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Science News for July 26, 2019


Are US adults meeting physical activity guidelines?

Between 2007 and 2016, the proportion of US adults meeting aerobic activity guidelines remained relatively stable at around 65%, while sedentary behavior increased from 5.7 to 6.4 hours per day. This trend suggests a stagnation in physical activity levels despite updated guidelines recommending less sitting.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 26, 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.

Burnout symptoms associated with racial bias in medical residents

A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found an association between increased symptoms of burnout and heightened racial bias in medical residents. Physicians experiencing high symptoms of burnout tended to exhibit more racial bias, both explicit and implicit, but recoveries from burnout were linked to reductions in bias.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 26, 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.

Tracking the source of radioactive ruthenium

A study found that a significant release of radioactive ruthenium occurred in October 2017, with highest levels detected over Romania. The release is believed to have originated from the Mayak nuclear complex in Russia, consistent with air mass movements and deposition patterns.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2019

Opioid use after vaginal or cesarean delivery among US women

A study using national insurance claims data found an association between opioid prescriptions after vaginal or cesarean delivery and increased rates of new persistent opioid use among US women. The study included over 988,000 women and explored the long-term effects of post-delivery opioid use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 26, 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.

For salmonella detection, genomic tool emerges as a key

A new whole-genome sequencing technique is being adopted to detect salmonella in the food industry. This method provides a more reliable and precise identification of salmonella strains, enabling the origin and path of outbreaks to be determined.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 26, 2019

An unexpected developmental hierarchy in an unusual disease

Researchers studied LCH lesions under the microscope to investigate diversity in full molecular detail. They identified multiple LCH cell subtypes, including actively dividing cells that give rise to other subtypes, revealing an interplay of developmental, immunological, and oncogenic mechanisms.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJul 26, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Two therapeutic targets identified for deadly lung cancer

Researchers have discovered that two enzymes, SIK1 and SIK3, play a critical role in driving tumor growth in non-small-cell lung cancer by promoting inflammation. The findings highlight a potential new target for therapies and could lead to improved treatment options for patients with this deadly form of lung cancer.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJul 26, 2019

The democratic governance of agricultural multinationals is essential for environmental sustainability

Researchers studying Barilla Sustainable Farming in Italy found that partnering with different stakeholders can promote sustainability in agri-food supply chains. A two-level approach to implement crop diversification and sustainable management practices is suggested to achieve a more sustainable agricultural system throughout Europe.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalAgricultural and Food Economics·DateJul 26, 2019

Solar energy becomes biofuel without solar cells

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a way to produce butanol, a fourth-generation biofuel, using solar energy, water, and CO2 without the need for solar cells. The microorganisms can efficiently capture the sun's energy and bind to carbon dioxide in the air.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 26, 2019

Brain region linked to altered social interactions in autism model

A new study has identified a specific forebrain region linked to altered social interactions in an autism model. Restoring activity of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) reversed social traits associated with autism. The research provides clues to the neural circuits underlying social deficits in autism spectrum disorder.

SourceMcGovern Institute for Brain Research·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 26, 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.

Mouse genetics influences the microbiome more than environment

A recent study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that genetics has a greater impact on the microbiome of mice than their maternal birth environment. The researchers tested two different inbred laboratory strains of mice and found that the offspring's microbiomes were similar regardless of which parent was black ...

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 26, 2019

Stanford physicists count sound particles with quantum microphone

Researchers create device that exploits quantum principles to detect phonons, enabling precise measurement of individual sound particles and paving the way for new types of quantum devices. This breakthrough could lead to more compact and efficient quantum computers that operate by manipulating sound rather than light.

SourceStanford University - School of Humanities and Sciences·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2019

Racial bias associated with burnout among resident physicians

A study of nearly 3,400 second-year resident physicians in the US found that 45% experienced burnout symptoms, which may contribute to care disparities and racial bias towards black people. The observed association was small to medium and cannot be determined as causal.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 26, 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.

Medications used to treat atrial fibrillation may raise risk of falls

A study found that medications used to treat atrial fibrillation, such as amiodarone, can significantly increase the risk of falls and fainting in older adults. The risk is highest within the first two weeks of treatment, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making for quality patient care.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 26, 2019

Work that kills

Research finds that more than 64% of employed Russians work evenings, nights, or weekends, disrupting their biological and social rhythms. The negative effects include depression, headaches, burnout, and chronic fatigue, leading to workplace accidents and injuries.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalThe Journal of Social Policy Studies·DateJul 26, 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.

One in 75 new mothers go on to long-term opioid painkiller use; risk rises with size of Rx

A recent study of over 308,000 women who gave birth from 2008 to 2016 found that nearly half received opioid prescriptions as part of their birth experience, with one in every hundred still filling them a year later. The percentage of women filling opioid prescriptions declined over time, suggesting growing awareness of the national op...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 26, 2019

Liver transplants could be redundant with discovery of new liver cell

Researchers at King's College London have identified a new type of cell called hepatobiliary hybrid progenitor (HHyP) that can regenerate liver tissue. HHyPs exhibit stem cell-like properties and may be able to repair liver damage, potentially bypassing the need for transplants.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2019

Shaping light with a smartlens

A team of researchers from ICFO demonstrates an adjustable technique to manipulate light without mechanical movement, enabling the creation of dynamically tuneable lenses with high control and low power consumption. The Smartlens technology has potential applications in high-end systems and simple end-user-oriented imaging devices.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 26, 2019

New CRISPR platform expands RNA editing capabilities

RESCUE, a new CRISPR platform, allows for targeted RNA edits previously impossible, offering a critical gap in the toolbox for treating diverse genetic changes. The technology can modulate protein activity by targeting phosphorylation sites, providing a reversible alternative to DNA-level modifications.

SourceMcGovern Institute for Brain Research·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 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.

Mouse model supports importance of fatty acid balance in chronic disease

Researchers created novel mouse models to study health effects of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, finding a higher risk of metabolic disease and cancer with over-production of n-6 PUFA. The ratio of these fatty acids influences chronic disease risk, and balancing the ratio may be a safe solution.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 26, 2019

Next-gen membranes for carbon capture

Scientists at EPFL Valais Wallis have developed high-performance membranes for carbon capture that surpass post-combustion capture targets. The membranes, based on single-layer graphene with selective layers, show six-fold higher CO2 permeance and high separation factors.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 26, 2019

A computer that understands how you feel

A new computer system called EmoNet can accurately categorize images into emotional categories, suggesting that the visual cortex plays a crucial role in emotion processing. The study found that EmoNet could recognize emotions with high accuracy, even for nuanced emotions like confusion and awe.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJul 26, 2019

NASA finds two areas of strength in Tropical Storm Nari

NASA's Terra satellite reveals two areas of intense storms in Tropical Storm Nari, with cloud top temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is moving northward toward Japan, expected to make landfall and then dissipate over cooler waters.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 2019

Ladies' choice: What drives faster, flashier formation of new animal species

A study led by UC Riverside professor David Reznick found that female fish with placentas form new species twice as fast as those without, due to their ability to choose mates. This connection between mothering and evolution suggests a key role for females in shaping the formation of new species.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 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.

How is urban green space associated with mental health?

This observational study found that exposure to more tree canopy was associated with a lower likelihood of psychological distress and better self-rated general health. However, no green space indicator was consistently linked to depression or anxiety, and low-lying vegetation had mixed results.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 26, 2019

New paper points to soil pore structure as key to carbon storage

Researchers at Michigan State University discovered a new mechanism determining how carbon is stored in soils, which could improve climate resilience and reduce carbon footprints. Soils from ecosystems with higher plant diversity have more pores of the right size for stable carbon storage.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2019

Study: Sizzling Southwest summers can cause pavement burns in seconds

Researchers found that pavement burns account for a significant number of burn-related injuries, particularly in the Southwestern United States. Temperatures above 95 degrees significantly increase the risk of pavement burns, with the risk increasing exponentially as temperatures exceed 105 degrees.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Research·DateJul 26, 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.

Banning tobacco sales to people under age 21 reduces smoking

A new Yale University study reveals that banning tobacco sales to people under age 21 significantly reduces smoking rates among 18- to 20-year-olds. The study found a 10% drop in smoking among these age group when local tobacco-21 laws are implemented, with effects expected to be even greater at the state level.

SourceYale University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJul 26, 2019

The effects of skin aging vary depending on ethnicity, review finds

The effects of skin aging differ among ethnic groups, with varying levels of damage from environmental factors such as sunlight. Key findings show that patients of color experience changes in pigmentation, while those of European descent have thinner skin and wrinkles.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalClinics in Dermatology·DateJul 26, 2019

Stanford physicists discover new quantum trick for graphene: Magnetism

Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a novel form of magnetism, called orbital ferromagnetism, generated by carefully stacking and rotating honeycomb-shaped carbon lattices. This finding could prove useful for certain applications, such as quantum computing.

SourceStanford University - School of Humanities and Sciences·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 2019

A good first step toward nontoxic solar cells

A team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis has found a more stable, less toxic semiconductor for solar applications, made up of potassium, barium, tellurium, bismuth and oxygen (KBaTeBiO6). The new compound has a band gap of 1.88 eV, which is close to the halide perovskites, making it promising for solar cell applications.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJul 26, 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.