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Science News for October 2, 2018


Transition metal dichalcogenides could increase computer speed, memory by a million times

Researchers propose using transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) to build faster computers that can process information in femtoseconds, a million times faster than current electronics. TMDCs have the potential to increase computer memory speed by a millionfold due to their unique hexagonal lattice structure and optical properties.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateOct 2, 2018

Giraffe babies inherit spot patterns from their mothers

A new study reveals that giraffe babies pass on their unique spot patterns to their mothers, with larger spots and irregular shapes linked to increased survival. Researchers used modern imaging techniques to analyze coat patterns in wild Masai giraffes, confirming a 49-year-old hypothesis about heritability.

SourcePenn State·JournalPeerJ·DateOct 2, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Study finds human milk components in amniotic fluid

Researchers at UC San Diego discovered human milk oligosaccharides in amniotic fluid during pregnancy, which may influence early microbiome development and prevent preterm birth. HMOs' presence in amniotic fluid also suggests potential benefits for prenatal lung and brain development.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 2, 2018

What kind of sex do German men have at 45?

A large-scale study in Germany found that nearly ten percent of gay men had engaged in vaginal sex with women in the past three months, challenging traditional notions of sexual orientation. Additionally, a significant percentage of heterosexual men were found to have had non-traditional sex practices, including oral and anal sex.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalSexual Medicine·DateOct 2, 2018

Global warming increases wildfire potential damages in Mediterranean Europe

A study by University of Barcelona researchers finds that global warming will increase burned areas due to fires in Mediterranean Europe, with a 40% rise at 1.5°C warming and 100% at 3°C. This calls for rethinking current management strategies and developing climate-fire models to prevent and reduce fire impact.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2018

How the African elephant cracked its skin to cool off

Researchers at UNIGE discovered that African elephant skin channels are true fractures of the animal's brittle skin, created by local bending mechanical stress. This unique adaptation allows them to absorb and retain more water than flat surfaces, cooling down through evaporation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chemists discover unexpected enzyme structure

Researchers at MIT have discovered a unique aspect of the enzyme carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, which converts carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide. The C-cluster's structure can change its configuration in response to oxygen exposure, providing a safety net for the metal atoms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 2, 2018

New tool helps scientists better target the search for alien life

EPFL scientist Claudio Grimaldi has developed a statistical model to calculate the probability of detecting extraterrestrial signals, increasing the chances of finding intelligent life. The model employs Bayes' theorem to interpret success and failure rates at varying distances from Earth.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2018

Study offers insight into how people judge good from bad

Researchers developed an ADC model that considers agent, deed, and consequence to explain variability in moral judgments. The study found that when stakes are high, consequences outweigh the nature of the deed, while lower stakes prioritize the agent's character.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2018

Secondary forests have short lifespans

A recent study found that secondary forests in southern Costa Rica last an average of 20 years before being converted to another land use, preventing them from providing habitat for many forest species and absorbing large amounts of carbon.

SourceMissouri Botanical Garden·JournalConservation Letters·DateOct 2, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

First experiments at new X-ray laser reveal unknown structure of antibiotics killer

The European XFEL has successfully obtained the first scientific results from its X-ray laser, revealing a previously unknown structure of an enzyme responsible for antibiotics resistance. The team achieved this at an unprecedented speed of 220 nanoseconds, outpacing previous X-ray lasers by more than an order of magnitude.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2018

New technique uses umbilical cord stem cells for early repair of cleft palate

A new approach using umbilical cord blood stem cells has shown promising results in repairing cleft palates in infants. The procedure, performed as part of reconstructive surgery when the infant is a few months old, provides good results in growing new bone to close the upper jaw cleft and may avoid the need for later bone graft surgery.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateOct 2, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

NASA sees a lot of strength in infrared view of cat four Hurricane Walaka

Cloud top temperatures are a crucial factor in determining the strength of hurricanes. NASA's Aqua satellite revealed extremely cold cloud tops around Hurricane Walaka, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. The storm is currently a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 155 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 2, 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.

New simulation sheds light on spiraling supermassive black holes

A new computer simulation simulates the effects of general relativity on spiraling supermassive black holes, predicting predominant UV and X-ray light emission. The simulation suggests that gas in these systems will glow predominantly in these wavelengths when two supermassive black holes collide.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 2, 2018

No more messing around with passwords

ReCRED project develops secure authentication system linking user's identity to their mobile device, eliminating password management. The platform uses data-based security and incorporates biometric information for verification.

SourceIMDEA Networks Institute·DateOct 2, 2018

Hyungbae Kwon of Max Planck Florida wins $6.8 million Pioneer Grant

Dr. Hyungbae Kwon of Max Planck Florida Institute has received a $6.8 million Pioneer Award to study neuromodulators using light, aiming to understand internal brain state and its effects on sensation, perception, and cognition. The grant will help develop novel optogenetic approaches to dissect animal sensations and behaviors at highe...

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·DateOct 2, 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.

Robot masters human balancing act

Researchers at UT Austin successfully demonstrated a novel approach to human-like balance in a biped robot, allowing it to dynamically balance without ankle control. The technique uses whole-body controllers and inverse kinematics to mimic human movement, with implications for robots in emergency response, defense, and entertainment.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateOct 2, 2018

Free thinking: researchers identify origins of free will in the brain

A study published in PNAS identifies two distinct brain networks involved in the perception of free will: the anterior cingulate cortex for volition and the precuneus cortex for agency. These findings suggest that damage to these regions can lead to impaired motivation and sensation of ownership over movements.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

The immune system of the alpaca reveals a potential treatment for cancer

Researchers at IRB Barcelona and Vrije Universiteit Brussel have identified camelid nanobodies effective against EGF, a growth factor dysregulated in cancer cells. These nanobodies could provide a potential treatment for patients developing resistance to existing EGFR inhibitors.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 2, 2018

Taste is key in promoting insect-based food

A recent study found that marketing insect-based food as pleasurable and enjoyable is more effective in changing attitudes towards these foods. The research team asked participants to view advertisements highlighting either the environmental or health benefits of insect-based food, or those promoting its taste and luxury.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateOct 2, 2018

New clues about how our body guards against cancer

A recent study has identified a rare genetic mutation in three patients with early-onset acute myeloid leukaemia, highlighting the importance of DNA damage in driving cancer development. The study found that these patients lacked a DNA repair protein called MBD4, leading to increased DNA damage and accelerated ageing.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalBlood·DateOct 2, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

UVA's Jonathan Kipnis receives prestigious NIH Director's Pioneer Award

Jonathan Kipnis, a UVA neuroscientist, receives $5.6 million in funding to advance his research on the relationship between the brain and immune system. His work aims to understand how the immune system interacts with the brain and potentially develop new treatments for neurological diseases.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateOct 2, 2018

Gordon receives $2.3 Million NIH Director's New Innovator Award

Reyna Gordon, PhD, has received a $2.3 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award to investigate the relationship between rhythm and speech disorders. Her research aims to identify health phenotypes that share a biological basis with humans' musical rhythm abilities.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateOct 2, 2018

NASA eyes powerful Super Typhoon Kong-Rey

NASA's Aqua satellite observed Super Typhoon Kong-Rey with cloud top temperatures as cold as -85.2 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of heavy rain. The typhoon is expected to encounter cooler sea surface temperatures by Oct. 3, affecting its trajectory and intensity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 2, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Analysis of published studies links processed meat consumption to breast cancer risk

A recent meta-analysis of published studies found that processed meat consumption is associated with a 9% higher breast cancer risk. However, no significant association was observed between red (unprocessed) meat intake and breast cancer risk. The study suggests cutting down processed meat may be beneficial for preventing breast cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateOct 2, 2018

To make SNAP healthier and save costs: Offer food incentives and disincentives

A study from Tufts University suggests that SNAP policy interventions, such as food incentives and disincentives, can improve food choices and reduce disease burdens in low-income families. The study estimates that these interventions could save $6.77 billion to $41.93 billion in healthcare costs over a lifetime.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 2, 2018

Critical Materials Institute takes major step toward printed anisotropic magnets

The Critical Materials Institute has made a breakthrough in printing aligned anisotropic magnets using additive manufacturing. By applying magnetic alignment, researchers were able to improve the magnetic performance of the magnets without using more critical rare earth materials.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials·DateOct 2, 2018

Miniature magnetic swimming devices to revolutionise diagnostics and drug delivery

Researchers at the University of Exeter have created miniature magnetic swimming devices that can swim to specific locations in the body, potentially improving disease treatment. The devices, measuring as small as one millimeter long, can be used to deliver drugs directly to affected areas, reducing treatment time and success rates.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 2, 2018

Revealed: a central signal sorting hub in plants

Researchers have discovered a central signal sorting hub in plants that fine tunes growth and immunity in line with key seasonal cues, revealing the existence of DET1 and COP1 proteins in plant defense.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 2, 2018
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

City-dwelling blue tits may lay bigger eggs because of what they eat

A study found that city-dwelling blue tits lay larger eggs than forest-dwelling birds, likely due to the urban environment's higher calcium availability. The researchers also observed a trade-off between egg size and clutch number, with urban birds producing fewer but larger eggs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateOct 2, 2018

NASA soaks up Tropical Storm Leslie's water vapor concentration

NASA's Aqua satellite gathered water vapor content and temperature information from Tropical Storm Leslie, revealing highest concentrations of water vapor and coldest cloud top temperatures. The analysis indicates the storm has the potential to produce heavy rainfall, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 2, 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.

Hopkins researchers use endoscope to deliver gene therapy in animal study

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used an endoscopic procedure to deliver therapeutic genes to the liver via the common bile duct, demonstrating a safe and effective method for gene therapy. The technique, called ERCP, was found to be less invasive than traditional injection methods, with no biliary or liver injury observed.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateOct 2, 2018

Study provides new evidence of role of diet in breast health

A study published in Cell Reports found that a Mediterranean diet increased mammary gland lactobacillus and reduced breast cancer risk. The researchers also plan to investigate oral interventions and bacterial-modified compounds to protect women from breast cancer.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 2, 2018

Yongxin Zhao receives NIH Director's New Innovator Award

Yongxin Zhao, assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University, has received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director's New Innovator Award. He will use the grant to develop transformative nanoscale imaging techniques for analyzing complex diseases.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateOct 2, 2018

Wild suburbia

A large-scale study using camera trap images from hundreds of citizen scientists reveals that suburban areas have a higher variety of mammal species than expected. The researchers found that some mammals, such as coyotes and bobcats, are adapting to urban environments, while others, like bears, are still found in nearby exurban areas.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateOct 2, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

UTIA awarded $7.5 million to lead study of potatoes as sentinel plants

Researchers at UT Institute of Agriculture will modify potato plants to detect and report potential threats such as nerve agents, radiation, and plant pathogens. The goal is to innovate a new sensor platform that can help protect deployed troops and civilians in post-conflict settings.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateOct 2, 2018

UCI researcher awarded NIH Director's New Innovator Award

University of California, Irvine Neuroscientist Medha Pathak has been awarded a $1.5M grant to investigate how mechanical forces influence human brain development using human brain organoids. Her research aims to uncover the mechanisms underlying human neural development and demonstrate how disruption can lead to developmental failures.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateOct 2, 2018

Professor, MSD high school senior collaborate on homicide trends

Researchers compared Baltimore and New York City homicide rates, revealing a significant decline in NYC since the 1990s. The study highlights the impact of contextual social disadvantage on homicide rates and calls for improved public health policies.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·DateOct 2, 2018

Why vitamin E effect is often a matter of luck until now

A new study reveals the effect of vitamin E is often based on luck due to its metabolite, alpha-carboxychromanol, which has a promising anti-inflammatory effect. Personalized medicine could be improved with this discovery, as the level of alpha-carboxychromanol in patients varies greatly.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 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.

A crucial gene controls stem juiciness in sorghum and beyond

Scientists have identified a crucial gene controlling stem juiciness in sorghum, which could enhance drought tolerance but also increase disease susceptibility. The discovery has significant implications for breeding and improving crop yields.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateOct 2, 2018

A top-notch chemist

Kazunori Sugiyasu, a renowned Japanese chemist, has been awarded the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award for his groundbreaking work on supramolecular polymers. He will collaborate with Professor Frank Würthner at the University of Würzburg to develop artificial chloroplasts that harness light energy to produce fuels.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateOct 2, 2018
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Two ASU professors receive 2018 NIH New Innovator Award

Nicholas Stephanopoulos and Rizal Hariadi, researchers at the Biodesign Center, received a $2.3 million grant to explore peptide DNA nanotechnology and its applications in biomedicine. The award supports exceptionally creative early career investigators with high-impact projects.

SourceArizona State University·DateOct 2, 2018

Howzat: Limitations of batsmen rankings revealed

A new study analyzed 2,855 test match cricketers to reveal significant uncertainty in current rankings, with players like Joe Root and Kane Williamson having uncertain positions between 9th and 343rd. The study found that batting last is difficult and playing away from home is equivalent to playing on a pitch in its third innings.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalJournal Of The Royal Statistical Society·DateOct 2, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

A new model takes oxidative stress to heart

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a new model of heart failure that allows for the specific study of oxidative stress using chemogenetics. The approach enables researchers to activate or inactivate reactive oxygen species in the heart, leading to advanced cardiac dysfunction.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2018

Making mice a tiny bit more human to study preterm birth

Scientists successfully inserted human DNA into transgenic laboratory mice, allowing them to study the biology of preterm birth. They discovered a stress hormone called corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and its interaction with a transcription factor called DLX3 in the placenta.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 2, 2018

Wildfire aerosols remain longer in atmosphere than expected

Research team at Michigan Tech found wildfire aerosol particles remaining in atmosphere for up to a week, defying expectations of rapid oxidation. This discovery has significant implications for climate predictions and the role of aerosols in global warming.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 2, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Take my hand and ride with me -- Over the genome

Researchers at CRG describe how specific proteins guide Tet2 enzyme to DNA regions needed for cell fate specification. This novel mechanism reveals a new way transcription factors interact with the genome.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 2, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Imaging the zebrafish, one cell at a time

Researchers are using laser marking systems and light sheet microscopy to track individual cells in zebrafish development, aiming to create a complete cellular blueprint. The project has the potential to revolutionize regenerative biology by precisely defining cell roles in complex organisms.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·DateOct 2, 2018

Single atoms break carbon's strongest bond

Researchers at Yale University and Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a new catalyst to break carbon-fluorine bonds, one of the strongest chemical bonds known. Single atoms of platinum were found to be strikingly effective in catalyzing bond cleavage and contaminant breakdown.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalACS Catalysis·DateOct 2, 2018

A web-based program is as effective as group counseling for patients with NAFLD

A new six-year single-center study found a web-based program to be an effective approach to manage lifestyle changes in patients with NAFLD, comparable to group-based interventions. The web program reduced weight loss and improved liver health, suggesting counseling as a key therapeutic option until drugs are approved.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateOct 2, 2018

Commandeering microbes pave way for synthetic biology in military environments

A team of scientists from the US Army Research Laboratory and MIT have developed a novel synthetic biology tool that delivers DNA programming into a broad range of bacteria. The XPORT bacterium enables precise and controlled transfer of DNA to various microorganisms, opening up new possibilities for military applications.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 2, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Sleep research uncovers dire consequences to deprivation

Researchers at Michigan State University found that sleep-deprived individuals experienced a significant increase in errors during tasks requiring following directions and remembering sequence steps. Memory maintenance was the primary culprit behind these difficulties.

SourceMichigan State University·DateOct 2, 2018

One more year of high school may shape waistlines later in life

A study by USC Dornsife researchers found that an extra year of education contributed to weight loss in individuals at greatest risk of becoming obese. The study used genome data from 250,000 people and found that the change in mandatory attendance age had a significant impact on health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateOct 2, 2018

New algorithm efficiently finds antibiotic candidates

Researchers developed a new algorithm to search vast repositories of compounds produced by microbes, identifying over 5,000 promising unknown compounds that merit further investigation. The algorithm, called Dereplicator+, analyzes mass spectra data to eliminate known compounds and focus on potential new pharmaceuticals.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 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.

Making the right connections

Scientists at VIB and KU Leuven identify a new protein interaction that regulates the formation of specific synapses between pyramidal neurons and mossy fibers in the hippocampus. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms that govern unique interactions in neuronal networks.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNeuron·DateOct 2, 2018

Study finds gene variant predisposes people to both Type 2 diabetes and low body weight

A study found that a gene variant commonly associated with Type 2 diabetes may also increase the risk of being lean, contradicting common assumptions about obesity and diabetes. Researchers analyzed data from over 9,000 Hispanic Latinos and used complex modeling to estimate the odds of developing Type 2 diabetes across time.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalBMC Obesity·DateOct 2, 2018

Canada's first 'state of the nation' report on children's physical literacy

A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that about two-thirds of Canadian children aged 8-12 have not reached an acceptable level of physical literacy. The Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group's Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy tool was used to assess over 10,000 children across the country, revealing lo...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalBMC Public Health·DateOct 2, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

New knowledge on how neurons talk to muscles

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new way in which nerve cells control movement by dynamically adjusting neurotransmitter production. This finding opens up new avenues for treating diseases such as myasthenia gravis and spinal muscular atrophy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2018

Pitt researchers receive prestigious NIH Director's Awards

Two University of Pittsburgh faculty members, Peter Strick and Warren Ruder, have been awarded $6 million NIH Director's Transformative Research Awards for innovative research in brain-body connection and antibiotic resistance. Their work aims to revolutionize biomedical research and address significant medical challenges.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateOct 2, 2018

Cobra cannibalism more prevalent than previously thought

A new study reveals that wild cobras frequently eat other snakes and engage in cannibalism, with five out of six species displaying the behavior. Males are more likely to participate in cannibalism events, raising questions about its evolution and impact on intrasexual competition.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateOct 2, 2018

Study finds more belly fat, less muscle after crash dieting

A new study found that extreme dieting in female rats led to a decrease in metabolic factors and functions, including body weight and blood pressure, but resulted in a higher accumulation of abdominal fat. This increase in belly fat may cause long-term health risks for people who have previously crash dieted.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateOct 2, 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.

Engineering breast milk to treat sick infants

Kathryn Whitehead's project uses genetic engineering to isolate and modify human cells in breast milk for infant disease therapy. The goal is to develop non-invasive treatments for babies with diseases, such as spina bifida or enterocolitis.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·DateOct 2, 2018

Diet affects the breast microbiome in mammals

A Mediterranean diet increased Lactobacillus abundance in mammary glands of macaque monkeys, a nonhuman primate model of women's health. This finding suggests that diet directly influences microbiome populations outside the intestinal tract and may impact breast cancer risk.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 2, 2018

Molecule studies reveal potential treatment for stroke patients

Researchers from Clemson University and Stony Brook University reveal a 3-D structure of a protein fragment that could serve as a drug target in treating stroke patients. The protein, PSD-95, plays a crucial role in maintaining neural connections and facilitating communication, learning, and memory.

SourceClemson University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2018

Abdominal aortic calcification may signal future heart attack

A new study found that abdominal aortic calcification measured by CT scans is a strong predictor of future cardiovascular events, outperforming the widely used Framingham risk score. The research suggests that detecting calcification via routine CT scans could help identify patients at high risk and enable early interventions.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateOct 2, 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.

New report on mobility has experts moving toward consensus on care as we age

Experts at the American Geriatrics Society unveiled a list of recommendations to prioritize mobility care as people age. The new white paper focuses on assessing mobility for hospitalized older adults and offers ways to promote high-quality, person-centered care by proactively addressing mobility loss.

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

Pathology test uses AI to predict prostate cancer progression following surgery

A new pathology test using AI can accurately predict clinically significant prostate cancer disease progression following surgery, helping guide treatment decisions. The Precise MD post-op test reclassified 58% of intermediate risk patients as low risk and 42% as high risk for significant disease progression.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProstate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases·DateOct 2, 2018

The only known white dwarf orbited by planetary fragments has been analyzed

The study confirms the evolution of transits produced by a planetesimal orbiting the white dwarf WD 1145+017. The system shows periodic transits blocking light from the star, with continuous interaction and fragmentation resulting in changes in transit depth and shape.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 2, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

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

Gaia spots stars flying between galaxies

A team of astronomers using Gaia data found twenty high-velocity stars racing towards the Galactic centre, raising questions about their origin. The stars' velocities could be a sign of supermassive black holes or binary systems in nearby galaxies.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 2, 2018

Europe's new X-ray laser reveals structure of antibiotic-disabling enzyme

The European XFEL has obtained the first scientific results from its operation, revealing the structure of an antibiotic-disabling enzyme. The international collaboration used X-ray flashes to obtain flash X-ray exposures of tiny crystals, allowing them to build up the full three-dimensional structure of the biomolecule.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2018
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Computer simulation follows light to supermassive black holes

Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology have built the first simulation to predict light signals from supermassive black hole binaries nearing merger. The model combines information gathered from light- and gravitational waves, enabling scientists to identify these monster collisions with existing and future telescopes.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateOct 2, 2018

Novel mechanism for generating our skeleton

The Mek5/Erk5 pathway plays a crucial role in skeletogenesis through the regulation of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and chondrocyte maturation. Erk5 controls early chondrogenic differentiation and chondrogenic differentiation after condensation formation. This study improves our understanding of skeletal development and paves ...

SourceKanazawa University·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 2, 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.

For better multiple-choice tests, avoid tricky questions, study finds

Researchers recommend creating simple formats with limited answer options to enhance learning and recall. The study also advises engaging 'real-world' cognitive processes in test questions and avoiding 'none of the above' and 'all of the above' answer choices.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition·DateOct 2, 2018

Studded winter tires cost more lives than they save

A new study by Chalmers University of Technology reveals that studded winter tires have a significant negative impact on public health, costing between 60 and 770 life-years. The study also found that the use of studded tires contributes to accidents and fatalities in cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateOct 2, 2018

Biofilm reactor promises to cut production costs on vitamin K

Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel method to enhance fermentation of Menaquinone-7, a potent form of vitamin K, using biofilm reactors. The new process is expected to reduce production costs and increase efficiency, making it a promising alternative for industrial-scale production.

SourcePenn State·JournalApplied Microbiology and Biotechnology·DateOct 2, 2018

Early PSA testing could help predict prostate cancer among black men

A new study finds that baseline PSA levels in black men between 40 and 60 can strongly predict future development of prostate cancer and its most aggressive forms. Elevated PSA levels are associated with increased risk, even among those within the normal range.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalEuropean Urology·DateOct 2, 2018

Aggressive breast cancer cells hijack natural stress protector to thrive

Aggressive breast cancer cells exploit the natural stress protector heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) to thrive and evade cell death, says a new study. The finding highlights how cancer cells manipulate tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), which normally promotes self-destruction, to aid their survival.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalOncogene·DateOct 2, 2018

Journal issue honors 20th anniversary of Marshall University researcher's discovery

The International Journal of Molecular Sciences has released a special issue to commemorate Zijian Xie's 20-year-old discovery of the scaffolding/signaling function of the Na/K-ATPase sodium pump. This significant finding has had tremendous applications in biology and medicine.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 2, 2018

Chronic kidney disease outcomes can be improved by expanding specialist care

Researchers found that extending specialized care to patients with advanced kidney disease before their kidneys fail could save the US healthcare system more than $1 billion annually. Improving care coordination among these patients is crucial for reducing costs and improving health outcomes.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 2, 2018

Black holes ruled out as universe's missing dark matter

Researchers from UC Berkeley used statistical analysis of 740 supernovas to conclude that primordial black holes can make up no more than 40% of the universe's dark matter. This finding suggests that heavy black holes or MACHOs do not exist as a type of dark matter.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 2, 2018

Natural killer cells may open lifesaving cancer treatements to more patients

A researcher at UCF College of Medicine has discovered a way to make immunotherapy viable for thousands by using the body's own natural killer (NK) cells in a new way. Activated NK cells can change the cellular makeup of tumors, allowing the immune system to attack cancer more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalOncoImmunology·DateOct 2, 2018

Scientists use nanoparticles to improve chemotherapy response, boost anti-tumor immunity

Scientists at University of Toronto's Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy have developed a combination approach using nanoparticles to improve chemotherapy response and boost anti-tumor immunity in breast cancer. The treatment resulted in a 60% cure rate and enhanced life expectancy by five-fold compared to treating with chemotherapy alone.

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 2, 2018

Breakthrough in quantum physics

Researchers at Graz University of Technology have achieved a breakthrough in observing the reaction of a quantum fluid to photoexcitation of dissolved particles. By applying femtosecond spectroscopy, they were able to describe the processes in an approximately five-nanometer sized superfluid helium droplet after photoexcitation of an a...

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2018

High-tech breakthrough in snakebite antivenom

Researchers at DTU Bioengineering have developed a high-tech antivenom against black mamba venom using human antibodies, which can potentially save thousands of lives annually. The breakthrough antivenom uses a biotechnological method to discover human antibodies, allowing for large-scale production and industrial use.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2018

Weekday mornings are no longer peak times for sudden cardiac arrest

A new study by Cedars-Sinai finds that stress is a major contributor to sudden cardiac arrests, which are now more likely to happen outside of previously identified peak times. The research analyzed data from the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study and found no evidence of increased cardiac arrests on Mondays

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalHeart Rhythm·DateOct 2, 2018

Imaging accumulated charges at solid-electrolyte interfaces

A Kanazawa University-based collaboration developed a microscopy approach to visualize real-space charge distribution at interfaces. The technique, called 3D open-loop electric potential microscopy (OL-EPM), overcomes challenges in measuring lateral charge distribution at solid-liquid interfaces.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNanoscale·DateOct 2, 2018

The faint glow of cosmic hydrogen

A team of scientists has detected a faint glow in the Lyman-alpha line across the entire sky, revealing extensive masses of gas around primitive galaxies. This discovery connects previously detected gas feeding galaxies with newly observed Lyman-alpha emission, providing new insights into the universe's infancy.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2018

Breaking supersymmetry

Kanazawa University researcher Hajime Moriya shows that the extended Nicolai supersymmetric fermion lattice model breaks supersymmetry and has a strictly positive energy density for any homogeneous ground state. This contradicts previous claims that supersymmetry may be restored in the infinite-volume limit.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalPhysical Review D·DateOct 2, 2018

Text messages quickly track health care use during Ebola outbreak

A new NYU study used text message surveys to track maternal health services during the 2015 Ebola outbreak, finding a drop in hospital-based births and similar declines in both public and private facilities. The method's accuracy was validated through propensity score matching with national survey data.

SourceNew York University·DateOct 2, 2018

Traces of opiates found in ancient Cypriot vessel

Researchers at University of York and British Museum discovered traces of opiates in a sealed vessel dating back to Late Bronze Age. The presence of opiate alkaloids suggests that the vessel may have been used for medicinal or ceremonial purposes.

SourceUniversity of York·DateOct 2, 2018