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Science News for February 20, 2019


Complete world map of tree diversity

Researchers created a complete world map of tree species richness using a statistical model that combines patchy data from small forest plots and country-level information. The analysis shows that climate is the most important factor driving global biodiversity, with the highest number of tree species found in hot, humid tropics.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 20, 2019

Research reveals why the zebra got its stripes

Zebras evolved striped coats to evade tabanid horse flies, which carry debilitating diseases. The study found that stripes don't deter flies at a distance, but disrupt their approach, making it harder for them to land and feed on zebras.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 2019

The 'blue' in blueberries can help lower blood pressure

A new study found that eating 200g of blueberries daily for a month improves blood vessel function and reduces systolic blood pressure in healthy people. Anthocyanins, a type of phytochemical responsible for blueberry's color, play a key role in this effect.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·DateFeb 20, 2019

Powering a pacemaker with a patient's heartbeat

Scientists have designed a pacemaker that harnesses the energy of heartbeats to regulate heart rhythm. The device was successfully tested in pigs and shows promise for creating a self-powered cardiac pacemaker.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 20, 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.

Johns Hopkins researchers define cells used in bone repair

Researchers discovered two types of fat tissue cells that help bone heal: pericytes stimulate blood vessel growth and adventicytes form bone cells. Combination therapy using both cells promotes robust bone repair in mice with skull defects.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

Tracking cholera in a drop of blood

A new method has been developed to measure the size of cholera outbreaks and identify geographic hotspots for the disease. The method uses six serum markers to detect recent infection, achieving an accuracy rate of 93 percent.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

Mandarin Chinese could help us understand how infants learn English

Infants may be more adept at associating words with objects when exposed to Mandarin Chinese sound structures. Researchers studied how lexical tones impact an infant's ability to learn new language, revealing that babies can apply knowledge from their native language to learn words in a new tongue.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalJournal of Memory and Language·DateFeb 20, 2019

Advances in naturopathy research reported in new special issue of JACM

A new special issue of JACM reports on recent naturopathy research advancements, exploring the effectiveness of whole-foods-based nutrition education and traditional knowledge in naturopathic education. The studies collectively demonstrate the potential benefits of multimodal, whole-person approaches for chronic conditions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 20, 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.

Cold-temperature variability important in evaluating climate change

A study from Binghamton University highlights the importance of considering cold-temperature variability when evaluating climate change impacts. Researchers found that cold temperatures make amphibians more susceptible to road salt but less prone to parasites.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateFeb 20, 2019

Light at the end of the tunnel

A nationally representative study found that two-thirds (69%) of Canadians who had ever attempted suicide were completely free of any suicidal thoughts in the past year. The study also identified that social support and effective mental health treatment played a critical role in recovery from suicidal ideation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateFeb 20, 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.

Scientists identify unique subtype of eczema linked to food allergy

Researchers found structural and molecular differences in skin near eczema lesions of children with both conditions, suggesting an elevated risk for developing food allergies. These differences may help identify children at elevated risk and inform early intervention strategies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

Zebra stripes are not good landing strips

A new study published in PLOS One found that zebra stripes deter horse flies from landing on them by reducing the likelihood of a successful bite. The striped coat prevented flies from slowing down and failing to land, leading to fewer bites.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 2019

Activating tooth regeneration in mice

Researchers at King's College London found that Wnt signalling can be activated to revive a rudimentary dental lamina (RSDL) in mice, allowing for the formation of additional teeth. This breakthrough demonstrates potential for tooth replacement and provides insights into mammalian evolution and trait restoration.

SourceKing's College London·JournalDevelopment·DateFeb 20, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Yea, team! Winning fans see self-esteem boost

A new study suggests that watching college football games with friends can significantly boost self-esteem in fans of the winning team, while fans of losing teams may experience a decrease in mood. The study found that social connections and shared experiences play a crucial role in enhancing self-esteem.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCommunication & Sport·DateFeb 20, 2019

The holy grail of nanowire production

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new method to grow nanowires in a highly controlled and reproducible manner. By altering the diameter-to-height ratio of the hole, they can perfectly control how the nanowires grow, enabling applications such as laser generation on silicon chips.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 2019

Cocktail of common antibiotics can fight resistant E. coli

Scientists at DTU have discovered that a combination of mecillinam and cefotaxime can eliminate multi-drug resistant E. coli causing urinary tract infections. This novel approach could become an effective measure against antibiotic resistance, offering new hope in treating this common infection.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 2019

A deeper look at the relationship between dermatitis and food allergy, in pediatric patients

Food allergies are associated with unique skin properties and abnormalities in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis. The study found decreased filaggrin, elevated type 2 immune responses, and increased keratin expression in skin samples from patients with food allergy and dermatitis.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 20, 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.

Keeping active in middle age may be tied to lower risk of dementia

A Swedish study of 800 women found that those with a high level of mental and physical activities had a lower risk of developing dementia. Mental activities included reading, playing instruments, singing in a choir, and gardening, while physical activity ranged from light walking to regular intense exercise.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 20, 2019

Lack of sleep is not necessarily fatal for flies

In a study with thousands of fruit flies, researchers found that male flies denied sleep did not die earlier than those with regular sleep. Female flies died on average three days earlier, but the exact reason for this is unclear. The study suggests that sleep may not be essential for life in the same way food is.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 20, 2019

Did you get it? I can see it in your eyes

Researchers at Università di Trento's Center for Mind/Brain Sciences found that preparatory, unconscious eye movements can be a window into the learning process. By analyzing these eye movements, scientists can infer what people know before responding to external stimuli, potentially advancing our understanding of learning and attention.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalJournal of Vision·DateFeb 20, 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.

Can a nerve injury trigger ALS?

Researchers find that a peripheral nerve injury can trigger the onset and spread of ALS in an animal model, with inflammation spreading from the site of injury. The study uses genetically-engineered rats with ALS-like symptoms to demonstrate the link between nerve injury and disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateFeb 20, 2019

For adult scoliosis, surgery, other treatments are viable options

A new study suggests that surgery is a viable option for adults with scoliosis, but nonoperative treatments can also be effective. The extent of disability was found to be the most important factor in deciding whether to operate, with patients who had adequate quality-of-life benefiting from nonoperative treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 20, 2019

Water is more homogeneous than expected

Researchers used X-ray spectroscopy to investigate liquid water's properties and found a continuous distribution model that describes near-tetrahedral liquid water at ambient conditions. This contradicts the existence of two separate phases in liquid water, supported by previous X-ray spectroscopic methods.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2019

New therapeutic approach to combat African sleeping sickness

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have identified a promising strategy to develop an agent against African sleeping sickness. The team discovered a small inhibitor molecule that binds to and deactivates a vital protein of the parasite, rendering it harmless.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 20, 2019

Coastal waters are unexpected hotspots for nitrogen fixation

Researchers found that cyanobacterial diazotrophs drive nitrogen fixation in coastal areas, fueling photosynthesis and CO2 uptake. The new technique allowed for near-continuous analysis of N2 fixation, revealing higher rates in coastal waters than previously thought.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 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.

Plants: How cell walls are assembled

The study reveals that PI4P plays a crucial role in ensuring proper assembly and disassembly of the phragmoplast, leading to regular cell division and stable plant growth. Disrupted membrane building blocks result in severe defects in cell division, impacting plant stability, size, and adaptability.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 20, 2019

Xeno/endobiotic metabolism potencies vary between strains and sex in rats

A Kanazawa University study found that Xeno/endobiotic metabolism potencies differ significantly between rat strains and sexes. The study quantified the absolute mRNA expression of Ugt isoforms in rats' livers and small intestines, revealing variations in metabolism between strains and sexes.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalDrug Metabolism and Disposition·DateFeb 20, 2019

Vigorous exercise, fasting, hormones improve elimination of toxic, misfolded, unnecessary proteins in mouse and human cells

A study from Harvard Medical School reveals that intense exercise, fasting, and hormones can activate the body's built-in protein disposal system, enhancing its ability to remove toxic, misfolded proteins. This mechanism is triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels, allowing cells to adapt to changing conditions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2019

Tools to help seriously ill patients near death make decisions about their care aren't commonly used in routine practice

A new study by researchers from The Dartmouth Institute found that only a few patient decision aids are available for seriously ill patients near death, and their quality is varying. The tools were designed for specific conditions or life-sustaining treatments but lacked general treatment approaches.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateFeb 20, 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.

Silver linings come from partner support, research says

A UC Riverside study found that spouses can help with coping by positively reframing the cancer experience and other negative experiences, associated with less stress. The researchers suggest that socially similar others, like romantic partners, can provide a roadmap for a more contented spouse.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Psychosocial Oncology·DateFeb 20, 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.

Putting data privacy in the hands of users

A new platform called Riverbed ensures that web services adhere to users' preferences on how their data are stored and shared in the cloud. Users can select predefined restrictions on data storage and sharing, and the platform monitors server-side code to ensure compliance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 20, 2019

Health-related Google searches doubled in week before ER visits

Researchers found that patients often search health-related terms multiple times before visiting the hospital, highlighting a need for more effective communication between clinicians and patients. By analyzing patients' Google search histories with their electronic health records, physicians can adjust how they present information to b...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 20, 2019

Study of quark speeds finds a solution for a 35-year physics mystery

Researchers discover that quarks move more slowly in larger atoms due to short-range correlated pairs, finding a long-sought explanation for the EMC effect. The study uses data from particle accelerator experiments and confirms that larger nuclei contain more such pairs, resulting in slower-moving quarks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 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.

Antibody therapy training phagocytes to destroy tumors now tested on patients

Researchers at the University of Turku developed an immunotherapeutic antibody therapy that re-educates tumour-associated macrophages to activate cytotoxic T cells. The therapy showed promising results in a phase I/II clinical trial, inhibiting cancer progression and increasing activation of killer T cells.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 20, 2019

Russian physicists trained the oscillatory neural network to recognize images

Researchers developed a synchronization registration method with high sensitivity and selectivity, enabling the network to recognize up to 14 figures out of 102 possible variants. The system operates independently as a separate neural organism, utilizing multilevel neurons with high functionality.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalElectronics·DateFeb 20, 2019

Evening exercise will not ruin sleep and might even reduce appetite

A new study found that high-intensity exercise performed in the evening does not negatively impact sleep quality, but may actually reduce feelings of hunger. The research suggests that afternoon and evening exercise may be more effective for weight loss due to increased power output.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateFeb 20, 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.

Genetic blueprint for extraordinary wood-munching fungus

A South African fungus has been found to rapidly degrade lignocellulose into fermentable simple sugars, feeding a community of surrounding fungi. The genome sequence of the fungus reveals its extraordinary ability to break down wood and produce valuable products.

SourceStellenbosch University·DateFeb 20, 2019

Researchers discover a flipping crab feeding on methane seeps

A group of tanner crabs have been found to feed on methane-eating bacteria and archaea at a methane seep off the coast of British Columbia. This discovery has significant implications for climate change, as methane seeps may provide an important energy source for seafloor-dwelling species.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateFeb 20, 2019

NIST physicists 'flash-freeze' crystal of 150 ions

Physicists at NIST have cooled a flat crystal of 150 beryllium ions to near-ground state, enabling more realistic quantum simulations and improved sensitivity for sensing weak electric fields and detecting dark matter. This achievement marks a significant advance over previous demonstrations of ion cooling.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 20, 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.

Scientists solve mystery of a fish called Mary's 'virgin' birth

Researchers at the University of Nottingham discovered fertilized eggs inside a female stickleback fish named Mary, who was found to have internal fertilization and developed embryos without laying eggs. The team successfully delivered 54 nearly complete embryos via Caesarean section, with most offspring growing to adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2019

How zebra stripes disrupt flies' flight patterns

Researchers found that zebra stripes deter flies from landing due to visual disruption and twitching behavior. Zebras swish their tails constantly and run away if flies are persistent, whereas horses primarily twitch and swish to ward off flies, allowing them to be dislodged.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 2019

Delhi's complicated air pollution problem

Delhi's air pollution is a complex issue, with multiple sources including burning from power plants, landfills, and individual fires. Experts cite difficulties in collecting accurate data due to erroneous official numbers and uncounted small sources.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 20, 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.

New compound could help treat ovarian cancer

Researchers from the University of Sheffield discovered a compound that kills cancer cells without triggering apoptosis, making it resistant to treatment. The new drug lead is highly active against treatment-resistant cancers and may be particularly effective against ovarian cancer.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 20, 2019

Study finds way to potentially improve immunotherapy for cancer

A study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has identified a drug called dasatinib that could enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies for various types of cancers. The researchers found that combining dasatinib with anti-PD-1 therapy increased sensitivity in cancer cells, making it a promising approach to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 20, 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.

New study: How to save a seabird

Alaska's longline fisheries have reduced seabird bycatch by 77-90% since adopting streamer lines in 2002, saving thousands of birds per year. However, recent years have seen an increase in bycatch rates, particularly for albatrosses and northern fulmars.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 20, 2019

New method identifies which asthma patients respond to systemic corticosteroids

A new computational tool has identified 12 variables that can predict which severe asthma patients are likely to benefit from treatment with systemic corticosteroids. This tool will help physicians alleviate suffering for patients who do not respond well to mainline therapy.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

Peer support, healing hands may curb prescription opioid misuse

A program offering group support, acupuncture, mindfulness, massage, and gentle exercise reduced pain intensity by 12% and boosted pain self-efficacy by 22% among participants with chronic pain, according to a UCSF-led study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

Young bone marrow rejuvenates aging mouse brains, study finds

A study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that transplanting young bone marrow into old mice preserved their memory and learning abilities. The research suggests that specific properties of youthful blood cells may be responsible for this effect.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 20, 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.

Viruses that linger in the gut could trigger type 1 diabetes

Researchers found elevated levels of enteroviruses in the intestinal tracts of children with islet autoimmunity, a precursor to Type 1 diabetes. The study suggests that these viruses may spread from the gut into the pancreas and trigger autoimmune responses.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2019

How coral bleaching threatens Caribbean communities

A study analyzing Caribbean islands reveals that independent island nations like Cuba and Jamaica are less vulnerable to coral bleaching than territories like Saint Barthélemy. The study found that independent islands have lower social-ecological vulnerability due to their reduced economic dependence on reefs.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateFeb 20, 2019

Extinguishing fear memories relies on an unusual change to DNA

Researchers discovered a DNA modification that enhances fear extinction, enabling the brain to rapidly adapt to changing conditions. They found adenosine modifications in neurons involved in fear extinction, which increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and promote new non-fearful memories.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 20, 2019

UBC researchers discover how blood vessels protect the brain during inflammation

Researchers at UBC have discovered a protein called podocalyxin that plays a key role in protecting the brain from harmful blood components during inflammation. The study's findings could lead to the development of new treatments for stroke, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis by inducing temporary opening of the blood-brain barrier.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 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.

Nitisinone increases melanin in people with albinism

A small pilot clinical study suggests that nitisinone increases melanin production in some people with oculocutaneous albinism type 1B, a rare genetic disease. The drug may help protect against the sun's UV rays and promote normal vision development.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 20, 2019

EEG helps scientists predict epileptic seizures minutes in advance

Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a method to predict epileptic seizures at least four minutes in advance using EEG monitoring. The study shows that delivering an edible acid called acetate can prevent seizures if detected early, providing new potential therapy options.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

Massive database traces mammal organ development, cell by single cell

Researchers at the Allen Institute have created the largest single-cell database of mammal organ development, tracing gene expression from a single cell to fully formed organs. The study provides valuable insights into human biology and developmental diseases, with potential applications in understanding common adult diseases.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 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.

Salt could be a key factor in allergic immune reactions

Researchers found elevated salt concentrations in the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis, which can lead to Th2 cell activation and increased production of IL-4 and IL-13. The study suggests a link between salt intake and the occurrence of atopic dermatitis.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

A volcanic binge and its frosty hangover

Researchers from Heidelberg University discovered a large igneous province that could have triggered the Gaskiers glaciation approximately 580 million years ago. The basaltic eruptions covered an area of over 1,000 kilometers and may have led to short-term global warming before causing long-term climate effects.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 20, 2019

Simulated ocean mesoscale structures induce air-sea interaction

Researchers used a high-resolution model to study mesoscale air-sea interaction, revealing its significant impact on oceanic circulation, atmospheric processes, and cloud formation. The study highlights the importance of resolving oceanic mesoscale eddies and fronts in global coupled models.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateFeb 20, 2019

New insight into river flows and sediment transport under ice cover

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland explores the effects of ice cover on river channels and sediment transport. The research found that ice cover influences flow structures and increases sediment deposition in 'whirlpools' with low flow velocity. This discovery highlights the importance of considering seasonal changes in...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEarth Surface Processes and Landforms·DateFeb 20, 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.

Seen for the first time: Golden snub-nosed monkeys nurse other females' infants

In a five-year study, over 87% of golden snub-nosed monkey infants were nursed by females other than their mothers, highlighting the behavior in Old World monkeys for the first time. This phenomenon, called allomaternal nursing, was found to be reciprocal and beneficial for infant survival.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 20, 2019

Firearm homicide rate higher in US counties with greater income inequality

A national study found that US counties with greater income inequality have a higher rate of firearm homicide deaths. The association was positively correlated across all races and individual groups, with African-Americans experiencing a nearly 10% increase in firearm homicide rates for every 0.04 greater value of the Gini index.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalInjury Prevention·DateFeb 20, 2019

Superconduction: Why does it have to be so cold?

Researchers have found that superconductivity can be explained by applying quantum physics laws and a complex 'Feynman diagram' calculation. The new method enables a better understanding of high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateFeb 20, 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.

A prosthetic that restores the sense of where your hand is

Researchers have developed a prosthetic that restores the sense of where your hand is, allowing amputees to feel tactile sensations and proprioception in real time. The new device uses intraneural stimulation to deliver simultaneous position and tactile feedback, resulting in improved function and prosthesis embodiment.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 20, 2019

The new exercise trend that's made for everyone

Researchers propose incorporating short high-intensity incidental physical activity (HIIPA) into daily routines to improve health. HIIPA involves brief bursts of high-intensity exercise, such as walking uphill or carrying groceries, which can be done in just a few minutes a day and offer significant health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateFeb 20, 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.

New blood test may map fetal genome for countless mutations

Researchers developed a non-invasive blood test to map fetal genomes and detect genetic disorders with high accuracy. The test can identify countless diseases caused by small impairments in the fetal genome, offering a safe and simple procedure for parents-to-be.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalGenome Research·DateFeb 20, 2019

A scientific method for perfect fondue

Researchers developed a scientific approach to create deliciously melted fondue by balancing cheese, wine and starch. The study found that adding potato starch and ethanol decreased the fondue's viscosity for optimal mouthfeel and dipping coverage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateFeb 20, 2019

NASA finds Tropical Cyclone Wutip organizing

Tropical Depression 02W has strengthened into a tropical storm, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing visible images of its organized center. The storm is forecast to intensify and potentially become a typhoon, affecting Guam and the surrounding areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 20, 2019

The Mark Foundation funds 14 new cancer innovation projects

The Mark Foundation has selected 14 new ASPIRE Award winners, funding high-risk, high-reward cancer research projects across the US and internationally. These projects focus on early cancer detection, immunotherapy, tumor microenvironment, and more, with the potential to advance cancer medicine.

SourceThe Mark Foundation for Cancer Research·DateFeb 20, 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.

Bat influenza viruses could infect humans

Researchers have discovered that bat influenza viruses can infect humans and livestock by using the MHC-II molecule to enter host cells. This finding suggests that these viruses have the potential to cause zoonotic transmission, leading to serious illnesses and deaths.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 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.

AI may be better for detecting radar signals, facilitating spectrum sharing

NIST researchers demonstrate deep learning algorithms outperform traditional methods for detecting offshore radars, improving spectrum sharing. The new approach provides occupancy statistics for the 3.5 GHz band, enabling commercial users to determine when to yield to naval operations.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Cognitive Communications and Networking·DateFeb 20, 2019

Origins of giant extinct New Zealand bird traced to Africa

Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the US reveal that the African origins of New Zealand's giant extinct adzebill bird were traced to the tiny flufftails found in Madagascar and Africa. Genetic data analysis suggests a close relationship between the adzebills and their living relatives.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalDiversity·DateFeb 20, 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.

New method to detect cancer cells faster, potentially improving outcomes

A new technique developed at Purdue University could lead to faster and more accurate detection of cancer cells in patient blood samples. The method uses near-infrared spectroscopy to analyze proteins expressed on cancer cells, enabling early diagnosis and potentially improving outcomes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Combinatorial Science·DateFeb 20, 2019

Earliest example of animal nest sharing revealed by scientists

Researchers found four different types of eggs from birds, lizards, and crocodiles, suggesting a shared nesting site. This discovery provides evidence of an ancient ecological strategy where animals co-habited and safely incubated their eggs together.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2019

UH chemist earns CAREER award for work in luminescence

University of Houston chemist Thomas Teets tackles three topics: blue light-emitting compounds, near-infrared spectra, and photocatalysts for organic synthesis. He also leads educational projects to introduce children and art enthusiasts to the chemistry of light.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateFeb 20, 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.

When does one of the central ideas in economics work?

Researchers investigate whether equilibrium is a good assumption in economics, finding that it breaks down in complicated games. They suggest new approaches are needed to simulate human behavior in complex situations.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 20, 2019

Correlated nucleons may solve 35-year-old mystery

Researchers developed a universal function that links short-range correlations between protons and neutrons in the nucleus to the EMC Effect, a phenomenon where quarks inside nuclei have lower average momenta than predicted. The study provides a possible explanation for the effect and offers a new perspective on the atom's nucleus.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 2019

Foreign bees monopolize prize resources in biodiversity hotspot

Honey bees are outcompeting native pollinators for access to pollen and nectar in San Diego's natural habitats. The study found that honey bees account for more than 90 percent of pollinators observed visiting flowers on the most abundantly flowering native plant species.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateFeb 20, 2019

Steep rise in self-poisonings in children and adolescents

A study published by University of Sydney found a significant increase in self-poisonings among young Australians aged 5-19 years from 2006 to 2016. The incidence rose by 98% and was predominantly caused by substances widely available, such as household products and prescribed medications.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 20, 2019

New 'smart drug' shows promise for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer

A new 'smart drug', sacituzumab govitecan, has shown significant tumor shrinkage and improved patient outcomes in a clinical trial for women with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. The treatment resulted in better response rates and longer overall survival compared to traditional therapies.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

BU awarded NIH grant to support student research

Boston University School of Medicine has been awarded a five-year, $482,400 NIH grant to bolster the development of physician-scientists. The grant will support a summer research program for first-year medical students, providing them with research experience and opportunities to present their work at national conferences.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

New insight on potent HIV antibody could improve vaccine design

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have made a breakthrough in understanding how HIV antibodies adapt to viral changes, identifying a crucial mutation that enables them to target diverse virus strains. This finding has significant implications for developing effective HIV vaccines.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 2019

Establishing the molecular blueprint of early embryo development

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have generated a comprehensive molecular map of gastrulation in mice, revealing the genetic activity of over 100,000 embryonic cells. This discovery provides critical information on how mammalian embryos develop during gastrulation and paves the way for new understanding of organ formation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 2019

Russian researchers made gold nano-stars for intracellular delivery

Russian researchers created star-shaped nanoparticles with sharp spikes using laser irradiation for intracellular delivery. The method achieved efficiency rates of over 95% and minimal toxicity, making it a potential alternative to existing technologies.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·DateFeb 20, 2019

Lesbian and bi women at increased risk of being overweight

New research from the University of East Anglia found that lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to be overweight or obese compared to heterosexual women. Gay men, on the other hand, are less likely to be overweight but at risk of being underweight, which is linked to various health problems.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateFeb 20, 2019

Understanding peppers and chilis from around the world

A multinational review of peppers/chilis (Capsicum species) explores various aspects, including taxonomy, genetic resources, cytogenetic studies, and capsaicinoid biosynthesis. The crop's global production, cultivation, and economic value are also examined.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateFeb 20, 2019

Dietary fiber helps clump material in your gut

A new study from Caltech reveals that dietary fiber plays a role in clumping gut particles, which may affect drug absorption and microbial populations. Longer fibers promote physical aggregation of particles, providing a potential mechanism for controlling particle behavior in the gut.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 20, 2019

Ecosystem responses to dam removal complex, but predictable

A recent study suggests that dam removals can be anticipated by understanding the unique environmental conditions at each site and their impact on aquatic species recolonization, sediment flow, and water quality changes.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 20, 2019

Keeping heavy metals out of beer and wine

Researchers tested three types of food-grade diatomaceous earth used to filter beer and wine, finding that all contained arsenic and smaller amounts of lead and cadmium. Altering filtering conditions or washing the DE before use reduced arsenic transfer.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 20, 2019

'Butterfly-shaped' palladium subnano cluster built in 3-D

Researchers build a 2D nanosheet and link it together to form a stable 3D 'butterfly-shaped' palladium cluster with potential industrial applications. The cluster's unique shape is stabilized by chemical linkers, enabling precise control of its function.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateFeb 20, 2019