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Science News for February 18, 2019


New protocol could ease diagnosis of bacterial infections in infants

Researchers developed a new protocol to rule out life-threatening bacterial infections in infants with fevers, avoiding spinal taps and antibiotics. The study found accuracy rates of 97% in ruling out serious bacterial infections.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 18, 2019

The global impact of coal power

Research reveals that power plants in India take the highest toll on human health due to particulate matter and sulfur dioxide emissions. The study also highlights the need for upgrading or shutting down outdated coal power plants to mitigate global warming and air pollution.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 18, 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.

Study says attacks on infrastructure in Gaza and West Bank exact human cost

A new report by Duke University researchers highlights the dire impacts of Israel's targeting of agricultural, water, and energy infrastructures in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on human welfare and livelihoods. The study shows that these attacks often result in significant degradation of civilian infrastructure and economy.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Affairs·DateFeb 18, 2019

Brain represents optical illusion as delayed reality

Researchers confirm that the human brain and monkeys perceive the Pinna-Brelstaff figure's rotating rings similarly, with a delay of around 15 milliseconds. This finding supports Jan Purkinje's theory that illusions contain visual truth and sheds light on how our brains handle perception vs reality.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateFeb 18, 2019

CRISPR gene editing makes stem cells 'invisible' to immune system

Scientists have developed a new technique using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to create pluripotent stem cells that can avoid rejection by the immune system. These 'universal' stem cells can be manufactured more efficiently than individualized cells and bring promise to regenerative medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 18, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A shared past for East Africa's hunter-gatherers

Genomic analysis reveals East Africa's hunter-gatherers diverged from a shared ancestry around 20,000 years ago, driven by infectious disease and dietary adaptations. This study provides insight into the genetic diversity of African populations, shedding light on the role of diet and disease in shaping human evolution.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Hot great white sharks could motor but prefer to swim slow

A team of researchers found that hot great white sharks can swim at high speeds when commuting between islands, but prefer slower speeds when hunting for fat seal snacks. The study suggests that the warm-blooded lifestyle of these sharks allows them to conserve energy by using a 'sit-and-wait' strategy.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 18, 2019

Parenthood contributes to gender imbalance in STEM employment, but it's not just an issue for mother

A new study reveals that nearly half of new mothers and a quarter of new fathers leave their full-time STEM jobs within four to seven years of having their first child. This trend is attributed to cultural expectations and workplace obstacles, with women being more likely than men to switch to part-time work or leave the workforce alto...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 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.

More primary care physicians leads to longer life spans, Stanford researcher says

A study led by Stanford researchers found that every 10 additional primary care physicians per 100,000 people was associated with a 51.5-day increase in life expectancy during the decade from 2005 to 2015. The researchers also found that an increase of 10 specialists per 100,000 corresponded to only a 19.2-day increase.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2019

Grasses can acquire genes from neighboring plants

A recent study found that grasses can acquire genes from at least nine donor species, including those involved in photosynthesis and disease resistance. This mechanism allows certain plants to adapt quickly to environmental changes.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

The secret life of batteries

Researchers are working on developing faster-charging batteries for electric vehicles by understanding how lithium ions distribute within the electrode. They used X-rays to create a micron-scale movie of lithium distribution, revealing inhomogeneous movement similar to people spreading out in a room.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateFeb 18, 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.

Has screen time increased for young children and on what screen?

Screen time in young children has significantly increased since a 1997 study, with most of it spent watching TV. The study tracked daily screen time among American children under 6 years old and found that total screen time among toddlers increased by nearly 2 hours per day.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 18, 2019

Heavy smoking can damage vision, Rutgers researcher finds

Researchers found significant changes in smokers' ability to discriminate contrast levels and colors compared to non-smokers. The study suggests that cigarette smoke's neurotoxic chemicals may cause overall color vision loss and visual processing impairments.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateFeb 18, 2019

International research collaboration computes climate past, present, and future

Researchers from Canada and Germany used a supercomputer to simulate climate trends in Quebec and Bavaria from 1950 to 2100, providing insights into severe flooding dynamics under changing climate conditions. The study's results showed good agreement with historical climate data, confirming the predictive power of the simulations.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateFeb 18, 2019

Great white shark genome decoded

The study found that the great white shark's genome contains a plethora of genetic changes indicating molecular adaptation in genes with important roles in maintaining genome stability, DNA repair, and DNA damage tolerance. These adaptations could be behind the evolutionary success of large-bodied and long-lived sharks.

SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 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.

Primary care physician supply and life expectancy

A study analyzing U.S. population data from 2005 to 2015 found that a higher number of primary care physicians is associated with better life expectancy. The total number of primary care physicians increased, but their distribution across counties decreased, particularly in rural areas, leading to lower per capita supplies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2019

Mouse study reveals how chronic stress promotes cancer, identifies vitamin C as therapy

A new study reveals that chronic stress promotes breast cancer growth and spread by activating a biochemical pathway involving the stress hormone epinephrine. Vitamin C has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent to target this pathway, potentially offering new hope for patients undergoing chronic stress.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 18, 2019

Inflammation: Study explains loss of protective abilities of T cells

A team of scientists discovered that Blimp1 prevents the loss of identity in regulatory T cells, a type of immune cell that controls inflammation. This finding has implications for therapies against inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 18, 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.

Microalgae as natural detector of environmental safety

Scientists propose using microalgae biomarkers to detect environmental pollution, which is triggered by oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species. The use of microalgae as an indicator can provide early warnings of environmental problems.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalCurrent Opinion in Toxicology·DateFeb 18, 2019

Mapping brain circuits in newborns may aid early detection of autism

Researchers have developed a new map of newborn babies' brains that could provide a reference tool for studying typical brain development and neurological disorders. The study used noninvasive MRI scans to reveal complex brain architecture, offering potential biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder at birth.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Tuberculosis: Commandeering a bacterial 'suicide' mechanism

Researchers have identified a toxin in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that kills the bacteria if not neutralized by an antidote protein. This 'suicide' mechanism can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes to combat tuberculosis, which is a major cause of death worldwide.

SourceCNRS·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 18, 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.

Pottery reveals America's first social media networks

Researchers found a way to reconstruct these indigenous communication networks, showing how they laid the groundwork for Native American political systems. The analysis utilizes sophisticated social network analysis to map social and political connections between dozens of Native American villages.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

$2.7 million grant awarded for smartphone-based tobacco cessation study

A new smartphone-based tobacco cessation study aims to help smokers quit using a tailored messaging system that predicts when they are most likely to relapse. The app, called Smart-T, has shown promising results in previous studies, with 22% of participants quitting smoking compared to 15% in other groups.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateFeb 18, 2019

Single CRISPR treatment provides long-term benefits in mice

Researchers at Duke University found that a single CRISPR treatment can safely correct genetic disease for over a year, despite immune responses. The study suggests approaches to address potential challenges and potentially deliver the therapy to infants or restrict Cas9 expression.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2019

Exotic spiraling electrons discovered by physicists

Researchers have discovered chiral surface excitons, particles that spin like planets and annihilate each other on the surface of solids, emitting photoluminescence. The finding has potential applications for devices such as solar cells and electronic displays.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 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.

AASM publishes clinical practice guideline on use of PAP therapy for sleep apnea

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine published a clinical practice guideline for the use of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. The guideline provides nine recommendations, including the use of PAP therapy as a first-line treatment for OSA in adults with excessive sleepiness.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2019

Neandertals' main food source was definitely meat

New research using compound-specific isotope analysis reveals that Neandertals had a predominantly carnivorous diet, primarily consisting of large herbivores. The study also sheds light on the possibility of late weaning and cannibalism in Neandertal populations.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

As citizen scientists, farmers can make important contributions to climate adaptation

A new study by Bioversity International shows that crowdsourced citizen science can improve and accelerate crop variety recommendations, enabling farmers to adapt to climate change. The approach, called tricot, uses farmer-generated data to generate recommendations that are representative of local conditions.

SourceBioversity International·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Philosophers ask the big questions about religion

A $1.3 million grant will lead a multi-continent exploration of the epistemology of religion, connecting Latin American philosophers with colleagues from North America and Europe. Scholars from diverse perspectives will engage in discussions on the evidence for religious beliefs and the rationality of traditions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateFeb 18, 2019

Research finds ethnoracial differences in Alzheimer's disease

A study of 1,625 brain tissue samples found Hispanic-American patients with Alzheimer's disease lived an average of 12 years from symptom onset, compared to 9 and 8 years for non-Hispanic whites and African-Americans. The research also identified subtle differences in the severity of Alzheimer's-related protein clumps among ethnoracial...

SourceMayo Clinic·DateFeb 18, 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.

Nano-droplets are the key to controlling membrane formation

Nano-droplets play a crucial role in controlling the formation of membranes, a process that can be manipulated to create new nanomedicines. This discovery has significant implications for the development of targeted cancer treatments by encapsulating medicines in liposomes.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 18, 2019

Light-based production of drug-discovery molecules

Researchers at EPFL developed a photoelectrocatalytic arene C-H amination method, producing pharmaceutical molecules like metaxalone and benzethonium chloride. Hematite semiconductor is used as a catalyst under visible light, offering a low-cost and energy-efficient alternative to traditional methods.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Catalysis·DateFeb 18, 2019

Researchers find febrile infants may not need painful tests, antibiotics, hospitalizations

Researchers developed a new protocol to identify febrile infants under 60 days old who are at low risk of serious bacterial infections. The study showed that using simple laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood cell count, can confidently exclude these cases, reducing unnecessary invasive procedures and hospitalizations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 18, 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.

Neuromelanin-sensitive MRI identified as a potential biomarker for psychosis

Researchers identify neuromelanin-sensitive MRI as a potential biomarker for psychosis, finding associations with dopamine function and severity of symptoms. The study uses NM-MRI signal to measure regional variations in neuromelanin concentration, reflecting dopamine activity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Fetal signaling pathways may offer future targets for treating lung injury

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that specialized lung cells appear early in fetal development, potentially offering future opportunities to treat lung damage caused by prematurity. The research team investigated the fetal signaling pathways active in these cells and found that they begin their specialized roles very early in p...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2019

Helping patients breathe during dangerous procedure prevents complications

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that using bag-mask ventilation during tracheal intubation improves outcomes and reduces the rate of severely low oxygen levels in half. The procedure, which involves squeezing air from a bag into the mouth for 60 seconds, is now being routinely used at the hospital.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2019

Progress in the treatment of aggressive brain tumors

Researchers at the University of Bonn have reported significant progress in treating aggressive brain tumors like glioblastoma. Combination chemotherapy with CCNU and temozolomide significantly prolongs patients' survival time, with a notable benefit for those with methylated MGMT promoter.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 18, 2019

Machine learning unlocks plants' secrets

Researchers at Michigan State University used machine learning to sort through tens of thousands of plant genes and identify those responsible for producing specialized metabolites. This breakthrough could lead to improved plants, plant-based pharmaceuticals, and environmentally safe pesticides.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 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.

Newly discovered marsupial lived among Arctic dinosaurs

A newly discovered species of marsupial, Unnuakomys hutchisoni, lived in Alaska's Arctic during the late Cretaceous Period, adding to the diversity of ancient life. The tiny animal, about thumb-sized, survived on insects and plants, and was found among a unique variety of dinosaurs and other animals.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateFeb 18, 2019

Antibiotic resistances spread faster than so far thought

Researchers found that antibiotic resistance genes are transferred between bacteria through viruses and transposons, leading to a fast distribution of resistance genes. This challenges the long-held assumption that only plasmids facilitate gene exchange.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalMicrobiome·DateFeb 18, 2019

Confirming a source of the process behind auroras and the formation of stars

Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have developed the first fully kinetic model of plasma behavior, demonstrating that fast magnetic reconnection can occur in partially ionized systems. This finding has implications for understanding auroras and the formation of stars.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 18, 2019

So close, rats can almost taste it

A study in male rats found that a subset of hippocampal neurons respond to both place and taste stimuli. The results suggest the hippocampus overlays existing mental maps with information about reward and hazard derived from food locations.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateFeb 18, 2019

CNIC researchers identify a very early marker of cardiac damage triggered by cancer treatment

Researchers at CNIC identified a very early marker of cardiac damage in patients undergoing anthracycline therapy, allowing for early diagnosis and potential prevention of irreversible damage. The discovery has implications for patient prognosis and may lead to new therapies based on mitochondrial transplantation.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 18, 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.

How our plants have turned into thieves to survive

Scientists discovered grasses are genetically modifying themselves by taking genes from neighbors, gaining a competitive advantage and breaking the rules of evolution. This process, called lateral gene transfer, allows them to adapt to their environment without millions of years of natural selection.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

World's biggest terrestrial carbon sinks are found in young forests

Research at the University of Birmingham reveals that young forests are a substantial contributor to the world's carbon sink, accounting for around 25% of total carbon dioxide absorption. These forests, typically in temperate zones, have been re-growing on land with previously experienced human activities.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 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 reveal how 3D arrangement of DNA helps perpetuate the species

Researchers discovered a crucial developmental period in male sperm development that enables fathers to pass on genetic information. The study found that the 3D organization of DNA in maturing male reproductive cells is necessary for fertility, with potential implications for reproductive health problems.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 18, 2019

Patients taking diuretics may see more benefit by upping potassium intake

Research found that patients taking furosemide diuretic who also take prescription potassium supplements experience a 9.3% lower risk of death compared to those not taking potassium, especially during high temperatures. Further studies are needed to understand the generalizability of these findings to other patient populations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 18, 2019

Breakthrough nanoscience discovery made on flight from New York to Jerusalem

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Cornell University discovered that magic-size nanoclusters can change their internal structure in a single step, like molecules do during isomerization. This finding bridges the gap between small-scale molecular isomerization and large-scale phase transitions.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 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.

Kaden Hazzard wins NSF CAREER Award

Rice University physicist Kaden Hazzard has won a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to create algorithms that aim to advance the creation of novel quantum matter. He will investigate new ways to simulate states of matter at extreme cold temperatures, as close as possible to absolute zero.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 18, 2019

Climate change makes summer weather stormier yet more stagnant

A new MIT study finds that climate change is shifting the energy in the atmosphere, leading to stronger thunderstorms and more stagnant conditions. Rising global temperatures are redistributed, with more energy available for local convective processes like thunderstorms and less for larger, milder extratropical cyclones.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Suicide system in tuberculosis bacteria might hold key to treatment

A new study reveals a promising therapeutic target for tuberculosis (TB) using the toxin-antitoxin system in M. tuberculosis bacteria. Activating this system can trigger cell death and slow down bacterial growth, offering hope for developing new treatments.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 18, 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.

Natural resources valued differently by men and women, study shows

A new study by the University of Exeter found that men and women value ecosystem services differently, with implications for sustainable development goals. The research, led by Professor Katrina Brown, identified how cultural and traditional gender roles influence resource use and management.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcological Economics·DateFeb 18, 2019

Advancing therapy by measuring the 'games' cancer cells play

Researchers develop a new assay to measure the eco-evolutionary interactions between sensitive and resistant tumor cells in non-small cell lung cancer. The study finds that by applying drug or eliminating fibroblasts, it is possible to 'treat the game', allowing for coopting of evolution to help patients

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 18, 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.

Specialized lung cells appear very early in development

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have discovered that specialized lung cells emerge early in fetal development, contributing to prematurity-related lung injuries. The study reveals the role of signaling pathways in shaping these cells and paves the way for future therapeutic interventions.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Diversity on land is not higher today than in the past, study shows

A new study led by the University of Birmingham found that biodiversity on land has been stable for at least 60 million years, contrary to previous assumptions. The research analyzed fossil data from thousands of sites and found that interactions between species limit the number of species that can co-exist.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 18, 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.

From sea to lab

Scientists have introduced a new efficient synthetic route for marine antitumor agents trabectedin and lurbinectedin. The synthesis consists of 26 individual steps and uses a light-controlled activation mechanism to produce the complex drugs in sufficient quantities.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 18, 2019