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Science News for April 17, 2019


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.

Logical reasoning: An antidote or a poison for political disagreement?

A new study explores ideological belief bias, where people judge logical arguments based on their believability rather than sound premises. Liberals and conservatives showed varying levels of ability to identify flawed arguments supporting opposing views. The findings suggest that being open to the other side can lead to a better under...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 17, 2019

Brain stimulation reverses age-related memory loss

A new Northwestern University study found that electromagnetic pulses can improve memory in older adults with age-related memory loss, reversing it to the level of young adults. The technique targets the brain's memory center and rebuilds part of memory that helps recall everyday tasks.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeurology·DateApr 17, 2019

Increased screen time in preschool is linked to inattention

Children with more than two hours of screen time per day were five times more likely to report clinically significant externalizing problems and had a significantly increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In contrast, children who engaged in organized sports showed fewer behavioral problems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Heavy drinkers consuming more than half of all alcohol

A new study found that 10% of Australians drink an average of six standard drinks per day, consuming 54.4% of all alcohol consumed in the country. This group is more likely to drink cheap alcohol and experience negative health effects.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateApr 17, 2019

Lessons learned from the drift analysis of MH370 debris

A team of scientists at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre of Ocean Research Kiel used simulation techniques to analyze the drift of MH370 debris and propose new strategies for tracking marine objects. The study found that Stokes drift, caused by surface waves, plays a crucial role in determining the final position of drifting objects.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalJournal of Operational Oceanography·DateApr 17, 2019

Urine salts provide evidence of Early Neolithic animal management

Researchers at A??kl? Höyük found high concentrations of sodium, chlorine, and nitrate salts in midden soil layers, indicating early animal management. The discovery provides a new approach to studying animal domestication at dry sites without other evidence.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 17, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Vitamin D study sheds light on immune system effects

Researchers found vitamin D affects dendritic cells' ability to activate T cells, hindering the activation process and reducing immune reactions. The study sheds light on how vitamin D deficiency may regulate the immune system and influence susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateApr 17, 2019

Modern Midas turns bacterial components into catalysts

Researchers have developed a new type of carbon-based catalyst made from natural bacterial cellulose, showing high specific surface areas and large pore volumes. The catalyst exhibits versatility in accelerating various important reactions, outperforming state-of-the-art catalysts in some cases.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalResearch·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Switch from hunting to herding recorded in ancient pee

A new study published in Science Advances uses urine salts to reconstruct the history of animal domestication at an ancient site in Turkey. The research suggests that the transition from hunting to herding occurred around 10,000 years ago, with a rapid increase in human and animal density.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 17, 2019

Making a fast ion transporter

An international team of researchers discovered a pair of residues acting as a gate in the archaeal Na+/H+ antiporter PaNhaP. The gate's mutation speeds up the transporter twice as much as the wild type, suggesting a balance between fidelity and efficiency.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Why lightning often strikes twice

Researchers have discovered needle-like structures in positively charged lightning leaders that store negative charges, causing repeated discharges to the ground. This new finding explains why lightning often strikes twice and provides a deeper understanding of lightning development.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2019

A 'virtual' view with a little bit of math

Researchers developed a mathematical model to standardize the results of a ballistocardiogram, allowing for tracking of health changes and potential early detection of cardiovascular diseases. The model can capture information on elasticity of arteries, contractility of heart ventricles, and viscoelasticity of blood vessels.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 17, 2019

Need more energy storage? Just hit 'print'

Researchers from Drexel University and Trinity College in Ireland have created a conductive MXene ink for 3D printing micro-supercapacitors, which outperforms existing energy storage devices. The ink can be used to print flexible energy storage components of any size or shape.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

How superstitions spread

A model by theoretical biologists demonstrates how superstitious beliefs can become established in a society's social norms, guiding the behavior of large groups. The research suggests that even irrational beliefs can be beneficial when correlated with others' actions, leading to coordinated behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2019

Biosensor 'bandage' collects and analyzes sweat

Researchers developed a wearable biosensor resembling a bandage that samples sweat and analyzes its components using a simple color-changing assay. The device can potentially help diagnose diseases with less invasive diagnostic testing, and its sensitivity is currently being increased.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateApr 17, 2019

Why researchers are mapping the world's manure

Researchers from Stevens Institute of Technology have mapped the global flow of phosphorus, identifying regions with significant demand and potential for recapturing and recycling. The study highlights opportunities for increasing recycling in developing and developed economies.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateApr 17, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Morphing origami takes a new shape, expanding use possibilities

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have created a new type of origami that can change its shape instantly, altering its structural characteristics. This hybrid origami allows for reprogrammable mechanical properties and customization possibilities, enabling new types of origami-based structures or metamaterials.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 17, 2019

Breakthrough for children with serious epileptic seizures

A New Zealand-Australian study has found that using two anti-convulsant medications one after the other can increase the success rate of stopping prolonged seizures in children by up to 75%. This breakthrough treatment may halve the number of children ventilated and sent to intensive care, improving their chances of recovery.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 17, 2019

Bacterial therapy in a dish

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a system called BSCC, which enables rapid screening of engineered bacterial therapies in vitro. They successfully tested a potent therapy for colon cancer using a novel bacterial toxin combined with an optimal drug delivery genetic circuit.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2019

Universities lead effort to help Appalachians trapped by opioid epidemic

Researchers and health-care professionals from universities across the region are teaming up with community groups to develop new solutions to the opioid crisis. The Opioid Research Consortium of Central Appalachia aims to improve access to treatment and reverse the tide of overdose deaths in areas with limited resources.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateApr 17, 2019

Balancing the ocean carbon budget

Researchers aim to refine understanding of how carbon moves in the ocean by studying lesser-known mechanisms such as particle injection pumps. These processes, including vertical migration and subduction, are thought to sequester significant amounts of carbon, rivaling the biological gravitational pump.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Gene therapy restores immunity in infants with rare immunodeficiency disease

A small clinical trial shows that gene therapy can safely correct the immune systems of infants with X-SCID, a rare life-threatening disorder. The treatment involves inserting a normal copy of the IL2RG gene into the patient's blood-forming stem cells.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019

World-record quantum computing result for Sydney teams

A team of Sydney researchers has achieved a world-record result in reducing errors in semiconductor electron 'spin qubits', a crucial step towards building useful quantum computers. The result, published in Nature Electronics, demonstrates error rates as low as 0.043 percent.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Electronics·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

U-M study: 'Induced' driving miles could overwhelm potential energy-saving benefits of self-driving

A University of Michigan study found that self-driving cars could partially or completely offset energy savings due to induced driving miles. The researchers estimated that a 38% reduction in perceived travel time cost would eliminate fuel savings, suggesting the possibility of 'backfire' and net increases in energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied Energy·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Risk factors identified for patients undergoing knee replacements

A large study of over 670,000 primary hip replacement patients found that patients under 60, males, and those with chronic pulmonary disease are at increased risk of developing severe infection. The study also showed that liver diseases or inflammatory arthropathy increase the risk of revision for infection in the long-term.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 17, 2019

Coelacanth reveals new insights into skull evolution

Researchers study coelacanth specimens at different stages of cranial development, providing new insights into the biology of this iconic animal. The study reveals unique observations about the development of the living coelacanth skull and brain, and opens up new avenues for research on the evolution of vertebrate heads.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2019

CRISPR base editors can induce wide-ranging off-target RNA edits

Researchers found that CRISPR base editors can induce widespread off-target effects in RNA beyond targeted DNA, but developed variants with less impact. The SECURE variant significantly reduces unwanted RNA edits while increasing precision of on-target DNA editing.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

These beetles have successfully freeloaded for 100 million years

A fossilized beetle, Promyrmister kistneri, found to be the oldest-known example of an animal in a behaviorally symbiotic relationship with ants. The beetle's extreme adaptations allow it to infiltrate ant colonies, suggesting that freeloaders can persist over vast expanses of evolutionary time.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateApr 17, 2019

Folding revolution

A Harvard Medical School scientist has developed a new approach using deep learning to predict protein structure from amino acid sequence. This method achieves accuracy comparable to current state-of-the-art methods but at speeds upward of a million times faster.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Systems·DateApr 17, 2019

Parboiling method reduces inorganic arsenic in rice

Researchers in Bangladesh found a way to reduce inorganic arsenic in rice by modifying parboiling methods, resulting in a 25% reduction and a 213% increase in calcium content. This new method also reduces potassium levels by 40%.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Microbiome science may help doctors deliver more effective, personalized treatment to children with irritable bowel syndrome

A new diagnostic classification technique enables stratification of pediatric patients with IBS, allowing for tailored nutritional and targeted therapies. Researchers identified correlations between certain microbes and metabolites with abdominal pain, providing insights into novel treatment approaches.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateApr 17, 2019

Cannabidiol could help deliver medications to the brain

Researchers have found that cannabidiol (CBD) can be used as a 'Trojan horse' to deliver medications across the blood-brain barrier and into the brains of mice. CBD was attached to lipid nanocarriers, which caused more fluorescent molecules to pass through brain cells, resulting in targeted delivery to the animal's brains.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateApr 17, 2019

Neuron and synapse-mimetic spintronics devices developed

Researchers from Tohoku University have developed artificial neuron and synapse devices using spintronics technology, mimicking the brain's architecture. The devices demonstrated fundamental behavior of biological neurons and synapses, including leaky integrate-and-fire and spike-timing-dependent plasticity.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Army researchers identify new way to improve cybersecurity

Researchers at the US Army Research Laboratory identified a new strategy to improve cybersecurity by compressing network traffic without losing malicious activity detection capabilities. The technique stops transmitting data after a set number of messages, reducing bandwidth usage and increasing security alert reliability.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateApr 17, 2019

Preventing triple negative breast cancer from spreading

Researchers at the University of Missouri have found a combination drug therapy reduces the spread of triple negative breast cancer to other locations by 50 percent. This new approach uses APR-246 and 2aG4 to target mutant p53 and prevent cancer growth, offering a promising solution for personalized medicine.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateApr 17, 2019

Boosting muscle stem cells to treat muscular dystrophy and aging muscles

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have identified a molecular signaling pathway involving Stat3 and Fam3a proteins that regulates muscle stem cell fate. Boosting these cells could lead to muscle-boosting therapeutics for muscular dystrophies or age-related muscle decline, potentially helping people live an active and independent life.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2019

6.6 billion light years away: Neutron stars merger radiance observed

Astronomers have observed a unique X-ray signal from a binary neutron star merger 6.6 billion light years away, which is highly likely powered by a magnetar. This discovery provides new insights into the physics of neutron stars and challenges existing theories on the ending of a binary neutron star merger system.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Novel antibody may suppress HIV for up to four months

Researchers have developed a new antibody that can suppress HIV levels in people who undergo short-term pauses in their antiretroviral therapy regimens. The Phase 2 study, conducted in Taiwan, found the antibody, UB-421, to be safe and effective in maintaining HIV suppression without inducing antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019

Omega-3 expert supports new research that shows omega-6 is good for you

A new study published in Circulation found that individuals with higher levels of omega-6 fatty acid LA were less likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. The study, which pooled data from 30 studies involving over 69,000 people, suggests that consuming more LA may lower risk for these diseases.

SourceWright On Marketing & Communications·JournalCirculation·DateApr 17, 2019

St. Jude gene therapy cures babies with 'bubble boy' disease

Infants with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID-X1) have been cured of the disease using gene therapy developed at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The treatment produced functional immune cells, including T cells and B cells, in all but one patient.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019

Study identifies how Enterococcus faecalis bacteria causes antibiotic resistant infection

A genomic study of a 1980s hospital outbreak in Wisconsin reveals how Enterococcus faecalis bacteria adapts to the modern hospital environment and causes repeated antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections. Researchers identified mutations that allow the bacteria to resist antibiotics and develop new strategies for prevention and trea...

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Study compares colonoscopy polyp detection rates and endoscopist characteristics

The study analyzed data from 16,089 average-risk colonoscopies performed by 56 providers, finding that endoscopist characteristics do not impact adenoma detection rate. However, lower sessile serrated polyp detection rates were associated with endoscopists performing lower volumes of colonoscopies and those further from their medical t...

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateApr 17, 2019

A comprehensive look at cow's milk

Scientists have developed a centralized database of all known bovine milk compounds, including over 2,300 previously unknown metabolites. The comprehensive analysis was made possible by combining targeted chemical analyses and digital text-mining tools.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 17, 2019

Measuring brain activity in milliseconds possible through new research

Researchers have discovered a new way to measure brain function in milliseconds using MRE, allowing scientists to visualize responses in the brain as they unfold. This breakthrough could help diagnose and understand neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, dementia, and epilepsy.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Critical errors in inhaler technique common in children with asthma

A recent study found that nearly half of children hospitalized for asthma demonstrate improper inhaler use, with adolescents being the most common offenders. The study highlights the importance of proper inhaler technique in managing asthma, particularly among older teens who may feel they no longer need a spacer device.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019

The Cerrado once connected the Andes with the Atlantic Rainforest

A new study suggests that the Cerrado biome in Brazil connected the Andean and Atlantic tropical forests, which are now over 1,000 km apart. The research used genomic and biogeographical data to support this hypothesis.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateApr 17, 2019

How bacteria build an enzyme that destroys climate-changing laughing gas

Researchers from University of East Anglia discovered a protein called NosL that helps assemble the copper-sulfide cluster active site in nitrogenase reductase, an enzyme that destroys N2O. The team's findings may help pave the way for strategies to mitigate the damaging effects of nitrous oxide on the environment.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalChemical Science·DateApr 17, 2019

Major study finds one in five children have mental health problems

A major study by the Ontario Child Health Study found that one in five Ontario children and youth suffer from a mental disorder, with a significant increase in anxiety and depression. The study also revealed that many children have contact with other health providers and settings, often through schools.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

National effort urged to overhaul 'broken' health data system

Experts call for a national effort to rethink how health data is protected in the US, citing inadequate data privacy laws. A process similar to the Belmont Report could provide a blueprint for amendments to the law, with established data ethics review boards serving as safeguards.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019

Technology automatically senses how Parkinson's patients respond to medication

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University developed an algorithm and sensor-based system to detect Parkinson's medication ON and OFF states with high accuracy. The system uses wearable motion sensors and can continuously monitor patients' responses during daily activities, providing objective measures for clinicians.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMedical Engineering & Physics·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Improving quantum computers

Scientists are developing better manufacturing processes and control equipment for superconducting circuits and trapped ions. New materials like silicon spin devices and topological materials are also being explored to reduce noise and error in qubits.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateApr 17, 2019

DOE announces $20 million for artificial intelligence research

The US Department of Energy has announced $20 million in funding for artificial intelligence research, with a focus on improving grid operation and management. The projects aim to develop faster grid analytics, better asset management, and sub-second automatic control actions to reduce costs and avoid grid outages.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·DateApr 17, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The Leukemia Atlas: researchers unveil proteins that signal disease

Acute myelogenous leukemia patients have only a one in four chance of survival after five years. Researchers created a protein atlas to identify and classify protein signatures at AML diagnosis. The online atlas helps recommend better treatment and personalized medicine for patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 17, 2019

UCF develops new method to explore what happens inside fires and explosions

Researchers at UCF have developed a novel technique to analyze the dynamics of fires and explosions using laser technology. The approach allows for fast measurement of temperature and molecular concentrations within microseconds, enabling advances in firefighting, engine efficiency, and potentially even space travel.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalOptics Letters·DateApr 17, 2019

Heart patch could limit muscle damage in heart attack aftermath

Researchers have developed a water-based hydrogel material that can be placed directly on the heart to prevent stretching of the heart muscle, a common problem after a heart attack. The patch outperformed existing patches and showed promising results in reducing post-heart attack damage.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

New research offers solution to riddle of ocean carbon storage

Researchers have identified a new pathway for ocean carbon storage, known as particle injection pumps (PIPs), which move just as much carbon as the biological gravitational pump. The study, published in Nature, provides a breakthrough solution to understanding how carbon reaches the deep ocean and its impact on the global climate.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

New automated biological-sample analysis systems to accelerate disease detection

Researchers at Polytechnique Montréal developed an open-space microfluidics technology that eliminates channels, reducing stress on cells and increasing compatibility with cell-culture standards. The system uses microfluidic multipoles to create patterns that can be used for disease detection and diagnosis.

SourcePolytechnique Montréal·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2019

Taking care of people with TBI: New tool could speed caregiver research

A new tool, TBI-CareQOL Measurement System, standardizes the measurement of physical, mental and emotional effects experienced by caregivers of people with TBI. The researchers' findings could inform clinical care, caregiver training and support programs, and even caregiver reimbursement policies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateApr 17, 2019

Features that make lizards sexy are resilient to stress

A new study by Penn State researchers finds that male fence lizards' physical traits and behaviors used to attract mates remain unchanged under low levels of stress. This suggests that these traits are more resilient to stress than previously thought.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 17, 2019

Diet high in leucine may fuel breast cancer's drug resistance

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discover relationship between leucine and tamoxifen resistance in ER+ breast cancer. A diet high in leucine may fuel the growth of breast cancer cells, while reducing leucine levels could be beneficial for patients with ER+ breast cancer.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Entrepreneurs emerge as a force in Europe's refugee emergency

Afro-Italian women entrepreneurs are transforming notions of beauty and Italian identity with their black fashion, style, and hair-care products. They are leveraging the internet to market their products, build community, and challenge racist narratives, potentially awakening Italy's moribund economy.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalSocial & Cultural Geography·DateApr 17, 2019

Brain stimulation shows promise for understanding memory decline in older adults

A pilot study found that transcranial magnetic stimulation temporarily increases activity in the brain's hippocampal-cortical network, leading to improved memory recall. The treatment showed temporary improvements in memory function compared to a placebo, with participants recalling memories 31% better after stimulation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 17, 2019

Study reveals factors behind embryonic stem cell state

Researchers at Monash University have identified two new epigenetic regulators, TAF5L and TAF6L, that maintain the self-renewal of embryonic stem cells by activating the oncogene c-Myc. These findings have significant potential for regenerative biology and cancer research.

SourceMonash University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

More severe salmonella outbreaks ahead: University of Sydney research

Researchers at the University of Sydney developed a method to predict salmonella outbreaks and found that future epidemics are likely to be more severe. The study suggests that genetic networks of salmonella pathogens are linked through just a few degrees of separation, indicating an increasing severity of future epidemics.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 17, 2019

Amazonian soils mapped using indicator species

Researchers from Finland and Brazil developed a method that uses both plant and soil data to produce a map of soil properties in Amazonia. The study leverages digital herbarium databases and fern species occurrence data to estimate soil properties, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 17, 2019

Cervical cancer subtype rising in some sub-populations

A new study reports that cervical adenocarcinoma incidence rates are increasing in non-Hispanic whites, particularly among women aged 40-49 and 50-59. This trend underscores the need for intensified efforts to improve screening utilization and HPV vaccination.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

A light-activated remote control for cells

Scientists develop DNA nanodevice that uses near-infrared light to guide stem cells to wounds, promoting muscle tissue regrowth in mice. The system successfully activated receptors, causing cells to move and grow, with treated mice showing increased signs of regeneration.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 17, 2019

Giving robots a better feel for object manipulation

A new learning system developed by MIT researchers improves robots' abilities to shape materials and predict their interactions. The system, called a learning-based particle simulator, can handle diverse materials, including rigid objects, liquids, and deformable materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 17, 2019

Scientists find evidence Mercury has a solid inner core

Researchers found evidence of a solid inner core in Mercury, approximately 1,260 miles wide and making up half the planet's core. This discovery helps scientists better understand Mercury's interior and offers clues about how rocky planets change over time.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Screen time associated with behavioral problems in preschoolers

A Canadian study of over 2,400 families found that spending two hours or more of screen time per day is associated with clinically significant behavioral problems in preschoolers. Organized sports and good quality sleep were also identified as protective factors against the negative effects of screen time.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 2019

Life-threatening foot disease found in endangered huemul deer in Chile

Researchers discovered a potentially devastating foot disease in Chile's endangered huemul deer population, with severe pain and death caused by the condition. The study's findings highlight the need for improved monitoring and collaboration to help protect the critically endangered species.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 2019

Gender identity leaves imprint on human brains, Georgia State researchers find

Researchers at Georgia State University discovered that societal expectations around gender roles can alter the human brain at a cellular level. This finding suggests that epigenetic marks in the brain drive differences between males and females, influenced by gender identity rather than just biological sex.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateApr 17, 2019

Researchers pinpoint tumor-related protein, slow progression of cancers

New research finds elevated levels of fatty acid transporter protein 2 (FATP2) in immune-suppressing cells, which can slow tumor growth and aid cancer treatments. The study also discovered an energy-granting lipid that FATP2 produces and traffics into cells, leading to its potential as a therapeutic target.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2019

New eDNA technology used to quickly assess coral reefs

Scientists at the University of Hawaii have developed a technique to measure living coral on reefs by analyzing DNA in small seawater samples. This new method, known as metabarcoding, can track changes in coral reef health and detect rare species.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEnvironmental DNA·DateApr 17, 2019

Finding the key to flightlessness

A Harvard University study explores the genetics behind the evolution of flightless birds, finding that different species turn to similar regulatory pathways when evolving flight loss. The team discovered a shared suite of morphological changes that led to a similar body plan across all flightless bird species.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2019

Investigators explore temperature-triggered devices for gastrointestinal therapies

The team tested two devices, one that can change conformation in the esophagus to exit after drug delivery and another that can reside in the stomach until intentionally triggered. The devices were inspired by design principles of transformable materials and showed promise for fast and robust response.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 17, 2019

Neotropical cloud forests to lose what most defines them: Clouds

Climate change could cause Western Hemisphere cloud forests to shrink and dry by 60-80% in as few as 25 years. The loss of clouds would nearly disappear the highly diverse alpine ecosystems above these equatorial cloud forests, known as páramo.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 2019

Espresso yourself: Coffee thoughts leave a latte on the mind

A Monash University study found that exposure to coffee-related cues can trigger cognitive benefits, such as increased alertness and energy levels, in participants from Western cultures. The research used mental construal theory and demonstrated the power of psychological associations in shaping our thinking and behavior.

SourceMonash University·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateApr 17, 2019

Scientists restore some functions in a pig's brain hours after death

Researchers at Yale University successfully restored circulation and cellular activity in a pig's brain four hours after its death using a specially designed chemical solution. However, the treated brain lacked recognizable global electrical signals associated with normal brain function.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2019