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Science News for March 1, 2019


Novel sleep index, wakefulness may predict if patients able to breathe on their own

A new sleep index developed by Magdy Younes predicts the success of weaning critically ill patients from mechanical ventilation. Longer durations of full wakefulness are highly correlated with a successful separation, while poor correlation between brain hemispheres predicts failure.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 1, 2019

Detailed new primate brain atlas could lead to disease insights

A new study has created a 3D reconstruction of a marmoset brain and mapped neuronal connectivity across the entire brain with unparalleled detail. The resulting data set may offer insights into human neural connectivity and potentially lead to therapeutic advances for human diseases.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·DateMar 1, 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 the humble marigold outsmarts a devastating tomato pest

Scientists at Newcastle University have identified limonene as the main component responsible for keeping tomato whiteflies away from plants. The study found that marigolds release limonene, a chemical that repels whiteflies without harming them.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2019

A highly sensitive new blood test can detect rare cancer proteins

Researchers developed a new blood test that can identify individual molecules in human blood samples with minimal detection errors, including rare cancer-associated proteins like mutant p53 and PD-L1. This breakthrough enables accurate disease diagnosis and novel insights into cancer mechanisms.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 1, 2019

Traumatic brain injury and kids: New treatment guidelines issued

Severe pediatric TBI affects approximately 7,000 childhood deaths annually, while survivors may suffer from long-term health conditions. The updated guidelines include eight new treatment recommendations to promote high standards of care and improve survival rates.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 1, 2019

Spider silk could be used as robotic muscle

Researchers discovered spider silk's supercontraction property, where it twists and contracts in response to humidity changes, potentially leading to new robotic actuators. This unique property could enable precise control of motions using controlled humidity levels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 1, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tree rings tell climate stories that technology can't

A new study shows tree rings offer a unique perspective on climate change, matching high-tech data over short-term periods. The method reveals strong agreement between trees' own productivity estimates and satellite-derived data.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2019

New device mimics beating heart with tiny pieces of heart tissue

Researchers created a bioreactor to study heart tissue's mechanics in sync with the body's beats, revealing changes in force similar to those observed in living hearts. The device allows for adjustment of contraction parameters to mimic normal or disease conditions, enabling studies on high blood pressure's effects on heart cells.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 1, 2019

Frailty may be a new screening criterion for fitness for an operation

Researchers found that frailty is linked to increased complications, hospital readmission, and greater healthcare costs after surgery. A brief measure of frailty can help determine a patient's physical fitness for nonurgent operations.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 1, 2019

Tracking firefighters in burning buildings

Researchers have developed a motion-powered, fireproof sensor that can track the movements of firefighters and others in high-risk environments. The sensor generates power through triboelectric charging and has been successfully tested at temperatures up to 300C.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNano Energy·DateMar 1, 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.

More humans always mean fewer African carnivores, right? Nope

A new study published in Ecological Applications found that human disturbance can have varying effects on different species of carnivores in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. While some species, such as lions, decline in population due to increased human activity, others, like hyenas and black-backed jackals, thrive in areas with hi...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 1, 2019

Sex and aggression in mice controlled by cold-sensor in brain

Research by Eleonora Zakharian and colleagues reveals that the absence of TRPM8 leads to increased aggression and hypersexuality in mice. The team found that males with TRPM8 knockout exhibit violent behavior, while females show increased sexual appetite and sniffing behaviors.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 1, 2019

Balloons the No. 1 marine debris risk of mortality for seabirds

A new study found that balloons are the most lethal marine debris for seabirds, with a single piece killing 20% of seabirds and nine pieces killing 50%, while blockages or infections caused by gastrointestinal obstructions were leading causes of death

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 1, 2019

Research shows link between rise of European populism and vaccine hesitancy

A study by Queen Mary University of London found a significant positive association between populist party votes and vaccine mistrust levels across Europe. The analysis suggests that scientific populism may be driven by distrust of elites and experts, contributing to rising vaccine hesitancy.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·DateMar 1, 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.

Breast milk microbiome contains yeast and fungi: Do these benefit the infant?

Researchers have discovered that breast milk contains a variety of yeasts and fungi, including Malassezia and Davidiella, which are present in different geographic locations. These findings suggest that breast milk plays an important role in the initial seeding of fungal species to the infant gut.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 1, 2019

An abundance of beneficial mutations

A study on fruit flies found that many genes are involved in adaptation to hot environments, revealing genetic redundancy. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the number of genes required for adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 1, 2019

Cells use sugars to communicate at the molecular level

Scientists have found that sugar molecules serve as channels for cellular communication, allowing cells to interact with proteins and other cells. This discovery was made using atomic force microscopy and provides new insights into the role of cell membranes in function.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 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.

Bacteria in frog skin may help fight fungal infections in humans

A recent study found that bacteria from frog skin have produced compounds that can inhibit the growth of fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus. The most promising compound, viscosin, showed significant activity against both fungi.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 1, 2019

New research area: How protein structures change due to normal forces

Researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory developed methods to study protein structures under force, revealing a protein 'strain absorber' that stretches up to 2.5 times its original length. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding molecular elasticity in proteins and their response to small forces.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 1, 2019

NYUAD researchers achieve solid state thermochemiluminescence with crystals

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have successfully achieved solid-state thermochemiluminescence with crystals, a process that generates light through heat application. This fundamental discovery opens up unexplored directions in chemiluminescence research and has potential applications in solar energy harvesting technologies and sensing.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 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.

Blood test developed to predict spontaneous preterm birth

Researchers developed a blood test to predict spontaneous preterm birth, focusing on proteins found in first-trimester blood samples. The test shows promise for identifying women at increased risk of preterm delivery, particularly among first-time mothers.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateMar 1, 2019

Python hearts reveal mechanisms relevant to human heart health and disease

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder studied Burmese pythons' rapid heart growth in response to fasting and feeding, which could aid humans with diseased heart growth. The study reveals ways to isolate python heart cells, allowing for a better understanding of their mechanics and potential applications in human heart health.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 1, 2019

Tool reveals molecular causes of disease, including infant cancer

Researchers have developed a new tool called URSA(HD) that analyzes gene patterns to reveal molecular causes of diseases. The tool has already uncovered previously unknown contributions of four genes to a rare form of cancer primarily affecting babies and young children.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalCell Systems·DateMar 1, 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.

New chemical probes advance search for new antibiotics

Researchers at Indiana University have developed a new tool to observe living cells in real time under a microscope, advancing knowledge on how bacteria build their cell walls. This technology has significant value in addressing antibiotic resistance, which affects at least 2 million people in the US each year.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 1, 2019

Supercomputing enables sound prediction model for controlling noise

A new analytical model predicts Helmholtz cavity's sound spectrum with high accuracy, enabling efficient design of noise-cancelling systems. The model is optimized for low speed airflows and low frequencies, allowing for modular investigation of complex geometries.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalActa Mechanica·DateMar 1, 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.

Embryos' signaling proteins go with the flow

Researchers discovered that the WNT signaling pathway is more dynamic than previously thought, with different cell types responding differently to the same signals. They found that cells can tune the dynamics of this pathway to perform different functions in different contexts.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2019

Two genes explain variation in color and behavior in the wall lizard

Researchers found that two specific genes, SPR and BCO2, are responsible for yellow and orange/red pigmentation in wall lizards. These genes also affect behavior, size, fighting ability, and reproductive strategies, with different-colored individuals preferring mates of their own color.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2019

Researchers discover clues to brain differences between males and females

A new study by Dr. Margaret McCarthy's Lab reveals that male sex steroids play a key role in shaping brain development, particularly in the amygdala, which controls emotions and social behaviors. The research shows that testosterone eliminates newborn cells in males, while females' cells differentiate into glial cells.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMar 1, 2019

Paleontology: Diversification after mass extinction

A team led by Dr. Adriana López-Arbarello identifies three new species of the genus Eosemionotus, a type of ancient ray-finned fish, found in the Swiss Alps. The discovery provides insights into the rapid diversification of life after a mass extinction event.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateMar 1, 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.

Scientists produce colorless reservoir of platinum metal-like single atoms in liquid

Researchers produce a colorless liquid reservoir of metal-like discrete platinum atoms with high catalytic activity and stability, offering potential for reducing Pt consumption in the silicone industry. The scalable preparation method shields individual Pt atoms with hydrochlorides and docks them in the liquid through oxygen atoms.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2019

What causes that peak? Answering a long-standing question for covalent liquids

The study identifies tetrahedral nature as the local ordering of atoms in liquids, explaining the first sharp diffraction peak (FSDP) feature. The findings provide direct evidence of coexisting order and disorder in tetrahedral liquids, leading to improved understanding of their properties.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 1, 2019

NIH funds UT research on quality of life of LGBT caregivers

A new study by the University of Tennessee will examine the intersection of being LGBT and a caregiver, highlighting elevated risks of poor health. The project aims to collect comprehensive data on the LGBT ADRD caregiving experience to inform intervention development.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateMar 1, 2019

Bioluminescence sensors make new approaches to drug discovery possible

Researchers developed 13 bioluminescence sensors to measure intracellular signaling pathways and detect pharmaceutical action. The biosensors provide a complete answer, or 'signaling profile,' allowing for more accurate drug testing and development.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScience Signaling·DateMar 1, 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.

Major genetic study confirms that many genes contribute to risk for Tourette's syndrome

A meta-analysis of multiple studies identifies hundreds of gene variants contributing to Tourette's syndrome, with more severe symptoms associated with increased risk variants. The study suggests a continuous spectrum of tic disorders and raises the possibility of predicting TS development in children with mild tics.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 1, 2019

Cell editors correct genetic errors

Scientists have successfully transferred a key part of the plant's RNA editing mechanism into a bacterium, confirming a long-held theory about its functioning. This breakthrough improves our understanding of this widespread mechanism and opens up new avenues for research.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 1, 2019

Scientists rejuvenate stem cells in the aging brain of mice

Researchers at LCSB and DKFZ successfully rejuvenated stem cells in the aging brain of mice, improving regeneration of injured areas. The study identified a molecule called sFRP5 that keeps neuronal stem cells inactive, but neutralizing it allowed them to proliferate again.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalCell·DateMar 1, 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.

Ducks offer researchers a unique opportunity to study human touch

Scientists at Yale University investigate the mechanics of touch by studying the sensitive skin on ducks' bills, finding similarities with human palms. They identify the Piezo2 molecule as crucial for touch sensation, with duck bill skin allowing more ions to enter neurons than mouse paw skin.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 1, 2019

New X-ray measurement approach could improve CT scanners

A new measurement approach could create the first CT measurement standards connected to the International System of Units (SI), allowing for more precise calibration and comparison among scanners. This could lead to improved communication among doctors, more efficient diagnosis, and less costly treatment.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2019

Koala-spotting drones proves a flying success

Researchers at QUT developed an innovative method using drones and infrared imaging to detect koalas with high accuracy, surpassing expert observers in some areas. The technique has great potential for improving management of threatened species and detecting invasive species.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 1, 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.

Towards a blood test for early-stage liver disease

Researchers have identified six proteins associated with early-stage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that can progress to end-stage liver cirrhosis. The discovery of protein PIGR as a candidate biomarker for liver damage tests offers a promising new diagnostic tool.

SourceEMBO·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateMar 1, 2019

BFU scientists learned how to manage the properties of amorphous microwires

Researchers at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University developed a method to control the static and dynamic properties of amorphous ferromagnetic microwires by adjusting internal mechanical stress. The study improves understanding of these materials and their potential applications in various fields.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials·DateMar 1, 2019