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Science News for August 13, 2019


New study links high-fat diet and gut bacteria to insulin resistance

Researchers discovered a connection between high-fat diets and insulin resistance through gut bacteria, specifically the protein IgA produced by B cells in the gut. A high fat diet weakens the gut immune system, leading to inflammation and worsening blood sugar levels.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2019

Deadly protein duo reveals new drug targets for viral diseases

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that combining proteins from two lethal viruses can enhance their pathogenic potential. The team found that a hybrid protein pair has greater fusion capability, which could be leveraged to stop viral-cell fusion and develop more effective vaccines.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateAug 13, 2019

Doubling down

A new study finds that human impacts on oceans have nearly doubled over the past decade and could increase by another 50% if left unchecked. Climate change, commercial fishing, and land-based pollution are major drivers of these changes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 13, 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.

Study finds link between long-term exposure to air pollution and emphysema

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a strong link between long-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of emphysema in the US population. The study analyzed data from over 7,000 participants and found that consistent results were found across six metropolitan regions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·DateAug 13, 2019

Fluorescent glow may reveal hidden life in the cosmos

Astronomers propose a new method to detect hidden life on exoplanets, utilizing biofluorescence induced by stellar UV flares. This novel approach could reveal biomarkers on planets orbiting active M stars, making them ideal targets for future searches.

SourceCornell University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 13, 2019

Coca and conflict: the factors fuelling Colombian deforestation

A University of Queensland-led study identified factors fuelling Colombian deforestation, including conflict between illegal groups and government forces, as well as proximity to coca plantations and mining concessions. The research highlights the importance of stable governance in retaining forests and reducing deforestation risk.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 13, 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.

Apples, tea and moderation -- the 3 ingredients for a long life

Researchers found that moderate flavonoid consumption was associated with a lower risk of death from cancer and heart disease. Participants consuming about 500mg of total flavonoids per day had the lowest risk of a cancer or heart disease-related death, which is easily achievable through a balanced diet.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2019

Houston universities team up to boost minorities in academia

Rice University, Texas Southern University, and the University of Houston have won a $2.66 million NSF grant to enhance training and resources for underrepresented minorities in engineering and science disciplines. The project aims to create a more diverse workforce and address systemic barriers that impede their success.

SourceRice University·DateAug 13, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Anti-viral immune discovery could lead to better vaccines

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers have identified a molecular switch that impacts immune responses to viral infections, enabling T cells to distinguish between different viruses and controlling protective antibody production. This discovery could lead to more effective vaccines against previously hard-to-prevent viruses.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 13, 2019

Marijuana may boost risky effects of drinking alcohol

A new study from Penn State found that simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use is associated with heavier drinking, more frequent consumption, and higher levels of sensation-seeking characteristics. Individuals who used both substances simultaneously were also more likely to experience alcohol-related problems.

SourcePenn State·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·DateAug 13, 2019

Cell biology: Compartments and complexity

A study published in The Plant Journal has provided new insights into the dynamics of metabolic processes in eukaryotic cells. By quantifying the subcellular distribution of proteins and metabolites, researchers have identified key regulatory mechanisms controlling plant metabolism.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateAug 13, 2019

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: Mental health harms related to very frequent social media use in girls might be due to exposure to cyberbullying, loss of sleep or reduced physical activity

A study of almost 10,000 adolescents found that frequent social media use in teenage girls is linked to increased psychological distress, lower life satisfaction, and greater anxiety. Cyberbullying, sleep disruptions, and reduced physical activity are key mechanisms behind these findings.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateAug 13, 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.

NASA sees wide center in Tropical Storm Krosa

NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Storm Krosa, showing a large center of circulation surrounded by fragmented bands of thunderstorms. The storm is expected to intensify to 50 knots as it approaches landfall in southwestern Japan.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 13, 2019

Mastering a new level of success

The university will provide two-year scholarships to high-achieving, low-income students pursuing Master of Science degrees in six engineering departments. The program aims to eliminate barriers and build bridges to professional careers through industry internships and research focused on innovation and entrepreneurship.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateAug 13, 2019

Study examines how media around the world frame climate change news

A new study from the University of Kansas shows that media coverage of climate change varies greatly by nation, with richer countries framing it as a political issue and poorer countries presenting it as an international concern. The researchers analyzed over 37,000 articles and found that a nation's gross domestic product per capita i...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateAug 13, 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.

Tarnished plant bug management strategies for Mid-Atlantic cotton

Researchers Sally Taylor and Seth Dorman recommend scouting, threshold-based management, and resistance management strategies to effectively manage tarnished plant bugs in Mid-Atlantic cotton. They emphasize the importance of avoiding planting nearby hosts and using certain varieties to minimize intensive management.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateAug 13, 2019

Increased troponin after exercise predicts risk of cardiovascular event

Researchers found a significant association between elevated post-exercise troponin levels and an increased risk of severe cardiovascular disease or death. The study suggests that exercise may serve as a stress test for the heart, allowing for early identification of susceptible individuals who require closer monitoring.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateAug 13, 2019

Finding a cosmic fog within shattered intergalactic pancakes

A Yale-led team of astronomers has simulated a large patch of the intergalactic medium (IGM), revealing how cold, dense gas clouds organize themselves within larger sheets or pancakes of matter. The findings suggest that these gas clouds can be pristine and metal-free, challenging previous assumptions about their formation and composit...

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 13, 2019

Air pollution can accelerate lung disease as much as a pack a day of cigarettes

A new study finds that long-term exposure to all major air pollutants increases the risk of emphysema by roughly the equivalent of smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for 29 years. Ground-level ozone levels are rising due to climate change, and the US study suggests that this increase may lead to an increased risk of chronic lung disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA·DateAug 13, 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.

Schrödinger's cat with 20 qubits

Scientists have created a new record by entangling 20 quantum bits in a 'Schrödinger's cat' state, exceeding the previous limit of 14 qubits. The team used a programmable quantum simulator to control and manipulate the qubits, demonstrating the potential for quantum technologies.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2019

Through the kidneys to the exit

Researchers at NUST MISIS have identified a mechanism for removing magnetic nanoparticles through the kidneys, allowing for safer drug delivery. The study used a combination of techniques to track nanoparticle transport, revealing that they can be excreted directly into the renal tubule, reducing the risk of liver accumulation.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateAug 13, 2019

Making microbes that transform greenhouse gases

Researchers at USF have developed a biologically-based technique to transform greenhouse gases into usable chemical compounds, reducing dependence on petroleum and lowering carbon footprint. The method utilizes human enzymes to convert specific one-carbon materials into complex compounds used in various products.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 13, 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.

Poo's clues: Moose droppings indicate Isle Royale ecosystem health

Researchers analyzed moose droppings to understand their dietary choices and found that moose prefer rare plants when they are available. The study suggests that moose's selective foraging behavior has a stabilizing effect on the entire food web, with implications for ecosystem stability.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateAug 13, 2019

Greater blood pressure control linked to better brain health

Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that intensive blood pressure control is associated with fewer white matter lesions and a slightly greater decrease in brain volume than standard blood pressure control. This could lead to lower risks of dementia and cognitive impairment.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJAMA·DateAug 13, 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.

Why young men aren't eating their five-a-day

A study published in the journal Nutrients reveals that young men aged 18-24 are struggling to eat even three portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Young men with the best diets had a more positive attitude towards healthy food, enjoyed preparing and eating a wide range of fruit and veg, and had a holistic view of health and diet.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNutrients·DateAug 13, 2019

Damaged hearts rewired with nanotube fibers

Researchers at Texas Heart Institute and Rice University have developed biocompatible nanotube fibers that can bridge damaged heart tissues and deliver electrical signals to restore heart function. The fibers were shown to be effective in restoring conduction in preclinical models, even without the presence of a pacemaker.

SourceRice University·DateAug 13, 2019

Scientists discover key factors in how some algae harness solar energy

Scientists have discovered the architecture of proteins known as Photosystem II that diatoms use to absorb sunlight and power their photosynthesis. This discovery could lead to more efficient and affordable algal biofuels and combat climate change from fossil fuel burning.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 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.

Microbes have adapted to live on food that is hundreds of years old

Researchers discovered microbes thriving on centuries-old organic matter in sediments, using peptidases to degrade low-quality food. This finding has implications for biomedical applications and understanding of subsurface microbial communities.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 13, 2019

Preclinical research suggests anti-cancer effect of keto diet

A ketogenic diet has been shown to inhibit the growth of squamous cell carcinoma tumors in mice with lung cancer. The study also found a correlation between high blood glucose levels and poor survival among patients with squamous cell carcinoma.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 13, 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.

Do internal medicine residents feel bullied during training?

A survey of internal medicine residents found that many reported being bullied during their training, which had a significant impact on their mental health and overall well-being. The study highlights the need for a safe and supportive learning environment in medical education.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 13, 2019

Enterovirus antibodies detected in acute flaccid myelitis patients

A new study finds that enterovirus antibodies were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of most patients with acute flaccid myelitis, suggesting a possible link between the two conditions. The research provides further evidence that enterovirus infection may be a factor in AFM.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalmBio·DateAug 13, 2019

Lost in translation: Researchers discover translator gene may play a role in disease

A new study from Western University found that tRNA gene mutations can cause misreading of the genetic code, leading to protein malfunction. Researchers discovered an average of 66 variants in tRNA genes among individuals in London, Ontario, suggesting a potential link between these mutations and human diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalRNA Biology·DateAug 13, 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.

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.

The growing threat of tarnished plant bug

The tarnished plant bug is a significant pest of cotton in North Carolina and Virginia, feeding on reproductive tissues and damaging crops. Effective management strategies include sampling correctly, applying thresholds properly, planting early, and avoiding overfertilizing and overirrigating.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateAug 13, 2019

ADHD medication may affect brain development in children

A study published in Radiology found that ADHD medication methylphenidate affects the development of brain white matter in children, but not adults. The medication was associated with increased white matter fractional anisotropy in boys with ADHD, a measure thought to reflect nerve fiber density and myelination.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateAug 13, 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.

UTI discovery may lead to new treatments

Researchers followed a long-term UTI sufferer and found that recurring infections came from a single bacterial reservoir in the body. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments by targeting the intestinal reservoir rather than just treating the bladder.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2019

Foraging for information: Machine learning decodes genetic influence over behavior

Researchers use machine learning to analyze mouse behavior while foraging for food, identifying 71 reproduceable behavioral sequences as the underlying building blocks for more complex behavior patterns. The study reveals genetic influence over behavior and provides a new approach to understanding complex behaviors in humans.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 13, 2019

Intensive blood pressure control may slow age-related brain damage

Researchers found that intensively controlling blood pressure was more effective at slowing the accumulation of white matter lesions than standard treatment. This is encouraging for advancing the science of understanding and addressing aging brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and related dementias.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJAMA·DateAug 13, 2019

Pinpointing the molecular mechanisms of aging

Scientists used an epigenetic clock to explore the molecular mechanisms of aging in humans and identified a gene, NSD1, that is closely linked to the process. This research could lead to a better understanding of how aging works and its relationship with various conditions.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 13, 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.

Treatment doctor tested on himself can put others into remission

Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target for patients with Castleman disease who do not respond to the currently approved drug siltuximab. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, when inhibited, shows promise in sending patients into remission.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 13, 2019

Early education setback for summer premature births

Research found that children born prematurely in summer months are more likely to experience significant educational setbacks after their first year of school. Extra support for these children, such as tailored advice and learning resources, is recommended by the study's authors.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateAug 13, 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.

Arctic could be iceless in September if temps increase 2 degrees

A new study predicts that the Arctic Ocean could be completely ice-free in September if global temperatures increase by as little as 2 degrees Celsius. This finding highlights the potential consequences of limiting warming to 2 degrees, a goal of the Paris Agreement.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2019

Non-native invasive insects, diseases decreasing carbon stored in US forests

A study by the USDA Forest Service and Purdue University finds that non-native invasive insects and diseases are reducing the amount of carbon stored in trees across the United States. The study estimates that 41% of live forest biomass is threatened, with certain species like emerald ash borer and gypsy moth causing significant damage.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2019

How two water molecules dance together

A team of researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum and Emory University observed the movement between individual water molecules for the first time, revealing new insights into their interactions. The findings help to better understand the intermolecular energy landscape and the strange properties of water.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 13, 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.

Risks of novel oral prostate cancer therapies and pre-existing conditions

A large population-based study found that novel oral androgen signaling inhibitor therapies increase the risk of death in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Patients with three or more heart conditions experienced a 50% increase in mortality, while enzalutamide was associated with lower hospitalization rates.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalEuropean Urology·DateAug 13, 2019

Growth of wind energy points to future challenges, promise

Advances in wind technology have led to significant growth, with larger turbines now capable of generating up to 5 megawatts. Improved efficiency and cost reductions are expected, but maintaining these turbines will require more economical methods.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateAug 13, 2019

Research drives acceleration of practice transformation and community health improvement

A new supplement to Annals of Family Medicine highlights early findings from federally funded initiatives aimed at transforming medical practices and improving community health. Key findings include the importance of monitoring clinician burnout and leveraging technical assistance to expand access to urgent care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateAug 13, 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.

Pollutant linked to climate change accelerates lung disease

Long-term exposure to ozone and other pollutants accelerates emphysema development, even among non-smokers. The study found a strong association between ozone levels and emphysema, with the strongest impact seen in people living in areas with high ozone concentrations.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateAug 13, 2019

NASA finds Henriette fading

NASA's Terra satellite detected scattered cold clouds in Hurricane Henriette, indicating a weakening system. The storm's cloud top temperatures reached as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit, further supporting its decline.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 13, 2019

Study: 'Conversation-based' activities reduce mental illness stigma among college students

A new study by Indiana University found that college students who participate in conversation-based activities are less likely to stigmatize people with mental illness. The study, led by Bernice Pescosolido, suggests that such efforts can drive significant reductions in stigma and improve campus climate.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 13, 2019

The first metal-organic coordination polymers were synthesized at the Samara Polytech

Scientists at Samara Polytech have synthesized the first metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with unique properties, including magnetic susceptibility, luminescence, and electrical conductivity. The resulting nanostructured materials demonstrate record sorption characteristics for various volatile substances.

SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalChemical Science·DateAug 13, 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.

Interbreeding turned grey squirrels black -- study

A new study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology reveals that grey squirrels turned black due to interbreeding with fox squirrels. The faulty pigment gene was identified as identical to one found in the closely related fox squirrel species native to North America.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateAug 13, 2019

Study reveals the emotional journey of a digital detox while travelling

A study by University of East Anglia and others found that tourists' emotions shift from anxiety to enjoyment during digital detox, with increased focus on surroundings and social connections. Participants reported improved experiences and willingness for future digital detoxes, especially in rural destinations.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Travel Research·DateAug 13, 2019

What's more powerful, word-of-mouth or following someone else's lead?

New research found that word-of-mouth referrals from the platform community drive anime watching decisions and behaviors, outperforming following someone else's lead or observed adoptions. A person's community network is the primary source of information driving their decision-making.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateAug 13, 2019

Understanding where patients live can improve patient health

A study published in the Annals of Family Medicine found that family physicians overestimated their patients' geographic footprint by 112% on average. Integrating geography into practice data and community-oriented approaches can improve patient health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateAug 13, 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.

Mode of delivery at birth may play key role in shaping the child's skin microbiome

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that children's skin microbiomes are similar to their mothers' and can be affected by mode of delivery. The research suggests that vaginal delivery is associated with a stronger bacterial similarity to mothers, while Caesarian section may lead to differences.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 13, 2019

Satellite study reveals that area emits one billion tonnes of carbon

A satellite study found that a region in northern tropical Africa emits between 1 and 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon annually, comparable to the emissions of 200 million cars. The research uses data from two NASA satellites and improves understanding of greenhouse gas sources.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2019

How plants synthesize salicylic acid

An international research team led by the University of Göttingen has unraveled the mechanism for the biosynthesis of salicylic acid in plants. The study reveals that isochorismate-derived compounds accumulate when a specific gene is removed, leading to the formation of salicylic acid.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 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.

UA research examining how heat waves are getting bigger

Heat waves in the US are becoming larger and more severe due to climate change, according to UA research. The study aims to develop predictive models for heat waves, which could inform improved planning and response to these events.

SourceUniversity of Alabama in Tuscaloosa·DateAug 13, 2019

New evidence points to viral culprit in AFM child paralysis

Researchers found EV RNA in CSF of 4 out of 567 total confirmed AFM cases, but significantly higher antibodies to EV peptides in 11 of 14 AFM patients. The study suggests enterovirus infection as a cause for acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in children.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmBio·DateAug 13, 2019

Mapping the energetic landscape of solar cells

Heidelberg University physicists develop a novel spectroscopic method to map the energetic landscape inside solar cells based on organic materials. This technique enables scientists to study physical principles and better understand processes such as energetic losses with extreme precision.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalJoule·DateAug 13, 2019

Researchers identify how vaginal microbiome can elicit resistance to chlamydia

A novel mechanism has been discovered that explains how specific types of cervicovaginal microbiome can protect women against chlamydial infection. The research found that certain bacteria in the vagina can produce D-lactic acid, which down-regulates cell cycling and blocks the entry of Chlamydia trachomatis into human cells.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalmBio·DateAug 13, 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.

All-optical diffractive neural network closes performance gap with electronic neural networks

Researchers have developed an all-optical diffractive neural network that achieves unprecedented levels of inference accuracy, closing the performance gap with electronic neural networks. The design incorporates a differential detection scheme, which enables specialized sub-networks to recognize specific object classes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 13, 2019

Monitoring the Matterhorn with millions of data points

The PermaSense project has recorded a unique 10-year record of high-resolution data on the Hörnli ridge of the Matterhorn, offering a better understanding of processes that can lead to rock destabilization. The data set includes measurements of temperature, seismic activity, and deformation of the mountain ridge.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateAug 13, 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.

Not just genes: Environment also shaped population variation in first Americans

Researchers found that highland and lowland populations had distinct craniofacial variations, with adaptations to climate and altitude contributing to the differences. The study suggests a complex interplay of environmental factors, rather than just genetic drift, in shaping human diversification in the New World.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 13, 2019