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Science News for April 23, 2019


Women underreport prevalence and intensity of their own snoring

A new study found that women tend to underreport snoring and underestimate its loudness, with only 72% reporting snoring compared to 88% objective measurements. Women also reported snoring less often and described it as milder, potentially due to social stigma.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateApr 23, 2019

Scientists develop low-cost energy-efficient materials

Scientists have created amorphous softmagnetic alloys with high magnetic properties, technological plasticity, and ultrahigh strength. The new iron-based alloys surpass common industrial analogues in terms of their properties, offering relatively low cost and simplicity of industrial production.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateApr 23, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COPD and type 2 diabetes

Research highlights the association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the importance of collaborative care to address underlying systemic inflammation. Achieving optimal glucose control is crucial in patients with coexistent T2 DM and COPD.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Respiratory Medicine Reviews·DateApr 23, 2019

Controlling instabilities gives closer look at chemistry from hypersonic vehicles

A team of researchers used a reduced order model to analyze data from high-fidelity simulations, gaining new knowledge about chemical reactions in hypersonic flows. The study looked at three types of gas compositions and found that vibrations temperatures could be predicted, as well as the formation of nitric oxide in small amounts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateApr 23, 2019

Study unravels mystery of antimicrobial frog secretions

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology identify molecular mechanism behind Bombinin H2 and H4 peptides' antimicrobial properties. The peptides inhibit microbial activity by creating holes in cell membranes, ultimately killing microorganisms.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateApr 23, 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.

A new window into macaque brain connections

Researchers have developed a new imaging technique that allows them to see how living monkey brains are wired, revealing precise connections between the two hemispheres. The opto-OISI method combines optical intrinsic signal imaging and optogenetics to map brain connections point-to-point.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2019

People with happy spouses may live longer

A study published in Psychological Science found that spousal life satisfaction was associated with lower mortality rates, even after controlling for individual factors. The research suggests that having a happy spouse can have significant consequences for one's health and longevity.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 23, 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.

Study: Playing video games generally not harmful to boys' social development

A new longitudinal study found that playing video games did not affect boys' social development, but girls who played more frequently at age 10 had weaker social skills two years later. The study suggests that gaming may be a way for socially struggling youth to cope with feelings of isolation and loneliness.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateApr 23, 2019

Shining light on rare nerve tumors illuminates a fresh path for fighting cancer

Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have discovered how a rare nerve tumor works and found a potential new way to fight it. The study identifies a key protein called Merlin and its connections to other proteins in the brain, which may lead to a breakthrough in treatment.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience Signaling·DateApr 23, 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.

Time-restricted eating shows benefits for blood glucose

A randomized crossover trial found time-restricted eating improved glucose control, regardless of when the men chose to stop eating. The study's results suggest modulating meal times can improve glucose control and may lead to weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalObesity·DateApr 23, 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.

Water walking -- The new mode of rock skipping

Researchers at Utah State University have discovered a new mode of water surface skipping termed 'water walking', which involves elastic spheres gaining significant speed to maintain a deformed shape. The team's findings provide new insights into water impact physics and lay the foundation for future design of water-walking drones.

SourceUtah State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2019

Arctic warming will accelerate climate change and impact global economy

A new study reveals that Arctic warming will increase the economic impact of climate change, with estimated costs of $70 trillion and $25 trillion under different scenarios. The research suggests that proactive mitigation measures are necessary to keep global temperature rise below 2C.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 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.

New rules for lung transplants lead to unintended consequences

A new policy expanding lung transplant boundaries has led to increased costs due to longer travel distances, resulting in reduced organ availability for local donors. The study found that patients at smaller transplant programs are disadvantaged by the policy, particularly those in economically disadvantaged areas.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateApr 23, 2019

Seven seconds of Spiderman viewing yields a 20% phobia symptom reduction

Researchers found that exposure to Spiderman and Antman movie excerpts reduces spider and ant phobia symptoms by 20%. The study suggests a new direction for positive exposure therapy, which may be an optimal solution for treating phobias. Marvel movies provide an accessible and enjoyable form of in-vitro exposure.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateApr 23, 2019

Study finds improved WIC food packages reduced obesity risk for children

A new study by Tulane University researchers found that improved WIC food packages reduced obesity risk for 4-year-olds by 12% for boys and 10% for girls. The changes, made in 2009, added more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing juice, milk, and cheese.

SourceTulane University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 23, 2019

Scientists discover how 'superbug' E. coli clones take over human gut

Researchers found that a 'superbug' clone of E. coli called ST131 has evolved to prevent itself from becoming the sole dominant clone, allowing it to colonize the human gut more competitively than other strains. The discovery provides insight into how this process happens and may help develop strategies to prevent it.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalmBio·DateApr 23, 2019

Multiple myeloma: DNA rearrangement may predict poor outcomes

A DNA rearrangement in immunoglobulin lambda (IgL) translocations is associated with poorer outcomes and reduced survival benefit from immunomodulatory drugs like lenalidomide. Patients with this genetic marker are more likely to relapse and die within the first three years after diagnosis.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 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.

Revealed: The secret superpower that makes C. difficile so deadly

Researchers identified a new way C. difficile causes severe disease by triggering an immune response through Th17 cells, explaining why patients with inflammatory bowel disease are more susceptible to severe infections and increasing mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 23, 2019

Soft tissue makes coral tougher in the face of climate change

Researchers discovered that corals with thicker soft tissues can recover more quickly from bleaching due to the presence of beneficial algae. The stored energy in these tissues helps corals survive until environmental factors improve.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateApr 23, 2019

WSU researchers see health effects across generations from popular weed killer

Researchers found that rats exposed to glyphosate during pregnancy developed prostate, kidney, and ovarian diseases, as well as obesity and birth abnormalities in subsequent generations. The study's findings suggest a potential link between glyphosate exposure and increased risk of certain health problems across multiple generations.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 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.

2019 BioLegend William E. Paul Award for Excellence in Cytokine Research

Chen Dong has made seminal contributions to the field of CD4 T cell subsets, including the discovery of Th17 lineage cells and T follicular helper cells. His research has improved our understanding of human diseases and led to novel treatments, such as antagonizing Th17 cell function for autoimmune diseases.

SourceInternational Cytokine & Interferon Society·DateApr 23, 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.

Fixing a broken heart: Exploring new ways to heal damage after a heart attack

A Northwestern University and UC San Diego team has created a novel way to deliver a bioactivated, biodegradable substance through a noninvasive catheter without clogging. The approach uses self-assembling peptides that turn the body's inflammatory response into a signal to heal rather than a means of scarring.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2019

Pregnant women with type 1 diabetes are at risk of giving birth prematurely

Research at Karolinska Institutet links high HbA1c levels during pregnancy to increased preterm birth risk, affecting up to 22% of infants born to women with type 1 diabetes. The study also identifies risks of other complications for newborns, including respiratory problems and low blood sugar.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 23, 2019

Stressed, anxious? Ask the brain!

Researchers used deep brain imaging to study amygdala activity in mice, revealing two large antagonistic sets of neurons that encode opposing moment-to-moment state changes. The findings suggest a complex neural basis for internal states like anxiety, which may have implications for understanding human anxiety disorders.

SourceFriedrich Miescher Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2019

Rare disease gives new insight into regulatory T cell function

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet mapped immune system targets in patients with rare IPEX disease, revealing that regulatory T cells control gut-related immunotolerance. The study provides insights into the role of these cells in preventing autoimmune diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateApr 23, 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.

Socioeconomic deprivation increases risk of developing chronic kidney disease in England

A study of 1.4 million adults in England found that socioeconomically deprived individuals are 68% more likely to develop advanced chronic kidney disease than the least deprived, experiencing poorer health outcomes and quality of life. The research recommends targeted interventions to engage disadvantaged groups through improved screen...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateApr 23, 2019

Experiences of 'ultimate reality' or 'God' confer lasting benefits to mental health

Researchers found that over two-thirds of atheists shed their label after a transformative experience, and most attributed long-term positive changes in life satisfaction and purpose. The study also revealed vivid memories of the encounter, with many participants reporting communication with a conscious entity and decreased fear of death.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 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.

Simple sea anemones not so simple after all

New research reveals tube-dwelling anemones have largest mitochondrial genomes, with fragments arranged in unexpected ways and sizes varying between species. The discovery defies classic doughnut-shaped designs and raises questions about evolutionary pressures among ancient sea animals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2019

Nanocomponent is a quantum leap for Danish physicists

University of Copenhagen researchers create a nanomechanical router that emits quantum information carried by light particles, enabling the scaling up of quantum technology. The component's tiny size makes it promising for future applications, potentially achieving 'quantum supremacy' with tens of photons simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalOptica·DateApr 23, 2019

UNH scientists find auroral 'speed bumps' are more complicated

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that high-altitude auroras, known as Poleward Moving Auroral Forms (PMAF), cause drag on satellites by producing moving pockets of air. These 'speed bumps' were previously thought to be a simple phenomenon, but are now understood to be more complex and structured.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 23, 2019

Obesity linked with differences in form and structure of the brain

Researchers found associations between body fat percentage and brain volume, with smaller gray matter volumes observed in men and women. The study suggests that obesity may contribute to negative health consequences such as dementia and cognitive decline.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 23, 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.

Welding with stem cells for next-generation surgical glues

Scientists created smart glues from human stem cells that can repair chronic wounds, protecting the cells from aggressive environments. The new technology uses natural enzymes to grow artificial extracellular matrices, paving the way for tissue engineering advancements.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2019

Zoologists discover two new bird species in Indonesia

Two new bird species, Wakatobi white-eye and Wangi-wangi white-eye, discovered in Indonesia's Sulawesi archipelago. The discoveries shed light on the complexities of species separation and highlight the need for conservation efforts to safeguard these unique habitats.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateApr 23, 2019

Calcium deficiency in cells due to ORAI1 gene mutation leads to damaged tooth enamel

A study led by NYU Dentistry researchers reveals that a mutation in the ORAI1 gene causes calcium deficiency in enamel cells, leading to defective dental enamel mineralization. The study identified ORAI1 as the dominant protein for calcium influx and provided insights into the mechanisms by which calcium affects enamel cell function.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience Signaling·DateApr 23, 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.

Proofreading the book of life: Gene editing made safer

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to render the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool 'immunsilent', allowing for reliable and stealthy gene repair. This breakthrough brings CRISPR closer to safe clinical application, addressing key safety concerns.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2019

New studies highlight challenge of meeting Paris Agreement climate goals

Two new studies warn that countries like the US, China, and EU will struggle to meet their emissions targets without significant reductions. The research suggests that even if these high-emitting countries strengthen their commitments, other nations would need to achieve near-zero emissions by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5 degree...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 23, 2019

Bacteria reveal strong individuality when navigating a maze

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that bacteria in a microfluidic T-maze exhibit diverse chemotactic sensitivity due to genetic variations, allowing some individuals to outperform others. This phenotypic heterogeneity may provide an evolutionary advantage for the bacteria, enabling them to adapt to changing environments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 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.

Quantum gas turns supersolid

Researchers have observed hallmarks of supersolidity in ultracold atomic gases, featuring a self-determined crystalline structure while sharing the same macroscopic wavefunction. The dysprosium quantum gas realization shows unprecedented stability, paving the way for probing its excitation spectrum and superfluid behavior.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 23, 2019

Despite health warnings, Americans still sit too much

A recent study analyzing data from over 51,000 people found that most Americans spend at least two hours per day sitting and watching television or videos. Sedentary behavior is linked to poor health in many areas, and reducing it could have a significant impact on overall health.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateApr 23, 2019

CBD reduces impairment caused by cannabis

A new study found that CBD buffers against THC's effects on the brain, potentially making higher-CBD cannabis strains less harmful. The research used fMRI to gauge how different cannabis strains impact brain function.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateApr 23, 2019

New way to 'see' objects accelerates the future of self-driving cars

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a cost-effective and accurate way for self-driving cars to perceive 3D objects, reducing the reliance on expensive LiDAR sensors. The new method uses two inexpensive cameras on either side of the windshield to detect objects with nearly LiDAR's accuracy.

SourceCornell University·DateApr 23, 2019

Study: Why unique finches keep their heads of many colors

Research by scientists from Cornell University and the University of Sheffield finds that balancing selection is responsible for maintaining the diversity of head colors in Gouldian Finches. This process allows both red- and black-headed finches to coexist, with each having advantages and disadvantages, resulting in a stable polymorphism.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 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.

Study: Mediterranean diet deters overeating

A study published in the journal Obesity found that nonhuman primates on a Mediterranean diet ate fewer calories, had lower body weight, and less body fat compared to those on a Western diet. The findings suggest that a Mediterranean diet may protect against obesity-related diseases.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalObesity·DateApr 23, 2019

Air pollution poses risks for childhood cancer survivors

A study found that poor air quality significantly increases the risk of hospitalizations for respiratory issues in young cancer survivors, particularly those who received chemotherapy. The researchers tracked nearly 4,000 survivors and found that even low levels of PM2.5 can contribute to respiratory problems.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 23, 2019

Minor sleep loss can put your job at risk

A new study by University of South Florida researchers found that losing just 16 minutes of sleep can impair job performance, causing workers to experience cognitive issues and struggle with work-life balance. The study suggests workplaces should prioritize promoting employees' sleep to improve focus and reduce errors.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalSleep Health·DateApr 23, 2019

Scientists create largest collection of coral reef maps ever made

A global atlas offers a new way to map coral reefs from space, containing over 65,000 square kilometers of coral reefs and surrounding habitats. The high-resolution maps provide information on shallow water marine habitats, helping track changes in reef composition and structure over time.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalCoral Reefs·DateApr 23, 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.

Researchers devise a progression risk-based classification for patients with AWM

A risk model has been devised by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers to classify patients with asymptomatic Waldenström macroglobulinemia into low, intermediate, or high risk of developing symptomatic disease. The model uses four biomarkers and was validated on two external cohorts with high accuracy and precision.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 23, 2019

Good mousekeeping: En suite bathroom makes for happier mice

Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that mice segregate their living and waste areas, suggesting a need for 'en suite bathrooms' in laboratory settings. The study showed that mice create separate compartments for nesting and eliminating waste, moving bedding and materials between cages to maintain comfort.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2019

Army publishes new findings to support soldier training

Researchers found that people's attitudes towards avoiding negative outcomes versus achieving positive outcomes affect their performance in response to gamified feedback during simulation-based training exercises. The study suggests that personalized gamification can boost training, but only if individual differences are taken into acc...

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 23, 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.

Acupuncture equals disease prevention say new studies

A new study published in Medical Acupuncture found that acupuncture significantly improved psychological and pain symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a natural disaster. The treatment was effective in reducing symptoms without any serious adverse effects.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMedical Acupuncture·DateApr 23, 2019

Study shines light on safety of deworming programs

A new study found no major differences in gut microbiomes of people infected with roundworms or hookworms and uninfected peers. However, curing hookworm infections resulted in specific changes to the microbiome, while deworming had minimal effects.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateApr 23, 2019

Quality of laser beam shaping can be enhanced at no extra cost

The researchers developed a universal beam shaping technique that spatially separates residual and extracted components in the Fourier plane using a virtual diagonal phase grating. This allows for highly uniform flattop beams with improved resolution and accuracy, suppressing edge ripples to 20 μm.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2019

Plant signals trigger remarkable bacterial transformation

Scientists at Hokkaido University discovered a compound in cycad roots that triggers the transformation of Nostoc bacteria into motile hormogonia. This process enables the bacteria to provide nitrogen to host plants, potentially leading to more efficient and fertilizer-dependent agricultural production.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 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.

Project aims to revive natural product discovery

A new project at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology aims to discover a thousand new ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) using synthetic biology and automation. The project uses an automated robotic system, called iBioFAB, to identify new RiPPs and create new molecules.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateApr 23, 2019

The buzz about bumble bees isn't good

A new study reveals that bumble bee populations in Michigan have decreased significantly over the past century, with 12 out of 19 species experiencing declines. The research found that bumble bees that collect pollen from a narrower range of plants are more likely to decline.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology·DateApr 23, 2019

Atomic beams shoot straighter via cascading silicon peashooters

The new collimator sets up Newtonian mechanics that could be adapted for practical use in beam-driven gyroscopes, helping track motion and changes in location. It also enables experimental physicists to create complex quantum states, and its beams are streams of unwavering inertia due to the atoms' mass and momentum.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2019

New study compiles Gulf of Maine seasonal wildlife timing shifts

A new report synthesizes existing evidence on phenological shifts in the Gulf of Maine, highlighting the need for increased research and data incorporation. Marine species are responding to climate change through timing changes, with fish, birds, and mammals affected in various ways.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalFisheries Oceanography·DateApr 23, 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 approach to repair fetal membranes may prevent birth complications

Researchers have developed a new approach to repair defects in fetal membranes, which may prevent preterm birth and life-long medical conditions. By targeting a specific protein, they found that reducing its activity encourages rebuilding of the fetal membranes, enhancing tissue healing and repair.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2019

How drug-resistant E. coli succeeds as a public health menace

Researchers analyzed over 850 drug-resistant E. coli genomes to identify survival strategies, finding that clones use niche separation and NFDS to evolve and succeed in the host environment. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding bacterial ecology to develop effective prevention methods.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateApr 23, 2019

'Longevity gene' responsible for more efficient DNA repair

The study discovered that the 'longevity gene' SIRT6 is responsible for more efficient DNA repair in species with longer lifespans. This gene's enhanced activity in organisms like beavers contributes to their extended lifespan, highlighting a potential target for anti-aging interventions.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCell·DateApr 23, 2019

How lifestyle affects our genes

Research at Lund University explores how lifestyle affects gene activity in human tissues, including adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, pancreatic islets, liver, and blood. The study reveals the role of epigenetic changes in disease development and potential novel treatments.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 23, 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.

Texting to improve health outcomes for people with schizophrenia

A randomized controlled trial found that texting patients with schizophrenia improved medication adherence by 27%, reducing relapses and re-hospitalizations. The LEAN program, which combines lay health supporters and mobile texting, was effective in resource-poor settings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 23, 2019

Researchers create artificial mother-of-pearl using bacteria

Scientists have developed an inexpensive and environmentally friendly way to produce artificial nacre, a tough material found in mother-of-pearl, using bacteria. The novel material has the same mechanical properties as natural nacre and can be bendable, making it suitable for medical applications and construction.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalSmall·DateApr 23, 2019

Biologists design new molecules to help stall lung cancer

Researchers have engineered molecules that restrict access to heme, an oxygen-binding molecule, to slow the growth of lung cancer tumors in mice. By starving cancer cells of this essential molecule, the new approach may provide a potential new path forward in treating non-small cell lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 23, 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.

Strongly agree: It's time to test the Likert scale

A University at Buffalo researcher and his team tested the impact of response options on the reliability of psychological measures, finding that six options appears to be the magic number for optimal accuracy. They argue that too few or too many options can lead to inaccurate results due to human cognitive limitations.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPsychological Assessment·DateApr 23, 2019

New sensor detects rare metals used in smartphones

A new protein-based sensor can detect tiny amounts of lanthanides, a crucial component of smartphone screens and electronics. The sensor uses a shape change to bind to the metal, allowing for rapid and inexpensive detection at the location of sampling.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 23, 2019

How much time do Americans spend sitting?

The study found that Americans spent more time sitting, with 62% of children, adolescents, and adults watching TV or videos for at least 2 hours a day in 2015-2016. The proportion of people using computers during leisure time increased across all age groups from 43% to 56%.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 23, 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.

TOS president-elect co-authors study on genetic test for obesity

A new genetic test, known as the Obesity Genome-wide Polygenic Score (GPS), has been developed to predict an individual's risk of developing severe obesity. The test uses a genetic score based on over 2 million variations in a person's genetic code and shows high predictive power.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalCell·DateApr 23, 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.

Pre-op daily life disability may predict poor outcome after hip replacement

A new study published in Orthopedics found that pre-operative daily life disability is a significant predictor of poor outcomes after total hip replacement surgery. Patients who cannot perform daily activities independently before surgery are more likely to experience surgical complications, longer hospital stays, and higher rates of r...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalOrthopedics·DateApr 23, 2019

How the body protects itself from type 2 diabetes

Scientists at DZNE and University of Bonn found that regulatory T cells use the protein HPGD to suppress inflammation in adipose tissue, preventing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. HPGD also showed a correlation with reduced levels in patients with diabetes.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalImmunity·DateApr 23, 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.

Simple and fast method for radiolabelling antibodies against breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a simple and fast method for radiolabelling antibodies against breast cancer using UV light. The new procedure allows for the production of radioactive drugs and diagnostic agents in under 20 minutes, making it a game-changer for PET imaging and targeted radioimmunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournaliScience·DateApr 23, 2019

KAIST unveils the hidden control architecture of brain networks

The study identifies a distinct control architecture in brain networks, characterized by a distributed and overlapping control system that enables robustness against targeted attacks and high efficiency in switching between network states. This finding has broad implications for cognitive neuroscience and clinical applications.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournaliScience·DateApr 23, 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.

How light triggers brain activity

The discovery of channelrhodopsin-2 reveals two parallel paths in the activation of the ion channel by light, allowing for optimized applications in optogenetics. This understanding could lead to treatments for blind individuals and patients with agitated paralysis in Parkinson's disease.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2019

How fish brain cells react to Alzheimer's disease

Scientists discovered eight distinct cell populations in zebrafish brains that proliferate in response to amyloid-β aggregates, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. These populations may serve as potential targets for inducing regeneration and developing new treatments for humans.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 23, 2019

Scientists propose new theory on Alzheimer's, amyloid connection

Researchers discover that disrupting the interaction between amyloid precursor protein and cholesterol leads to neurodegeneration, swelling of synapses, and fragmentation of axons. This finding suggests a new theory on Alzheimer's disease, where amyloid precursor protein may be an accomplice to cholesterol deficiency.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateApr 23, 2019

New chemical tool to block endocytosis in plants identified

A new chemical tool has been identified to block endocytosis in plants, a process essential for nutrient uptake and cellular signaling. The compound, ES9-17, was developed through an international collaboration and retains the ability to bind clathrin, a protein involved in endocytosis.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 23, 2019

Devil rays may have unknown birthing zone

A Duke University study suggests that giant devil rays may have an unknown birthing zone in nearby waters, which could be a good news for conservation efforts but requires action to limit fishing during birthing months.

SourceDuke University·JournalEcology·DateApr 23, 2019

Cannabis addiction influenced by genetic makeup

A new UCL-led study investigates three genetic markers that influence cannabis addiction. Researchers found differences in cognitive mechanisms and identified a specific gene associated with increased craving and attraction to cannabis-related imagery.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAddiction Biology·DateApr 23, 2019

Feces transplantation: Effective treatment with economic benefits

A new study shows that feces transplantation for Clostridium difficile colitis saves at least $1.2 million annually per 50 patients, reducing hospital costs from 37 to 20 days per year. The treatment provides significant cost savings without compromising patient care.

SourceAarhus University·JournalTherapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology·DateApr 23, 2019