Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 17, 2019


Megakaryocytes act as 'bouncers' restraining cell migration in the bone marrow

Researchers discovered that megakaryocytes influence the migration of hematopoietic stem cells and neutrophils in the bone marrow. The study found that large megakaryocytes act as passive obstacles, reducing neutrophil mobility. This new understanding highlights the importance of biomechanical properties in regulating cell motility.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalHaematologica·DateJul 17, 2019

Modeling tool addresses uncertainty in military logistics planning

A new model, called the Military Logistics Network Planning System (MLNPS), draws on logistical data and operational information to assess risk and forecast logistical outcomes. The MLNPS can help military leaders identify efficient means of meeting logistical needs and account for uncertainty during expeditionary operations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation Applications Methodology Technology·DateJul 17, 2019

Marijuana use may not make parents more 'chill'

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that marijuana users administered more discipline techniques to their children than non-users, including timeouts and physical abuse. This contradicts the popular belief that marijuana use leads to a more relaxed parenting style.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions·DateJul 17, 2019

Your spending data may reveal aspects of your personality

A study analyzing over 2 million spending records found correlations between spending categories and specific personality traits. For example, those who were more open to experience tended to spend more on flights, while those with greater self-control spent less on bank charges.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 17, 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.

Protecting a forgotten treasure trove of biodiversity

The Cerrado, a global biodiversity hotspot, faces significant threats from soybean cultivation. A study suggests expanding the Amazon Soy Moratorium to the Cerrado could prevent 3.6 million hectares of native vegetation conversion between 2020 and 2050. This would require only a 2% reduction in soybean cultivation area nationally.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2019

Improving the odds of synthetic chemistry success

University of Utah chemists developed an algorithm that analyzes previous chemical reaction data to predict hypothetical reactions, narrowing the range of conditions needed for successful synthesis. The model successfully predicted outcomes for various reactions, offering a time-saving solution for pharmaceutical and materials research.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2019

Around one in 20 patients are affected by preventable harm

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that around 6% of patients are affected by preventable harm, which accounts for significant financial costs and can lead to permanent disability or death. The study highlights the need for strategies targeting preventable patient harm to improve medical care and reduce healthcare costs.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 17, 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 HIV program increased viral suppression, decreased new infections in Botswana

A new study found that a HIV program in Botswana increased population viral suppression to high levels, resulting in a nearly one-third reduction in new infections. The intervention included universal HIV testing and counseling, support for accessing care, and expanded ART initiation.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 17, 2019

Illinois study advances possibility of genetic control for major agricultural weeds

Researchers at the University of Illinois identified genetic signatures that distinguish male from female waterhemp and Palmer amaranth plants, a crucial step in developing genetic control. The discovery aims to introduce genetically modified male plants that would contain a gene drive to control the damaging weeds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateJul 17, 2019

Do marine protected areas work?

A new study published in Journal of Applied Ecology provides a method for verifying the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) by comparing data collected before and after their implementation. This approach helps scientists determine whether adjustments are needed to improve the impact of MPAs on fish populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 17, 2019

Japanese scientists embrace creepy-crawlies

Researchers in Japan are utilizing creepy-crawlies to study human disease, develop diagnostic kits and create sustainable fertilizers. Genome Pharmaceuticals Institute uses silkworms to identify compounds for treating infections and boosting immune systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 17, 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.

Parkinson's: New study associates oxidative stress with the spreading of aberrant proteins

Researchers at DZNE associate oxidative stress with the spreading of abnormal alpha-synuclein protein in Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder. The findings suggest that oxidative stress may trigger the formation and aggregation of toxic alpha-synuclein species, leading to progressive pathology and neuronal damage.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 17, 2019

Can gut infection trigger Parkinson's disease?

Researchers discover that a gut infection can trigger symptoms of Parkinson's disease, suggesting an immune component to the disease. The study found that infection caused auto-immunity, leading to the killing of dopaminergic neurons.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2019

Monitoring air quality after Fourth of July fireworks

Researchers measured air quality before, during, and after a large fireworks display in Albany, New York, finding peak levels of submicron particulate matter eight times higher than before. Potassium levels also spiked significantly, peaking at 350 times the background level.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Earth and Space Chemistry·DateJul 17, 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.

Lifting the fog on carbon budgets

Researchers from IIASA and colleagues provide a new tool to clearly communicate insights about carbon budgets, making it easier for policymakers to understand changes in the remaining carbon budget. The study defines the size of the remaining carbon budget by five main factors, including warming expected per ton of CO2 emission.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2019

Prescription opioid misuse: What do medical marijuana laws have to do with it?

Researchers found small increases in nonmedical prescription opioid use and slight decreases or no change in prescription opioid use disorder among nonmedical users. Medical marijuana laws had little impact on individual-level opioid outcomes, suggesting insufficient policies to reduce misuse.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 17, 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.

One in 270 births have 'dual burden' of prematurity and severe maternal complications

Research from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing finds that one in 270 births experience both premature birth and severe maternal complications. The study, which examined data from California births between 2007-2012, also reveals racial disparities in health outcomes, with Black women twice as likely to have a dual burden birth.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·DateJul 17, 2019

What counts for our climate: Carbon budgets untangled

A new study reveals that carbon budgets for limiting warming to 1.5°C are more uncertain than thought, with underestimated Earth system feedbacks such as permafrost thawing potentially reducing remaining budgets by 100 GtCO2. The research highlights the importance of considering these factors in climate policy-making.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2019

Little genes, big conservation: UM scientists study genetic rescue

Researchers examine the potential and uncertainties of genetic rescue, a conservation approach that aims to alleviate genetic problems in isolated populations. The study highlights the need for further research on the effectiveness and limitations of genetic rescue, including its impact on habitat fragmentation and biodiversity.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 17, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Is intensive treatment to lower lipid levels beneficial to older patients after acute coronary syndrome?

A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found no significant benefit of intensive lipid treatment with simvastatin and ezetimibe compared to simvastatin alone in older patients after acute coronary syndrome. The study suggests that age may be an important factor in determining the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJul 17, 2019

Rare inherited enzyme disorder yields insight into fibrosis

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered an association between a mutation in the NEU1 gene and fibrotic conditions, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study found that mice lacking the Neu1 gene developed muscle atrophy due to excessive connective tissue production.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2019

200 times faster than ever before: the speediest quantum operation yet

A team of researchers led by Professor Michelle Simmons has achieved a major milestone in building an atom-scale quantum computer, demonstrating the fastest two-qubit gate in silicon. The breakthrough involves placing two atom qubits closer together than ever before and controlling their spin states in real-time.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2019

NASA tracking post-tropical cyclone Barry to Indiana

Post-Tropical Cyclone Barry is moving towards the east-northeast near 22 mph, with a center of circulation located about 90 miles northeast of Indianapolis. The storm is expected to produce flash flooding and additional rain accumulations in the Upper Ohio and Upper Tennessee Valleys

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 17, 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.

A new level of smart industrial robots control and management reached at FEFU

Scientists developed a command-and-control plugin for intelligent industrial robots, allowing for high-quality 3D computer models to be built quickly and precisely. The software helps solve the issue of hard programming of industrial robots and can fix in-process workpieces on universal positioning devices.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research·DateJul 17, 2019

Legalized recreational marijuana a substitute for alcohol, but not tobacco

A new study finds that recreational marijuana legalization leads to a 8% increase in online searches for tobacco products, while searches for alcohol drop by 11%. However, the study also reveals that teenagers lose interest in cannabis after its legalization, contradicting common concerns about increased teen usage.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateJul 17, 2019

Sustainable savings on medical care

A global payment model has slowed spending growth on medical claims by nearly 12% while improving quality of care, particularly for patients with chronic diseases. The study found that patients received improved preventive care and management of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 17, 2019

New tuberculosis tests pave way for cow vaccination programs

A new skin test can accurately differentiate between cattle infected with tuberculosis (TB) and those that have been vaccinated against the disease. This breakthrough has significant implications for reducing TB transmission from cattle to humans through unpasteurized milk or co-habitation with infected animals.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 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.

Giving a chip about masa

Researchers reviewed knowledge on making corn into food products, highlighting the importance of corn quality and masa quality. They found that better quality corn could lead to higher yields, lower costs, and improved product consistency.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJul 17, 2019

Tiny vibration-powered robots are the size of the world's smallest ant

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed micro-bristle-bots that harness vibration to move and interact with their environment. The bots can be controlled by adjusting vibration frequencies and can potentially be used for tasks such as repairing injuries inside the human body or sensing environmental changes.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateJul 17, 2019

Radiation in parts of Marshall Islands is higher than Chernobyl

A Columbia University study reveals radiation levels on some Marshall Islands are above legal limits, citing widespread contamination from US nuclear tests. Residents of affected islands face potential harm from radiation exposure, highlighting the need for thorough environmental remediation.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 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.

Nationwide study on teen 'sexting' has good news, bad news

A new study from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire found that adolescent 'sexting' is not at epidemic levels as reported in media headlines. Most students were not participating in sexting, with only about 14% receiving explicit images or sending them to romantic partners.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJul 17, 2019

'Semi-synthetic' bacteria churn out unnatural proteins

Researchers optimized bacteria to produce proteins with unconventional amino acids, a significant breakthrough in synthetic biology. The study demonstrates the potential of semi-synthetic organisms to create new life forms with expanded genetic codes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 17, 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.

How invading fungus forces zombie ant's death grip

Researchers have discovered how a fungus controls zombie ants by invading their mandibular muscles, breaking open membrane covering muscle fibres and causing the muscle to contract forcefully, resulting in the ant's death grip.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 17, 2019

Head Start accountability systems may be missing how classroom quality varies within preschool centers

A recent study by Northwestern University researchers found that high-stakes accountability policies used to monitor Head Start preschool center quality may overlook significant variation in classroom quality within centers. This could lead to inaccurate representations of center quality and decisions about re-competition for funding.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateJul 17, 2019

Pokémon-like card game can help teach ecology: UBC research

A Pokémon-like card game about ecology and biodiversity can result in broader knowledge of species and a better understanding of ecosystems than traditional teaching methods. Participants who played the Phylo game retained information about species and ecosystems and were more motivated to donate money to prevent environmental events.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPalgrave Communications·DateJul 17, 2019

At-home support helps stroke patients adjust after hospital stay

A new study found that at-home support networks using social work case managers and online resources significantly improve stroke patients' physical health and confidence. Patients with access to these services reported better outcomes compared to those with traditional care.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJul 17, 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.

AI radar system that can spot miniature drones 3 kilometers away

A new AI radar system developed by DGIST can detect subminiature drones flying as far as 3km away, thanks to the use of super-resolution algorithm and AESA radar signal processing technology. The system also integrates GANs-based drone cognition technology for real-time detection and identification.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters·DateJul 17, 2019

Neighborhood environment and health

A first-of-its-kind study found that neighborhood economics, education, and perceptions of social disorder are linked to poor mental health in urban black men. Neighborhood deprivation and disconnectedness are also associated with poor physical health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateJul 17, 2019

Undocumented Latina immigrants face PTSD at four times the national rate, new study finds

A new study led by George Mason University found that undocumented Latina immigrants meet the threshold for PTSD diagnosis at nearly four times the rate of civilian women in America. The researchers also discovered differences in PTSD thresholds by occupation, with women working outside the home having higher scores.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Social Service Research·DateJul 17, 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.

New study finds both components of blood pressure predict heart attack, stroke risk

A large Kaiser Permanente-led study found that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings predict cardiovascular risk, contradicting decades of previous research. The study analyzed over 36 million blood pressure readings from 1.3 million people, revealing that high blood pressure is a strong predictor of heart attack or stroke.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 17, 2019

'Intensive' beekeeping not to blame for common bee diseases

A study by researchers from the University of Exeter and Berkeley found that crowding honeybees together does not greatly increase disease prevalence. However, intensive beekeeping could accelerate the spread of new diseases. Beekeepers don't need to worry about the number of bees they keep together as long as there is enough food.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 17, 2019

Apathy: The forgotten symptom of dementia

A new study found apathy affects nearly half of people with dementia, distinct from depression, and linked to more severe dementia. Researchers highlight the need for effective treatments and improved care through personalized social interaction and staff training.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateJul 17, 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.

A single measurement may help determine kneecap instability risk

Researchers found that measuring the distance between the tibial tubercle and trochlear groove using MRI can accurately predict knee instability. A TT-TG distance of 13 mm is identified as a guideline for identifying patients at risk, with further study planned to explore contributing factors.

SourcePenn State·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateJul 17, 2019

Fiber-optic vibration sensors could prevent train accidents

Researchers developed new accelerometers to measure acceleration and vibration on trains, enabling real-time monitoring of track or train problems. The sensors use polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber and can detect frequencies double that of traditional accelerometers.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 17, 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.

Correcting historic sea surface temperature measurements

Researchers from Harvard University and the UK's National Oceanography Centre corrected historic sea surface temperature measurements, identifying two new key causes of warming discrepancies in the North Pacific and North Atlantic. The study suggests that changes in Japanese records, particularly truncation of data, contributed to the ...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2019

Crunching the numbers of cancer metastasis

A new mathematical model reveals that breast cancer cells can change shape to facilitate spreading to other parts of the body. The researchers also found that these cells can cross the endothelium barrier with greater ease, which is a critical step in metastasis.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 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.

Experiencing awe from science influences beliefs about God

A recent Arizona State University study suggests that scientific engagement can promote belief in a more abstract view of God. Researchers found that experiencing awe from science leads people to believe in an abstract God described as mystical or limitless.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 17, 2019

New study reveals surprising gender disparity in work-life balance

A new study examines the effects of different factors on life satisfaction among women and men in 34 OECD countries. The research finds that work-life balance accommodations are usually aimed at women's concerns, but surprisingly, men demonstrate a higher elasticity for personal and leisure time.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJul 17, 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.

Older adults: Daunted by a new task? Learn 3 instead

A study by UC Riverside researchers found that older adults who learned three to five classes simultaneously showed significant increases in cognitive abilities, similar to those of middle-aged adults. The study suggests that intense learning experiences can improve cognitive functioning in older populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJul 17, 2019

Predators' fear of humans ripples through wildlife communities, emboldening rodents

A new study reveals that humans' presence creates a 'landscape of fear,' causing large carnivores to suppress their behavior and allowing rodents to forage more intensively. This shift has significant consequences for the entire food web, highlighting the need for ecologists to understand human-wildlife interactions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEcology Letters·DateJul 17, 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.

Plant viruses may be reshaping our world

Recent advances suggest that plant viruses are not just disease-causing entities, but can also play a significant role in the functioning of diverse ecosystems. Viruses have been found to be present in humans, with around 100,000 pieces of viral DNA elements making up 8% of our genome.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Reviews Microbiology·DateJul 17, 2019

How puffins catch food outside the breeding season

A study published in Journal of Avian Biology reveals that puffins, guillemots, and razorbills dive to varying depths during the non-breeding period. Contrary to expectations, puffins dive less deeply than closely related species, suggesting they catch different prey.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateJul 17, 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.

Machine learning platform guides pancreatic cyst management in patients

Researchers created a comprehensive test using machine learning algorithms to better guide patient management for pancreatic cysts, a precursor of pancreatic cancer. The test, called CompCyst, outperformed the current standard-of-care in an international study, avoiding surgery in 60% of patients who underwent unnecessary removal.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 17, 2019

Body and mind need care in mental illness

A new study by University of Queensland researchers found that patients' physical health is often overlooked in pursuit of treating mental illness. Conditions like diabetes serve as a stark example, with rates twice as high in those with mental illness compared to the general population.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 17, 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.

Toward a better battery

Sodium-ion batteries have shorter lifetimes than lithium-based batteries due to the unintended presence of hydrogen. Hydrogen leads to degradation of the battery electrode. The study reveals that measures can be taken during fabrication and encapsulation to suppress incorporation of hydrogen, leading to better performance.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJul 17, 2019

Researchers put a new spin on molecular oxygen

A multinational team successfully alters oxygen atoms' charge states and achieves reversible conversion to molecular oxygen using Kelvin probe force spectroscopy. The researchers found that controlled bonding between adjacent oxygen atoms can be induced remotely via surface polarons.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 17, 2019

Making cancer stem cells visible to the immune system

Researchers discovered that leukemia stem cells suppress NKG2D-L proteins, evading the immune system. By inhibiting PARP1, these cells can be recognized and eliminated by NK cells.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 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.

Artificial snowfall could save the West Antarctic ice sheet, but with high costs and risks

A new study suggests that artificially pumping ocean water onto coastal regions surrounding the West Antarctic ice sheet could stabilize it, but at great cost. The approach would require a minimum of 7,400 gigatons of artificial snowfall over 10 years to achieve a two-to-five-centimeter sea level drop.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2019

Multiple injection safety violations found in New Jersey septic arthritis outbreak

A New Jersey outpatient facility experienced a severe outbreak of bacterial septic arthritis infections following tainted knee injections. The investigation identified multiple breaches of recommended infection prevention practices, including inadequate hand hygiene and unsafe injection techniques.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJul 17, 2019

Plant probe could help estimate bee exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides

Researchers developed a new method to monitor neonicotinoids in living plants, allowing for spatial and temporal tracking of the insecticides. This probe could help pinpoint where and when bees are exposed to pesticides, informing efforts to protect pollinator populations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 17, 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.

Historian unearths solid evidence for the Armenian Genocide

A leading Turkish historian has analyzed signature analysis on letters from the Ottoman Archives, confirming Bahaettin Shakir's involvement in the genocide. Documents show initial decisions to exterminate Armenians were made by provincial governors in 1914.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Genocide Research·DateJul 17, 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.

Harvesting energy from the human knee

Researchers developed an energy harvester attached to the wearer's knee that generates 1.6 microwatts of power while walking without increased effort. The device captures biomechanical energy through natural human motion, offering a potential solution for self-powered wearable devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 17, 2019

Ants that defend plants receive sugar and protein

Researchers found that ants receiving protein from herbivorous arthropods increase their aggression in environments with scarce food supply. This discovery challenges the idea that only carbohydrates are offered by plants to protectants.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateJul 17, 2019

The loss of biodiversity comes at a price

Researchers estimated financial losses of €209,619 to €322,733 due to Doñana National Park fire impacting Iberian lynx habitat, and €634 to €3,258 for Segura fire. A tool will be created to assess forest fires' impact on biodiversity, leisure, and tourism.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 17, 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.

HIV vaccine nears clinical trial following new findings

A weakened form of a CMV-based vaccine has been shown to provide similar protection against SIV in 59% of vaccinated rhesus macaques, with long-lasting immunity observed. The vaccine's attenuated version is key for human testing due to safety concerns.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 17, 2019

Staging β-amyloid pathology with amyloid positron emission tomography

A new study uses amyloid positron emission tomography to track β-amyloid cerebrospinal fluid and monitor Alzheimer's disease progression over six years. The researchers found a significant correlation between β-amyloid levels and cognitive decline, providing valuable insights into the disease's progression.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 17, 2019

Shaky scaffold changes lung infrastructure

Lung scarring can lead to pulmonary fibrosis and life-threatening complications. Researchers found increased MMP activity in lung tissue affected by Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, suggesting a new link for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalOrphanet Journal of Rare Diseases·DateJul 17, 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.

Should obesity be recognized as a disease?

Obesity experts argue that it should be recognized as a chronic disease due to its strong biological influence and severe complications. They believe this approach can help reduce stigma and discrimination, but critics caution that labeling obesity as a disease may not lead to better outcomes for individuals or society.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 17, 2019

A graphene superconductor that plays more than one tune

Researchers developed a graphene device that can switch between superconducting and insulating states, allowing for the study of exotic quantum physics. The device, made of three atomically thin layers of graphene, exhibits unique properties such as high-temperature superconductivity and Mott insulator behavior.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 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.

Test shown to improve accuracy in identifying precancerous pancreatic cysts

A new laboratory test using artificial intelligence tools has been shown to more accurately sort out which people with pancreatic cysts will go on to develop pancreatic cancers. The test, dubbed CompCyst, correctly identified patients who did not need surgery in over half of cases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 17, 2019

A new spin on DNA

The team, led by Xiaowei Zhuang, captured the first recorded rotational steps of a molecular motor as it moved from one DNA base pair to another. They used DNA origami to build molecule-sized propellers that allowed them to visualize the motor's movement.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2019

Sea level rise requires extra management to maintain salt marshes

Research reveals that stronger waves due to sea level rise can hamper plant re-establishment on neighboring tidal flats, slowing down or blocking recovery. Effective management of tidal flats is crucial for preserving salt marshes' resilience to wave attacks.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateJul 17, 2019

IceCube: Antarctic neutrino detector to get $37 million upgrade

The IceCube neutrino detector is receiving a $37 million upgrade to expand its scientific capabilities. The new strings will enable more precise studies of neutrino oscillation properties and better characterization of the ice around detectors, helping to reveal additional sources of high-energy neutrinos.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateJul 17, 2019

The physiology of survival

Bacteria do not die randomly in hunger phases; their neighbors play a crucial role. The team identified two key factors: basic energy consumption and biomass recycling efficiency. Changes to these factors affect the mortality rate, which can arise from genetic or ecological perturbations.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Systems·DateJul 17, 2019

A new material for the battery of the future, made in UCLouvain

Researchers from UCLouvain have discovered a new material, LiTi2(PS4)3 or LTPS, which shows the highest lithium diffusion coefficient ever measured in a solid. This discovery is an important step towards developing all-solid-state batteries with improved performance.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalChem·DateJul 17, 2019

Crystalline 'artificial muscle' makes paper doll do sit-ups

Researchers created a 'polyCOF' material by adding polyethylene glycol to an existing COF structure, enabling the formation of flexible membranes. The resulting material allows for the creation of a paper doll with an artificial muscle that can perform sit-ups by expanding and contracting in response to ethanol vapors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJul 17, 2019