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Science News for January 23, 2019


Plants can smell, now researchers know how

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered how plants detect odor molecules by binding to transcriptional co-repressors, changing gene expression. This understanding may lead to new ways of influencing plant behavior, such as altering crop quality or deterring pests.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 23, 2019

Planetary collision that formed the moon made life possible on Earth

A study by Rice University suggests that a planetary collision formed the moon and delivered life-essential elements to Earth. The research found that Earth's carbon and nitrogen content is consistent with a moon-forming impact involving a volatile-bearing, Mars-sized planet with a sulfur-rich core.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 23, 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 vaccine offers fresh take on malaria fight

A new malaria vaccine using a cytomegalovirus-based platform has shown promising results, reducing the parasite's release by 75-80% in infected rhesus macaques. The vaccine could offer lifelong protection against malaria, a disease that claims hundreds of millions of lives each year.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 23, 2019

Greater access to information reduces unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions

A study in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that providing more information about how doctors prescribe drugs can reduce problems associated with overprescription. Between 2012 and 2017, there was a notable decrease of 14% in antibiotic prescriptions in England.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateJan 23, 2019

Breakthrough in understanding male infertility

Scientists at Newcastle University have identified a gene crucial for sperm production, shedding light on why some men may be infertile. The RBMXL2 gene's deletion blocked sperm production, paving the way for further research into male factor infertility.

SourceNewcastle University·DateJan 23, 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.

Protein engineering extends the language of immune cells

Researchers have successfully engineered a protein that balances an overreaction of the immune system, making it a promising candidate for sepsis therapy. By understanding how interleukins mediate communication between immune cells, scientists can now modulate their reaction in a targeted manner.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2019

Study sheds light on brain cell changes in people with MS

A study published in Nature found that people with multiple sclerosis have different types of oligodendrocytes than healthy individuals, which may explain why their myelin repair process does not work as well. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for progressive MS.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How male dragonflies adapt wing color to temperature

Researchers found that dragonflies with darker wings absorb more heat, leading to stronger flight and successful territorial battles. However, at extremely high temperatures, dark-colored wings cause overheating and poor flight, potentially leading to reproductive difficulties.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 23, 2019

Small metabolites have big effects on the intestinal immune response

Researchers at Osaka University found that common bacterial metabolites pyruvate and lactate activate the intestinal immune response, enhancing dendrite protrusion in macrophages. This discovery has multiple clinical applications, including improving oral vaccines and eliminating intestinal pathogens.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 2019

Old cells repair damage in the brains of MS patients

Researchers found that older cells in MS patients can reform myelin, but new oligodendrocyte generation is severely limited. This suggests treating MS aggressively at an early stage is crucial to prevent further damage.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 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.

Can you pick an MMA winner by studying fighters' faces?

Czech researchers used 360-degree headshots to assess fighters' perceived fighting ability. Despite this, ratings were not linked to actual MMA score or physical characteristics. However, heavier fighters with higher anaerobic performance were judged as more successful based on their facial features.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJan 23, 2019

Taking magnetism for a spin: Exploring the mysteries of skyrmions

Researchers at Ames Laboratory have stabilized skyrmions without an external magnetic field, observing their behavior over time, temperature, and magnetic field. This breakthrough provides a solid foundation for theorists to better understand the phenomenon.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 23, 2019

Temperature-stable experimental tuberculosis vaccine enters clinical testing

A Phase 1 human clinical trial has begun testing a freeze-dried, temperature-stable formulation of the experimental tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate ID93. The trial aims to determine if the single-vial formulation of ID93 and adjuvant GLA-SE is as effective as previously tested two-vial combination in inducing an immune response.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJan 23, 2019

UBC researchers develop high-level gas detection system

Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus have developed a state-of-the-art microfluidic gas detector that can detect small traces of gases quickly and efficiently. The device uses 3D-printed parts to create the microchannel and metal oxide semiconductor, and has potential applications in environmental monitoring, food quality assessments, ...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 23, 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.

Researcher leads project to explore use of drones to fight wildfires

A Georgia State researcher has been awarded a $1.2 million grant to develop drone technology for wildfire management, providing real-time data to aid evacuations and fire management decisions. The technology aims to help contain wildfires, predict fire spread, and support human-UAS collaboration.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateJan 23, 2019

Tasmanian devil cancer unlikely to cause extinction, say experts

A new study by Swansea University suggests that Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) is unlikely to cause the extinction of the iconic species. The researchers found that the disease is more likely to fade out or coexist with devils in future, providing much-needed hope for the species' survival.

SourceSwansea University·JournalEcology·DateJan 23, 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.

Birth of massive black holes in the early universe revealed

Massive black holes may have formed in rare, densely populated areas of the early universe, a new study suggests. The team used simulations to model the growth of dark matter halos and found that rapid assembly prevented normal star formation, leading to black hole formation instead.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 2019

Stars shrouded in iron dust

A study discovered a group of massive stars with high iron dust and low metal content in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The stars have unique spectral properties, and their environment allows for the formation of large quantities of iron dust.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 23, 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.

Mice transmit acquired adaptability to their offspring

Research at the University of Göttingen found that mice growing up in stimulating environments transmit increased brain plasticity to their offspring, even if the young mice were raised in less enriching conditions. This transgenerational transmission affects primary sensory areas of the cerebral cortex.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournaleNeuro·DateJan 23, 2019

What makes the deadly pufferfish so delectable

Scientists reproduce pufferfish flavor using key taste-active compounds, revealing strong umami and kokumi components. The study contributes to a better understanding of the unique taste of pufferfish without the toxic effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 23, 2019

When species compete, physical structures and ecological relationships matter

Researchers found that physical structures in an environment can influence species coexistence, with certain structures stabilizing interactions between species. The study used supercomputer simulations to explore relationships between biodiversity and environmental physical structure.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 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.

NC State researchers create 3D-printed soft mesh robots

Researchers at NC State University have created 3D-printed flexible mesh structures that can be controlled with applied magnetic fields while floating on water. The structures can also mimic the properties of water striders and have potential applications as soft robots or tissue scaffolds.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateJan 23, 2019

Cortexyme announces publication of foundational data for groundbreaking approach to treating Alzheimer's disease in Science Advances

Researchers identify Porphyromonas gingivalis as a key driver of Alzheimer's disease pathology and demonstrate potential for small molecule inhibitors to block the pathogen. The discovery paves the way for Cortexyme's lead compound COR388, which shows promising results in preclinical experiments.

SourceTorch Communications·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 23, 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.

New detector fails to confirm would-be evidence of dark matter

Researchers at COSINE-100 failed to confirm the existence of dark matter using sodium iodide crystals, unlike previous DAMA/LIBRA experiment. The detection is considered crucial due to the similarity in experimental setup and material used.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 2019

Flu vaccination keeps COPD patients out of the hospital

A recent study published in CHEST reveals that influenza vaccination can reduce hospitalizations among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by up to 38%. The study found that nearly two-thirds of COPD patients were not vaccinated, highlighting the need for improved vaccination rates and timely antiviral medication...

SourceElsevier·DateJan 23, 2019

Report: Funding for neglected disease research hits record high

Funding for neglected diseases reached a record high of $3.5 billion in 2017, driven mainly by increased investments from the UK, European Commission, Germany, and India. Despite progress, overall funding falls short of global targets, with many countries struggling to meet even 50% of the recommended 0.01% of GDP allocation.

SourceGlobal Health Strategies·DateJan 23, 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.

Chemists warm up to preprint servers

Two chemistry preprint servers, ChemRxiv and ChemRN, have gained traction since their launch in 2017, allowing chemists to share discoveries freely before peer review. The sites provide a platform for quick sharing of results, feedback from peers, and increased access to research, especially for scientists in developing countries.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 23, 2019

More than ruffled feathers: Mockingbirds show heightened aggression after lead exposure

Researchers found mockingbirds exposed to low levels of lead in urban New Orleans neighborhoods displayed significantly increased aggression, attacking intruders and ripping out their feathers. The study suggests sub-lethal lead exposure may be common among urban wildlife and warrants further investigation into its effects.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJan 23, 2019

Gene-edited disease monkeys cloned in China

A team of scientists has successfully cloned gene-edited monkeys with disease phenotypes using somatic cell nuclear transfer. The monkeys, which exhibit circadian disorder phenotypes, can be used to study the pathogenesis and therapeutic treatments for human diseases such as sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 23, 2019

Scientists reconstruct ancient lost plates under Andes mountains

Researchers have reconstructed ancient lost plates under the Andes mountains, offering a glimpse of the Earth's surface millions of years ago. The study reveals that the formation of the mountain range was more complex than previously thought, with evidence of volcanic activity and plate tectonics.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 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.

How friendly mice can affect their lonely cagemates

A novel video-based behavioral analysis system, MAPS, shows that group-housed mice form stronger social relationships and are closer in proximity to isolated mice than those reared separately. This study provides insight into the effects of early social experience on adult social behavior.

SourceWaseda University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 23, 2019

Targeted treatment shrinks deadly pediatric brain tumors

A targeted therapy that blocks the protein LSD1 has been shown to shrink tumors in mice with a form of pediatric brain cancer known as medulloblastoma. The treatment, which is currently being tested in clinical trials for other cancers, may offer new hope for children with this devastating disease.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2019

Final verdict on finasteride: Safe, effective prevention for prostate cancer

Finasteride has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 25 percent, with no significant increase in mortality rates. The study's findings have eliminated concerns over initial reports of potential risks, and doctors are now recommending finasteride as a preventive strategy for prostate cancer.

SourceSWOG·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 23, 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.

Virus-based therapy targets a pediatric eye cancer

Researchers developed a virus-based therapy VCN-01 that targets retinoblastoma, a tumor affecting mainly children, by infecting cancer cells with a dysfunctional RB1 pathway. The treatment successfully replicated in tumor cells without causing systemic inflammation and extended time to enucleation compared to chemotherapy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 23, 2019

Conservation efforts help some rare birds more than others, study finds

A new study found that conservation programs in Illinois have helped some rare birds increase their populations to historic levels. The Bell's vireo, one of four species studied, has bounced back from historic declines and is now more than double its last estimated abundance. In contrast, other bird species with wider geographic ranges...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEcosphere·DateJan 23, 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 gender inequality is reproduced on social media

Researchers found that social media posts about sons receive 1.5 times more likes than those about daughters, perpetuating a gender imbalance. Posts featuring sons also tend to be liked more by both men and women, reinforcing the notion that boys are more important.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2019

Completing physics Ph.D. does not stem from scoring high on GRE

A new study challenges typical admissions criteria for physics Ph.D. programs by finding that GRE scores don't predict successful completion of doctoral degrees. Undergraduate GPA is the only robust predictor of Ph.D. completion, with no correlation between GRE test scores and completion rates across various demographics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 23, 2019

Cancer has a biological clock and this drug may keep it from ticking

Researchers have discovered a promising new drug that targets the biological clock of cancer cells, slowing their growth and halting their spread. By disrupting the circadian rhythm of cancer cells, this drug may provide an effective new treatment option for various types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 23, 2019

Fried food linked to heightened risk of death among older US women

A large US study found that eating fried foods, especially fried chicken and fish, increases the risk of death from any cause and heart-related death. Regular consumption was associated with a higher risk of 8% compared to non-fried food eaters. Reducing fried food intake may have a positive public health impact.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 23, 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.

Ocean drilling project seeks clues to future sea level rise

A team of researchers, led by Julia Wellner and Karsten Gohl, will drill into the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to study its history and potential impact on sea level rise. The expedition aims to understand the past interplay between seawater and air temperature, which could provide insights into possible future behavior.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJan 23, 2019

Study finds unique form of chronic sinusitis in older patients

Researchers found that older patients with chronic sinusitis have a distinct inflammatory signature characterized by innate immune function and age-dependent cytokine elevations. This may render them less responsive to traditional steroid treatments, which are often ineffective for these patients.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 23, 2019

Fidget spinner as centrifuge separates blood plasma (video)

Researchers used fidget spinners to separate blood plasma with high purity in just four to seven minutes, setting up a potential solution for resource-limited regions. The method, which uses the spinner's centrifugal force, can detect clinically relevant concentrations of viral proteins in only a drop of blood.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJan 23, 2019

Copy cats: When is a bobcat not a bobcat?

A recent study reveals that wildlife classification, particularly for similar species like bobcats and lynx, is a challenging task. Even experts had difficulty agreeing on the species in images, leading to potential errors in conservation and management efforts.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJan 23, 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.

SwRI scientist sheds light on Titan's mysterious atmosphere

A new study suggests that the 'cooking' of ancient organic material created Titan's thick nitrogen atmosphere. The research, led by Dr. Kelly Miller, proposes that approximately half of the nitrogen atmosphere could result from this process.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJan 23, 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.

Normal variations in thyroid function may be linked to atrial fibrillation risk

A recent study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center has established a link between normal variations in thyroid function and increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study found that even within a physiologically acceptable range, genetically determined variation in thyroid function can increase AF risk.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 23, 2019

Cannabis use disorder: The policy climate matters

A new study found that adolescents and young adults in liberal states reported higher past-year cannabis use rates than those in conservative states. However, the rates of cannabis use disorder were significantly lower in liberal states compared to conservative states for ages 12-17 and marginally lower for ages 26 and older.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateJan 23, 2019

New tumor test could guide personalized treatment for children with cancer

A new test for pediatric tumour analysis has been developed that may provide faster diagnosis times and more accurate genetic mutation detection. The test uses DNA sequencing technology to identify weaknesses in tumor cells that can be targeted with drugs, offering potential improvements in treatment options for children with cancer.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·DateJan 23, 2019

Identifying factors that influence mercury levels in tuna

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that body size and sea-surface temperature are primary factors affecting methylmercury levels in tuna. The researchers developed a model to predict mercury levels, which worked well for most regions but underestimated levels in certain areas.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 23, 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.

Advances in 3D and organoid cell culture

This special collection showcases the potential of 3D cell culture technology in accelerating basic research, drug discovery, and drug development. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide optimized systems for disease modeling, compound pharmacology, and toxicology.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS TECHNOLOGY·DateJan 23, 2019

Researchers create road map of care for children with severe head trauma

Researchers developed a comprehensive care model, PEGASUS, to treat pediatric patients with severe head trauma. The protocol showed improved outcomes, including reduced disability and death, by adhering to key performance indicators such as maintaining cerebral perfusion pressure and early initiation of nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateJan 23, 2019

High-tech tools, teamwork were key to separating infant girls joined at the head

Researchers report on successful separation surgery using advanced technologies and multidisciplinary team, showcasing improved outcomes for infants with craniopagus conjoined twins. The Delaney twins are thriving two-year-olds, exceeding expectations with their development and growth after the 11-hour separation surgery.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 23, 2019

Laser physics: A new home for optical solitons

Researchers at LMU Munich have successfully generated dissipative solitons in passive free-space resonators, a breakthrough that enables the compression of laser pulses while increasing their peak power. This technique opens up new avenues for exploring ultrafast dynamics and precision spectroscopy.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 23, 2019

Where is Earth's submoon?

Large moons in stable orbits around their parent planets are thought to be capable of hosting satellite submoons, with four bodies in our Solar System potentially fitting this description. However, the lack of observed submoons may offer insights into planetary formation and evolution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 23, 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.

Prolonged spaceflight could weaken astronauts' immune systems

A new study found that prolonged spaceflights can impair natural killer cell function in astronauts, increasing the risk of cancer and viral reactivation. The effects are more pronounced in first-time astronauts, suggesting stress or age may play a role.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJan 23, 2019

Needle and syringe programs cost-effectively prevent hepatitis C transmission

A recent study found that needle and syringe programs are a cost-effective way to prevent hepatitis C (HCV) transmission among people who inject drugs. The research, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, estimated that these programs would save millions of pounds in infection treatment costs in the UK. In addition to re...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAddiction·DateJan 23, 2019

New water splitting catalyst could make it easier to generate solar fuel

Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new water splitting catalyst that enables efficient hydrogen gas production from solar energy. The catalyst, which uses doped vanadium pentoxide nanowires, shows a ten-fold increase in solar-harvested hydrogen compared to undoped materials.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 23, 2019

An icy forecast for ringed seal populations

A new mathematical model predicts a 50-99% decline in ringed seal populations by 2100, primarily driven by insufficient snow on the ice. This decline will lead to smaller juvenile populations and reduced survival rates for adults.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateJan 23, 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.

Should we rename low-risk cancers?

The debate centers on renaming ultra-low risk cancers to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatments. Experts recommend recalibrating thresholds for cancer diagnosis to categorize very low risk cancers as benign, reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 23, 2019

Patients who identify as transgender have lower odds of being screened for cancer: Study

A study at St. Michael's Hospital found that transgender patients have lower odds of being screened for certain types of cancer, including breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Transgender patients had a 70% lower odds of being screened for breast cancer, with similar disparities seen in cervical and colorectal cancer screening.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Family Physician·DateJan 23, 2019

A muscle protein promotes nerve healing

Researchers discovered that a muscle protein called LIM protein (MLP) can promote nerve healing by stabilizing structures in growth cones. Blocking or suppressing MLP's function reduces nerve cells' ability to grow axons.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 23, 2019

High-protein rice brings value, nutrition

Researchers developed high-protein rice lines with increased yield and improved grain quality, providing a solution to global protein deficiencies. The 'Frontière' line has a 53% higher protein content than original rice varieties, making it suitable for various applications such as specialty food products.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateJan 23, 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.

Climate change tipping point could be coming sooner than we think

A new study published in Nature reveals that the land's capacity to trap carbon may be declining due to changes in soil moisture, potentially accelerating global warming. The research highlights the urgent need for improved modeling of vegetation response to water stress and land-atmosphere coupling.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 2019

Suicide deaths among incarcerated youth

Research finds no significant difference in mental health conditions between incarcerated and community youth who died by suicide. However, study highlights environment as a potential contributor to increased suicides among incarcerated youth. Practical recommendations include timely suicide assessments and targeted prevention programs.

SourceMediaSource·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 23, 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.

Childhood lead exposure linked to poor adult mental health

A study of people who grew up in the era of leaded gasoline found that higher blood lead levels at age 11 were associated with signs of mental illness and difficult personality traits by age 38. Participants exposed to higher levels of lead as children were rated as more neurotic, less agreeable, and less conscientious than their peers.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJan 23, 2019