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Science News for August 21, 2019


Optimizing fertilizer source and rate to avoid root death

Researchers have made a breakthrough in finding the ideal fertilizer rate and source to prevent root damage in canola crops. Using new imaging techniques, they developed dose-response curves for different nitrogen fertilizer sources, revealing that banding urea ammonium nitrate with low rates is the best option.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateAug 21, 2019

'Kissing loops' in RNA molecule essential for its role in tumor suppression

A team of scientists has discovered that the three-dimensional shape of an RNA molecule, called MEG3, is essential for its role in tumor suppression. The researchers found two critical elements within the molecule that form 'kissing loops', which interact with each other to maintain its function.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 21, 2019

Color-changing artificial 'chameleon skin' powered by nanomachines

Researchers developed artificial 'chameleon skin' that changes color when exposed to heat or light using nanoparticles coated in a polymer shell. The material's color-changing abilities rely on light-powered nano-mechanisms, similar to nature's chromatophores, allowing for dynamic displays and active camouflage.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateAug 21, 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.

Unprecedented therapy found effective for blood cancer patients with no treatment options

A clinical trial discovered that selinexor, a novel therapy, effectively knocked down bone marrow cancer in over a quarter of patients, including two who achieved complete remission. The treatment showed promise for patients resistant to multiple therapies and offered new hope for those with limited treatment options.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 21, 2019

Study finds air pollution linked to risk of premature death

A new international study found a link between air pollution and increased mortality rates, particularly among Australians who are more sensitive to particulate matter. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, analyzed data from 652 cities across 24 countries and regions.

SourceMonash University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 21, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fake news can lead to false memories

Researchers found that nearly half of respondents recalled rich details about fabricated news stories, especially those aligned with their political beliefs. The study suggests that fake news can plant entirely fabricated memories, even after explicit warnings, and that people may be more likely to act on these false memories.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 21, 2019

Mosquitoes push northern limits with time-capsule eggs to survive winters

New research shows that mosquitoes at the northern edge of their range are successfully surviving cold winters using diapause eggs. This rapid local adaptation could impact efforts to control the spread of invasive species like Asian tiger mosquitoes, which transmit diseases such as Zika and dengue viruses.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 21, 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.

Fish oil supplements have no effect on type 2 diabetes

A systematic review of over 58,000 participants found that consuming more long-chain omega-3 fats from fish oils had no impact on diabetes diagnosis or glucose metabolism. However, high doses may worsen glucose metabolism in some individuals.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 21, 2019

New way to make micro-sensors may revolutionize future of electronics

Researchers at Binghamton University have found a way to improve the performance of tiny sensors that could lead to breakthroughs in microphone manufacturing, making them smaller, better and cheaper. The new design combines two methods for electrostatic actuation, eliminating nonlinearity and allowing for predictable control over devices.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 21, 2019

New study highlights sociodemographic disparities in oral cancer screening rates

A recent study by Brigham researchers found that sociodemographic factors, such as income and race, predict differences in oral cancer screening (OCS) rates. The results show that minority and low-income individuals are less likely to receive recommended OCS exams at dental visits, highlighting disparities in access to quality care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 21, 2019

Study identifies main culprit behind lithium metal battery failure

A study led by UC San Diego researchers identifies the root cause of lithium metal battery failure as bits of lithium metal deposits that break off from the anode during discharging. These deposits get trapped in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, lowering Coulombic efficiency and causing batteries to fail. The findings coul...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2019

Self-folding 'Rollbot' paves the way for fully untethered soft robots

Researchers developed self-folding soft robots inspired by origami, using 3D-printed active hinges that can be programmed to fold at different temperatures. The Rollbot, a flat sheet that curls into a wheel and propels itself, demonstrates the method's capabilities.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Robotics·DateAug 21, 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.

Plant protection: Researchers develop new modular vaccination kit

Scientists at MLU have developed a new method for vaccinating plants against viruses, enabling rapid identification and production of precisely tailored substances. The new method follows the modular principle, allowing for flexible combat against new pests and improving the efficiency of siRNA molecules.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 21, 2019

20-million-year-old skull suggests complex brain evolution in monkeys, apes

A new study on a 20-million-year-old fossil from South America reveals that the brain evolved repeatedly and independently in monkeys, with some early members having more complex brains than previously thought. The research also sheds light on the visual-olfactory trade-off in primate evolution.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 2019

Physicists create world's smallest engine

Researchers have built the world's smallest engine, a single calcium ion, which uses random fluctuations to generate vibrations and store energy in discrete units. This tiny motor has potential applications in recycling waste heat and improving energy efficiency in future technologies.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 21, 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.

Babbling babies' behavior changes parents' speech

Babies shape their own learning environments through babbling, influencing parents' speech to use simpler words and shorter sentences. Infants who receive more learning opportunities from their mothers are faster learners of new speech sounds.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Child Language·DateAug 21, 2019

Scientists discover why brown fat is good for people's health

Researchers at Rutgers University have found that brown fat can filter and remove branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) from the blood, which are linked to diabetes and obesity. The study suggests that environmental factors such as cold temperatures or spicy foods may be able to control BCAA uptake by brown fat.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2019

Environmental DNA proves the expansion of invasive crayfish habitats

Researchers used eDNA to survey Japanese and signal crayfish habitats around Lake Akan, finding signal crayfish are widely distributed, potentially threatening native species. eDNA analysis identified presence or absence of aquatic organisms more reliably than conventional methods.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalFreshwater Science·DateAug 21, 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.

The challenge: Make and purify a medical isotope that must be used the same day

Scientists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have successfully produced and purified two rare medical isotopes, Sc-43 and Sc-47, which can be used for visualizing and destroying solid tumors. The team's innovative approach uses a combination of particle accelerators and purification techniques to overcome production challenges.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateAug 21, 2019

Omega-3 fats have little or no effect on type 2 diabetes

Researchers analyzed 83 randomized controlled trials involving 121,070 people with and without diabetes. They found that increasing long-chain omega-3 fats had little or no effect on likelihood of diabetes diagnosis or glucose metabolism. In contrast, higher doses of long-chain omega-3 may have negative effects on diabetes risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 21, 2019

New brain map could improve AI algorithms for machine vision

A new study has mapped the primate brain's visual system organization, revealing that distinct types of cells may work differently than previously thought. The research found that specific regions of the lateral geniculate nucleus and visual pulvinar share the same type of connectivity with the cortex.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateAug 21, 2019

Artificial muscles bloom, dance, and wave

Researchers from KAIST have created an ultrathin artificial muscle that expands, contracts, and rotates using electricity, opening doors for applications in wearable electronics and advanced prosthetics. The actuator is flexible, durable, and highly responsive, with a durability of over five hours.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Robotics·DateAug 21, 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.

Can pomegranate juice protect the infant brain?

A clinical trial found that mothers who consumed pomegranate juice daily during pregnancy had infants with better brain development and connectivity. The study provides preliminary evidence for the potential neuroprotective effects of polyphenols in at-risk newborns.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 21, 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.

Thanks to a world record in tomography, synchrotron radiation can be used to watch how metal foam forms

Scientists have developed a new imaging method called tomoscopy using synchrotron radiation to observe the foaming of liquid metals in great detail. This technique allows for the analysis of dynamic processes with high temporal resolution, providing insights into material distribution and pore formation.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2019

Breaking up is hard to do

Researchers discovered that electrons in copper oxide superconductors continue to pair up even above the critical temperature, reducing the energy gap. This finding constrains theories about high-temperature superconductivity and opens avenues for designing more precise materials.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2019

Texas cities increasingly susceptible to large measles outbreaks

A computer simulation reveals that a 5% decrease in vaccination rates could lead to massive measles outbreaks in Texas cities, with Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth particularly at risk. The study finds that even with current high vaccination rates, there's a significant chance of an outbreak involving over 400 people in some areas.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 21, 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.

'Tornado Alley' twisters may be easier to predict in April than in May

April tornadoes influenced by global climate patterns, while May events more strongly linked to internal atmospheric processes. Shifting weather patterns within seasons affect tornado frequencies, suggesting a key factor in climate change impact studies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 2019

Lower back pain? Self-administered acupressure could help

A recent study published in Pain Medicine found that self-administered acupressure can improve symptoms of chronic low back pain. Researchers compared three groups: relaxing acupressure, stimulating acupressure, and usual care, with the acupressure groups experiencing pain and fatigue improvement after six weeks.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPain Medicine·DateAug 21, 2019

Stanford researchers explain earthquakes we can't feel

Researchers discovered that slow slip events can arise with rate-strengthening friction, which produces stable sliding. The team found that changes in poroelastic pressure reduce friction, leading to a slow slip event.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids·DateAug 21, 2019

It's Fab! A hidden touch of antibody

Antibodies recognize viruses and cancer cells via Fab arms, but now researchers know the Fab portion also directly binds to Fc receptors. This discovery opens up a new strategy for developing therapeutic antibodies with enhanced binding properties.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 21, 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.

Obesity embargo alert for September 2019

Researchers found that frequent interruptions to sitting time with simple resistance activities lowered postprandial insulin responses and insulin:glucose in adults with overweight or obesity. An agent-based model also showed community diffusion strategies as key drivers of pediatric programs for childhood obesity prevention.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateAug 21, 2019

Improved functional near infrared spectroscopy enables enhanced brain imaging

Researchers developed a new method using frequency domain measurement in functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), improving image quality and spatial resolution. This innovation enables enhanced brain imaging with greater depth sensitivity, paving the way for more accurate neuroimaging applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateAug 21, 2019

Hush, baby -- the dog is whimpering!

A new study reveals that dogs communicate distress more effectively than cats, and pet ownership is associated with increased emotional sensitivity to negative animal vocalizations. Dog whines are rated as sad as human baby cries, while cat meows sound sadder only to cat owners.

SourceAarhus University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 21, 2019

Tiny ear bones help archaeologists piece together the past

Researchers analyzed ear ossicles from 20 juveniles excavated in 18th-19th century burial grounds to understand maternal pre-pregnancy and late pregnancy diets. The study provides a unique link between diet and early pregnancy health.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalAnnals of Human Biology·DateAug 21, 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.

Spaceflight consistently affects the gut

A new Northwestern University study discovered that spaceflight consistently changes the abundance and diversity of gut bacteria in mice. Using a novel analytical tool called STARMAPS, researchers found that spaceflight causes a specific change on the microbiome, but ruled out radiation as the cause.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMicrobiome·DateAug 21, 2019

California's rooftop-solar boom leaves equity gap

A new study finds that California's rooftop-solar adoption is closely correlated with socioeconomic status and health indicators in disadvantaged communities. The study suggests that state programs must target these communities to improve access to clean energy, rather than relying on broad income classifications.

SourcePSE Healthy Energy·JournalEnergy Policy·DateAug 21, 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.

Shift to more intense rains threatens historic Italian winery

A centuries-old Italian winemaking tradition is under threat from shifting rainfall patterns, leading to earlier grape harvests and reduced flavor complexity. Intense precipitation events are exacerbating the effects of global warming on premium wines.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 21, 2019

Understanding the animal brain could help robots wash your dishes

Researchers believe that studying animal brains can improve AI's ability to tackle complex tasks like dish-washing. By understanding how biological neural networks work, AI systems may be able to overcome barriers and achieve superhuman performance.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2019

Is it autism? The line is getting increasingly blurry

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that differences between people with autism and the general population are shrinking over time. The researchers believe that changes in diagnostic criteria, such as a shift from lack of interest in others to simply having fewer friends, are contributing to the apparent increase in prevalence

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 21, 2019

Scaling up a nanoimmunotherapy for atherosclerosis through preclinical testing

Researchers have developed a nanotherapeutic called S-HDL that reduces inflammation in blood vessels, halting plaque accumulation and vessel wall inflammation in animal models. The new production method boosts therapeutic yields by up to 80-fold, paving the way for human application.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 21, 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 cyclization reactions for synthesizing macrocyclic drug leads

Scientists at EPFL have found a way to generate over 9,000 macrocyclic molecules below 1 KDa with high structural diversity. The new method enables the discovery of surprisingly efficient macrocyclization reactions, leading to the identification of binders for different disease targets.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 2019

Making it count

Round numbers can significantly increase people's sense of accomplishment when tracking progress towards goals, according to Washington State University research. Studies show that customers feel more accomplished when their progress is expressed in round numbers, particularly at intermediate targets.

SourceWashington State University·JournalMarketing Letters·DateAug 21, 2019

Scientists probe how distinct liquid organelles in cells are created

Membrane-less organelles (MLOs) are liquid droplets made from proteins and RNA that facilitate storage and biochemical activity within cells. The study found that MLOs are highly sensitive to the level of divalent cations, with fluctuations in these ions profoundly tuning their liquid properties.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 21, 2019

A serious mental disorder in one's youth can have a lasting impact on employment prospects

A Finnish study of over 2 million individuals reveals that mental disorders experienced in adolescence and early adulthood can have a lasting impact on employment. Individuals who were hospitalised for serious mental disorders before turning 25 had significantly poorer job prospects, with less than 10% employed after 25.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·DateAug 21, 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.

Patient charges mean young people visit doctor less

A study published in the European Journal of Health Economics found that young adults in Sweden reduce their primary care visits by 7% when they turn 20 and start paying SEK 100 for each visit. Women from low-income groups are most affected, with a 14% decrease in visits.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe European Journal of Health Economics·DateAug 21, 2019

China's two-child policy has led to 5.4 million extra births

A study published in The BMJ found that China's universal two-child policy resulted in an additional 5.4 million births, with a significant increase in births to older mothers and multiparous mothers. However, the policy's impact on premature births was not significantly increased.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 21, 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.

Women more likely to have 'typical' heart attack symptoms than men

Research funded by the British Heart Foundation has challenged a long-held medical myth that women experience unusual heart attack symptoms. According to the study, both men and women present with similar key symptoms, such as chest pain and nausea, highlighting the need for awareness of common warning signs.

SourceBritish Heart Foundation·DateAug 21, 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.

UH engineer offers proposals to improve nation's electric grid

A UH engineer offers two winning proposals to the US Department of Energy to enhance the nation's electric grid, focusing on accommodating variable renewable energy generation. His projects include reconfiguring transmission networks and upgrading energy management systems with microgrids.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 21, 2019

$20 million grant awarded to Maine institutes for DNA-based ocean monitoring

The project aims to develop a cutting-edge, DNA-based toolset to monitor aquatic life in coastal waters and support sustainable fisheries, protect vulnerable species, and manage climate change impacts. eDNA techniques will provide a comprehensive view of marine life and validate the approach as an important tool for ecosystem management.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·DateAug 21, 2019

Separate polarization and brightness channels give crabs the edge over predators

Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered that fiddler crabs separate polarisation and brightness channels to detect approaching objects. This method provides a greater range of information for the crab, with polarisation offering a more reliable source of information than brightness in detecting predators.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 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.

Germany and United Kingdom are popular destinations

A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that Germany and UK are the most popular destination countries for EU internal migration. The analysis showed that richer countries attract more immigrants, and neighboring countries have a high rate of movement between them.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Ethnic and Migration Studies·DateAug 21, 2019

Ocean temperatures turbocharge April tornadoes over Great Plains region

New research finds that unusual ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific and Atlantic can increase April tornado occurrences over the Great Plains. Climate researchers discovered a link between ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions that enhance thunderstorms and tornado-favorable environments.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 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.

A hallmark of superconductivity, beyond superconductivity itself

Researchers at Rice University discovered electron pairing in ultrapure lanthanum strontium copper oxide (LSCO) samples at temperatures well above the critical threshold for superconductivity. The finding suggests two energy scales exist, one where pairs form and another where they exhibit collective behavior.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2019

Promising gene replacement therapy moves forward at Ohio State

Researchers at Ohio State University have made significant breakthroughs in gene replacement therapy for Niemann-Pick type A disease, demonstrating its safety and therapeutic effects in nonhuman primates and mouse models. The treatment has shown a 'bystander effect', preventing motor and memory impairment and increasing survival rates.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 21, 2019

Speed identified as the best predictor of car crashes

Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that speeding is a strong predictor of car crashes, while hard braking and acceleration had no statistically significant links. The analysis used data from 28 million trips and suggests that insurance companies should look at speed when assessing driver risk.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateAug 21, 2019

Most patients willing to share medical records for research purposes

A survey of over 1,800 participants found that more than 67% were willing to share all items with researchers from their home institution, while fewer shared with other institutions. The way preferences are elicited also affects sharing, with opt-out forms resulting in greater sharing per item.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 21, 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.

New technique could streamline design of intricate fusion device

A new mathematical technique developed by Caoxiang Zhu at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory can help simplify the design of stellarators, reducing construction time and costs. The method identifies irregular magnetic fields produced by stellarator coils, allowing for the creation of more stable plasmas.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateAug 21, 2019

Music charts are increasingly short-lived

Researchers found that music chart statistics have changed significantly since the 1990s, with albums now having shorter lifetimes. The diversity of charts has doubled or tripled, and albums either reach the top immediately or never make it.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 21, 2019

Study shows hazardous patterns of prescription opioid misuse in the US

A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that 88% of past-12-month prescription opioid users used the drugs only as prescribed by a physician, while 4% misused them. Prescription-only misusers were more likely to be depressed and have higher rates of substance use disorder and benzodiazepine misuse.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 21, 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.

New efficient method for urine analysis may tell us more

Researchers at Aarhus University have successfully developed a new method for analyzing urine samples, making it cheaper and more accurate. The approach uses Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with a contrast agent to identify and quantify small molecule compounds in urine.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 21, 2019

Nordic Bronze Age attracted wide variety of migrants to Denmark

The study analyzed skeletal remains from 37 localities across present-day Denmark, revealing a shift in human mobility at the beginning of the Nordic Bronze Age. Migrants came from diverse regions, including southern Scandinavia, the Italian Alps, and Cornwall in south England.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 21, 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.

'Key player' identified in genetic link to psychiatric conditions

Researchers at Cardiff University have identified the CYFIP1 gene as a potential cause of abnormalities in brain structure seen in psychiatric conditions. The study found that the deletion of this gene leads to thinning of the insulation around nerve cells, disrupting communication between brain regions.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2019

Antibiotics exposure linked to increased colon cancer risk

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that taking a single course of antibiotics may boost the risk of developing colon cancer a decade later. The study, published in the journal Gut, highlights the need for judicious use of antibiotics and careful stewardship.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGut·DateAug 21, 2019

Measuring the charge of electrons in a high-temp superconductor

Researchers detected a large concentration of electron pairs outside key temperature and energy ranges in a copper-oxide material, sparking hope for improving the superconducting properties of cuprates. By leveraging this knowledge, scientists may be able to enhance superconductivity by tweaking parameters or searching for other materi...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 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.

Yale study uses real-time fMRI to treat Tourette Syndrome

A Yale study has trained adolescents with Tourette Syndrome to control their tics through real-time fMRI, achieving significant symptom reductions. The technique, called rt-fMRI-NF, involves monitoring brain activity in real time and adjusting it towards healthier patterns.

SourceYale University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 21, 2019

New pharmaceutical target reverses osteoporosis in mice

Duke researchers identify biochemical receptor that can reverse bone degradation caused by osteoporosis, offering new potential treatment option. The study found that activating the adenosine receptor A2B can halt and even reverse bone deterioration in mouse models of osteoporosis.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 2019

127-year-old physics problem solved

Researchers have solved a 127-year-old physics problem regarding the Kelvin angle in boat wakes, finding that the traditional assumption is not always true. The study reveals that boat wakes can have a different angle and even be off-center when affected by shear flow or other environmental factors.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateAug 21, 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.

In cystic fibrosis, lungs feed deadly bacteria

A new study suggests that Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in cystic fibrosis lungs due to an abundance of succinate, a byproduct of cellular metabolism. This excess succinate fuels the growth of the bacteria and promotes chronic infections.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 21, 2019

Australian men on top when it comes to life expectancy

A new study measures life expectancy based on historical mortality conditions, revealing Australian men live to 74.1 years, surpassing other countries like Japan and the Nordic nations. This achievement is attributed to Australia's long history of stability and high standard of living, which have contributed to better health outcomes.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPopulation Studies·DateAug 21, 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.

Scientists develop a metamaterial for applications in magnonics

Researchers create magnonic crystals using ferromagnetic/superconducting systems, offering potential for compact microdevices and wave electronics. The study demonstrates the feasibility of spin-wave devices in post-silicon era electronics.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 21, 2019

Meaningful PTSD symptom decrease may lower type 2 diabetes risk

A study by Saint Louis University found that clinically meaningful PTSD improvement is associated with a 49% lower risk of incident type 2 diabetes. The researchers also discovered that in patients with both PTSD and depression, improvement in both conditions may be necessary to reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 21, 2019

Health records pin broad set of health risks on genetic premutation

A study published in Science Advances found that individuals carrying the FMR1 gene premutation are at risk for a wide range of health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and sleep apnea. The research analyzed electronic health records of nearly 20,000 individuals and identified an astonishing range of symptoms affecting FMR1 ca...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 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.