study of nearly 41,000 women who almost died giving birth shows who's most at risk

A new study analyzing nearly 40,000 hospital stays found that women of color and those with pre-existing health conditions had higher rates of severe maternal morbidity. The study highlights the importance of targeted prevention efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care for women around the time of delivery.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 10, 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.

Shrimp talent quest finds a winner

Researchers found that the peppermint shrimp outperformed other species in a set of experiments, reducing parasite infection by 87% and targeting environmental stages. This discovery provides a viable candidate for a natural biocontrol agent to combat parasites in aquaculture industries.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 2018

Testing new drugs with 'ALS-on-a-chip'

A team of MIT engineers created a microfluidic chip with 3-D tissue model of the interface between motor neurons and muscle fibers, replicating the effects of ALS. The researchers tested two drugs in clinical trials and found that giving both restored most of the lost muscle strength.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2018

Tech to prepare manufacturers, workers for the 'factory of the future'

Researchers at Purdue University are developing a new simulation platform that uses artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things to simulate factory settings. The platform aims to help manufacturers assess business success and risks, offset costs, and prepare workers for collaborating with robots.

SourcePurdue University·DateOct 10, 2018

DGIST, identifying an initial growth process of calcium phosphate

A joint research team has discovered a new analysis method that reveals nanoparticles continue to grow and transform into bulk materials in the early stages of nanomaterial growth. This finding contradicts classical nucleation theory, which assumes critical nuclei are created early in material growth.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 10, 2018

Molecular details of protein reveal glimpse into how kidney stones form

Researchers have gained fresh insights into how kidney stones form using cryo-electron microscopy to capture the 3D structure of an ion channel protein called TRPV5. The study reveals a unique mechanism of TRPV5 inhibition that could be useful for finding novel binding partners and drug discovery.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2018

Organs-on-chip technology reveals new drug candidates for Lou Gehrig's disease

Researchers used muscle-on-a-chip technology to model ALS, revealing a promising treatment combination that may improve symptoms. The study found that combining two neuroprotective molecules can efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier and recover muscle contraction and neuronal survival.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2018

$3.6 million to study adverse effects of genome editing

The NIH has awarded a $3.6 million grant to study the safety of CRISPR-like therapies in human tissues. A team led by Todd McDevitt will assess the safety and toxicity issues of genome editing, developing platforms to detect adverse effects on physiological function.

SourceGladstone Institutes·DateOct 10, 2018

Muscular men prefer an unequal society

A study by Aarhus University researchers reveals that men's political attitudes towards inequality are influenced by their physical strength, not logic or reason. The results suggest that strong men are more likely to support unequal societies, as it aligns with their instinctual desire for status and resource control.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPolitical Psychology·DateOct 10, 2018

Innovative sensing technique could improve greenhouse gas analysis

Researchers have developed a ghost imaging technique that can measure atmospheric greenhouse gases with subnanometer resolution, improving detection sensitivity and accuracy. The new approach enables measurements using less powerful light sources and at wavelengths where highly sensitive detectors aren't available.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 10, 2018

PIEZO2, a molecular target for treating clinical pain

Researchers at Scripps Research have identified the molecule PIEZO2 as responsible for tactile allodynia, a condition characterized by pain from gentle touch. The study provides validation that targeting PIEZO2 could be beneficial in treating this common form of chronic pain.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 10, 2018