Researchers propose that phosphate-rich lakes can support life due to concentrated phosphates. Carbonate-rich lake environments provide the necessary conditions for biomolecule formation, overcoming a major obstacle to life's origin.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
Simulations suggest a 15% chance of a temporary slowdown or pause in the North Atlantic Current within the next 100 years. The current's collapse is considered unlikely due to non-linear behavior and rapid changes in precipitation.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 30, 2019
Arup K. SenGupta, a renowned expert in water technology, has received the second Fulbright research fellowship to collaborate with Indian Institute of Technology in Guwahati. His work focuses on implementing Hybrid Ion Exchange Nanotechnology (HIX-Nano) to transform wastewater into usable water.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A team of scientists studied grizzly bears' muscles during hibernation and found that they produce non-essential amino acids, which can stimulate cell growth. This discovery could lead to the development of new methods to prevent and treat muscle atrophy in humans.
SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 30, 2019
A study finds La Niña is associated with cooler temperatures, increased rainfall, and higher flooding in Botswana, leading to a 30% increase in under-5 diarrhea incidence. This could lead to an early-warning system to prepare for periods of high diarrhea cases.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 30, 2019
A new study from Penn Medicine found that direct-to-consumer hormone-based fertility tests for women are both empowering and confusing. The tests, which estimate egg supply or 'ovarian reserve,' are marketed as an accessible option for investigating fertility status but do not predict natural conception.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateDec 30, 2019
Researchers found people with subtle thinking and memory differences had faster amyloid accumulation and thinner brain regions compared to those with normal skills. The study challenges the long-held theory that beta-amyloid is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 30, 2019
Researchers found that combining valproic acid and hydralazine reversed some aspects of breast cancer in offspring of high-risk mice, but increased risk in those not fed a high fat diet during pregnancy. The study suggests potential implications for breast cancer risk in humans, particularly related to prenatal exposure to certain chem...
SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 30, 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.
Research on fossilized fish from the late Devonian period details the evolution of fins as they began to transition into limbs. The study used CT scanning to examine fin shape and structure, constructing digital 3D models that allowed researchers to infer how fins worked and changed.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
A study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that fewer than half of California pharmacies provided correct disposal instructions for antibiotics and opioids. Only 10% followed the FDA's recommended takeback programs. Improving disposal practices requires better education and expanded programs to ensure patient safety.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 30, 2019
A new study finds that certain lakes with high concentrations of phosphate could have supplied the key ingredient for life to emerge on early Earth. The discovery solves a long-standing problem in origin-of-life research and suggests that lakes with carbonate-rich waters may have played a crucial role in creating life.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
Stemphylium leaf blight has emerged as the most dominant foliar disease in New York onion crops, causing lesions that lead to loss of green leaf area and potentially affecting bulb size and quality. The re-emergence of SLB is attributed to fungicide resistance, leading to its removal from commercial production.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateDec 30, 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.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that specialized cells use a process more common in non-mammalian species to create hundreds of cilia, challenging the long-held assumption that deuterosomes play a central role. This discovery could lead to new treatments for cilia-related disorders.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 30, 2019
Researchers estimate that glacier lake outburst floods (GLOF) could reach peak discharges of up to 15,600 cubic meters per second, posing a major threat to rivers and communities in the region. The study highlights the importance of monitoring lake levels and historic outbursts in determining GLOF hazard.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
Research reveals Pacific Ocean infiltration into the Southern Ocean around 6,000-7,000 years ago, possibly due to weakened westerly winds. This finding may signal potential impacts of climate change on the region.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
Recent fossil discoveries revealed three evolutionary patterns on the Tibetan Plateau: local endemism, out-of-Tibet dispersal, and intercontinental exchange. These patterns reflect the biological responses to tectonic uplift and its impact on biota globally.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateDec 30, 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.
Tropical Cyclone Calvinia formed on Dec 29 and covered the island of Mauritius with bands of thunderstorms by Dec 30. The storm's organized shape indicated a high level of organization.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that closing of local automotive assembly plants is associated with an increase in opioid overdose deaths. The study highlights fading economic opportunity as a driving factor in the national opioid epidemic.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 30, 2019
Recent methodologies for generating hierarchical porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been reviewed. Techniques such as template, etching, and construction of composites enable the creation of multi-level pore structures. These advancements facilitate improved mass transfer and guest diffusion in MOF-based applications.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 30, 2019
A new study reveals that American coot chicks' bright orange and red feathers are a result of maternal effect, with mothers putting more carotenoid pigments in later eggs. This trait helps parents choose the most colorful chick, which receives preferential feeding and has a higher chance of survival.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
A recent study found that only 11% of California pharmacies have a drug take-back program, and even fewer provide accurate information on safe disposal methods. The lack of clear guidelines can lead to misuse and accidental poisonings, highlighting the need for improved education and resources.
SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 30, 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.
Researchers found that pregnant women exposed to persistent organic pollutants had slightly smaller fetuses than those who were not exposed. The study analyzed ultrasound scans and blood samples from over 2,200 pregnant women, finding a significant association between exposure to POPs and reduced fetal growth.
SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 30, 2019
Researchers at KAUST identified a key metabolite called anchorene that regulates plant anchor roots and promotes water and nutrient uptake. Increasing anchorene levels in deficient soil can rescue root growth in crops, increasing yields.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 30, 2019
Tropical Storm Sarai continues to move further away from Fiji and towards Tonga, with rough surf, tropical storm force winds, and heavy rains expected for both islands. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts the storm will curve to the northeast and pass just north of Tonga and Niue over the next several days.
Researchers analyzed 208 plant species across various environmental factors, finding that all three factor types have similar effects on plant performance. This study highlights the importance of considering multiple factors when predicting future biodiversity changes.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 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.
Researchers used MRI to assess neural activity in preterm infants and adults, finding similar patterns of interindividual variability in brain network activity. The study suggests that age-related increases in brain network variability may be linked to cortical maturation and expansion.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
A study led by Scott Mackay finds that pines and junipers access water sources through their deep roots during prolonged dry spells. The research suggests that growing new roots takes too long to tap into deeper resources, helping conifers survive droughts.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNew Phytologist·DateDec 30, 2019
A new study strengthens the link between vitamin E acetate and EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury), finding it in BAL fluid from 48 of 51 EVALI patients but not healthy individuals. The CDC analyzed samples from 16 states and compared them to 99 healthy individuals.
SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 30, 2019
Researchers at KAUST have developed a way to prolong hot carrier lifetime in 2D perovskite solar materials, potentially increasing solar energy efficiency. The approach involves tuning the structure of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites to suppress hot carrier cooling mechanisms.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 30, 2019
The study analyzed the correlation between happiness levels and Arab Spring protests, finding that countries with lower happiness levels were more likely to experience unrest. The researchers also discovered that GDP per capita had a weaker correlation with protest activity than initially thought.
SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalCross-Cultural Research·DateDec 30, 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.
Researchers observed two instances of puffin tool use: one on Skomer Island in 2014 and another on Grimsey Island in 2018. Puffins used wooden sticks to dislodge parasites or scratch their chests, which may have been more effective than using their beaks.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
Four studies involving over 12,000 participants reveal a nuanced link between negative emotion and tobacco use. Sadness is reliably associated with current smoking and relapse rates, as well as impatience and puff volume.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
A portfolio start-up company of the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund, ILCT is developing engineered therapeutic interleukins for cancer treatment. The grant will support collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University towards development of its commercialization efforts.
Researchers have discovered a novel combination of antibodies that significantly enhances the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy, particularly in 'cold' tumors. The combination stabilizes tumor blood vessels and strengthens the immune system, leading to improved tumor tissue destruction.
SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
A study by Bruce E. Lyon and Daizaburo Shizuka found that juvenile ornamentation in American coots helps parents determine which chicks will benefit most from care and nutrition. The researchers discovered that later-hatched, redder chicks received preferential treatment and increased food portions from their parents.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 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.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that children who consumed whole milk had a 40% lower odds of being overweight or obese compared to those who drank reduced-fat milk. This challenges current guidelines recommending reduced-fat cow milk for children.
SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 30, 2019
Researchers studied geomagnetic imprinting in fruit flies using laboratory experiments. They found that the flies can learn and remember a magnetic field associated with a specific location and transmit this information to their offspring.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
A growing number of Chinese researchers are returning to their homeland, contributing significantly to China's rising scientific prowess. Studies have shown that these foreign-trained researchers publish more high-impact research and collaborate with international partners upon their return.
SourceOhio State University·JournalScience and Public Policy·DateDec 30, 2019
Researchers at Skoltech and Heriot-Watt University developed a method to extract methane from permafrost hydrates by injecting flue gases, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Arctic. The new technology also reduces carbon dioxide emissions by forming hydrates that replace original methane hydrates.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 30, 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.
Researchers discovered that altruistic individuals experience less physical pain than controls. Brain activity scans revealed a correlation between altruism and decreased pain activity in the brain's medial prefrontal cortex.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
Researchers compared Lisbon lemon and Washington Navel orange trees using metabolomics and microbiome technologies to understand HLB's impact on root systems. The study found differences in metabolite levels and beneficial bacteria between the two varieties, which may inform preventative and treatment measures.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateDec 30, 2019
Nano-Pulse Stimulation (NPS) delivers nanosecond pulsed electric fields to cells and tissues, inducing cell death in epidermal or dermal lesions without causing scarring. Researchers used NPS to treat skin lesions, including seborrheic keratosis and warts caused by human papilloma virus.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBioelectricity·DateDec 30, 2019
A study found that people who sleep 4 hours or less double their risk of pulmonary fibrosis and those who sleep 11 hours or more triple their chance. The researchers attribute this to the body clock and suggest targeting it as a potential target for treating the disease.
SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
A study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that individualized physical therapy can effectively reduce urinary incontinence and pain in men after prostate surgery. The approach focuses on relaxing tight pelvic muscles rather than strengthening weak ones, leading to improved outcomes for 87% of patients.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalInternational Urology and Nephrology·DateDec 30, 2019
A randomized study found that MIV-711 significantly reduced bone and cartilage progression in knee osteoarthritis patients. However, the treatment had no beneficial effects on osteoarthritic knee pain.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 30, 2019
Researchers found that injecting seasonal flu vaccines into tumors in mice increased systemic immune responses and sensitivity to treatments. The results suggest that antipathogen vaccines may find additional benefit as cancer immunotherapies, potentially converting cold tumors to 'hot' states.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
Researchers found that changes in deep-water circulation occurred around 7,000 years ago, influencing CO2 levels in the atmosphere. This discovery highlights the importance of studying past climate change and suggests future climate change could lead to increased CO2 release from Southern Ocean.
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 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.
A study on pectoral fin rays of ancient fish species uncovers key structural changes enabling fins to give rise to limbs. The transformation is marked by the appearance of digits, reducing dermal fin rays and fin webs.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019
Researchers have identified a possible buried impact crater in southern Laos as the origin of ancient tektites found across one-tenth of Earth's surface. The crater is believed to have formed approximately 790,000 years ago, with geochemical analysis and dating techniques supporting this claim.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019