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Science News for October 11, 2018


Low copper levels linked to fatter fat cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that low copper levels in cells make fat cells fatter by altering how they process fuels like fat and sugar. The study adds evidence that copper homeostasis could be a therapeutic target for metabolic disorders, including obesity.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 11, 2018

UNIST celebrates newest cohort of rising-star distinguished professors

UNIST has selected 6 extraordinary scholars as 'Rising-star Distinguished Professor', recognizing their exceptional contributions to fields like Artificial Intelligence, Energy, and Materials Science. The honored faculty members will receive an honorarium for salary and research support.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateOct 11, 2018

Smallest ever Tylosaurus fossil sheds light on species

A newly discovered Tylosaurus fossil, likely a newborn, lacks the characteristic long snout of the species. Researchers found that the development of this feature occurs extremely quickly, between birth and juvenile stage.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHistorical Biology·DateOct 11, 2018

Russian scientists created a new method for diagnosing drilling rigs for oil production

Researchers at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University developed a new method of nondestructive testing to diagnose drilling rig elements in oil wells, improving efficiency and reducing repair costs. The method uses mathematical models of fracture mechanics to estimate damage throughout the structure.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalActa Mechanica·DateOct 11, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dying star emits a whisper

A Caltech-led team observed a faint and rapidly fading supernova, suggesting the presence of an unseen companion gravitationally siphoning away the star's mass. The explosion resulted in a dead neutron star orbiting its dense companion, marking the first time scientists have witnessed the birth of a compact neutron star binary system.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2018

Hidden gapless states on the path to semiconductor nanocrystals

Researchers find that a previously unreported intermediate radical zinc oxo-alkoxide cluster with gapless electronic states is formed before the growth of semiconducting ZnO phase. The transformation from insulator to conductor-like material occurs rapidly, and further heating leads to semiconductor properties.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateOct 11, 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.

Pitt/UPMC BCI researchers receive $8 million in NIH funding

A team of University of Pittsburgh and UPMC researchers has received $8 million in NIH funding to expand their groundbreaking brain-computer interface (BCI) research, with the goal of restoring hand function via a robotic arm. The new funding will support critical next steps in their research.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateOct 11, 2018

Do lizards dream like us?

Researchers confirm lizards enter two distinct sleep states similar to slow-wave and REM sleep in humans and other animals. However, the study reveals differences in brain activity between species, including slower eye movements and unique cerebral patterns in lizard brains.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 11, 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.

How yeast cells detect genetic infections

Researchers discovered a novel defence mechanism in yeast cells that uses centromeres to detect and neutralize foreign genetic material. This mechanism ensures that potentially harmful DNA is confined within one cell, while the daughter cell contains only reliable DNA.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell·DateOct 11, 2018

Stringent password policies help prevent fraud, study finds

Researchers at Indiana University discovered that requiring longer and more complicated passwords significantly lowers the risk of password reuse. The study analyzed password policies from 22 US universities and found that IU's policy resulted in a 99.98% low rate of password reuse.

SourceIndiana University·DateOct 11, 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.

Higher levels of the hormone prolactin in women are associated with protection against type 2 diabetes

A large prospective cohort study found that higher levels of prolactin in women are associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women with the highest 25% of prolactin levels were 27% less likely to develop T2D than those in the lowest 25%. The association was similar regardless of menopausal status and other risk factors.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateOct 11, 2018

New route of acquiring antibiotic resistance in bacteria is the most potent one to date

Researchers at NUS Medicine and University of Glasgow have discovered lateral transduction, a new mode of genetic transfer that enables the transfer of large sections of bacterial chromosomes between bacteria. This highly efficient mechanism could explain the rapid evolution of antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2018

NASA eyes Hurricane Michael moving inland

Hurricane Michael has moved inland, with NASA tracking its movement and predicting heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to produce life-threatening flash floods in the Mid-Atlantic States and coastal southern New England.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 11, 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.

NASA catches Tropical Cyclone Titli headed for landfall in India

NASA captured images of Tropical Cyclone Titli before landfall using its Suomi NPP satellite, showing a large storm with strong thunderstorms surrounding its defined eye. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, causing at least 7 deaths.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 11, 2018

Optical illusion spooks raptors

Scientists develop visual pattern that triggers long-term avoidance of high-risk areas by raptors, improving collision detection and reducing plane and wind turbine collisions. The 'looming' effect created by concentric black circles on a white background is effective in repelling birds from specific areas.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2018

Study identifies effective ketamine doses for treatment-resistant depression

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry has identified two subanesthetic doses of ketamine as effective in reducing symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. The doses of 0.5 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg showed significant symptom improvement, while lower doses did not produce the same results.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 11, 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.

Lassa fever vaccine shows promise and reveals new test for immunity

A new Lassa fever and rabies vaccine has demonstrated effective protection in animal models of disease, suggesting a new way to test for protection against the virus. Researchers have also identified a new surrogate measure of protection that could aid in vaccine development.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2018

A novel biosensor to advance diverse high-level production of microbial cell factories

Researchers developed a simple and robust malonyl-CoA biosensor to monitor intracellular malonyl-CoA abundance in bacteria. The biosensor enabled rapid screening for gene targets increasing malonyl-CoA accumulation, leading to high-level production of four natural products.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 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.

Immune cells in triple-negative breast cancer offer potential therapeutic target

A new report reveals a protein, deltaNp63, that directs myeloid-derived immunosuppressor cells (MDSCs) to the primary tumor and metastatic sites, promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Blocking deltaNp63 or MDSCs reduced tumor growth and metastasis in a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 11, 2018

NASA finds Tropical Cyclone Luban crawling

Tropical Cyclone Luban is moving slowly towards Oman, expected to make landfall as a tropical storm before Oct. 14. The cyclone has strong winds and a ragged eye, but lacks thunderstorm development.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 11, 2018

The Lancet: Cesarean section use has almost doubled globally since 2000

The global cesarean section rate has increased from 12% in 2000 to 21% in 2015, with significant disparities in use between regions and socioeconomic groups. The authors call for improved quality childbirth care globally and emphasize the need for C-sections only to be performed when medically required.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 11, 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.

How are pulsed electric fields being used in cancer therapy?

Researchers are using pulsed electric fields to treat tumors, inducing cell death and stimulating the immune system. The technology delivers genes encoding cancer-fighting proteins into tumor cells, increases drug efficiency, and affects cell signaling.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBioelectricity·DateOct 11, 2018

Bioinspired camera could help self-driving cars see better

Researchers created a new camera inspired by mantis shrimp vision, improving dynamic range up to 10,000 times higher than commercial cameras. The camera detects light polarization and can spot hazards three times farther away than color cameras used on cars today.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateOct 11, 2018

Effects of a high-fat diet may be passed on for three generations

A high-fat diet in female mice affects their offspring's obesity, insulin resistance, and addictive-like behaviors for three generations. The study found that only females showed addictive-like behaviors, while males showed obesity characteristics in the third generation.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 11, 2018

Plant compound found to have therapeutic effect on complications from snakebites

Researchers discover plant-based compound rutin reduces bleeding and inflammation caused by snake venom, offers potential co-treatment with antivenom for snakebite patients in countries without access to antivenom. The study's findings indicate a great potential for rutin as an ancillary drug in conjunction with antivenom therapy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 11, 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.

Self-healing material can build itself from carbon in the air

Researchers at MIT have developed a self-healing material that can grow, strengthen and repair itself by reacting with carbon dioxide from the air. The material, made from a polymer and chloroplasts, becomes stronger as it incorporates the carbon.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 11, 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.

Human retinas grown in a dish explain how color vision develops

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have successfully grown human retinas in a dish, providing insights into how cells enable color vision. The study found that thyroid hormone plays a crucial role in determining the fate of these cells, with implications for understanding and potentially treating eye diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 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.

New model mimics human tumors for accurate testing of cancer drugs

Researchers have developed a laboratory model that accurately evaluates MCL-1 inhibitors, enabling the identification of right patients for these drugs. The model predicts how cancer patients will respond to the drug in the clinic, allowing for effective treatment and potential breakthroughs in cancer therapy.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalBlood·DateOct 11, 2018

Crime and privacy: Using consumer genomics to identify anonymous individuals

A new study found that consumer genomic databases can identify nearly anyone in a population once genetic data covers 2%, raising significant privacy concerns. The results highlight the power of rapidly growing consumer genomic datasets and suggest a need for policies to ensure genetic privacy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2018

Does more education stem political violence?

A systematic review of quantitative studies on the relationship between education and political violence found that increasing education levels in the population reduces most forms of armed conflict. The study also highlights the importance of addressing systemic inequalities in access to education between religious and ethnic groups, ...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalReview of Educational Research·DateOct 11, 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.

UTSA professor studies impact of political incivility on partisanship

Bryan Gervais' study examines the impact of elite incivility on partisanship, revealing that counter-attitudinal incivility induces anger, leading to more partisan attitudes. The research also highlights the role of social media in amplifying incivility and polarization.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalPolitical Psychology·DateOct 11, 2018

UCI-led study reveals that cells involved in allergies also play a key role in survival

Researchers discovered that mast cells release histamine from the gut, triggering the formation of oleoylethanolamide, which stimulates ketogenesis and supports brain and muscle function during prolonged fasts or intense exercise. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that mast cells are solely responsible for allergic respo...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 11, 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.

Hearing and visual aids linked to slower age-related memory loss

Cognitive decline was slowed after patients underwent cataract surgery and adopted hearing aids. The rate of decline was halved following cataract surgery and 75% less following the adoption of hearing aids, according to researchers at the University of Manchester.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2018

The future of electronic devices: Strong and self-healing ion gels

Scientists have designed an ion gel with excellent toughness and self-healing properties, promising potential for building flexible electronic devices. The material can quickly heal on its own without external stimuli and exhibit high thermal stability and ionic conductivity.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 11, 2018

How teens with type 1 diabetes can guard their hearts

A study highlights strategies to help teens with type 1 diabetes manage high cholesterol and blood pressure, including offering realistic guidance, encouraging regular exercise, and promoting healthy eating habits. The research emphasizes the importance of personalized approach and team effort in addressing these conditions.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalPediatric Diabetes·DateOct 11, 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.

Researchers look beyond BMI to predict obesity-related disease risk

Researchers developed a new method to use metabolites to predict diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk in people with obesity. The study analyzed over 2,400 participants and found that specific molecular signatures could identify individuals at higher risk of developing these diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 11, 2018

How a common drug causes liver failure

Acetaminophen's breakdown product activates glutathionylation, affecting mitochondrial energy production and leading to metabolic dysfunction. This discovery explains the drug's toxicity at high doses and may apply to other drugs with similar structures.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateOct 11, 2018

Your smartphone could soon be making your commute much less stressful

Researchers at the University of Sussex have created a large dataset that can be used to develop smartphone apps that detect transportation modes, predict road conditions, and offer route recommendations. The dataset has achieved high accuracy rates in recognizing modes of transport, paving the way for innovative mobile applications

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalJournal of the ACM·DateOct 11, 2018

Long-term exposure to ozone has significant impacts on human health

A new study by Duke University and the University of York estimates that long-term ozone exposure in Europe, the USA, and China led to 266,000 premature mortalities in 2015. The research uses observed air quality data instead of chemical transport models, finding smaller human-health impacts compared to prior modeling results.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 11, 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.

The metabolome: A way to measure obesity and health beyond BMI

A recent study uses metabolome analysis to identify a link between metabolite changes and weight, revealing that genetics don't correlate closely with obesity. The research suggests new ways to measure obesity and health risks beyond traditional BMI measures.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 11, 2018

NASA finds wind shear weakening Tropical Storm Nadine

Tropical Storm Nadine is being torn apart by wind shear in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, according to NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite. The storm's low-level center is nearly 50 nautical miles southwest of the nearest deep convection, indicating strong weakening.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 11, 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.

Ultrasound helps predict the success of fistulas in individual dialysis patients

A new study suggests that ultrasound measurements after surgery can predict the likelihood of arteriovenous fistula maturation in individual dialysis patients. At 6 weeks after AVF creation, ultrasound measurements of AVF blood flow, diameter, and depth predicted future AVF maturation with moderate accuracy.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 11, 2018

Physics model finds that SCOTUS 'Super Court' votes are non-partisan

A physics model applied to a 'Super Court' of Supreme Justices found that consensus dominates the court's decisions, with strong correlations in voting persisting beyond individual justices' tenures. The study reveals that partisan issues are more complex than simple intuition suggests, and votes against prevailing opinions are probable.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Statistical Physics·DateOct 11, 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.

Researchers discover what pneumococcus says to make you sick

Carnegie Mellon University researchers identified a molecule called BriC that plays a key role in bacterial communication and infection. BriC helps pneumococcus produce biofilms, making infections more robust, but may also be a target to render bacteria more sensitive to antibiotic treatment.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 11, 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.

Scientists work to improve recovery of your sense of taste

Researchers are exploring ways to speed up and enhance the recovery of the sense of taste after a significant injury. By understanding how IL-1 signaling works in the body, they hope to develop novel treatments to aid regeneration and recovery. In mice, studies have shown that IL-1 plays a crucial role in repairing the taste system.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateOct 11, 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.

Scientists develop novel vaccine for lassa fever and rabies

Researchers have developed a novel vaccine that protects against both Lassa fever and rabies, with promising results in preclinical testing. The vaccine, called LASSARAB, uses a weakened rabies virus vector to elicit an immune response against both viruses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2018

'Domestic gag rule' will negatively impact women's health care

A new study by the University of Texas at Austin found that proposed Title X guidelines restricting abortion counseling and referrals may adversely impact pregnant women's health care. The study, published in Contraception, compares pregnancy options counseling and referral practices at state-funded and federal organizations.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalContraception·DateOct 11, 2018

White Americans see many immigrants as 'illegal' until proven otherwise, survey finds

A survey found that many white Americans assume immigrants from certain countries are 'illegal' due to stereotypes and lack of documentation, leading to discriminatory treatment. The study highlights the impact of social perceptions on immigrant standing in American society, revealing a new source of ethnic-based inequalities.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateOct 11, 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.

Novel topological insulator

Researchers at the University of Würzburg and the Technion have successfully built a topological insulator operating with dual excitations, offering a novel platform for switched electronic systems and laser applications. The discovery showcases the potential of this material for advanced optoelectronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateOct 11, 2018

Where is it, the foundation of quantum reality?

Researchers build systems reproducing quantum predictions with classical models, suggesting a boundary for 'true' quantum phenomena beyond single-particle interactions. Quantum entanglement remains an unexplained mystery.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review A·DateOct 11, 2018

Clues from a Somalian cavefish about modern mammals' dark past

Researchers found a species of blind cavefish lacking an ancient DNA repair system, previously known only in placental mammals. The discovery supports the 'nocturnal bottleneck' theory, suggesting ancestors of modern mammals lived in darkness before dinosaurs.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 11, 2018

Scientists unexpectedly reprogram mature mouse neurons

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that mature inhibitory neurons can be transformed into a different type of neuron without relying on stem cells. The study reveals the possibility of changing mature neurons in adulthood and may lead to therapeutic strategies for treating neurological diseases.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 11, 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.

The significance of water in a promising biomarker against cancer

Researchers discover water molecule stabilizes Tn antigen structure, leading to different interactions with cell receptors and antibodies. This finding has implications for developing synthetic molecules that can trigger a stronger immune response against cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 11, 2018

How parenting affects antisocial behaviors in children

A study of identical twins found that parenting styles that are harsher and less warm increase the likelihood of aggressive behavior and callous-unemotional traits in children. The researchers suggest that interventions aimed at improving parental warmth and reducing harshness could help prevent these behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 11, 2018

NASA provides takes powerful Hurricane Sergio's temperature

Scientists analyze cloud top temperatures to understand storm strength, with NASA's Aqua satellite providing critical data on Category 4 Hurricane Sergio. The storm's intense cloud tops were as cold as -87 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating a high potential for heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 11, 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.

Study holds promise for new pediatric brain tumor treatment

Researchers have identified NOTCH 1 as a key player in the metastasis of medulloblastoma, a type of pediatric brain cancer. The study also suggests that targeting this protein could lead to a more effective treatment option with fewer side effects.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2018

Deep learning can distinguish recalled-benign mammograms from malignant and negative images

A deep learning approach can identify nuanced mammographic imaging features specific to recalled but benign (false-positive) mammograms, distinguishing them from those identified as malignant or negative. The study achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.76-0.91, indicating high performance in detecting false recalls.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 11, 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.

Geoengineering, other technologies won't solve climate woes

Researchers warn that geoengineering and alternative solutions like tree planting, biochar, and NETs (negative emissions technologies) won't be enough to meet climate goals. Emission cuts remain the only sure way to limit global warming to 1.5C or less.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2018

Physical activity has health benefits for smokers, regardless of air pollution levels

A new study finds that regular physical activity improves lung function in current smokers, regardless of air pollution levels. The study, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, analyzed data from over 4,500 people and found that physical activity benefits even in areas with high air pollution.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateOct 11, 2018

Researchers create a functional salivary gland organoid

Scientists successfully grew three-dimensional salivary gland tissue that produced saliva in mice, paving the way for potential treatments for patients with failing organs. The research used embryonic stem cells to create an organoid, a simplified three-dimensional tissue that resembles a real organ.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2018

Fat: A new player expands our definition of diabetes

A new study reveals that protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) is acting from fat tissue to worsen disease, pointing to a new function in this dynamic organ. Fat tissue reveals striking differences in cell shape and size in the presence and absence of PKCε.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 11, 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.

Nice people finish last when it comes to money

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that agreeableness is associated with lower savings, higher debt and higher default rates. Agreeable individuals care less about money, leading to a higher risk of money mismanagement, especially for those with lower incomes.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 11, 2018

Blood test identifies more treatable cancer mutations than tissue biopsy alone

Researchers found that a blood test identified significantly more treatable mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) than a tissue biopsy alone. Patients with actionable mutations detected by the liquid biopsy responded favorably to targeted therapies, achieving high clinical response rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 11, 2018

Disorder induces topological Anderson insulator

Experimental physicists at the University of Illinois have created a new disorder-induced topological state, previously predicted to occur in electronic materials. The topological Anderson insulator phase was first discovered theoretically in 2009 and its origin was further explained in subsequent works.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 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.

UBC researchers dig to get to the root of lavender's secrets

A UBC team has sequenced the complete genome of lavender, opening doors for further research and analysis. The draft genome helps identify genes directing essential oil production and regulatory elements controlling its expression.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalPlanta·DateOct 11, 2018

Army-funded research results in new kits for teaching science

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory has developed a new resource for teaching synthetic biology to kindergartners through high school using an affordable, hands-on kit called BioBitTM. The kit enables experiments that circumvent current barriers in science education and fills a gap in STEM education.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 11, 2018

New techniques can detect Lyme disease weeks before current tests

Researchers have developed new techniques to detect Lyme disease bacteria weeks sooner than current tests, indicating active infection and enabling quicker treatment. The new direct tests detect DNA or protein from Borrelia burgdorferi, increasing the accuracy of an early diagnosis.

SourceRutgers University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateOct 11, 2018

Link between gut flora and multiple sclerosis discovered

New findings suggest that the immune system's response to a protein called GDP-L-fucose synthase, found in both human cells and bacteria, may play a key role in multiple sclerosis. The protein is believed to activate T cells in the intestine, leading to an inflammatory cascade that damages the protective coating around nerve cells.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 11, 2018

Stanford researchers modify CRISPR to reorganize genome

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new technique called CRISPR-GO, which allows them to manipulate the genome in three-dimensional space. By reorganizing genetic elements in different locations within the nucleus, scientists can alter their function and study the impact on cell behavior.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell·DateOct 11, 2018

'Fudge factors' in physics?

Researchers find that widely-used correction methods are based on a faulty assumption, potentially leading to inaccurate predictions. The team proposes new universal method for prediction that works for the right reasons.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 11, 2018

Latest Cornell dot features a new cancer weapon: Antibodies

Researchers have developed a new method for imaging breast cancer using Cornell dots, which are smaller than 8 nanometers and can be cleared by the kidneys. The dots are equipped with antibody fragments that target HER2-positive breast cancer cells, achieving high in vivo tumor uptake rates of up to 17.2 percent.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2018

Efficiently turning light into electricity

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered carrier multiplication in certain perovskites, increasing efficiency up to 44% compared to traditional solar cells. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of more efficient photodetectors and solar cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2018

Thyroid hormone regulates development of color vision

Researchers used human retinal tissue grown from stem cells to discover how cone photoreceptors develop, leading to insights into eye diseases like color blindness. Thyroid hormone signaling regulated the growth of blue-detecting cones first, followed by red- and green-detecting ones.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2018

Photoactive bacteria bait may help in fight against MRSA infections

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a light-active version of heme that can help inactivate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The technology uses a simple LED array to activate the photosensitizer, which rapidly kills MRSA strains.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateOct 11, 2018

Fruit fly protein could be new tool in tackling disease-carrying mosquitos

Researchers at the University of York have discovered a protein in fruit flies that regulates insulin and is also found in mosquitoes carrying diseases like malaria and yellow fever. This finding opens new pathways for drug design and could lead to better understanding of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2018

Gene variants raise risk of migraines in African-American children

Researchers identified a genetic susceptibility locus on chromosome 5 that predisposes African-American children to migraines. The study suggests that genes involved in neurotransmitter release may be targeted for future migraine treatments.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·DateOct 11, 2018

Smaller, more frequent eruptions affect volcanic flare-ups

A team of geoscientists studied the Taupo Volcanic Zone in New Zealand, finding that smaller eruptions reset magma chambers over decades to centuries. This understanding can aid predictions of similar eruptions and mitigate supereruptions.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 11, 2018