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Science News for August 15, 2019


TGen team links gene to children with physical and intellectual disabilities

Researchers at TGen have identified a gene associated with a rare condition that results in physical and intellectual disabilities in children. Rare variants in the DDX6 gene are found to be associated with disruptions in brain development, leading to skills such as walking and talking.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 15, 2019

Cardiac rehabilitation: Preliminary results

Cardiac rehabilitation programmes have a positive impact on patients over 60 years old, improving their ability to exercise and reducing anxiety. After a few sessions, patients become more confident and have improved attitudes towards physical activity.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateAug 15, 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.

Wiggling it beats a path for a better performance at school

A preschool program using rhythm and movement activities boosts children's self-regulation skills and improves school readiness. The program, which involves group sessions twice a week for eight weeks, has been shown to produce significant changes in attentional and emotional development.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPsychology of Music·DateAug 15, 2019

Sensory impairment and health expectancy in older adults

Research found that people with sensory impairments can expect fewer years of remaining life with limited physical function and ADLs. Those with both vision and hearing impairments had the greatest reduction in health expectancy, spending nearly one-third of their life with limitation in physical function.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 15, 2019

Financial abuse of older adults by family members more common than scams by strangers

A new study by USC researchers identifies family members as the most common perpetrators of financial elder abuse, making up nearly 55% of reported cases. The study analyzed over 2,000 calls to a National Center on Elder Abuse resource line and found that family members were responsible for more than 42% of alleged abuses.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·DateAug 15, 2019

Monkey malaria breakthrough offers cure for relapsing malaria

A breakthrough in monkey malaria research by University of Otago scientists could help diagnose and treat a relapsing form of human malaria. The team has developed an in vitro culture method for the vivax malaria parasite, which is closely related to the relapsing parasite.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Trauma begets trauma: Bullying associated with increased suicide attempts among 12-to-15-year-olds

A global study found that bullying victimization is associated with a three-fold increased risk of suicide attempts among young adolescents. The study, which analyzed data from 48 countries, also found that the duration and frequency of bullying are key factors in predicting suicidal behavior.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 15, 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.

The composition of fossil insect eyes surprises researchers

Researchers have discovered eumelanin in fossilized crane-fly compound eyes, challenging previous hypotheses about arthropod vision. The study's findings suggest that trilobite lenses may be more similar to modern arthropod eyes than previously thought.

SourceLund University·JournalNature·DateAug 15, 2019

Global study investigates the cause of stuttering

Researchers are searching for genetic links to stuttering through a global study recruiting Australian stutterers aged seven and older. The study aims to develop treatments targeting the disorder's underlying cause, rather than just symptoms, with potential benefits for better treatment and prevention of stuttering.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·DateAug 15, 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.

UH project promotes energy careers for women, minorities

The Next Gen Energy X program offers paid internships to students from UH and Texas Southern University, preparing them for energy sector careers and entrepreneurial management. The program has shown promising results, with 50% of students finding jobs or internships in the energy sector or STEM fields.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 15, 2019

Green chemists find a way to turn cashew nut shells into sunscreen

A team of green chemists from the University of the Witwatersrand has developed a sustainable method to produce potential sunscreens using cashew nut shells. The new aromatic compounds show good UVA and UVB absorbance, protecting humans, livestock, and polymers from harmful sun rays.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalEuropean Journal of Organic Chemistry·DateAug 15, 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.

Canadian researchers find 'silent' strokes common after surgery

A study published in The Lancet found that covert strokes are more common than overt strokes in people over 65 who have surgery, with one in 14 patients experiencing a silent stroke. This increases the risk of cognitive decline and other complications, affecting up to three million people globally.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 15, 2019

Numbers count in the genetics of moles and melanomas

Researchers at the University of Queensland have identified specific gene variations that affect mole patterns and melanoma risk. By studying the number and types of moles on the body, doctors can provide more holistic care to patients who may be at risk of developing melanoma.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 15, 2019

Extinct Caribbean bird yields DNA after 2,500 years in watery grave

Researchers successfully extracted and sequenced DNA from a 2,500-year-old Creighton's caracara femur, yielding 98.7% of the bird's mitochondrial genome. The findings reveal that the species is closely related to two remaining caracara species alive today.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateAug 15, 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.

Young Jupiter was smacked head-on by massive newborn planet

A colossal collision between Jupiter and a still-forming planet may have stirred up the core, altering its density and composition. Researchers suggest this event could explain Juno's puzzling gravitational readings, which indicate a less dense and more extended core than expected.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateAug 15, 2019

Addiction intervention in hospital is a 'reachable moment'

Patients who receive addiction medicine consultation in hospital are twice as likely to participate in treatment for substance use disorder after discharge. OHSU's innovative program has significantly increased treatment engagement, leading to better health outcomes.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 15, 2019

MDM2 counteracts resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors for melanoma therapy

Researchers have identified a combination therapy of MDM2 compounds and CDK4/6 inhibitors as a possible solution for overcoming resistance to these drugs in melanoma patients. The therapy was shown to reverse resistance mechanisms in multiple mouse models and human tumor slice culture assays.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 15, 2019

Selective coronary angiography following cardiac arrest

Early coronary angiography can reduce delay to revascularization and improve outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease after cardiac arrest. The selection of patients who will benefit from early angiography is crucial due to uncertain neurologic outcomes.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateAug 15, 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.

Genetic redundancy aids competition among bacteria in symbiosis with squid

Researchers at Penn State have discovered that the genomes of luminescent bacteria contain two copies of a gene required for the type VI secretion system (T6SS), which is used to kill neighboring cells. Disabling either copy of the gene still allows the T6SS system to function, but not both, revealing functional redundancy.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateAug 15, 2019

Expression of M gene segment of influenza A virus determines host range

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that the M gene segment of influenza A virus restricts growth and transmission in human hosts. Excess production of the M2 protein resulting from avian-derived M segments interferes with cellular functions, highlighting the critical role of M segment gene expression in host adaptation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 15, 2019

Pores for thought: Ion channel study beckons first whole-brain simulation

A team of researchers has created the first comprehensive map of the behavior of Kv channels, a crucial step towards developing improved models for ion channel research. The dataset, known as Channelpedia, provides access to over 9,000 cell recordings and will enable scientists to develop more accurate drug discovery models.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateAug 15, 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.

IRS budget cuts result in $34.3 billion in lost tax revenue from large firms

New research estimates that IRS budget cuts have led to a loss of $34.3 billion in corporate tax revenue due to reduced audit rates and resources. The study, conducted by Indiana University Kelley School of Business, suggests that the IRS could have increased collections by this amount if provided with additional resources.

SourceIndiana University·JournalThe Accounting Review·DateAug 15, 2019

Nanoscale 'glass' bottles could enable targeted drug delivery

Researchers created nanoscale silica bottles that can encapsulate a wide range of payloads to be released at specific temperatures. The temperature-sensitive material melts when exposed to near-infrared light, releasing the therapeutic drug only where needed, potentially negating side effects.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 15, 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.

When human expertise improves the work of machines

Researchers develop a technique called dimensional stacking to improve data analysis for materials scientists. By organizing data based on physical and chemical properties, machines can gain insights into complex materials like ferroelectrics. This approach shows that human experience still has a role in the age of machine intelligence.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateAug 15, 2019

Stressed plants must have iron under control

Researchers discovered that stressed plants control iron levels within cells, adapting to scarcity rather than redistribution. This finding highlights the importance of 'external borders' in cellular response strategies.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournaliScience·DateAug 15, 2019

NASA pinpointed tropical storm Krosa's strength before Japan landfall

NASA's Aqua satellite analyzed Tropical Storm Krosa's cloud top temperatures on Aug. 15, revealing the strongest storms south of the center. The analysis found coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of creating heavy rain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 15, 2019

Newfound superconductor material could be the 'silicon of quantum computers'

Scientists have discovered a superconductor that can resist quantum decoherence, allowing for longer qubit lifetimes and more efficient quantum logic circuits. The material, uranium ditelluride (UTe2), has unique properties that make it attractive for building quantum computers.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 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.

Families continue to enjoy TV together -- but potentially ruin it for each other

A recent study by Lancaster University suggests that streaming services need to prioritize family collaborations and personalized viewing experiences to maintain customer loyalty. Families who work together to choose TV packages, master technologies, and plan viewings derive more value from their subscriptions.

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateAug 15, 2019

New research could provide better food and faster analysis of blood tests

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method for analyzing gas chromatographic data using deep learning, allowing for faster and more accurate results. This technology has the potential to improve food quality control, detect food fraud, and enhance patient care by analyzing blood samples.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalTalanta·DateAug 15, 2019

Dinosaur brains from baby to adult

New research on Psittacosaurus reveals changes in brain shape and posture as the animal grows from baby to adult. The study shows that Psittacosaurus started on all fours but switched to bipedalism around two or three years old.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 15, 2019

Premature mortality is partly predicted by city neighborhood

A new study from Ryerson University assesses the link between premature mortality and environmental, socioeconomic, and demographic characteristics in Toronto's 140 neighborhoods. Neighborhoods with fewer trees, lower cancer screening rates, higher pollution levels, and lower income tend to have higher premature mortality rates.

SourceRyerson University - Faculty of Science·JournalHealth & Place·DateAug 15, 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.

New tools help detect digital domestic abuse

Researchers at Cornell Tech developed a new clinical model to respond systematically to digital threats against victims of intimate partner violence. The model includes a technology assessment questionnaire, technograph diagram, and ISDi spyware scanning tool to help counselors pinpoint online abuse and protect victims' safety.

SourceCornell University·DateAug 15, 2019

Study: Non-invasive electrical stimulation alters blood flow in brain tumors

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center tested non-invasive electrical stimulation on patients with brain tumors, finding decreased blood flow within tumors while leaving the rest of the brain unchanged. The study suggests that repeated treatments could modify tumor growth and progression.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 15, 2019

No, Siri and Alexa are not making us ruder

A study of 274 adults found that artificially-intelligent digital assistants are not affecting adult humans' politeness towards other humans. The researchers surveyed and observed participants to find no correlation between using digital assistants and rudeness.

SourceBrigham Young University·DateAug 15, 2019

Ultrasound: The potential power for cardiovascular disease therapy

Researchers explore ultrasound therapy's effectiveness in treating various cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension and arrhythmia. The study highlights the benefits of acoustic intervention, including deep tissue penetration and minimal invasiveness.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateAug 15, 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.

Major award for 2 Bernese medical projects

Researchers from Bern, Switzerland have been awarded major grants by the US Department of Defense to study new treatments for prostate cancer and develop methods to preserve severed limbs. The projects aim to identify factors driving metastasis and improve survival rates in prostate cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Bern·DateAug 15, 2019

More cancer cases among women with sleep apnea

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that women with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing cancer. The research, based on registry data from over 20,000 adult patients, shows a possible link between intermittent hypoxia and increased cancer prevalence among women, but not men.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateAug 15, 2019

Gamification can give dental and medical education a boost

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that gamification through online trivia quizzes enhances student motivation and collaboration in histology education. Students reported better understanding and performance when working in groups after participating in Kahoot-based quizzes.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBMC Medical Education·DateAug 15, 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.

WPI biologist's discovery gives evolution clues and may affect drug interaction research

A WPI biologist has discovered that a key component in a worm's communication system can be repurposed to take on a different function, providing insights into the workings of evolution. This finding could have significant implications for drug interaction research, agricultural bio-engineering, and our understanding of genetic inherit...

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2019

Ice sheets impact core elements of the Earth's carbon cycle

A world-leading team reveals ice sheets are no longer passive parts of the Earth's carbon cycle, but reactors that process rock and boost nutrient release. Ice sheets store vast amounts of organic carbon, fuel marine food webs, and influence global carbon sinks.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2019

Discovery of how cells override genetic changes

Scientists at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered a way for cells to override genetic changes, potentially leading to more effective pancreatic cancer treatment. The study found that introducing PTF1A into normal cells prevented the formation of cancer cells and even reversed early-stage cancer cells back to healthy pancreas cells.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 15, 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.

Firework memories

Researchers successfully recorded hippocampal ripples in humans, demonstrating their role in new memory engraving and recall. The findings suggest that synchronized neural activity is crucial for free recall.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2019

Predictive value of resting pd/pa for fractional flow reserve assessed with monorail pressure microcatheter in real-world practice

Resting Pd/Pa showed poor agreement with hyper-emic FFR, but specific thresholds (0.96 or greater for normal FFR and 0.82 or less for abnormal FFR) provided excellent sensitivity and specificity. These findings have implications for real-world practice in assessing coronary artery disease.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateAug 15, 2019

Supercomputing prodigies win prestigious honors

Milinda Fernando and Staci Smith receive the fellowship for their work on high-performance algorithms and dynamic re-routing algorithms, respectively. Their research enables efficient use of modern supercomputers in various scientific disciplines.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateAug 15, 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.

New contrast agent could make MRIs safer

Researchers at MGH develop a new, possibly safer contrast agent for MRI exams using a manganese-based compound that provides comparable tumor contrast enhancement to state-of-the-art gadolinium-based agents. The new agent is designed to be more quickly and thoroughly cleared from the body, reducing concerns about long-term safety.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalInvestigative Radiology·DateAug 15, 2019

Best of both worlds: Asteroids and massive mergers

University of Arizona researchers are using the Catalina Sky Survey's near-Earth object telescopes to find optical counterparts to gravitational waves triggered by massive mergers. The team found several supernovae and a near-Earth object during their ongoing campaign, which began in April.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 15, 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.

NIH awards $17.4 million to Cornell for CHESS subfacility

The NIH award supports MacCHESS, a subfacility of CHESS that attracts hundreds of biomedical researchers, enabling the study of cellular functions and molecular interactions. Researchers at MacCHESS will focus on macromolecular crystallography and high-pressure biology to develop new technology for drug design and disease understanding.

SourceCornell University·DateAug 15, 2019

Suit up with a robot to walk and run more easily

A team of researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute has developed a portable exosuit that assists with gait-specific hip extension during both walking and running. The device reduces metabolic rates by 9.3% for walking and 4% for running, demonstrating its versatility in various environments.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2019

Care less with helmet

Researchers found that wearing a bike helmet decreases the 'Frontal Midline Theta Power' in brain activity, indicating reduced cognitive control during risk decision-making. This suggests that wearing a helmet can influence behavior through subtle suggestions on a subconscious level.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPsychophysiology·DateAug 15, 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.

Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) vol 4, issue 2 publishes

The latest issue of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications features a wide range of papers on various cardiovascular topics. These include studies on selective coronary angiography following cardiac arrest and systemic vasculitis as an underestimated cause of malignant hypertension. The journal also covers reviews on epicardial co...

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateAug 15, 2019

One in five awaiting new hip suffering extreme pain, study shows

A recent study by University of Edinburgh researchers found that nearly 20% of people waiting for hip replacements suffer from extreme pain or discomfort. The study also revealed that knee replacement patients face similar struggles, with 12% reporting severe health issues.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Bone & Joint Journal·DateAug 15, 2019

Discovery could pave the way for disease-resistant rice crops

Researchers have identified a specific rice immune receptor that can trigger immune reactions in response to multiple fungal proteins, paving the way for disease-resistant rice crops. Gene-editing technologies could be used to precisely insert genes into rice plants, overcoming issues with linkage drag and enhancing disease resistance.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 15, 2019

Study identifies mutations linked to familial pancreatic cancer

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers has found a mutation in the RABL3 gene linked to hereditary forms of pancreatic cancer. The discovery may lead to earlier diagnoses and improved treatments for patients with strong family histories.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 15, 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.

Immune cells drive gallstone formation

Researchers discover that sticky meshworks of DNA and proteins extruded by neutrophils act as the glue that binds together calcium and cholesterol crystals during gallstone formation. Inhibiting NETs reduces gallstone growth in mice, offering new strategies for treating gallstone disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateAug 15, 2019

National narcissism rears its head in study of WWII

A study by Washington University researchers found that people ascribe an inflated weight to their country's contribution to WWII. Russians view the war differently, listing D-Day as a 'relief' for Soviet forces rather than a pivotal moment.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2019

How buildings can cut 80% of their carbon emissions by 2050

Researchers suggest that reaching an 80% reduction in building CO2 emissions by 2050 requires highly energy-efficient technologies, new operational approaches, and electrification of fossil fuel-based systems. The study identifies two promising avenues for reducing emissions: energy-saving retrofits and smart software optimization.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateAug 15, 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.

Climate change 'disrupts' local plant diversity, study reveals

Research from the University of York suggests that climate change is disrupting local plant communities, leading to increases in species richness in certain areas. The study analyzed over 200 studies and found that rapid changes in rainfall are driving these local diversity increases.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 15, 2019

Simulation of the future in the Grimsel rock laboratory

Scientists are simulating nuclear waste disposal in the Grimsel rock laboratory to explore the stability of the geotechnical barrier bentonite. The research team inserted a small barrier system into a natural flow system and observed its behavior over four years, finding that the radionuclides moved but remained near the barrier.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateAug 15, 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.

Data assimilation method offers improved hurricane forecasting

A new approach developed at Penn State's Center for Advanced Data Assimilation and Predictability Techniques can accurately forecast the intensity and trajectory of Hurricane Harvey. The method uses data from the GOES-16 satellite and Penn State's all-sky radiance technique, which more accurately models hurricanes.

SourcePenn State·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateAug 15, 2019

Study finds lack of racial diversity in cancer drug clinical trials

A recent study found that fewer than eight per cent of cancer drug trials included participation from all four major races in the US between 2008 and 2018. Black and Hispanic patients were particularly underrepresented, with rates of 22 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 15, 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.

Mapping the brain landscape for Alzheimer's disease using artificial intelligence

A team of researchers led by Brittany Dugger will study donated post-mortem brain tissues from diverse individuals with Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican heritage to define the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease in Hispanic cohorts. The goal is to develop specific disease profiles and improve prevention and treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateAug 15, 2019

Tweaked CRISPR in neurons gives scientists new power to probe brain diseases

Researchers at UCSF and NIH create a new CRISPR technique that allows them to systematically alter gene activity in human neurons, enabling the study of neurological diseases. They discovered that housekeeping genes behave differently in neurons and stem cells, suggesting that these differences may play important roles in disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateAug 15, 2019

When the cardiology patient ends up in the oncology care ward

A new study found that off-service patient placement contributes to a 23% longer hospital stay and a higher chance of being readmitted within 30 days. The research also reveals that this practice leads to nearly 4,000 additional patient-days per year.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateAug 15, 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.

Deep-earth diamonds reveal primordial rock source in Earth's mantle

Researchers analyzed helium isotopes in super-deep diamonds to find evidence of pristine reservoirs of primordial rock material beneath the upper mantle. The study suggests that these reservoirs occasionally infiltrate the transition zone and mix with subducting material, creating diverse isotopic compositions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2019

New BioIVT research examines potential link between HIV integrase inhibitor drugs and neural tube defects during pregnancy

Researchers found that HIV integrase inhibitor dolutegravir is not a clinical inhibitor of folate transport pathways, reducing concerns about its impact on maternal and fetal health. The study's results suggest that these drugs may be safer for pregnant women than previously thought.

SourceRana Healthcare Solutions LLC·JournalDrug Metabolism and Disposition·DateAug 15, 2019

Screening for cervical spine risk factors could reduce CT scans by half

A new prospective study of over 4,000 children found that screening for cervical spine risk factors can significantly reduce the number of unnecessary CT scans. The study identified seven key risk factors that can aid clinicians in deciding which children need imaging, with the potential to spare hundreds of children from cancer annually.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 15, 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.

In product design, imagining end user's feelings leads to more original outcomes

A University of Illinois study finds that designers who focus on how a product makes consumers feel create more innovative products. By incorporating feelings into the design process, designers experience greater empathy and cognitive flexibility, leading to higher levels of outcome originality.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 15, 2019

The relationship between mean platelet volume and in-hospital mortality in geriatric patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Geriatric patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention have higher in-hospital mortality rates if they have a high mean platelet volume. This is also associated with higher Gensini scores, creatinine concentrations, and lower HDL cholesterol levels.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateAug 15, 2019

New pain organ discovered in the skin

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new sensory organ in the skin that detects painful mechanical damage, such as pricks and pressure. This discovery changes our understanding of the cellular mechanisms of physical sensation and may be significant in the understanding of chronic pain.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2019

New study shows how autism can be measured through a non-verbal marker

A Dartmouth-led research team has identified a non-verbal neural marker of autism, which shows individuals with autism are slower to dampen neural activity in response to visual signals. The findings offer an objective way to potentially diagnose autism and were found to be independent of intelligence.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 15, 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.

Age-related illness risk for people living with HIV

A recent study found that people living with HIV have a significantly elevated risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and coughs, heart disease, pregnancy mortality and sepsis, anemia, and bone fractures. The review combined data from 20 observational studies to examine 55 different illnesses.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 15, 2019

Stronger graphene oxide 'paper' made with weaker units

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that mixing strong and weak graphene oxide flakes can create stronger paper, improving the material's durability. The finding sheds light on a general problem in materials engineering and has implications for other two-dimensional materials.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2019

Drug accelerates blood system's recovery after chemotherapy, radiation

Researchers have developed a drug that speeds up blood stem cell regeneration after exposure to radiation, accelerating the recovery of cancer patients. The new compound, DJ009, lifts molecular 'brakes' on blood stem cells, enabling them to recover faster and reducing the risk of infections.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 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.

Winning coaches' locker room secret

A study of hundreds of basketball half-time speeches found that negative coaches' emotions at halftime led to higher scores in the second half. While expressing positive emotions can motivate, negative emotions can also drive performance, but only up to a point.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateAug 15, 2019

Modified lactides promise new implementations in pharmacology and catalysis

The study introduced macrocyclic rigid structures that improve polymer properties, allowing for the creation of hybrids with biopolymers and self-assembling capabilities. These hybrids were applied in prototypes of chemical and biochemical sensors, offering good prospects for creating new smart drugs and systems.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalFrontiers in Chemistry·DateAug 15, 2019

Does opioid maintenance treatment during pregnancy harm newborns?

A new study found no harm to newborns from opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) during pregnancy compared with no treatment. The growth parameters of newborns were similar in the OMT and comparison groups, supporting the prescription of OMT drugs to pregnant women with opioid use disorders.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateAug 15, 2019