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Science News for February 27, 2019


Medicating mosquitoes to fight malaria

Researchers found that treating bed nets with atovaquone can effectively reduce malaria transmission and mitigate insecticide resistance. The study showed that mosquitoes were completely blocked from developing Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Muscle gene mutations implicated in human nasal/sinus cancer

Researchers found the same genetic change in five of six tumors, implicating a muscle gene in olfactory neuroblastoma. The deletions were found in the DMD gene, which codes for dystrophin, and may contribute to the formation of the cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2019

Health insurance is not assurance of healthcare

A new study from Case Western Reserve University finds that low- to middle-income individuals with subsidized health-exchange insurance are more likely to experience problems with access and affordability. They are 2.5 times more likely to have difficulty paying medical bills and skip needed care, compared to Medicaid recipients.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 27, 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.

Opioid use in the family may influence adolescents' opioid risk after surgery

A new Michigan Medicine study found that long-term opioid use by one or more family members was associated with persistent opioid use by adolescents prescribed opioids after common surgical and dental procedures. The research highlights the potential risks of young adults continuing opioid prescriptions long after their surgeries.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateFeb 27, 2019

Comparing antioxidants levels in tomatoes of different color

Researchers found that specific antioxidants are associated with particular colors of tomato fruit, suggesting a balance between these compounds. The study's results support the use of genotypes with different-colored fruit in breeding programs to increase antioxidant levels in commercial cultivars.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateFeb 27, 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.

High-tech laser scans uncover hidden military traverse at Alcatraz Island

Researchers at Binghamton University used non-invasive methods to locate and assess historical remains beneath the Alcatraz Recreation Yard, discovering a 'bombproof' earthwork traverse and vaulted brick masonry tunnel. The findings offer insights into the island's former military role as a 19th-century coastal fortification.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNear Surface Geophysics·DateFeb 27, 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.

Code used to reduce quantum error in logic gates for first time

Researchers at the University of Sydney have demonstrated an order of magnitude improvement in reducing infidelity, or error rates, in quantum logic gates by using codes to detect and discard errors. This achievement opens a path to further improvements in quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 27, 2019

How fungi influence global plant colonization

An international team of researchers found that mycorrhiza-plant interactions hinder the colonisation of remote islands, acting as a brake on plant spread. This symbiosis is also linked to biogeographic patterns and preserving biological diversity.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 27, 2019

Don't panic: Lessons learned from Hawaii false alarm

People in Hawaii who received a false ballistic missile threat alert sought information to validate their risk, rather than immediate shelter. Social media played a key role in spreading accurate information and helped increase trust in future warnings.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateFeb 27, 2019

Achieving Paris climate target could net additional billions in fisheries revenue

A new study found that achieving the Paris Agreement's 1.5 degrees Celsius warming target could increase global fishers' revenues and seafood workers' income, while reducing household expenditures. The largest gains would occur in developing countries, with a projected 6.5% increase in top revenue-generating fish species globally.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 27, 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.

More support for Planet Nine

New analysis offers insights into the nature of Planet Nine, estimating its mass as five times that of Earth and orbital semimajor axis of approximately 400 AU. The findings suggest that Planet Nine is likely to be reminiscent of a typical extrasolar super-Earth.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysics Reports·DateFeb 27, 2019

Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol may not improve thinking and memory

A new study published in Neurology has found that medications commonly used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol do not slow down cognitive decline in older adults. The study, which involved over 1,600 participants, suggests that longer studies are needed to determine the effects of these medications on brain health.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 27, 2019

Raindrop size distributions vary across seasons and rain types

Researchers found seasonal variations in raindrop size distribution in East China, with summer having larger raindrops and higher mean rain rates. These findings have implications for microwave communication, radar, and satellite remote sensing, as well as numerical weather prediction models.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2019

Typhoid vaccine may protect against other infections

The study found that the live oral typhoid vaccine Ty21a can strengthen the immune response against subsequent, unrelated infections, including those caused by other pathogens. This promising research could lead to broader protection and lower mortality rates globally.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 27, 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.

A real turn on: Evolutionary rotation of fly genitalia tied to mating success

Researchers at Osaka University found that the angle of male flies' genitalia is crucial for successful reproduction, with males having ideal dorsoventral direction having greater copulation success. The study suggests a cooperative evolution between morphology and behavior in dipterans, with implications for pest control.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 27, 2019

Jumping spider mimics two kinds of ants as it grows

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that adult jumping spiders mimic two species of ants to deceive predators, but retain their spiderly figures to woo potential mates. The spiders' detailed mimicry involves waving forelegs like antennae and performing weaving behavior, but they have lost the ability to jump.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateFeb 27, 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.

Many antibiotic courses for common infections not in line with guidelines

Researchers found that antibiotic treatment courses for common infections in English primary care often deviate from guidelines, with the majority of excess days attributed to respiratory conditions. The study suggests that reducing antibiotic overuse through better adherence to recommended treatment durations may have significant scope.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 27, 2019

Custom-made proteins may help create antibodies to fight HIV

Researchers designed and created proteins that mimicked different surface features of HIV, inducing rabbits to develop antibodies that could bind with the virus. The study provides a novel way to design proteins for vaccines, potentially paving the way for developing a vaccine for HIV.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2019

Environmental variables may influence B cell development and allergies in children

Researchers examined antibody isotype and B cell receptor composition in young children, finding associations between environmental exposures and increased somatic hypermutation frequencies. This study sheds light on the complex relationships between environmental factors and immune system development in childhood.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 27, 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.

NASA catches Tropical Cyclone Pola near Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Pola was passing near Fiji when NASA's Aqua satellite analyzed the storm in infrared light, finding cloud top temperatures getting colder. Colder cloud tops indicate a strengthening storm with strong thunderstorms capable of creating heavy rain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 27, 2019

Aiming for gold: improving reproducibility in hydrology studies

A team of researchers developed an online survey tool to assess the reproducibility of published research in hydrology studies. The tool evaluates data availability, result reproducibility, and replicability of findings, providing insights into the low rates of reproducibility in this field.

SourceUtah State University·JournalScientific Data·DateFeb 27, 2019

Biologists find the long and short of it when it comes to chromosomes

A team of biologists has discovered a key aspect of chromosome inheritance that helps ensure the faithful passage of short chromosomes during reproduction. They found that vast regions near the ends of both long and short chromosomes are primed for high-density genetic exchanges, known as EARs.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 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.

Iridescent color from clear droplets

Researchers at Penn State and MIT discovered that uniform-sized clear water droplets on a surface can produce bright iridescent colors. The color is due to total internal reflection and light interference, creating an optical effect not possible in perfect spheres.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2019

NSF funds second round of OSC's Open OnDemand

The NSF awards funding to further develop Open OnDemand, a platform providing web-based access to high-performance computing services. The project aims to simplify access to HPC resources, making it more accessible to new users and disciplines.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·DateFeb 27, 2019

Sandia spiking tool improves artificially intelligent devices

A new software tool, Whetstone, sharpens artificial neurons, enabling neural computer networks to process information up to 100 times more efficiently than current industry standards. The tool is expected to increase AI penetration in mobile phones, self-driving cars, and automated image interpretation.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateFeb 27, 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.

Dark matter may be hitting the right note in small galaxies

Researchers propose dark matter scatters with each other like billiard balls to spread out evenly in small galaxies. This idea could solve the puzzle of why dark matter doesn't clump together as expected in bigger systems.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 27, 2019

Using histones as bait: How do cells decide how to repair their DNA?

Researchers developed a molecular bait to identify proteins involved in the cell's choice of DNA repair pathway, revealing key enzymes for homologous recombination. The discovery opens new possibilities for targeted cancer treatments using PARP inhibitors.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateFeb 27, 2019

The trials of turfgrass breeders

A study reveals key insights into breeding and distribution practices in the turfgrass industry, aiming to address growing environmental concerns. Researchers identified primary parties influencing breeders' decisions and challenges they face when developing target traits.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateFeb 27, 2019

Yeast produce low-cost, high-quality cannabinoids

Scientists at UC Berkeley engineered yeast to produce pure cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, at a lower cost than extraction from marijuana plants. This breakthrough could enable easier medical research on the complex chemicals in cannabis.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 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.

Study: Pesticide exposure contributes to faster ALS progression

A new study from Michigan Medicine reveals that pesticide exposure contributes to faster progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The research, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, found that patients with higher levels of pesticides in their blood had a shorter median survival time.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateFeb 27, 2019

Human settlements and rainfall affect giraffe home ranges

A new study found that giraffes living near human settlements have larger home ranges than those living far from towns, while areas with more rain have smaller home ranges. This suggests that humans are impacting giraffe habitat and forcing them to travel longer distances to access critical resources.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateFeb 27, 2019

Newly identified drug targets could open door for esophageal cancer therapeutics

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified two molecular pathways that could lead to new treatments for esophageal cancer. By blocking the JNK and TGF-beta pathways, tumors can be slowed in growth and even regressed in mice. The study's findings suggest a new targeted therapeutic avenue for this deadly form of cancer.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 27, 2019

Not all sleep is equal when it comes to cleaning the brain

A study published in Science Advances found that deeper sleep is crucial for the brain's waste removal system, known as the glymphatic system. The researchers observed that mice administered a combination of anesthetics exhibited slow and steady brain activity similar to deep non-REM sleep, which is optimal for glymphatic function.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 27, 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.

Smoking and alcohol: Double trouble for the brain?

Researchers found that joint use of tobacco and alcohol increased reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the rat brain, leading to lower levels of a growth factor essential for neuron survival. The study suggests that alcoholics who smoke may be at additional risk for neural damage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateFeb 27, 2019

Chelated calcium benefits poinsettias

A study found that chelated calcium improves leaf mechanical strength in poinsettias, enhancing their resistance to physical damage. This treatment is recommended for stock plants to improve postharvest quality during shipping and propagation.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateFeb 27, 2019

UTSA funded to develop accident tolerant nuclear fuels

Researchers at UTSA are working on new accident tolerant fuels (ATFs) that will limit overheating and reduce the risk of radioactive leaks. The goal is to replace conventional fuel with a more durable material, enabling nuclear plants to better withstand accidents.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateFeb 27, 2019

Facial recognition software to identify Civil War soldiers

A free software platform called Photo Sleuth uses crowdsourcing to identify faces in Civil War-era photos, with over 85% of proposed identifications being correct. The database now contains over 4,000 registered users and more than 8,000 photos, making it a valuable tool for historians and genealogists.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateFeb 27, 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.

Scientists discover predictors that determine toxic fats in the liver

A team of researchers has identified biomarkers in the blood that can predict the accumulation of toxic fats in the liver, a sign of early fatty liver disease. The discovery has the potential to lead to a blood test to detect those at risk of advanced fatty liver disease and could represent a new approach in precision medicine.

SourceBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2019

New mechanism of bone growth discovered

A study published in Nature reveals that bone growth in mice follows the same principles as cell production in blood and other tissues. The discovery suggests that bone growth may be more dynamic than previously thought, with cells generated from a stem-cell like progenitor cell.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2019

Fast, flexible ionic transistors for bioelectronic devices

Researchers have developed biocompatible ion-driven transistors that can record high-quality neural signals, suitable for advanced data processing. The transistors' channel is made from fully biocompatible materials, enabling efficient communication with neural signals.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 27, 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.

CVIA special issue on women's heart health to coincide with 'The Heart Truth'

This CVIA special issue addresses the #1 threat to women's health, cardiovascular disease, with a focus on overlooked topics and fresh perspectives. Key findings include novel imaging modalities for diagnosing stable ischemic heart disease in women and psychosocial stressors uniquely affecting female cardiovascular risk.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateFeb 27, 2019

Light wakes up freshwater bacteria

Researchers discovered that freshwater bacteria grow faster in daylight and use blue light absorption mechanisms to regulate growth. The study suggests that these bacteria have special genes that allow them to sense light and adjust their metabolism accordingly.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateFeb 27, 2019

Return of the wolves: How deer escape tactics help save their lives

Research found that mule deer shift to higher, steeper elevations away from roads and toward brushy terrain when faced with wolves. White-tailed deer stick to normal behavior, sprinting across open terrain with good visibility. The changes may affect hunting opportunities and ecosystem dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalOecologia·DateFeb 27, 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.

Engineers make clear droplets produce iridescent colors

Engineers at MIT and Penn State University developed a model predicting the color of droplets given specific structural and optical conditions. The team found that total internal reflection allows hemispherical droplets to produce color through interference effects, which are stronger in small droplets.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2019

Capturing carbon from the air

Negative-emission technologies (NETs) that capture carbon dioxide from the air could address about 30% of needed reductions in carbon-dioxide emissions. Scientists estimate that NETs face challenges on cost-effectiveness and disposal methods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 27, 2019

A gentle method for unlocking the mysteries of the deep brain

Scientists successfully demonstrated that electroencephalography can be used to accurately study activity in the deep areas of the brain. This breakthrough technique may lead to better understanding and treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's, Tourette syndrome, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 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.

Ancient extinct sloth tooth in Belize tells story of creature's last year

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois has discovered that a giant sloth found in Belize, which lived around 27,000 years ago, had a diverse diet that shifted between wet and dry seasons. The study reveals that the creature adapted to its environment by relying on plants more available during dry periods.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 27, 2019

Batmobile with cruise control

Scientists at Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research investigate energy requirements and travel speeds of migrating Nathusius' bats. Bats are found to travel at the speed where their range reaches a maximum, enabling them to cover long distances with minimal energy expenditure.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 27, 2019

Over 40 percent of GPs intend to quit within five years: New survey

A new survey of 929 GPs found that workload is the most significant issue, with 51% reporting longer hours than in 2014. The survey also revealed a worsening crisis in general practice, with many GPs feeling demoralized and looking towards retirement or reducing their hours.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 27, 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 continuity of care tracking method for GPs

A simple method to measure continuity of care has been developed, showing benefits for patients, including lower mortality rates. The new St Leonards Index tracks continuity on a monthly basis in practices with personal patient list systems, aiming to help GPs improve continuity and patient care.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBJGP Open·DateFeb 27, 2019

A new method for precision drug delivery: Painting

Researchers at Washington University have developed a new method for precise drug delivery using cavitation dose painting, which combines focused ultrasound with ultrasound therapy to target specific locations in the body. This technique uses passive cavitation imaging to predict where a drug goes and how much is delivered.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 27, 2019

Infant sleep duration associated with mother's level of education and prenatal depression

A new study found that babies sleeping less at three months old are more likely to have mothers without a university degree or experience prenatal depression. The researchers analyzed data from over 600 infants and their mothers, revealing that maternal education and prenatal depression significantly impact infant sleep duration.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalSleep Medicine·DateFeb 27, 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.

How young adults experience pain affects self-injury, Rutgers study finds

A Rutgers study found that young adults who engage in non-suicidal self-injury intentionally inflict physical injury to elicit pain and relieve emotional distress. The researchers discovered that participants with high negative emotions and less pain during injuries were more likely to repeat the behavior.

SourceRutgers University·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateFeb 27, 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.

Federal same-sex marriage ruling improved life satisfaction for individuals, study shows

Researchers found that psychological distress dropped and life satisfaction increased after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, with improvements felt regardless of marital status. The study also showed that those who were more distressed before the ruling experienced greater improvement afterwards.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateFeb 27, 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.

What controls the tips of our chromosomes?

A study published in EMBO Journal has discovered the key aspect of regulating telomeres, which are protective caps at the end of chromosomes. The research team found that the protein complex CST is responsible for maintaining telomeres, and a chemical modification regulates its S component, allowing telomere duplication and elongation.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 27, 2019

Now you see heat, now you don't

Researchers have fabricated a film using DuPont Kevlar fibers and polyethylene glycol that absorbs heat and releases it slowly, making objects invisible to thermal cameras. The composite film performs comparably to other stealth films but is simpler and cheaper to make.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 27, 2019

Complex medication regimens create challenges for home health care

A NYU study has identified medication management challenges faced by home health care providers, including communication breakdowns and fragmented systems of care. The researchers found that medication errors, such as taking the wrong drug or dose, were common among high-risk patients living alone.

SourceNew York University·JournalMedical Care Research and Review·DateFeb 27, 2019

Ice-free Arctic summers could happen on earlier side of predictions

A new study predicts the Arctic Ocean could be ice-free in the summer as early as 2030, with climate models suggesting a shift towards an ice-free Arctic on the earlier side of forecasts. The study used long-term temperature cycles in the tropical Pacific to narrow the uncertainty range of when the first ice-free Arctic summer will occur.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 27, 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.

Directed evolution builds nanoparticles

Scientists from EPFL used directed evolution to modify DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes, creating nanoparticles that emit stronger optical signals. After only two cycles of evolution, they achieved a 56% increase in signal strength.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 27, 2019

Colon cancer growth reduced by exercise

Research published in The Journal of Physiology suggests that exercise may play a role in inhibiting the growth of colon cancer cells. After high-intensity interval training (HIIT), growth was reduced and inflammation increased, indicating a potential anti-cancer effect. This study highlights the importance of regular physical activity...

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 27, 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 study indicates early-term infants can succeed at breastfeeding

Researchers found no significant difference in breastfeeding duration between early-term and full-term infants, suggesting that healthy premature babies can have successful breastfeeding outcomes. The study included 2,700 pairs of mothers and infants and monitored them from birth to 12 months or until breastfeeding ceased.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalMidwifery·DateFeb 27, 2019

Improving ecosystems with aquatic plants

Researchers discovered that growing littoral zone species like arrow arum, blue-eyed grass, golden club, and lemon bacopa using standard containers, substrates, and controlled-release fertilizer can provide high-quality plants with good growth. These methods can benefit large-scale plant production and bolster ecosystem improvements.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateFeb 27, 2019

Do soccer players have an increased risk of ALS?

A preliminary study found that professional soccer players are nearly twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population, with some developing the disease 21 years earlier than expected. The study also suggests that genetics, traumatic events, and heavy physical exercise may play a role in the increased risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 27, 2019

Risk remains low despite rise in global shark attacks

A new study finds that shark attack rates have doubled over the past 20 years in highly populated regions like the US East Coast and Southern Australia. However, the overall risk of a shark attack is still extremely low, with one in several million chances

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 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.

Technology assessment: Artificial intelligence in the medical sector

The project aims to analyze realistic applications of AI in medicine, exploring opportunities and challenges. This includes effective therapies against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia, as well as preventive interventions in the human germline using genome editing methods like CRISPR-Cas.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateFeb 27, 2019

A water-splitting catalyst unlike any other

Scientists have discovered a new iron-nickel catalyst that surpasses the performance of existing nickel-iron oxide catalysts in oxygen evolution reactions. The unconventional catalyst produces an efficient electrolyzer with reduced voltage requirements.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalACS Central Science·DateFeb 27, 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.

Getting to the core of underwater soil

Scientists are working to map and understand underwater soils, which affect commercial, recreational, and transportation activities. Data collected provides insights into soil properties and their importance in habitats and ecosystems.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateFeb 27, 2019

First semi-identical twins identified in pregnancy

Researchers have identified the world's first semi-identical twins during pregnancy using genetic testing. The Brisbane twins share only a proportion of their father's DNA, making them a unique case of sesquizygotic twins.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2019

Oldest frog relative found in North America

A team of paleontologists has discovered the oldest known frog fossils in North America, dating back to the Late Triassic period around 216 million years ago. The fossils, found in Arizona, provide new insights into the ecosystems of the time and highlight the importance of microfossil collection and analysis.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 27, 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.

Detecting cyanide exposure

Researchers have identified a new biomarker, ATOEA, that accurately detects cyanide exposure and persists in the body longer than the toxic compound. This breakthrough enables faster diagnosis and treatment of cyanide poisoning.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateFeb 27, 2019

Immunizing quantum computers against errors

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new way to encode qubits in trapped-ion mechanical oscillators, which could lead to more efficient quantum error correction. By exploiting the properties of periodically arranged oscillatory states, they can detect and correct errors with high precision.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2019

Child anxiety could be factor in school absences, research concludes

Research from the University of Exeter suggests anxiety is a factor in poor school attendance among children and young people. The study found a surprising association between truancy and anxiety, as well as the expected link between anxiety and school refusal.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalChild and Adolescent Mental Health·DateFeb 27, 2019

Family businesses should prepare for the unexpected if next generation to succeed

Modern family businesses should prioritize equipping all members for the unexpected, rather than focusing on internal relationships. The study's findings highlight the importance of interactive socialization, where younger family members network with external stakeholders and peers to bring new skills and knowledge into the business.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalFamily Business Review·DateFeb 27, 2019

Researchers discover cell mechanism that delays and repairs DNA damage that can lead to cancer

A new study reveals a specific mechanism in human cells that delay propagation of DNA damage, giving cells a chance to stop piling up mutations. The discovery relies on precise timing and control inside the cells and identifies key molecular proteins involved in repairing DNA lesions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateFeb 27, 2019