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Science News for June 12, 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.

Monkeys face climate change extinction threat

A new study finds that New World monkeys are highly vulnerable to climate change, with many species facing substantial temperature increases and habitat changes over the next 30 years. The research suggests urgent action is needed to mitigate the effects of climate change on primate populations.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 12, 2019

Ancient pots from Chinese tombs reveal early use of cannabis as a drug

Chemical analysis of ancient wooden braziers from Chinese tombs reveals evidence of early cannabis smoking rituals, dating back to approximately 2500 years ago. The study suggests that people were aware of specific populations of the plant and interacted with them for psychoactive properties.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 12, 2019

A microscopic topographic map of cellular function

A team of researchers at the University of Missouri created a microscopic topographic map of cellular function, revealing how proteins move out of cells. The study found that cells adjust their protein transfer mechanisms depending on the type of protein being transported.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 12, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Discovery of field-induced pair density wave state in high temperature superconductors

The discovery of a field-induced pair density wave state in high temperature superconductors provides new insights into the mechanism behind enigmatic high temperature superconductivity. The study reveals modulations in electronic states with multiple signatures of a pair density wave state, which competes with superconductivity.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalScience·DateJun 12, 2019

The benefits of being different

Researchers discovered six distinct color morphs of the Asiatic golden cat in Northeast India, showcasing unique adaptations to varying habitats and prey. The phenomenon may provide insights into the species' resilience to climate change and habitat degradation.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalEcology·DateJun 12, 2019

Using gene editing, neuroscientists develop a new model for autism

Researchers at MIT and China create macaque monkeys with Shank3 gene mutation linked to autism, exhibiting behavioral traits similar to those seen in humans. The new model aims to study treatment options and potentially develop better medicines for severe neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2019

High-density of alcohol outlets and advertising affect youth drinking

A comprehensive alcohol policy can help curb adolescent alcohol use in Tanzania, where high-density outlets and advertising contribute to rising youth drinking. The study suggests that restricting outlet density, enforcing minimum drinking age laws, and using economic policies like taxation can reduce access to alcohol among adolescents.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHealth & Place·DateJun 12, 2019

The origins of cannabis smoking: Marijuana use in the first millennium BC

A chemical residue study in ancient incense burners from high-elevation burials in western China has provided the earliest clear evidence of cannabis use for its psychoactive properties. Researchers found that people were selecting plants with higher levels of THC and burning them as part of mortuary rituals.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 12, 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.

The Wikipedia gender gap

A recent University of Washington study found that women and non-binary editors face harassment, doxxing, and death threats on Wikipedia. To create safe spaces, these individuals use sophisticated tactics for managing online identities and boundaries.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJun 12, 2019

Ants maintain essential interactions despite environmental flux

Despite population density fluctuations, ants adjust their social interactions to maintain sophisticated organization and division of labor, ensuring colony survival. The study reveals that ant colonies actively regulate spatial distribution and interaction behaviors to preserve critical elements of their social patterns.

SourcePenn State·DateJun 12, 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.

Evolutionary discovery to rewrite textbooks

A team of researchers at the University of Queensland has challenged the long-held theory that multi-celled animals evolved from a single-celled ancestor resembling a modern sponge cell. Using new technology, they found that the first multicellular animals were more like a collection of convertible cells, contradicting years of tradition.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2019

Exposure to inorganic dust increases risk of gout in women by 27%

A new study reveals that occupational exposure to inorganic dust increases the risk of gout in women by 27%. The study also confirms known risk factors for gout, such as alcoholism and obesity. Gout is a disabling disease caused by uric acid deposits in joints, leading to inflammation and flares.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 12, 2019

Braces won't always bring happiness

A recent study from the University of Adelaide found that having braces does not necessarily lead to increased happiness or psychosocial outcomes in later life. In fact, people who did not receive orthodontic treatment were significantly more optimistic than those who had braces treatment.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalOrthodontics and Craniofacial Research·DateJun 12, 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.

Fifty years later, DDT lingers in lake ecosystems

Researchers found elevated levels of DDT and its breakdown products in lake sediments, affecting zooplankton communities. The long-lived insecticide's persistence has altered aquatic ecosystems, with shifts towards more contaminant-tolerant species.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 12, 2019

Researchers discover potential new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the University of South Florida have identified a potential new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease, an antagonist that blocks specific interactions between apoE and amyloid precursor protein. This peptide antagonist, 6KApoEp, was shown to reduce beta amyloid accumulation and tau pathologies in the brain.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 12, 2019

Gout patients suffer in silence with low expectations of treatment

A recent European survey found that gout is being diagnosed late, poorly controlled, and not regularly monitored. Eight out of ten patients are satisfied with their current treatment, indicating low expectations. The study highlights significant gaps in the management of gout, emphasizing the need for improved education and care.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 12, 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.

Future tsunamis possible in the Red Sea's Gulf of Elat-Aqaba

A team of scientists has simulated tsunamis in the Gulf of Elat-Aqaba using a GeoClaw modeling program and concluded that future tsunami hazards are possible. The region's economic importance is heightened by its growing shipping ports, tourism, and water and electrical projects.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateJun 12, 2019

'Interdisciplinary research takes time'

A study on an interdisciplinary research center in Sweden highlights the complexity of interdisciplinarity and its impact on researchers' careers. The center's management pressure to publish in prestigious journals led to a focus on disciplinary work, affecting social and intellectual dynamics among researchers.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMinerva·DateJun 12, 2019

Protecting coral reefs in a deteriorating environment

Coral reefs face growing danger from climate change, local pollution, and habitat destruction. New interventions, such as breeding corals with greater heat resistance and genetic manipulation, show promise but vary in readiness levels.

SourceNational Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine·DateJun 12, 2019

Hybrid nanostructure steps up light-harvesting efficiency

Researchers develop a hybrid nanostructure combining biologically derived and inorganic materials to enhance light-harvesting efficiency. The nanohybrid, composed of quantum dots, a protein from cyanobacteria, and semiconducting nanocrystals, shows improved energy transfer and photocurrent production.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalACS Photonics·DateJun 12, 2019

The battle to save citrus fruits

Citrus greening has devastated Florida's citrus farms and threatens California groves. Researchers are exploring strategies to control the disease, including creating resistant crops and delivering anti-microbe peptides.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 12, 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.

Weighing risks and benefits of drug treatment for major depression

A systematic review found that serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) led to more harmful events compared to placebos in older adults. Antidepressants like SSRIs may increase the risk of falls, highlighting the need for careful consideration when prescribing these medications.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 12, 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.

Study shows more effective method for detecting prostate cancer

Researchers at UCLA Health Sciences have developed a more effective method for detecting prostate cancer by combining biopsy strategies. The new approach, which includes MRI-guided biopsy, increased the rate of cancer detection to up to 33% compared to traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJun 12, 2019

Researchers discover trigger for muscle-wasting condition

Researchers from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine have identified ZIP4 as the trigger for muscle-wasting cachexia in pancreatic cancer. By inhibiting ZIP4, they hope to prevent cachexia and improve treatment outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJun 12, 2019

Increasing red meat consumption linked with higher risk of premature death

A new study published in BMJ found that people who increased their daily servings of red meat over an eight-year period were more likely to die during the subsequent eight years. The study also discovered that decreasing red meat and simultaneously increasing healthy alternative food choices led to lower mortality rates.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 12, 2019

Old ice and snow yields tracer of preindustrial ozone

Researchers used rare oxygen molecules trapped in air bubbles in old ice and snow to track ancient ozone levels, establishing a limit of 40% increase since 1850. This new data bolsters confidence in atmospheric chemistry models' ability to predict future changes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 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.

£120,000 project to eliminate freight train carbon emissions

A £120,000 project aims to eliminate carbon emissions from freight trains in the UK by developing hybrid locomotives. The project will explore digital displacement technology developed by Artemis Intelligent Power as a more efficient alternative to conventional hydraulic pumps.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateJun 12, 2019

Superfast gene sequencing helps diagnose critically ill patients

A new metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) test has been shown to identify infections better than standard clinical methods. The test identified 32 infections in 31 patients, including cases missed by conventional testing, and confirmed diagnoses in 19 cases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 12, 2019

Organic carbon hides in sediments, keeping oxygen in atmosphere

Researchers discovered that organic carbon is preserved in sediments due to strong chemical bonds with minerals, preventing it from decomposing. This process helps maintain a stable balance of gases in the atmosphere, allowing for oxygen to remain available for human consumption.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 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 deorbit kit for satellites based on low work-function tethers

Satellites equipped with the new technology can deorbit and reenter the Earth's atmosphere, preventing space debris proliferation. Researchers have developed a prototype of the deorbit kit using low work-function tethers, which transforms orbital energy into electrical energy without fuel.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateJun 12, 2019

The origins of cannabis smoking: Marijuana use in the first millennium BC

Archaeologists and laboratory scientists discovered psychoactive compounds in ancient incense burners from the Pamir Mountains, indicating higher levels of THC. This study provides clear evidence that ancient people in eastern Central Asia used cannabis for its psychoactive properties.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 12, 2019

Breathing new life into dye-sensitized solar cells

Researchers at Kyoto University have made significant advancements in dye-sensitized solar cells by introducing a new molecular dye that enhances power conversion efficiency to 10.7%, surpassing previous records. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the field of sustainable energy.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 12, 2019

New study shows legacy of DDT to lake ecosystems

A new study reveals that DDT persists in remote lakes at concerning levels half a century after its ban, impacting key aquatic species and potentially entire lake food webs. The study found high levels of DDT in modern sediments, similar to those found in previously sprayed areas of Canada and the U.S.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 12, 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.

Kids with headache after stroke might be at risk for another stroke

A new study found a high incidence of headaches in pediatric stroke survivors, with over a third experiencing severe headache within one year. Children who developed post-stroke headache were more likely to suffer from another stroke, typically within the first six to 12 months after the initial stroke.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalNeurology Clinical Practice·DateJun 12, 2019

Climate change benefits for giant petrels

A new study finds that climate change will benefit giant petrels with warmer weather and improved foraging conditions, allowing them to dominate access to carrion on land and travel less at sea. However, females may be harmed by increased longline fishing, which could impair their survival.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJun 12, 2019

Not silent at all

Researchers have developed a comprehensive database of synonymous mutations found in cancer, revealing their influence on cellular functions and disease processes. The SynMIC database contains information on 659,194 entries across 88 types of cancer, providing a valuable resource for cancer researchers.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 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.

A homing beacon for chemotherapy drugs

Scientists have created a hydrogel that attracts chemotherapy drugs to tumors in mice, reducing side effects caused by the drugs acting on healthy cells. The approach uses cucurbituril to target therapies to a tumor, resulting in improved treatment outcomes and reduced toxicity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJun 12, 2019

New tool can pinpoint origins of the gut's bacteria

A UCLA-led research team developed FEAST, a faster and more accurate tool to determine microbiome origins. The software can analyze large genetic information datasets in just a few hours, offering insights into the unseen ecological processes affecting human health.

SourceUCLA Samueli School of Engineering·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 12, 2019

Construction kit for custom-designed products

Researchers at Goethe University have developed a novel method for producing new peptide drugs, using fragments of natural NRPS systems as building blocks. The approach enables the easy production of peptides in excellent yield, with applications for modifying clinically relevant drugs and producing peptide libraries.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 12, 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.

Gut microbes respond differently to foods with similar nutrition labels

A new study reveals that the correlation between food consumption and gut microbiome changes is not as straightforward as previously thought. Researchers found that considering the relationships between foods can reveal stronger associations between dietary nutrients and specific strains of microbes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 12, 2019

Bullying gets worse as children with autism get older

Children with autism are more likely to experience bullying and it increases as they get older, according to a new research from Binghamton University. The study emphasizes the need for better definitions of bullying behaviors and standard assessments to identify different types.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAutism·DateJun 12, 2019

IDIBELL-researchers negatively correlate a neuropeptide with executive functions

Researchers from IDIBELL discovered a negative correlation between orexin A and executive functions in anorexic patients, highlighting potential roles for this neuropeptide in eating disorders and cognitive processes. The study's findings may contribute to the development of biomarkers with clinical applications.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 12, 2019

The short life of Must Farm

Archaeologists from the Cambridge Archaeological Unit present a definitive timeframe for Must Farm's occupation and destruction in Antiquity. The site, located in Cambridgeshire, England, features remarkably preserved Late Bronze Age structures, including stilted houses and logboats, which provide insight into daily life 3,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAntiquity·DateJun 12, 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.

Binary solvent mixture boosting high efficiency of polymer solar cells

Researchers found that using a binary solvent mixture can improve the efficiency of polymer solar cells. By varying the casting solvent, they were able to control the molecular organization and nanoscale morphology of fluorinated non-fullerene acceptors, resulting in higher power conversion efficiencies.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateJun 12, 2019

Study supports glucocorticoid tapering in patients achieving disease control on tocilizumab

A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that approximately two-thirds of patients achieving disease control on tocilizumab experience successful treatment outcomes following glucocorticoid tapering. Most patients in both groups achieved treatment success, with a small loss of disease control observed at the total study population le...

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 12, 2019

Selective logging will not be enough to sustain timber production in Amazonia

A new study by the Tropical managed Forests Observatory suggests that selective logging alone is unlikely to meet current demand for timber in Amazonia. The research highlights the need for a more sustainable approach to manage wood resources in the region, considering the impact of climate change on forest ecosystems.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 12, 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.

NASA reveals Tropical Cyclone Vayu's compact center

Tropical Cyclone Vayu's central dense overcast feature was approximately 90-100 nautical miles in diameter, showing a compact and intense storm system. The cyclone is forecast to strengthen slightly and move northwest towards Pakistan, with its center keeping off-shore from India.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 12, 2019

Farmer researchers reap more benefits than just increased crop production

A recent study published in Agronomy Journal found that farmers' primary motivation for participating in on-farm research is the opportunity to collaborate with university faculty and other farmers, leading to increased confidence in results and improved economic outcomes. The study also highlights the importance of peer-learning and f...

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJun 12, 2019

How the cell protects itself

Human cells use a mechanism to protect genetic transcripts from spliceosomes, preventing damage that can lead to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers found that the snRNA of spliceosomes migrates into the cytoplasm in human cells, unlike in yeast, where it remains in the nucleus.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 12, 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.

Identifying colorectal cancer subtypes could lead to improved treatment decisions

Researchers found that identifying a patient's Consensus Molecular Subtype (CMS) could help oncologists determine the most effective course of treatment. CMS categorizes colorectal cancer into four distinct subgroups based on tumor mutations, and each subgroup is associated with different treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 12, 2019

Sickle cell disease needs more attention

Recent research on sickle cell disease highlights major progress in diagnosis and treatment, but warns that more screening of newborns is needed, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The study emphasizes the importance of investing in health policies to address the growing number of cases.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Reviews Disease Primers·DateJun 12, 2019

Opioid alternative? Taming tetrodotoxin for precise painkilling

Researchers developed a slow-release formulation of tetrodotoxin that efficiently penetrates nerves, providing a safe and highly targeted nerve block for up to three days. The toxin was paired with a chemical penetration enhancer to increase safety and effectiveness.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 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.

Could playing computer games improve your peripheral vision?

Researchers at Lancaster University created a series of games that require players to use their peripheral vision, resulting in significant improvements in object recognition. The study found that even just one gaming session led to lasting improvements in peripheral awareness, suggesting potential applications in team sports and hazar...

SourceLancaster University·DateJun 12, 2019

Determining risk of recurrence in triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers developed a biomarker test to predict disease-free survival and recurrence risk in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The test uses formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues and has shown promise in predicting patient outcomes.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 12, 2019

Algorithm to transform investment banking with higher returns

A University of Bath researcher has created an algorithm that consistently outperforms conventional methods and other developed tools in financial trading, resulting in a 3% higher return than the benchmark U.S. Federal Reserve Funds rate. The tool's potential impact on employment at the highest banking levels is also significant.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateJun 12, 2019

How we tune out distractions

Researchers at MIT have identified a brain circuit that filters out distracting sensory stimuli, allowing us to focus on our chosen input. The circuit is controlled by the prefrontal cortex and involves the basal ganglia, which play a role in controlling attention.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateJun 12, 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.

Why fears over smartphone 'addiction' are based on flawed evidence

Researchers at Lancaster University found that existing measures of smartphone use are poorly related to actual usage. The study suggests that high smartphone usage is not linked to anxiety and depression as previously thought, and that scales measuring technology 'addiction' perform poorly in predicting real-world behavior.

SourceLancaster University·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateJun 12, 2019

The brains of birds synchronize when they sing duets

Researchers found that the nerve cell activity in one bird's brain synchronizes with its partner when they start singing together. The brains of both birds essentially function as one, leading to perfect duet coordination.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2019

Eliminating infamous security threats

A new method developed by researchers eliminates speculative memory side-channel attacks, exposing security vulnerabilities in microprocessors. The proposed solution reduces performance costs by 11% and energy usage by 7%, without compromising system security.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateJun 12, 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.

Gemini Planet Imager analyzes 300 stars

The Gemini Planet Imager survey discovered six planets and three brown dwarfs orbiting 300 stars, offering new insights into the formation of Jupiter-like planets and their distribution around high-mass stars. The findings suggest that wide-orbiting giant planets are more common around high mass stars, but rare around sun-like stars.

SourceStanford University·DateJun 12, 2019

Table salt compound spotted on Europa

Researchers spot sodium chloride on the icy moon Europa, potentially indicating a hydrothermally active ocean floor and making it a geologically interesting planetary body. The discovery was made using visible light spectral analysis, which revealed distinct absorption patterns in the visible spectrum.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 12, 2019

Persistent poverty affects one in five UK children

Research links persistent child poverty in the UK to poor physical and mental health, including a higher risk of obesity and mental ill health. The study, based on the UK Millennium Cohort Study, suggests urgent action is needed to reduce child poverty for healthy futures.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJun 12, 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.

iTHRIV awards pilot funding, supports statewide research collaborations

Four multi-institutional research projects were awarded up to $50,000 in funding through iTHRIV's Pilot Translational and Clinical Studies Program. These projects aim to address potentially life-threatening disorders such as hereditary angioedema and improve diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateJun 12, 2019

Cancer survival rates in the young show inconsistent progress

Despite improvements in cancer treatment for HIV/AIDS-related cancers, adolescents and young adults continue to face disparities in survival rates by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The study highlights the need for continued research to improve survival rates in this vulnerable age group.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·DateJun 12, 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.

New gene editor harnesses jumping genes for precise DNA integration

Researchers have developed a new gene editing tool called INTEGRATE that harnesses bacterial jumping genes to insert any DNA sequence into the genome without cutting DNA. This technology offers a precise and reliable alternative to current gene-editing tools, which can lead to errors.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2019

Algorithm tells robots where nearby humans are headed

Researchers at MIT have developed an algorithm that accurately aligns partial trajectories in real-time, allowing motion predictors to anticipate the timing of a person's motion. This breakthrough enables robots and humans to work together in close proximity without unnecessary pauses or conflicts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 12, 2019

Increasing red meat intake linked with heightened risk of death

A large US study found that increasing red meat intake is associated with a 10% higher risk of death. Swapping red meat for healthier options like fish, eggs, and whole grains may lower the risk of death, particularly cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 12, 2019

Body composition shown to affect energy spent standing versus sitting

Researchers found that young adults burned significantly more kilocalories per minute while standing than sitting or lying, with no significant association between energy expenditure and body composition. Increasing standing time is a simple way to boost energy expenditure, lending support to efforts to counteract sedentary lifestyles.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 12, 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.

Honeybee mite raises bumblebee virus risk

A study by the University of Exeter found that Varroa destructor mites indirectly increase infection rates among wild bumblebees by spreading deformed wing virus (DWV) through honeybee colonies. This highlights the need for beekeepers to treat their affected colonies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 12, 2019

Scientists develop a primate model for autism by genome-editing

Researchers have created a primate model of autism using genome-editing technology, revealing insights into the genetic basis and potential treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders. The study's findings have significant implications for developing better treatment options for autism spectrum disorder.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2019

Crop resilience is focus of new interdisciplinary research

Researchers aim to develop crops more resilient to climate change and emerging pathogens through microbial interactions. The Collaborative Crop Resilience Program will focus on three projects: Matrix, Interact, and InRoot, which examine plant-microbial interactions above ground and below ground, as well as the development of new crop v...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJun 12, 2019

Physics at the edge

Researchers have successfully created a graphene-based topological insulator, which enables the creation of low-dissipation ballistic electrical circuits. This breakthrough builds upon previous work and overcomes challenges related to spin-orbit coupling, a key component necessary for topological insulators.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 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.

The atmosphere of a new ultra hot Jupiter is analyzed

Scientists from IAC and ULL analyze MASCARA-2B/KELT-20b's atmosphere, revealing details on its composition and temperature. The team detected hydrogen beta, singly ionized iron, and magnesium using CARMENES spectrograph.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateJun 12, 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.

Researchers develop drug-targeting molecules to improve cancer treatment

Researchers from the University of Notre Dame have developed small drug-targeting molecules that can deliver potent drugs to desired sites of disease, including cancer. The molecules use a 'homing' cue to attract drug molecules to sites bearing a tumor, reducing toxic side effects.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalACS Central Science·DateJun 12, 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.

Mathematical tools to study tumors

The study analyzed images of biopsy samples from patients with neuroblastoma and used Graph Theory to describe the organization of vitronectin fibrils. The results suggest that the degree of organisation correlates with tumour aggressiveness, potentially allowing for patient classification before treatment.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalJournal of Cancer·DateJun 12, 2019

HIB vaccine linked with better health, cognition, and schooling outcomes in Indian children

Researchers found that Hib-vaccinated children had higher HAZ scores, English and math test scores, and schooling attainment compared to unvaccinated children. The study suggests that Hib vaccination prior to age six is associated with improved long-term health, cognition, and schooling outcomes among Indian children.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2019

Nuclear pore complex outer rings: No longer 'one size fits all'

Researchers discovered asymmetrical nuclear pore complex outer ring structures in fission yeast, comprising only two types of Nups, with essential roles in normal cell growth. The findings challenge the long-held assumption that these structures are identical across eukaryotic cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 12, 2019