Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 7, 2019


Would you vote for a Democrat who behaves like a Republican?

A Bright Line Watch experiment reveals that partisanship is the dominant factor in voting decisions, outweighing policy positions and democratic values. The study's findings highlight the American public's commitment to certain democratic principles, but also expose significant partisan divides on issues like voter ID laws.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateJan 7, 2019

Self-propulsion of levitated droplets

Researchers discovered that levitated droplets can self-propel across a cryogenic liquid surface, gliding and oscillating without friction. The phenomenon is driven by an asymmetry between the front and back of the drop, emerging in the supporting film's thickness.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

Powerful X-ray beams unlock secrets of nanoscale crystal formation

A new technique allows continuous study of cobalt nanoparticles as they grow, producing 'nanometric phase diagrams' showing the conditions that control their structure. This method has potential applications for other materials, including alloys and oxides.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 7, 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.

Yeast makes ethanol to prevent metabolic overload

Yeast cells produce ethanol as a 'safety valve' when their metabolic operation reaches a critical level. This discovery also explains the Warburg effect in cancer cells, where energy is wasted by producing lactate.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 7, 2019

Opioids fueled a doubling of suicides and overdoses in the US

A new review by Michigan Medicine researchers shows that opioids are a key contributor to the rise in suicides and drug overdoses in the US. The study calls for improvements in pain care, mental health care, and medication-assisted opioid addiction care to reverse this deadly trend.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 7, 2019

Anxiety-depressive disorder changes brain genes activity

Researchers discovered that anxiety-depressive disorder in mice is associated with impaired energy metabolism in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus and hippocampus. This finding provides a fresh look at the depression development mechanism and other psycho-emotional diseases formation.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateJan 7, 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.

New materials could 'drive wound healing' by harnessing natural healing methods

Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new molecule called TrAPs that interact with the body's natural repair systems to drive healing. The technique mimics nature and can be tailored to release specific therapeutic proteins based on cell type, offering new hope for patients with difficult-to-heal wounds.

SourceImperial College London·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 7, 2019

Quantum computing steps further ahead with new projects at Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories has launched four new projects to advance quantum computing, including a 'testbed' for industrial and academic researchers. The projects focus on creating accessible components, high-level algorithms and tools to measure quantum hardware performance.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJan 7, 2019

Scientists developed new mouse model of Hirschsprung's disease

Researchers created a viable mouse model of Hirschsprung's disease to study its development and progression. The new model revealed that mucin-producing goblet cells may be a target for preventative treatment and that reduced expression of GFRa1 contributes to susceptibility to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJan 7, 2019

Drug development for neglected disease

Researchers have developed a highly specific anti-Wolbachia drug candidate that could provide a safe oral treatment for worm infections in just 7 days. The new therapy has superior efficacy and favorable drug properties compared to existing options, which typically take 4-6 weeks to treat similar conditions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 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.

Hopkins researchers ID new biomarker for colorectal cancers

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a protein that can serve as an early biomarker for colorectal cancer. The protein, beta-1,4-GalT-V, is involved in cell proliferation and new blood vessel formation, which are critical processes in cancer growth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateJan 7, 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.

Body cameras and judgment of intent

Researchers found that body-camera footage led to lower intentionality ratings compared to dashboard footage in both real and staged incidents. The study suggests that body-camera footage could impact judicial decisions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

Stem cell signal drives new bone building

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a cellular protein signal that drives both bone and fat formation in stem cells. Harnessing this signal, WISP-1, could help fractures heal faster, speed surgical recovery and prevent bone loss due to aging or injury.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 7, 2019

Suicide risk increases significantly following a cancer diagnosis

A new study published in CANCER found that suicide risk increases significantly in the first year following a cancer diagnosis, with the highest increase seen for pancreatic and lung cancers. The study's authors emphasize the importance of screening for suicide risk and providing social and emotional support to newly diagnosed patients.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJan 7, 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.

'Flipped' metal oxide cage can sort CO2 from CO

Scientists at Kanazawa University develop a spherical vanadium oxide cluster that selectively traps carbon dioxide over carbon monoxide. The 'flipped' structure allows for efficient separation of the two gases.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 7, 2019

Green catalysts with Earth-abundant metals accelerate production of bio-based plastic

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel catalyst using manganese dioxide (MnO2) that accelerates the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, generating new raw materials for bio-based plastics. The team found that the crystal structure of MnO2 is crucial for catalytic activity.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 7, 2019

A century and half of reconstructed ocean warming offers clues for the future

A century and a half of reconstructed ocean warming offers insights into the Earth system's energy balance. The study suggests that global warming of the oceans has occurred over the past 150 years, with comparable warming patterns observed in the 1920s-1940s and 1990s-2015.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

Adults with autism can read complex emotions in others

Researchers found that adults with autism can quickly recognize regret and relief emotions in characters, even outperforming neurotypical individuals. The study used eye-tracking technology to monitor participants' responses to stories, revealing a previously overlooked strength in adults with ASD.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalAutism Research·DateJan 7, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A little squid sheds light on evolution with bacteria

A recent study sequenced the genome of the Hawaiian bobtail squid, revealing unique evolutionary footprints in symbiotic organs that house beneficial bacteria. The research provides clues about how these partnerships are maintained and lays the groundwork for furthering knowledge of human microbiome relationships.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

TESS discovers its third new planet, with longest orbit yet

Scientists have discovered a new planet, HD 21749b, with the longest orbital period of three planets so far identified by TESS. The planet, about three times the size of Earth and 23 times as massive, is likely a dense, gaseous 'sub-Neptune' world.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 7, 2019

Intermittent fasting could improve obese women's health

A study published in Obesity found that obese women who followed a diet with intermittent fasting lost more weight and improved their health compared to those who only restricted their diet or fasted intermittently. This research suggests that intermittent fasting may be an effective approach for improving obesity-related health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalObesity·DateJan 7, 2019

Why people reject city trees

A study by University of Vermont researcher Christine Carmichael found that nearly 25% of eligible Detroit residents rejected the city's tree planting program due to negative past experiences with street trees. The opposition was primarily driven by concerns over maintenance responsibilities and lack of decision-making power. The resea...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalSociety & Natural Resources·DateJan 7, 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.

Meaningful life tied to healthy aging

Researchers found that high ratings for engagement in worthwhile activities are associated with strong personal relationships, healthy lifestyles, sound mental and physical health. High ratings predict healthy lifestyles, increased relationships and socializing, and reduced loneliness, depression, and health issues.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

PAC1R mutation may be linked to severity of social deficits in autism

A study suggests that a PAC1R mutation may be associated with more severe social problems and disrupted brain connectivity in individuals with autism. The research found high levels of PAC1R expression in key brain regions, particularly in male brains during fetal development and female brains during childhood.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalAutism Research·DateJan 7, 2019

How game theory can bring humans and robots closer together

Researchers used game theory to programme robots that can anticipate human movements and respond safely. The breakthrough could aid robots in sports training, physical rehabilitation, or shared driving, complementing human capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJan 7, 2019

How the brain decides whether to hold 'em or fold 'em

A Johns Hopkins study found that the brain's push-pull dynamic between hemispheres contributes to risk-taking behavior, with cumulative feelings from past bets influencing decisions. Researchers used stereoelectroencephalography to analyze neural signals and developed a mathematical equation to calculate each patient's bias.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 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.

Racial differences in Alzheimer's disease unveiled

Researchers identified racial disparities in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and progression among African-American participants, who had lower levels of brain protein tau. This may lead to under-recognition of the disease in African-Americans, as they often have lower tau levels than Caucasians, according to a new study.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJan 7, 2019

Risk-taking bias in the brain

Researchers discovered that individuals with epilepsy exhibit increased high-frequency brain activity in the right hemisphere when making risky bets and the left hemisphere when avoiding risks. The findings suggest a brain-based mechanism for risk-taking biases, which can be influenced by past behaviors.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

New bat-borne virus related to Ebola discovered by Singapore team

Researchers have identified a new genus of filovirus from fruit bats in China, which shares similarities with Ebola and Marburg viruses. The Mengla virus has been found in different geographic locations than other filoviruses and poses a potential risk of interspecies transmission.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateJan 7, 2019

Monitoring stress response in rats

Researchers developed a flexible electrode to monitor adrenal gland activity in real-time, providing potential continuous tracking of acute and chronic stress responses. This method could aid in diagnosis and treatment of stress disorders.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 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.

Scientists call for more diversity in genomic research

A University of Oxford study reveals that genomic research has been limited by a lack of diversity, with most subjects from the UK, US, and Iceland. The study analyzed nearly 4,000 scientific studies between 2005 and 2018, finding that ancestral diversity has stalled and non-white groups are under-represented.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 7, 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.

Future research in aerosol geoengineering

Researchers emphasize the need for prioritized uncertainty identification in aerosol geoengineering to address climate change. The article suggests a model-based approach with potential small-scale field experimentation once global consensus is achieved.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

US health care spending highest among developed countries

The US has the highest per capita health care spending among developed countries, largely attributed to higher prices. A study found that despite efforts to control spending, the US continues to outspend other countries on healthcare, with a significant gap between public and private insurer payments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 7, 2019

Scientists identify new fuel-delivery route for cells

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a protein responsible for transporting nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) into cells, where it can be used to produce energy. This finding has implications for understanding the process of aging and developing therapies to boost cellular energy levels.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 7, 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.

Evolution used same genetic formula to turn animals monogamous

Researchers found that a specific set of genes and brain activity changes occurred in all species undergoing evolutionary transitions to monogamy, suggesting a universal formula for complex social behaviors. The study covers 450 million years of evolution, spanning multiple species, including mammals, birds, frogs, and fish.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

Senescent cell research moves into human trials

Researchers have conducted a safety and feasibility clinical trial on removing senescent cells from patients with pulmonary fibrosis, showing clinically meaningful improvement in physical function. The study used a drug to clear senescent cells and found benefits in gait speed, walking speed, chair rise test, and physical function tests.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJan 7, 2019

New approach may curb treatment-related skin fibrosis in cancer patients

A team of researchers has discovered a potential method to treat radiation-induced skin fibrosis by manipulating metabolism. They found that metabolic abnormalities are a key factor in the development of this condition, and identified several compounds and cell therapy techniques that may help alleviate its symptoms.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 7, 2019

Exposure to sugary breakfast cereal advertising directly influences children's diets

A Dartmouth-led study reveals that exposure to sugary breakfast cereal advertising directly influences children's diets, leading to increased intake of those cereals. The research suggests a concerning link between child-directed high-sugar cereal TV advertising and brand-specific cereal consumption among preschoolers.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 7, 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.

Female penguins are getting stranded along the South American coast

Researchers found that female Magellanic penguins are more likely to be stranded along the South American coast due to their northward migration. The study suggests that females are at greater risk of encountering threats such as water pollution and marine transport hazards, leading to increased stranding.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 7, 2019

Climate model uncertainties ripe to be squeezed

New evaluation tools and global climate models will enable a more complete comparison of models to ground-based and satellite measurements. This combination can significantly reduce uncertainties in key aspects of future climate change, according to a study published in Nature Climate Change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 7, 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.

New complex carbohydrate discovered in barley

A new complex carbohydrate was discovered in barley by University of Adelaide researchers, which has the potential to be exploited for various uses. The polysaccharide is a mix of glucose and xylose and could behave as a structural component or a viscous gel.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 7, 2019

'DeepSqueak' helps researchers decode rodent chatter

DeepSqueak uses deep artificial neural networks to analyze ultrasonic vocalizations, providing a new tool for studying social behavior in rodents. The researchers found that male mice have distinct songs for different stages of courtship, and that they are more complex when sensing a female mouse nearby.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJan 7, 2019

Prefrontal cortex development and mental illness

A mouse study reveals that abnormal brain development and maternal stress interact to produce schizophrenia, bipolar, and depressive disorders. Disrupting a specific molecule in the prefrontal cortex during embryonic development can lead to similar cognitive impairments.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJan 7, 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.

New reference values for cancer patients' quality of life

Researchers have determined general population quality of life normative data for 15 individual countries, allowing for regional comparisons and valid QLQ-C30 score interpretation. National differences in quality of life scores were found, with respondents from Austria and the Netherlands reporting higher scores.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateJan 7, 2019

Insect biological control shields tropical forests

A study reveals that introducing a parasitic wasp to control the cassava mealybug can reduce crop losses, restore farm profitability, and slow deforestation. The approach provides a sustainable solution for tackling invasive species, promoting biodiversity conservation and profitable farming.

SourceCirad·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 7, 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.

USC science races against tick-borne virus

USC scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about a tick-borne virus, including its molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. The research could lead to the development of medications and a vaccine to prevent or treat hemorrhagic fever.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 7, 2019

Prescribed opioids raise risk of pneumonia in patients with and without HIV

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that prescribed opioids increase the risk of pneumonia in individuals with and without HIV. Patients taking medium or high doses of opioid painkillers were at greater risk for pneumonia, particularly those with immunosuppressive properties.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 7, 2019

Enhancing human-machine interactions

Researchers discovered that simulating human cooperation with machine-actors can significantly enhance human-machine interactions. The study involved over 100 volunteers and showed improved performance comparable to human-human collaborations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 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.

Satellite images reveal global poverty

Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a method to map economic living conditions using high-resolution satellite data, capturing household-level information with 62% accuracy. This approach makes space-based monitoring a promising technology for effective poverty tracking and achieving the UN's sustainable development goals.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

Should researchers engineer a spicy tomato?

Gene-editing techniques may enable mass-producing capsaicinoids in tomatoes, which have nutritional and antibiotic properties. Researchers aim to develop commercial applications for these compounds.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateJan 7, 2019

Stroke produces dysfunctional brain cells

New research published in JNeurosci finds that stroke generates dysfunctional brain cells that fail to develop properly, leading to memory impairments. Intervening in the production of these cells may help mitigate stroke-induced memory loss.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJan 7, 2019

Putative signature of monogamy

Researchers identified 24 candidate genes associated with monogamy in vertebrates, including heightened expressions of those involved in neural development, synaptic activity, learning, and memory. This suggests a putative gene expression signature common to some vertebrate species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 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.

New research looks at the promise of 'digital neuropsychology'

Researchers describe the potential of digital neuropsychology to improve cognitive testing and measure brain functioning in health and disease. Digital tools can capture subtle information about test takers' cognition, including moment-to-moment changes.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalThe Clinical Neuropsychologist·DateJan 7, 2019

Recent research suggests new therapeutic role for caffeine in neuropsychiatric disorders

Researchers suggest caffeine as a potential therapeutic tool for treating motivational symptoms of depression and cognitive impairments in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. A new study also proposes targeting the adenosine A1R-D1R heteromer to improve spinal cord injury outcomes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Caffeine and Adenosine Research·DateJan 7, 2019

Whites struggle to tell real from fake smiles on black faces

Research by the American Psychological Association found that whites and non-black minorities have difficulty distinguishing genuine from fake smiles on black faces, which can lead to negative outcomes in interracial interactions. The study suggests that this bias may be related to reluctance to make eye contact with black faces.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 7, 2019

Brain imaging predicts response to public health campaign

A new study published in JNeurosci used neuroimaging data from smokers to predict the influence of an anti-smoking media campaign on likely smokers. The approach identified a neural pathway that predicted campaign success, and may help improve informational materials.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJan 7, 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.

Socio-economic study looks at boosting Panama Canal reliability

A recent study by University of Wyoming researchers analyzed the feasibility of eco-friendly land management practices to improve Panama Canal water flow and reduce erosion. The research, published in PNAS, suggests that offering contracts to private farmers could increase dry-season water flow, but market supply and scalability are li...

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

Screening donated blood for Zika not cost-effective

Universal screening of individual blood donations for Zika virus is not cost-effective in the 50 US states during the first year. Screening was only cost-effective in high mosquito season in Puerto Rico, and finding suggests revisiting universal blood screening policy.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 7, 2019

Reconstructing ocean warming history

A new study reconstructs ocean heat storage since 1871, revealing key changes in temperature history and circulation patterns. The findings suggest that up to half of mid-latitude Atlantic Ocean warming can be attributed to changes in ocean circulation since the 1950s.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

Duke-NUS researchers discover new bat-borne virus related to Ebola

Researchers have identified a new genus of filovirus from a Rousettus bat in China, which shares genetic similarities with Ebola and Marburg viruses. The M?nglà virus poses a potential risk of interspecies transmission and has only been detected in bats so far.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 7, 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.

First-in-human trial of senolytic drugs encouraging

Researchers conducted a first-in-human trial of senolytic drugs on patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), an age-related disease. The study showed significant improvements in participants' mobility, with an average increase of 21.5 meters in six-minute walk distance.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJan 7, 2019

Faulty immune receptor could be reason why many face HIV complications

Researchers at Michigan State University discovered that faulty SLAMF7 receptors can lead to chronic immune activation and disease-related complications in HIV patients. The finding suggests a new angle for targeting immune activation and could lead to novel drug treatments.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJan 7, 2019

Implicit attitudes can change over the long term

A study published in Psychological Science found that participants' self-reported attitudes toward various social groups have shifted towards neutrality over a decade, while their implicit attitudes also decreased in bias. Notably, changes in implicit sexual orientation and race attitudes occurred across all generations.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 7, 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.

Solar energy in snow-covered mountains

Solar panels can generate significant amounts of energy on snow-covered mountains with steep tilt angles. This study suggests shifting a large fraction of electricity production from summer to winter months without compromising total annual production.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

The Lancet Child & Ado. Health: Caring for preterm babies in single family rooms may help prevent sepsis and improve exclusive breastfeeding

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that caring for preterm babies in single family rooms reduces the incidence of sepsis and improves exclusive breastfeeding rates compared to traditional open ward neonatal units. However, long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes were not significantly different between babies cared for in single...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateJan 7, 2019

Can artificial intelligence tell a polar bear from a can opener?

A recent UCLA study found that artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning computer networks, have severe limitations in distinguishing objects. The researchers demonstrated that these machines can be easily fooled, and their method of identifying objects using computer vision differs substantially from human vision.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 7, 2019

Balanced diet, exercise may not prevent gestational diabetes

A new study published in Cell Metabolism suggests that energy balance - the calories consumed versus burned - may not determine the development of gestational diabetes. Women with obesity tend to develop gestational diabetes due to primary risk factors such as excess fat and insulin resistance, which can be evident early in pregnancy.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 7, 2019

New key mechanism of epileptic seizures revealed

Researchers identified a key factor leading to epileptic seizures by analyzing changes in the temporal lobe cortex of a rat brain. The study found that excessive excitation of neurons, triggered by calcium-permeable AMPA receptors, increases the risk of convulsive discharges.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateJan 7, 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.

Older people who use hearing aids still report hearing challenges

A study of 1,133 Medicare participants found that lower-income individuals with hearing aids face significant barriers to accessing hearing care services. Only 58% of high-income users received such services in the prior year, highlighting the need for expanded coverage and easier access.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 7, 2019

Researchers say auditory testing can identify children for autism screening

Research suggests that auditory dysfunction can be a clue to monitor children for autism, and early detection can lead to optimized interventions. Hearing issues identified at birth may benefit both children with autism and those without, improving their quality of life.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJan 7, 2019

Human brain allocates attention based on known size of objects

Researchers at George Washington University discover that people pay attention to objects based on their real-world size rather than visual perception. The study suggests attention allocation can be trained, leading to improvements and efficiency in tasks such as radiology or airport security.

SourceGeorge Washington University·DateJan 7, 2019

University of Cincinnati awarded $3.2 million to study stroke recurrence risk

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are studying the use of neuroimaging to pinpoint the risk factors of stroke recurrence, which affects nearly 800,000 people annually in the US. The study aims to identify patients at higher risk for recurrent strokes by assessing imaging for signs of small vessel disease in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 7, 2019