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Science News for June 11, 2019


Checkmate for hepatitis B viruses in the liver

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München have developed a novel T-cell therapy that can eliminate hepatitis B viruses from the liver, paving the way for a potential cure. The therapy involves genetically modifying patient-specific T cells to recognize and attack infected liver cells, with promising results in a mouse model.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 11, 2019

Study: Intelligence community benefits from collaborations, but can do better

Researchers analyzed five collaborative intelligence programs and found that institutional silos, lack of information sharing, and lack of trust hinder success. Key factors for successful collaborations include high-level support, long-term commitment, internal communications mechanisms, and open lines of communication.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIntelligence & National Security·DateJun 11, 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.

Boehringer Ingelheim and University of Dundee extend PROTAC Drug Discovery Program

Boehringer Ingelheim and the University of Dundee have extended their collaboration to develop novel protein degradation medicines targeting cancer-causing proteins. The structure-based design approach has yielded a highly potent and selective drug candidate, making it freely available via Boehringer Ingelheim's open innovation portal.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 11, 2019

Fellowships will enhance reporters' aging coverage

The Journalists in Aging Fellows Program supports reporters in producing high-impact stories on aging topics. Since its inception in 2010, the program has published nearly 700 news stories, educating journalists about aging issues and disseminating information on new scientific findings.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJun 11, 2019

Citizen scientists re-tune Hubble's galaxy classification

A new study reveals no significant correlation between galaxy bulge size and spiral arm winding, contradicting a key assumption in Hubble's model. The findings suggest that most spirals may not be static density waves after all.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 11, 2019

Learning from nature's bounty: New libraries for drug discovery

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a DNA-encoded chemical library of over one million macrocycles, which can be used to identify new medicines. The library is rich in diversity and includes elements commonly found in natural biologically active macrocycles.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 11, 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.

Drug to treat malaria could mitigate hereditary hearing loss

Researchers found that an anti-malarial drug called artemisinin can help sensory cells of the inner ear recognize and transport essential proteins to specialized membranes. This could lead to new therapeutic options for people with Usher syndrome, a common genetic cause of hearing loss.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2019

The sun may have a dual personality, simulations suggest

Researchers discovered hints of the sun's internal clock behaving erratically, switching between normal and alternate states. The team found intriguing discrepancies in the sun's magnetic fields that could provide clues to its internal behavior.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJun 11, 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.

How bosses react influences whether workers speak up

A new study from Rice University psychologist Danielle King found that how leaders respond to employee suggestions can impact whether or not the employee opens up in the future. Employees who receive sensitive explanations for rejected ideas are more likely to offer suggestions again in the future.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·DateJun 11, 2019

Penn State researchers to boost endangered Chesapeake logperch population

Researchers at Penn State are embarking on a four-year effort to restore the endangered Chesapeake logperch to its original habitat in the Susquehanna River. The group, led by Jay Stauffer, has secured $500,000 in funding and is using innovative techniques such as underwater drones and culturing to introduce the fish back into the wild.

SourcePenn State·DateJun 11, 2019

Curbing your enthusiasm for overeating

A UC Riverside-led study reveals that overactive endocannabinoid signaling in the gut blocks satiation signals, leading to overeating and obesity. Researchers hope to develop drugs targeting these receptors to address obesity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJun 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Three parent factors that heighten the prevalence of childhood physical abuse: New study

Adults with parents struggling with addiction, intimate partner violence, and mental illness are more than 30 times likely to be victims of childhood physical abuse. The study found a strong correlation between these risk factors and childhood abuse, highlighting the importance of screening for children in vulnerable homes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateJun 11, 2019

Big picture genetic scoring approach reliably predicts heart disease

A new research study uses polygenic risk scores to predict heart disease risk in French Canadians, with high accuracy and sensitivity, similar to other populations. The score can identify individuals at high risk for cardiac disease, allowing for early detection and effective therapeutic interventions.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 11, 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.

An unnatural way to make natural products

Scientists create synthetic metabolic pathway to access essential isoprenoids, overcoming challenges in extraction, cultivation and cost. This breakthrough enables researchers to produce these valuable molecules directly from microbes.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2019

Saturn's moon Mimas, a snowplough in the planet's rings

Researchers found that Mimas' migration into the Cassini Division pushed apart ice particles, creating the 4500 km wide band. The moon's orbit may have been driven by orbital resonance with Saturn, causing it to lose energy and migrate inwards.

SourceCNRS·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 11, 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.

NASA takes Tropical Cyclone's Vayu's temperature

Tropical Cyclone Vayu intensified as its cloud top temperatures cooled, reaching -63 degrees Fahrenheit. NASA's Aqua satellite detected a compact core with bands of thunderstorms wrapping around it, indicating strong storms capable of creating heavy rain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 11, 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 nurses bring clarity to the nature of social change

The article highlights the role of nurses in shaping cultural and social dimensions of public health policies, particularly during the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. D'Antonio suggests that nursing history can provide insights into how agendas around change in public health policy might impact social justice.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 11, 2019

Uncovering the hidden history of a giant asteroid

Scientists uncover precise timing of a large-scale collision on Vesta, explaining its lopsided shape and differentiation into crust, mantle, and metallic core. The study provides a confident framework for understanding Vesta's geological timeline, shedding light on protoplanet formation and the early Solar System.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 11, 2019

Persistent poverty affects one in five UK children

Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that persistent poverty affects nearly a fifth of UK children, leading to poorer mental, social, and behavioral development. Children experiencing poverty also face worse educational outcomes, employment prospects, and earning power into adulthood.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJun 11, 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.

Novel denoising method generates sharper photorealistic images faster

Researchers developed a novel method for producing higher-quality images and scene designs in less time by using a deep-learning-based approach that considerably cuts the noise in images. The method results in sharper images with intricate details, including complex lighting components.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJun 11, 2019

Inducing seizures to stop seizures

A new study found that inducing seizures in epilepsy patients can determine the brain region where seizures originate, reducing hospital stays from two weeks to 48 or 72 hours. This method is as effective as relying on spontaneous seizures and could lead to cost savings for hospitals.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA·DateJun 11, 2019

Heart valve procedure safe for patients with common heart defect

A new study by Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute reveals that patients with a bicuspid aortic valve who undergo TAVR have the same survival and complication rates as those without the defect. The analysis of over 2,700 patients found no significant difference in death rates between the two groups.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJun 11, 2019

Genetic marker linked to increased risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Researchers from Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a genetic factor linked to the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The study suggests that people carrying a specific variant in a sodium channel may be protected from the complication, providing a potential target for pharmacological therapy.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalDiabetes·DateJun 11, 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.

How fathers, children should spend time together

A study by University of Georgia researchers found that fathers who choose to devote their time to engaging with their children on non-workdays are developing the best relationships. Play activities, particularly those centered around the child's interests, are also crucial in building a strong father-child bond.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateJun 11, 2019

Novel agent reactivates an immune call by LIF blockade

A novel therapy with a dual mechanism of action has been shown to reactivate the anti-cancer alarm system, eliminating cancer stem cells and activating the immune system. Combining LIF-neutralizing antibodies with immunotherapy promotes tumor regression, triggers immune memory, and increases survival in animal models.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2019

The circadian-hypoxia link in cardioprotection

A recent review article by Dr. Tobias Eckle and colleagues reveals a link between circadian rhythms and cardioprotection in the face of limited oxygen availability. The study identifies period 2 (PER2) as an adenosine signaling target, which plays a crucial role in cardiac adaptation to hypoxia.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateJun 11, 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.

Gender affects the correlation between depression and weight in children and adolescents

A large community-based study of over 25,000 Iranian youths found that obesity is correlated with depression among boys but not girls. Underweight boys have an increased risk of depression, while overweight girls do. The study suggests weight management interventions should anticipate potential depression in boys.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateJun 11, 2019

Tracking major sources of energy loss in compact fusion facilities

Physicists at PPPL used codes developed at General Atomics to compare theoretical predictions of electron and ion turbulent transport with findings of the first campaign of the NSTX-U. Analysis found that a major factor behind energy losses was anomalous electron transport, which spread rapidly like milk mixing with coffee.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateJun 11, 2019

Holistic view of planning energy self-sufficient communities

Researchers have integrated power grid considerations into the model of a newly planned net-zero energy district, enabling expansion of sustainable urban areas. The study found that centralized planning provides a means to proactively ensure reliable electricity service and mitigate daily and seasonal fluctuations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJun 11, 2019

Want effective policy? Ask the locals

A survey of 37 nations shows that policy responses need to be tailored to the nation in which they are delivered, as regional factors greatly influence relationships among energy affordability, life satisfaction, health, and economic inequality.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 11, 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.

Superweed resists another class of herbicides, study finds

Waterhemp, a broadleaf weed common in corn and soybean fields, has become resistant to multiple herbicides, including Group 15s. Scientists have confirmed the resistance in a new study from the University of Illinois, which highlights the need for farmers to rethink long-term management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateJun 11, 2019

21st century archaeology has rediscovered historical Cordoba

Researchers used LiDAR data to digitally recreate the geomorphology of Cordoba before it was built over. The images show how both Iberian and Roman cities took advantage of the land's shape to build their settlements. This new information sheds light on the historical city's development.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalGeosciences·DateJun 11, 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.

Cancer survivors predicted to number over 22 million by 2030

The number of cancer survivors in the US is projected to increase to over 22 million by 2030 due to a growing and aging population. The American Cancer Society reports that 68% of cancer survivors were diagnosed five or more years ago, highlighting the need for proactive assessment and management of their unique medical needs.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateJun 11, 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.

Early life stress plus overexpressed FKBP5 protein increases anxiety behavior

A new study by University of South Florida researchers finds that anxiety-like behavior increases when early life adversity combines with high levels of FKBP5, a protein capable of modifying hormonal stress response. High FKBP5 also alters signaling of the enzyme AKT in the dorsal hippocampus, amplifying anxiety.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateJun 11, 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.

Electric vehicles would be a breath of fresh air for Houston

Researchers found that electric vehicles can improve air quality in Houston by reducing nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds emitted by gasoline and diesel vehicles. The study suggests that complete electrification of transportation could prevent up to 246 premature deaths annually in greater Houston by 2040.

SourceCornell University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJun 11, 2019

Rescuers often driven by emotion

Researchers found that nearly half of those rescued were close family or friends, while under 10-year-olds were also common victims. Meanwhile, most rescuers who drowned were male and between 25-44 years old, emphasizing the need for better training in water rescue skills.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateJun 11, 2019

Veteran-directed care program is effective

A new study published in Health Affairs finds that a veteran-directed care program with flexible budgets for at-home caregivers is as effective as other purchased-care services. The program allows veterans to hire personal care workers or family members as paid caregivers, enabling them to live at home. Researchers found similar hospit...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 11, 2019

UNC receives $3.8 million grant to study 'Med-South' weight loss program

The University of North Carolina will test the effectiveness of Med-South, an adapted form of the Mediterranean diet, in promoting long-term weight loss among patients with obesity. The randomized trial aims to assess the impact of this unique dietary approach on cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateJun 11, 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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Hawks' pursuit of prey has implications for capturing rogue drones

Researchers studied hawks' flight trajectories against an erratically-manoeuvring target, discovering a mixed guidance law that reduces the risk of overshoot. This finding has implications for designing drones capable of safely pursuing and capturing rogue drones in urban airspace.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2019

Cardiovascular diseases -- Promoting self-healing after heart attack

Researchers have developed a therapeutic approach that utilizes the endogenous process to turn off inflammation and promote healing in the heart muscle. Annexin A1 protein stimulates new blood vessel formation, increasing blood flow and improving cardiac function.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 11, 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.

How can governments fight antimicrobial resistance with policy?

A systematic review of government policies aimed at reducing human antimicrobial use identified 17 types of interventions, but most were not rigorously evaluated. The authors recommend that governments ensure AMR policy interventions are tested using rigorous study designs to avoid future waste of public resources.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 11, 2019

Research moves closer to brain-machine interface autonomy

A new brain-computer interface can sense when a user expects a reward and improve its performance autonomously, potentially revolutionizing robotic prosthetics. This technology utilizes single-neuron activities and local field potential to decode user intentions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournaleNeuro·DateJun 11, 2019

Promising treatment option for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

A study published in PNAS has identified a potential treatment for CRPS by targeting IL-1-induced neuroinflammation. The researchers transferred antibodies from patients with long-lasting CRPS to mice and found that blocking IL-1 with a clinically available drug, anakinra, helped prevent and reverse the condition.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 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.

Motorized scooter head injuries on the rise, Rutgers study finds

Electric scooter use has led to a tripling of facial and head injuries over the past decade, with most victims being men between 19 and 65. The study found that helmet use increased with age, but many state laws do not address adults, who are the most injured.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Otolaryngology·DateJun 11, 2019

Behind the magic: Making moving photos a reality

Computer scientists at the University of Washington have developed an algorithm, Photo Wake-Up, that can animate people from 2D photos. The system uses a combination of 3D template matching and texture pasting to create realistic animations in three dimensions using augmented reality tools.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJun 11, 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.

Indoor tanning may be an addiction abetted by both genetic and psychiatric factors

A study found that indoor tanning addiction is associated with modified genes related to dopamine activity and depression symptoms, increasing the risk of skin cancer. The researchers collected saliva samples from 292 non-Hispanic white women and found a strong link between genetic mutations and tanning addiction.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJun 11, 2019

Marine oil snow

Researchers found that marine oil snow transfers oil's negative impacts from the water column to seafloor sediments, delivering oxygenated compounds to organisms in the sediments. This process can increase toxicity in deep-sea ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 11, 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.

Rare 'superflares' could one day threaten Earth

A new study reveals that rare 'superflares' can occur on older, quieter stars like our sun, posing a threat to Earth's electronics. The events, which eject huge bursts of energy, could disrupt communication satellites and cause blackouts.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJun 11, 2019

The new technology will significantly enhance energy harvest from PV modules

A new hybrid technology called Optiverter combines photovoltaic power optimizers and grid converters to maximize energy harvest from PV modules. The Optiverter ensures maximum energy production even in heavy or opaque shade, making it a significant improvement over current technology.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·DateJun 11, 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.

Tiny light box opens new doors into the nanoworld

Researchers have created a hybrid of equal parts of light and matter, combining two different concepts in an innovative way. The discovery opens new doors in fundamental research and applied nanophotonics, with potential applications in compact and cost-effective photonics.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 11, 2019

Researchers develop tool to predict postoperative delirium severity

Researchers developed a tool to predict postoperative delirium severity, enabling better care for patients recovering from surgery. The study used data from 100 adults undergoing non-cardiac, non-neurological surgery, combining two previous tools to assess delirium intensity.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJun 11, 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.

Breakthrough in the discovery of DNA in ancient bones buried in water

A recent study published in Nature reveals that ancient bones found in a Finnish lake contain DNA from the modern Sámi people, dating back to around 500-700 AD. The discovery contradicts previous theories about local populations and sheds light on the colonization history of Siberia.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 2019

A 'one-two punch' to wipe out cancerous ovarian cells

Researchers at University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre develop a two-step combination therapy to destroy cancer cells. They manipulate cellular aging to force cancer cells into senescence, then use senolysis to eliminate them. This strategy shows superior therapeutic effectiveness on ovarian cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 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.

Fracking causes some songbirds to thrive while others decline

Research found that forest interior birds like the Ovenbird decline in numbers near gas development, while early successional species like the Indigo Bunting increase in population. Conversely, human-adapted birds like the Brown-headed Cowbird are attracted to areas disturbed by fracking.

SourceOxford University Press USA·DateJun 11, 2019

Tube anemone has the largest animal mitochondrial genome ever sequenced

A Brazilian-US research team has sequenced the mitochondrial genome of the tube anemone Isarachnanthus nocturnus, revealing a massive 80,923 base pairs. The discovery challenges current classifications and sheds light on the evolution of cnidarians.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 11, 2019

Women caught in a pickle by their own immune systems

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new hypothesis to explain the phenomenon of women being more prone to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and lupus. The Pregnancy Compensation Hypothesis suggests that women's immune systems evolved to facilitate survival during pregnancy, leading to heightened immune su...

SourceArizona State University·JournalTrends in Genetics·DateJun 11, 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 family on the block: A novel group of glycosidic enzymes

A novel enzyme from a soil fungus breaks down β-1,2-glucan into sophorose, revealing its potential role in the symbiosis of bacteria and plants. The discovery sheds new light on the diversity of glycoside hydrolases and their applications.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 11, 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.

Global burden of mental health in conflict settings

Research finds that global conflicts lead to high mental health disorders, affecting one in five people with severe anxiety and depression rates being five times higher than the rest of the world. The study highlights the impact of trauma, instability, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare on mental well-being.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 11, 2019

Hybrid device may help doctors treat strokes more quickly

Researchers have developed a hybrid device that uses near-infrared light to monitor blood flow, providing a quick and noninvasive diagnosis of cerebral ischemia. The device can record comprehensive profiles of hemodynamics, improving treatment effectiveness within the first few hours of stroke onset.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJun 11, 2019

EWG: Nitrate pollution of US tap water could cause 12,500 cancer cases each year

A new peer-reviewed study by the Environmental Working Group estimates that nitrate pollution in US tap water may cause up to 12,594 cancer cases per year, with colorectal cancer being the most common type. The study also calculates potential economic costs of treating those cases at up to $1.5 billion annually.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJun 11, 2019

River sediment speaks to changing climate

Researchers found that mountain streams retain sediment for thousands of years, revealing a waterway's history. Climate-induced threats like wildfires and increased precipitation will alter the dynamics of other rivers, including the Cuyahoga River.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2019

New vulnerability found in major human viruses

Researchers identified a previously unknown pocket on the surface of picornaviruses, which can be stabilized by a newly-discovered compound. This stabilization prevents shape change and interaction with host cells, making it a promising strategy for developing antiviral medications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 11, 2019

Why you may be prone to hiring a liar, and not even know it

A study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business finds that people perceive liars as successful and competent in jobs requiring high pressure sales tactics. In experiments, participants were more likely to hire deceivers for these roles, even when their own money was at stake.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJun 11, 2019