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Science News for October 26, 2018


RSC Thermal Methods Group Chairman takes inaugural award at ESTAC

Professor Ted Charsley, a leading authority on thermal analysis, received the prestigious David Dollimore ESTAC Award at the 12th European Symposium on Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of thermal analysis and calorimetry.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateOct 26, 2018

NASA's IMERG reveals Hurricane Willa's rainfall

Hurricane Willa produced heavy rainfall totals over 20 inches in the Pacific Ocean off Mexico's coast, with 15 inches in parts of Mexico and Southeastern Texas. NASA's IMERG data analysis revealed these extreme rainfall accumulations using satellite data from the GPM Constellation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 26, 2018

NASA's Aqua Satellite tracks super Typhoon Yutu's oblong eye

NASA's Aqua satellite captured visible images of Super Typhoon Yutu, showing an oblong eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The storm underwent an eyewall replacement cycle, resulting in a contracting eye and weakening winds before strengthening again as the outer eye wall contracts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 26, 2018

I will drink to that

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology identify PP2A B55δ as a major regulator of alcohol fermentation by yeast. Understanding this molecular pathway could lead to ways to chemically enhance production of fermented beverages like sake.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 26, 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.

Getting the most out of atmospheric data analysis

A team of researchers has developed a mutual information approach to interpreting atmospheric data collected over an 18-year period, finding strong correlations between new-particle formation and water content, sulfuric acid concentration, temperature, and relative humidity.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 26, 2018

Study: Animal migration requires both movement corridors and food

Mule deer migration routes in Wyoming reveal a strong link between fitness and nutritional condition. The research identifies landscape features that facilitate movement and access to forage, while also highlighting the importance of avoiding human disturbance.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 26, 2018

Debunked the effectiveness of glasses for color blind people

Researchers debunked the effectiveness of EnChroma glasses for color blind individuals, showing they do not improve color vision or correct color blindness. The study used 48 volunteers and multiple testing methods, concluding that the glasses' effect is similar to those used for specific activities, such as hunting.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 26, 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.

When it comes to respiratory effects of wood smoke, sex matters

A recent study found that wood smoke exposure results in higher inflammatory markers for male subjects and lower inflammatory markers for female subjects. The researchers suggest that sex-specific effects may be missed when lumping data together, emphasizing the need to consider sex-specific responses when studying environmental pollut...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 26, 2018

Humans help robots learn tasks

Researchers at Stanford University have created two frameworks, RoboTurk and SURREAL, that enable humans to teach robots basic skills more efficiently. The systems allow people to direct robot arms to perform tasks like picking up objects in real-time using a smartphone and browser.

SourceStanford University·DateOct 26, 2018

Business education program focused on East Asia

Virginia Tech will create an international business education program focusing on East Asia with the new grant. The program will integrate language and culture studies through coursework, study abroad, and internships in China, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateOct 26, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Surprising network activity in the immature brain

Researchers discovered robust long-range patterns of correlated spontaneous activity in immature ferrets, contradicting expectations. These early activity patterns served as a template for the development of mature distributed networks, suggesting that 'local connections build a network activity scaffold'.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 26, 2018

CU researchers provide resource for patient care in chemical and biological attacks

A new article published by CU researchers provides an overview of biological and chemical agents that might be used in potential terror attacks. The authors describe how to recognize, diagnose, treat, and report exposures to various agents, aiming to better prepare healthcare providers for such emergencies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Neurohospitalist·DateOct 26, 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.

Gut microbiota products can favor diabetes

Researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy discovered that gut microbiota in people with type 2 diabetes produces a substance impairing insulin response. This finding highlights the importance of diet and gut microbiota interaction in understanding metabolism in health and disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCell·DateOct 26, 2018

Earth's dust cloud satellites confirmed

Researchers have confirmed the existence of two elusive clouds of dust in semi-stable orbits around the Earth, known as Kordylewski clouds. The observations were made using a linearly polarising filter system attached to a camera lens at Judit Slíz-Balogh's private observatory in Hungary.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 26, 2018

Mouse study suggests vaccine strategy for immunocompromised patients

Researchers have identified a cellular target that may improve vaccine efficacy in immunocompromised individuals, who are highly susceptible to fungal infections. The study found that targeting CBLB, a protein important in regulating immune response, can elicit immunity through a unique T cell pathway.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateOct 26, 2018

Concussion and college football: how many hits to the head is too much?

Researchers found that cumulative head impact exposure plays a role in the occurrence of concussive injuries in some college football athletes, with 72% experiencing more impacts before the concussion occurred. The study supports policies to limit head impact exposure during training and games.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 26, 2018

Testing cells for cancer drug resistance

Biophysicists at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a Raman microscopy method to detect cancer drug resistance in tumour cells. The new approach shows effectiveness in non-mutated cells but remains ineffective in mutated cells, similar to clinical observations.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 26, 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.

Fruit fly study challenges theories on evolution and high-carb diets

Researchers found that fruit flies with a specific mitochondrial DNA mutation thrived on high-carbohydrate diets, while those without the mutation stagnated on protein-rich diets. The study suggests a potential link between this mutation and human health issues related to carbohydrate intake.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 26, 2018

Five out of five? Study reveals psychological influences in online reviews

A study by University of East Anglia researchers found that the length of time between product consumption and posting affects review quality, with early reviews being more negative and later ones more positive. The study also discovered that geographical and cultural distances influence how reviewers rate experiences.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateOct 26, 2018

Baby's tears and mom's libido

Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that a substance in young mice's tears makes female mice more likely to reject male sexual advances. The study aims to develop a natural mouse birth control method by adding a specific pheromone molecule to drinking water, which could reduce mouse populations and alleviate pest control issues.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2018

Shielded quantum bits

A team of physicists at the University of Konstanz has developed a theoretical concept to shield electric and magnetic noise, extending the coherence time of spin qubits. This enables thousands of computer operations to be carried out in fractions of a second, paving the way for more efficient quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 26, 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.

High on the highway -- stoned-driving on the increase

The article discusses the rise of cannabis-intoxicated driving in the US and challenges surrounding detecting THC levels. Stoned-driving poses a significant accident risk, particularly when combined with alcohol or other substances.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalJournal of Drug Policy Analysis·DateOct 26, 2018

Loss of work productivity in a warming world

A global online survey found that heat-related work productivity loss varies significantly between developed and developing countries. The study estimated average WPL losses of 3.5 days for developed countries and 6.6 days for developing countries under different warming scenarios.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateOct 26, 2018

Diagnosing strokes is complicated by 'mimics' and 'chameleons'

Stroke specialists often see conditions known as stroke mimics and 'chameleons' that can mimic ischemic strokes, making accurate diagnosis complicated. Accurate diagnosis requires a detailed history and neurologic examination to avoid administering clot-busting drugs incorrectly.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalNeuroimaging Clinics of North America·DateOct 26, 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.

Location of large mystery source of banned ozone depleting substance uncovered

Researchers found that around half of the 'missing' global emissions of carbon tetrachloride originated from eastern China between 2009 and 2016. Emissions have not decreased despite the phase-out of production for emissive use in 2010, with some regions potentially increasing slightly since then.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 26, 2018

Low cost, energy-saving radiative cooling system ready for real-world applications

Researchers have successfully scaled up a water-cooling system that can provide continuous day-and-night radiative cooling for structures. The low-cost hybrid organic-inorganic metamaterial can be scaled into an array small enough to fit on most rooftops and act as a natural air conditioner with minimal electricity consumption.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJoule·DateOct 26, 2018

Small risks may have big impact on breast cancer odds of childhood cancer survivors

Researchers found that common genetic variations can significantly increase breast cancer risk for female pediatric cancer survivors, with a two-fold higher risk compared to average survivors. The collective effect of these variations is comparable to having a high-risk mutation in breast cancer predisposition genes.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 26, 2018

Cappuccino made with jackfruit seed flour has chocolate aroma

A study conducted in Brazil found that roasted jackfruit seeds can replace between 50% and 75% of cocoa powder in milk and coffee used to make cappuccino without impairing flavor or aroma. The researchers developed an instant powder containing coffee with milk and chocolate, which can be a potential substitute for traditional cappuccino.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 26, 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.

Financial education key to reducing student loan stress

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Lu Fan found that nearly two-thirds of student loan borrowers lack adequate financial literacy to manage their debt. The study also revealed that women are more likely to feel anxious about their student loans, while men tend to be less concerned and more likely to miss payments.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateOct 26, 2018

Two-pronged approach -- Novel combined therapy tackles excess fatty tissue

Researchers develop a novel combined therapy using icilin, a cold-mimicking molecule, and DMPP, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activator, to reduce excess adipose tissue and improve glucose metabolism. The combination is more effective than individual treatments alone.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2018

Interleukin IL-22, a new target to inhibit the progression of liver disease

Researchers have discovered interleukin IL-22 as a new target to inhibit the progression of liver disease and prevent cancer. The study reveals how IL-22 accelerates fibrosis during chronic hepatitis by amplifying the signal of the fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 26, 2018

Brainwave activity reveals potential biomarker for autism in children

A team of researchers at Kanazawa University used magnetoencephalography to monitor brainwaves in children with autism spectrum disorder and those developing typically. The study found significant differences in motor-related gamma oscillations, suggesting a potential biomarker for autism diagnosis.

SourceKanazawa University·DateOct 26, 2018

Sex, drugs and estradiol: why cannabis affects women differently

A new review of animal studies reveals that sex differences in response to cannabis are not just socio-cultural, but biological too. Estradiol affects control of movement, social behavior and filtering of sensory input via modulation of the endocannabinoid system.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateOct 26, 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.

Pitt's Susan Fullerton receives AAAS Award for Women in the Chemical Sciences

Dr. Susan Fullerton, a researcher at the University of Pittsburgh, has received the 2019 Marion Milligan Mason Award for her novel work on ion transport and next-generation electronic devices. The award recognizes her contributions to advancing women in the chemical sciences and provides funding and leadership development opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateOct 26, 2018

First study on climate change impact in Mediterranean

A new study published in Nature Climate Change synthesizes the effects of climate change and environmental problems in the Mediterranean region. The research highlights interconnected risks to sustainable development, including water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and human security threats.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 26, 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.

OU professors to lead global research on bluegreen algae in freshwaters

A global research team led by OU professors Karl D. Hambright and Lee R. Krumholz is investigating the complex interactions between cyanobacteria and associated bacteria in freshwater blooms. The team aims to discover new avenues for bloom mitigation through a deeper understanding of microbial co-evolution.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateOct 26, 2018

Novel insights into the heart health benefits of cocoa flavanols and procyanidins

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that cocoa flavanols, especially (−)-epicatechin, improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure. Flavanol-only groups experienced all benefits, while procyanidin-enriched extracts showed reduced cholesterol without improvements in vascular effects.

SourceCNC Communications·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 26, 2018

High-impact clinical trials yield results that could improve kidney care

Recent clinical trials have shown promising results in reducing progression of kidney disease and improving cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. These trials investigated the effects of linagliptin, a DPP inhibitor, on kidney outcomes, as well as high-dose versus low-dose intravenous iron therapy for hemodialysis p...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateOct 26, 2018

Nephrologists may need more training in women's health issues

A recent study has found that nephrologists often lack confidence in managing various women's health issues, including menstrual disorders and menopause. The survey of 154 nephrologists revealed inconsistent documentation of obstetric history, highlighting the need for improved patient-centered care.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateOct 26, 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.

Link between what we see and how we remember 'breaks' as we get older

Researchers at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute found that older adults exhibit greater eye movements but weaker brain activity when forming memories from visual information. This breaks the usual linkage between what we see and how we remember, leading to unfamiliar objects despite repeated viewing.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateOct 26, 2018

'Navigator' neurons play critical role in sense of smell

Researchers identified 'navigator' neurons that play a key role in establishing the olfactory map and correcting faulty connections. These neurons, which only exist during early development, undergo exuberant axon growth and have distinct molecular signatures.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNeuron·DateOct 26, 2018

Turning cells against pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified molecular signals that can convert tumor-promoting fibroblasts into beneficial ones in pancreatic tumors. By manipulating these signals, they aim to recruit tumor-restricting cells into the anticancer fight and develop a combination therapy approach.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 26, 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.

Easier treatment for blinding eye disease shows promise in clinical trial

Researchers have developed an implantable delivery system that enables patients to go 15 months in between treatments, significantly improving the conventional regimen of nearly monthly eye injections. The study found that patients treated with the highest drug concentration were able to maintain their vision for a longer period.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·DateOct 26, 2018

Bioactive novel compounds from endangered tropical plant species

Researchers at Kanazawa University have identified three new compounds from the leaves of a threatened tropical plant species with potent antiproliferative activities against various human tumor cell lines. The study highlights the potential of rainforest plants as a rich source of bioactive natural products for cancer drug discovery.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateOct 26, 2018

3D 'organ on a chip' could accelerate search for new disease treatments

Researchers have developed a 3D 'organ on a chip' that enables real-time continuous monitoring of cells, which could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases. The device allows scientists to study cells and tissues in new ways, mimicking the body's native three-dimensional environments.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 26, 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.

Ecologists ask: Should we be more transparent with data?

A new paper highlights the importance of open and usable data sets in ecology and other field research. By sharing data and code, scientists can save time and effort, as well as foster critical inquiry and new knowledge.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 26, 2018

Tampering with cellular fats holds great promise

Engineers boosted cells' ability to produce unsaturated lipids, leading to increased membrane respiration and growth rate. This knowledge could improve biofuel production and develop new treatments for diseases like type 2 diabetes.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 2018

Large cells for tiny leaves

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research have discovered a protein called LMI1 that regulates leaf growth and shape. The study found that LMI1 limits cell division, preventing cells from developing into other types and reducing the size of organs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 26, 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.

SibFU scientists simulated the intracellular environment of a luminescent bacteria cell

The study investigated the effect of viscosity on enzymatic reactions in a simulated intracellular environment. Scientists found that sucrose limited enzyme mobility more efficiently than glycerol, affecting reaction rates and mechanisms. The approach to constructing metabolic chains inside luminescent bacteria cells was proposed.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalMolecular Catalysis·DateOct 26, 2018

New data provides guidance for management of moderately dysplastic moles

A study of moderately dysplastic moles found that patients who received close observation did not develop melanoma at the site of the excised mole, but had a higher risk of developing melanoma at a separate site. The findings suggest that dysplastic moles are not precursors to melanoma, but rather a risk factor.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateOct 26, 2018