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Science News for July 16, 2019


First ever state sepsis regulation in US tied to lower death rates

A study led by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that implementing a state-mandated sepsis regulation in New York resulted in a significant drop in death rates from sepsis, with a 4.3% decrease compared to control states. The policy requires hospitals to quickly implement certain protocols when sepsis is suspected.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA·DateJul 16, 2019

The Lancet Public Health: First scientific review of menstrual cups suggests they are safe and may be as effective as other sanitary products

A systematic review of menstrual cups suggests they are a safe option for menstruation management. The review found similar leakage levels to disposable pads or tampons, with some studies showing significant less leakage. Practice, peer support, and training are key to initiation and adoption.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateJul 16, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCI electrical engineering team develops 'beyond 5G' wireless transceiver

A new wireless transceiver invented by UCI engineers boosts radio frequencies to 100-gigahertz territory, quadrupling the speed of the upcoming 5G standard. The chip's unique digital-analog architecture enables faster data processing and less energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalIEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits·DateJul 16, 2019

'Ohi'a Challenge winner announced at Hawai'i Conservation Conference

Dr. Ryan Perroy's solution uses high-resolution cameras and sensors to improve early detection of Rapid 'Ohi'a Death across forests, giving managers precious time to respond to outbreaks. The innovative approach also involves collecting samples from suspect trees using drones for laboratory analysis.

SourceConservation X Labs·DateJul 16, 2019

Limitation exposed in promising quantum computing material

Researchers at the University of Utah discovered that as the insulating layers of a topological insulator get thinner, its metallic surfaces start influencing each other and losing their conductivity. The study found that this phenomenon occurs at an insulating layer thickness of around 16 quintuple atomic layers across.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 16, 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.

Backed in black: How to get people to buy more produce

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers found that presenting vegetables on a black background makes them more attractive to consumers. This is because the color black is associated with high quality and expensiveness, as seen in previous studies on computing products.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJul 16, 2019

Researchers ID mechanism that may drive obesity epidemic

Researchers identified a molecular mechanism that may be contributing to the global obesity epidemic. The study found that a protein called RAGE on the surface of fat cells can block fat burning when stressed, leading to weight gain. Removing RAGE from fat cells reduced weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 16, 2019

New measurement of universe's expansion rate is 'stuck in the middle'

A new method using red giant stars has measured the universe's expansion rate at 69.8 kilometers per second per megaparsec, settling between previous values of 74.0 km/s/Mpc and 67.4 km/s/Mpc. The result may indicate that the standard model of the universe is not yet complete.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 16, 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.

BU researcher receives NIH grant to study Down syndrome

Boston University School of Medicine researcher Tarik F. Haydar received a $453,750 NIH grant to develop human stem cell-derived cultures for studying white matter abnormality in Down syndrome. He aims to understand how neural stem cells generate the cerebral cortex.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJul 16, 2019

Research shows black plastics could create renewable energy

Researchers at Swansea University have developed a method to recycle black plastics into carbon nanotubes for use in high-value materials like conductive films and flexible electronics fabrics. This process could reduce plastic waste and help solve the problem of lost electricity during transmission and distribution.

SourceSwansea University·JournalC – Journal of Carbon Research·DateJul 16, 2019

$4.6 million award creates program to train cybersecurity professionals

The University of Arkansas has received a $4.6 million award to train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The program will provide education and job training for students, focusing on critical industries such as transportation and energy, and addressing a national shortage of skilled cybersecurity experts.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·DateJul 16, 2019

Flies may also spread disease among monkeys and apes

Researchers found high densities of flies in primate social groups, recapturing marked flies up to two weeks later. Flies carried anthrax and Treponema pallidum pertenue bacteria, which cause severe lesions in mangabeys.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJul 16, 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.

Exercise offers protection against Alzheimer's

Higher levels of daily physical activity may slow cognitive decline and brain tissue loss in people with high amyloid plaque in the brain. The study suggests that physical activity might reduce b-amyloid-related cortical thinning and preserve gray matter structure.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 16, 2019

Timing is everything for the mutualistic relationship between ants and acacias

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania discover a genetic mechanism controlling the development of specialized structures in acacia trees that feed and house ant colonies. The findings suggest an age-dependent phenomenon in plant development, where traits appear only after reaching a mature stage.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2019

Study finds transgender, non-binary autism link

A study of 177 people found that 14% had a diagnosis of autism and 28% reached the cut off point, highlighting a high number of potentially undiagnosed individuals. The research suggests adapting consultation processes in gender identity clinics to screen for autism spectrum disorders.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEuropean Psychiatry·DateJul 16, 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.

Stronger earthquakes can be induced by wastewater injected deep underground

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a link between oilfield wastewater disposal and increased high-magnitude earthquakes. The study found that the percentage of high-magnitude earthquakes increases with depth, suggesting that stronger earthquakes may occur years after injection rates decline or stop.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2019

Are fertility apps useful?

A study of 200,000 FAM app users found that digital self-tracking can provide valuable information for inferring underlying hormonal changes and ovulation timing. The analysis revealed patterns similar to those in small-scale clinical studies, with notable improvements in the duration and range of the follicular phase.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateJul 16, 2019

New safer, inexpensive way to propel small satellites

Purdue University researchers have developed a novel micropropulsion system for nanosatellite applications, providing a robust, efficient option with reduced contamination risks. The system uses a liquid fed pulsed-plasma thruster and has the potential to address current challenges in CubeSat micropropulsion systems.

SourcePurdue University·DateJul 16, 2019

Joshua trees facing extinction

Researchers predict Joshua trees will not survive beyond this century without drastic action on climate change. The study found that even with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, the park would retain only 19% of its habitat after 2070.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEcosphere·DateJul 16, 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.

Get up and go bots getting closer, study says

Researchers from UC San Diego successfully embedded complex sensors inside robotic limbs and grippers using commercial 3D printing. However, the performance of these sensors is limited by the use of non-conductive polymers, which require additional post-processing for optimal functionality.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateJul 16, 2019

NASA looks at Barry's rainfall rates

NASA's GPM core satellite analyzed Barry's rainfall rates several hours after it made landfall on the coast of Louisiana. Heavy rain bands were revealed by the data, with rainfall rates exceeding 10 mm/hour in some areas. The storm brought heavy rains and flooding to the mid-Mississippi Valley as it moved through the region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 16, 2019

Long live the long-limbed African chicken

Researchers found that African chickens have longer, meatier legs due to selective breeding, but are losing diversity as commercial birds are introduced. The study highlights the importance of preserving traditional breeds and their unique characteristics.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalInternational Journal of Osteoarchaeology·DateJul 16, 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.

Avian malaria behind drastic decline of London's iconic sparrow?

Research suggests that avian malaria may be behind London's dramatic decline in house sparrow populations, with nearly all birds carrying the parasite. Infection intensity varied significantly among colonies, with higher rates linked to younger birds and declining populations.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJul 16, 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.

A genomic barcode tracker for immune cells

A new method, RAGE-seq, enables scientists to track rare immune cells reactive against cancer cells. The technique reveals unprecedented insight into armming the immune system to target cancer. By scanning thousands of immune cells at a time, it provides an accurate snapshot of how the immune cells in a tissue sample are related.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2019

Four young pediatric cancer research fellows earn nearly $1 million in awards

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has named four outstanding young scientists as recipients of the prestigious Damon Runyon-Sohn Pediatric Cancer Fellowship Award, committing nearly $1 million to address a critical shortage of funding for pediatric cancer research. The award provides four-year funding totaling $231,000 and su...

SourceDamon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation·DateJul 16, 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.

Risk and progression of Alzheimer's disease differ by sex

Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that women accumulate more tau protein in their brains than men, leading to a faster spread of the protein and increased risk for Alzheimer's disease. This sex-specific difference in tau spread may require tailored approaches for prevention and treatment.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateJul 16, 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.

NUS 'smart' textiles boost connectivity between wearable sensors by 1,000 times

Researchers from NUS have invented a new way for wearable devices to interconnect using conductive textiles, allowing for more efficient data transmission and improved privacy. The 'wireless body sensor network' enables devices to transmit signals with 1,000 times stronger signal strength than conventional technologies.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Electronics·DateJul 16, 2019

Salt regulation among saltmarsh sparrows evolved in 4 unique ways

Four sparrow species adapt differently to control water and salt balance, with Savannah Sparrows using channel-forming genes, Swamp Sparrows evolving gene changes, Song Sparrows reinforcing cell walls, and Nelson's Sparrows curbing thirst. The adaptations are rapid and accompanied by shared traits like larger bills and darker plumage.

SourceCornell University·JournalEvolution Letters·DateJul 16, 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.

Fusion's path to practicality

TAE Technologies, backed by DOE funding through INCITE program, aims to achieve commercially viable nuclear fusion energy. The company's FRC device seeks to confine plasma at high temperatures for extended periods, paving the way for sustainable, carbon-free energy production.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·DateJul 16, 2019

By cutting ozone pollution now, China could save 330,000 lives by 2050

A new study suggests that reducing China's ozone pollution can prevent hundreds of thousands of premature deaths by 2050. The research found that climate change alone could cause a 11% increase in ozone pollution, leading to an additional 62,000 premature deaths.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 16, 2019

New species of tree discovered in Tanzania mountains

Researchers have discovered a new species of tree in the Usambara Mountains, which grows up to 20m tall with white flowers. The tree is considered endangered due to its restricted population range and potential reliance on a specific beetle for pollination.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalKew Bulletin·DateJul 16, 2019

Study finds age, race disparities in hospital patient portal use

A new study found that older patients and African Americans used hospital patient portals less than younger and white patients, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to close the digital divide. The study also showed that older patients needed more training resources to increase use.

SourceMediaSource·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateJul 16, 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.

Novel therapy administered after TBI prevents brain damage

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have discovered a novel therapy that reduces brain damage after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice, preventing seizures and reducing inflammation. The study aims to develop a simple and effective treatment for TBI patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateJul 16, 2019

Prescribed opioids associated with overdose risk for family members without prescriptions

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that prescribed opioids are associated with a nearly threefold increase in overdose rates for individuals without their own prescriptions. Family members on the same health insurance plan have access to these medications, posing a significant risk of accidental exposure or misuse.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 16, 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.

Why two out of three babies are cradled on the left

A study published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews found that between 66-72% of people hold infants with their left arm. The preference is similar across men and women, and may be linked to emotional processing in the brain.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateJul 16, 2019

Speeding up science on near-Earth asteroids

Researchers at Washington State University have improved the software used to track thousands of near-Earth asteroids and comets, reducing modeling time from months to just hours. This breakthrough enables scientists to better predict asteroid orbits and potential collisions with Earth.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAstronomy and Computing·DateJul 16, 2019

Human pancreas on a chip opens new possibilities for studying disease

Researchers created a human pancreas on a chip that can mimic the human pancreas and potentially help find therapeutic measures to manage glucose imbalance in people with cystic fibrosis. The device was used to study CF-related diabetes and type 1/2 diabetes, opening new possibilities for disease research.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2019

A new tool for data scientists and biologists and more

A new computational tool developed by USC researchers solves the 'community detection' problem, identifying patterns and relationships among entities with greater accuracy than existing tools. The Ollivier-Ricci curvature-based method can be leveraged by various groups, including biologists, doctors, and political strategists.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 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.

Global commission into health inequities of mental illness gives blueprint for change

A global commission has released a blueprint for protecting physical health in people with mental illness, highlighting key factors driving poor health and presenting initiatives for health policy and clinical services. The report reveals a broad range of mental illnesses are associated with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

SourceNICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 16, 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.

Osteoarthritis linked to higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease

Researchers found that people with osteoarthritis were at a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to the general population. The study, published in Lund University, followed 469,000 people for 11 years and found a significant link between osteoarthritis and increased mortality from cardiovascular diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalOsteoarthritis and Cartilage·DateJul 16, 2019

The protein that gives identical cells individuality

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered how a protein called Epe1 maintains a balance between tightly packed and variable DNA structures in yeast cells. This finding could lead to new strategies for suppressing the formation of tumor cells resistant to anti-cancer drugs.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 16, 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.

Birds of a feather flock together to keep their options open, say scientists

Researchers at the University of Warwick used bird flocks as a model to demonstrate how individuals can gain greater advantages by working in groups. The algorithm, similar to tree searches, predicts collective motion and suggests that this principle may be fundamental to social co-operation and intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2019

Rutgers collaborates with WHO to more accurately describe mental health disorders

A Rutgers University researcher collaborated with the World Health Organization to gather input from people with common mental health issues on how their disorders are described in diagnostic guidelines. The study aimed to improve access to treatment and reduce stigma by incorporating personal experiences into diagnostic manuals.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 16, 2019

New cell discovered that can heal hearts

Researchers at UCalgary have identified a new cell population in pericardial fluid that helps heal injured hearts in mice and humans. This discovery could lead to new treatments for patients with damaged hearts.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalImmunity·DateJul 16, 2019

Tracking down climate change with radar eyes

Researchers have documented a 22-year average sea level rise of 2.2 millimeters per year in the Arctic Ocean using radar measurements from space-based altimetry satellites. The findings reveal significant regional differences, with sea levels rising twice as fast in the Beaufort Gyre and falling along the west coast of Greenland.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalRemote Sensing·DateJul 16, 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.

Tending the future of data analysis with MVApp

MVApp enables statistical analyses of vast plant-science datasets, extracting valuable information on plant physiology and growth patterns. The platform incorporates quantile regression to quantify trait contributions to yield, facilitating reproducible results.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJul 16, 2019

Pitt receives $6 million to develop hub for vision restoration research

The University of Pittsburgh has received a $6 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to support the development of a cortical vision research program. The program aims to understand how the eye and brain work together to restore vision, using cutting-edge technologies such as brain computer interfaces and optogenetics.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJul 16, 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.

Australian bee sting vaccine trial holds promise against allergic reactions

A clinical trial at Flinders University and Royal Adelaide Hospital included 27 adults with a history of allergic reactions to European honeybee stings. The vaccine used an adjuvant developed in Australia to neutralize bee venom, showing promising results and confirming safety.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 16, 2019

Dementia and transitional care: Gaps in research and practice

A new study found that older patients with dementia received significantly less transitional care than those without dementia, including inadequate patient education and poor communication between healthcare teams. Researchers are calling for system-level changes to prioritize the needs of dementia patients and their caregivers.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Gerontological Nursing·DateJul 16, 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.

Electronic chip mimics the brain to make memories in a flash

Researchers from RMIT University developed an electronic chip that replicates the brain's neural approach to store and delete information. The chip uses light to create and modify memories, moving closer to artificial intelligence that can harness the brain's full sophistication.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 16, 2019

Cancer device created at Rutgers to see if targeted chemotherapy is working

Rutgers researchers created a portable device that combines artificial intelligence and biosensors to detect live cancer cells after treatment, providing rapid results for personalized interventions. The device achieves 95.9% accuracy in counting live cancer cells without staining, enabling further molecular analysis and instant detect...

SourceRutgers University·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateJul 16, 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.

Study identifies potential markers of lung cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified markers that can distinguish between major subtypes of lung cancer and accurately predict lung cancer stage. The study's findings could help physicians decide whether an individual patient with lung cancer benefits from standard treatment or needs more aggressive therapy.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2019

Australian ants prepared for 'Insect Armageddon'

Researchers found that species already adapted to hot climates may actually benefit from increased rainfall. The study discovered a boom in the population of aggressive sugar-feeding ants with every rapid increase in rainfall.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJul 16, 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.

Scientists identified the metabolic features specific to the autistic brain

Researchers discovered distinct metabolic patterns in the prefrontal cortex of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study found that ASD affects evolutionarily novel metabolic pathways, suggesting a possible connection to human-specific evolutionary changes.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 16, 2019

Supernova observation first of its kind using NASA satellite

A team of astronomers at Ohio State University used NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite to observe a Type Ia supernova, the first of its kind to measure hydrogen in its spectra. The discovery challenges traditional theories on why white dwarf stars explode and could provide new insights into the elements left behind.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 16, 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.

US DOE awards $4.6 million to Argonne to support collaborations with industry

The US Department of Energy has awarded $4.6 million to Argonne National Laboratory to support collaborations with private industry and deploy promising energy technologies to the market. This funding is made possible through the Technology Commercialization Fund, which aims to maximize the impact of research investment for the nation.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJul 16, 2019