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Science News for March 26, 2019


Technique uses well-known dye to watch amyloid plaques in the brain

A team of researchers has demonstrated a novel approach for nanoscale imaging of amyloid structures using Thioflavin T, allowing for precise visualization of proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. The technique enables the observation of amyloid fibrils assembling and disassembling in response to drugs.

SourceOptica·DateMar 26, 2019

First explanation for mechanism behind magnetism-driven NTE derived in 40 years

Researchers at Waseda University have finally cracked the code on magnetism-driven negative thermal expansion (NTE), a phenomenon that can make materials less heat-sensitive. The study reveals that antiferromagnets with competing direct and indirect exchange paths are potential candidates for exhibiting NTE.

SourceWaseda University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateMar 26, 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.

When tempers flare, nurses' injuries could rise

A study by researchers at Michigan State University found that social factors can contribute to muscle and joint pain in nurses. When support is perceived as uneven, tempers rise, leading to increased risk of injuries. Implementing strategies to improve the social environment for nurses may reduce stress and promote physical health.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalWork and Occupations·DateMar 26, 2019

Study shows that patients with or without cancer use different forms of marijuana

A new study found that cancer patients use more potent forms of medical marijuana with higher amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), relieving symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment. Non-cancer patients, on the other hand, prefer CBD-rich formulations for their therapeutic benefits.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateMar 26, 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.

Microgels let medical implants fight off bacteria

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a self-defensive surface for medical implants that releases micro-doses of antibiotics when bacteria approach. The microgels' behavior is regulated by electrical charges and can be applied to various medical devices, potentially reducing surgical infections.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalBiomaterials·DateMar 26, 2019

Researchers unlock the biomechanics of how the Ebola virus attaches to its host cell

Researchers have developed a simple model to understand the biomechanics of Ebola virus-host cell adhesion, which is essential for guiding the development of therapies. The model characterizes the interaction between the virus and cell surface receptors, providing new information on the road to developing an effective Ebola treatment.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 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.

Mind melding: Understanding the connected, social brain

Researchers found that neural synchrony between mothers and infants predicts social learning, while eye contact is associated with increased synchrony. The study sheds light on the human social brain and its importance in learning and development.

SourceCognitive Neuroscience Society·DateMar 26, 2019

Microorganisms are the main emitters of carbon in Amazonian waters

A new study reveals the microbial food web in Amazonian waters, consisting of 20% of the whole Amazon, produces 10 times more CO2 than the classical food chain by decomposing organic matter. This accounts for most of the carbon circulating in lakes, floodplains, and wetlands.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalHydrobiologia·DateMar 26, 2019

Parental support linked to how well millennials transition to college life

A new study found that millennials' worry about college is mitigated by parents' supportive relationships meeting their basic needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. However, over-involvement in parenting predicts lower need satisfaction, higher worry, and poor psychological well-being.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateMar 26, 2019

New brain research challenges our understanding of sleep

Researchers have uncovered large-scale brain patterns and networks that control sleep, revealing new insights into the complex processes of brain activity during sleep. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of sleep disorders such as insomnia.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 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.

Gesturing related to storytelling style, not nationality, study

New research by University of Alberta scientists reveals that gesturing frequency is more closely tied to the way people tell a story than their cultural background. Studies with bilingual participants found that those speaking in chronological order tend to gesture more than those focusing on moral or meaning behind a story.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalLanguage and Cognition·DateMar 26, 2019

NSF grant supports development of robotic frost protection in orchards

Researchers at Penn State are developing a system using unmanned aerial vehicles and ground-based robots to monitor air temperatures and provide targeted heating to protect crops from frost damage. The project aims to minimize energy use while maximizing precision in frost protection, with the goal of reducing economic losses for growers.

SourcePenn State·DateMar 26, 2019

Air quality agencies can breathe easier about current emissions regulations

A University of Washington-led study reveals that declining nitrogen oxides due to tightened standards can lead to cleaner air, but the process may take longer. The research found that NOx affects the formation of PM2.5 by changing the chemistry of hydrocarbon vapors.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2019

Smartphone test spots poisoned water risk to millions of lives

A new biosensor attached to a phone can detect arsenic levels in water, revealing a potential solution for contaminated drinking water sources. The device uses bacteria to generate easy-to-interpret patterns, providing an urgent need for simple and affordable monitoring tools.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 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.

New VaxArray neuraminidase potency test for N9

InDevR launches first-in-class reagent kit for rapid quantification of N9 in 'pandemic' influenza vaccines. The VaxArray assays are expected to reduce time and cost associated with vaccine production, facilitating improvement of seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines.

SourceInDevR, Inc.·DateMar 26, 2019

Cool Earth theory sheds more light on diamonds

A new theory by QUT geologist Professor Balz Kamber explains why diamonds formed as precious gemstones rather than graphite, contradicting a common belief. The study suggests the upper mantle was relatively cool, leading to diamond formation during the Archaean era.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalChemical Geology·DateMar 26, 2019

TGen physician-in-chief receives Distinguished Public Service Award from AACR

Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, TGen's Physician-In-Chief, has been recognized for his exceptional clinical research contributions through the Methods in Clinical Cancer Research Workshop, educating 100 students each summer. The workshop has trained nearly 2,300 graduates, who now populate leading cancer centers nationwide.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateMar 26, 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.

Student loan forgiveness programs driving physicians to primary care

Research finds that student loan forgiveness incentives influence new doctors' choice of specialty, with 35% of top-debt-quartile physicians practicing in primary care after using loan forgiveness programs. The article emphasizes the need to expand these programs to address the growing shortage of primary care physicians.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateMar 26, 2019

Study finds people who feed birds impact conservation

A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that people who feed birds notice natural changes in their backyards and respond to these events. Most often, they take action against cats or sick birds, but some also adjust their feeding habits based on weather conditions.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPeople and Nature·DateMar 26, 2019

NUP160 genetic mutation linked to steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome

Mutations in the NUP160 gene are associated with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disease that does not respond to steroids. The study identified new genetic mutations and developed a functional study system to analyze human genes.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 26, 2019

Yellowstone elk don't budge for wolves say scientists

Elk exhibit minimal avoidance of wolves due to philopatry, returning to familiar foraging areas despite small risk of predation. The study's findings suggest that wolves have negligible impacts on elk movements, contradicting previous theories.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 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.

Land conservation helps local economies grow

A new analysis by Harvard University shows that land conservation modestly increases employment rates in New England cities and towns, even when controlling for other factors. The study found small gains in median household income and population, as well as employment growth in recreation and tourism industries.

SourceHarvard University·JournalConservation Biology·DateMar 26, 2019

Dartmouth's Xia Zhou Wins 2019 ACM SIGMOBILE RockStar Award

Xia Zhou, an associate professor of computer science at Dartmouth College, has been awarded the 2019 ACM SIGMOBILE RockStar award for her groundbreaking research on unconventional wireless spectrum frequencies and visible light sensing. Her work has led to breakthroughs in next-generation wireless systems and human behavioral sensing.

SourceDartmouth College·DateMar 26, 2019

Bacteria could become a future source of electricity

Researchers at Lund University have achieved a more efficient transfer of electrical current from bacteria to electrodes, paving the way for potential use in biofuel cells and other energy applications. The discovery also sheds light on how bacteria communicate with their surroundings, including other molecules and each other.

SourceLund University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 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.

Droughts could hit aging power plants hard

A new study by Duke University finds that droughts and rising water temperatures will significantly impact US power plants' generating capacity. The researchers recommend replacing traditional once-through cooling systems with recirculating cooling systems to mitigate these effects.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 26, 2019

Using connectomics to understand epilepsy

Studies from the Epilepsy Connectome Project reveal a difference in memory-related connections between healthy individuals and those with epilepsy. The researchers identified an excitatory connection association with inhibition of formation of the left hippocampal region in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBrain Connectivity·DateMar 26, 2019

Mouse study examines the underpinnings of hallucinations

A study found that a hallucinogenic drug reduces signaling in the visual cortex, leading to altered timing of neuron firing and triggering visual hallucinations. The research has implications for understanding neurological underpinnings in disorders like schizophrenia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 26, 2019

Protein 'spat out' by cancer cells promotes tumor growth

Researchers at the University of Bradford discovered a protein, EN2, released by cancer cells that alters normal cell behavior, promoting tumour growth and evading the immune system. The study found that both cancer and normal cells take up the protein, leading to changes in shape or fusion, allowing cancer cells to reactivate and spread.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 26, 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.

Stranded dolphins have amyloid plaques in their brains

A recent study discovered amyloid plaques in the brains of stranded dolphins in Florida and Massachusetts, similar to those found in humans with Alzheimer's disease. The presence of these plaques, along with an environmental toxin produced by cyanobacterial blooms, highlights the potential risks of toxic exposures in marine environments.

SourceTager & Company, LLC·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 26, 2019

Artificial womb technology breaks its 4 minute mile

A major breakthrough in artificial womb technology has demonstrated its ability to support extremely preterm babies equivalent to a human fetus at 24 weeks of gestation. The study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that the technology can maintain stable, growth-normal state for five days.

SourceTohoku University·DateMar 26, 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.

Illinois researchers to implement, study STEM program for high school, middle schools

The University of Illinois is launching a 3-year program to improve diversity in STEM fields through targeted support for school counselors and year-round STEM experiences. The program aims to increase diversity among underrepresented groups, with partnerships from various organizations. By providing additional resources and support, t...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateMar 26, 2019

Not all carrot germplasm is the same -- in terms of salinity tolerance

Researchers evaluated diverse carrot germplasm for salinity tolerance and identified a wide range of phenotypic variations. The study found that many cultivated carrots are saline-sensitive during germination but some wild and cultivated accessions exhibit high salt tolerance.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMar 26, 2019

The solid Earth breathes

Researchers developed a new method to investigate tectonic C cycling in the complex Sunda margin, finding that only a fraction of sedimentary carbon returns to the Earth, contributing to atmospheric CO2. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the solid Earth's role in regulating global climate.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMar 26, 2019

Ancient Caribbean children helped with grocery shopping in AD 400

Researchers suggest that snail and clam shells found at Caribbean archaeological sites may indicate child involvement in foraging and grocery shopping. Children's contributions to their own subsistence were more efficient and meaningful than previously thought, changing the way archaeologists think about site materials and distribution.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalJournal of Anthropological Archaeology·DateMar 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.

New app can secure all your saved emails

The new Easy Email Encryption (E3) app automatically encrypts incoming emails on trusted devices, providing real-world security without requiring technical expertise. With receiver-controlled encryption and per-device key pairs, E3 makes email protection accessible to non-technical users.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateMar 26, 2019

Sometimes it's not good to be green

The study estimates that global lake greening could increase methane emissions by 30-90% over the next century. This is attributed to human population growth, climate change, and increased stormwater runoff, which lead to eutrophication and oxygen depletion in lakes.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 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.

Duckweed: The low-down on a tiny plant

Researchers found that the giant duckweed has extremely low genetic diversity and mutation rate, which may be due to its large population size. This study provides new insights into why genetic diversity differs among species.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 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.

Probiotic bacteria evolve inside mice's GI tracts

A new study found that probiotic bacteria can evolve and change inside the mouse's gut, making them less effective and sometimes harmful. The researchers discovered that the bacteria's DNA changes and they develop new capabilities after living in the mice's intestines for a few weeks.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 26, 2019

Infertility's roots in DNA packaging

Researchers at Kyoto University have made a breakthrough in understanding the root cause of abnormal sperm morphology in infertile mice. By modifying a single amino acid on a key protein, they were able to restore fertility in test mice, opening up new possibilities for treating infertility.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Signaling·DateMar 26, 2019

How the brain 'mentalizes' cooperation

Researchers found the temporoparietal junction significantly activated during cooperative tasks, indicating its role in facilitating cooperation. The anterior part of this region fires off information to the mentalizing system, controlling the flow of information.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNeuroImage·DateMar 26, 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.

Layered liquids arrange nanoparticles into useful configurations

Theoretical approach uses layers formed by liquids to arrange nanoparticles into unique structures for optics, plasmonics and electronics applications. By controlling nanoparticle properties, researchers can create exotic arrangements, such as strings or sheets, with potential benefits in multi-stage chemical catalysis.

SourceDuke University·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 26, 2019

New 3-D printing approach makes cell-scale lattice structures

A new 3D printing method enables the creation of fine-scale mesh structures that allow for precise control over a cell's microenvironment. This could lead to highly uniform cultures of cells with desired properties, making it a promising tool for biomedical research and potential medical applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateMar 26, 2019

Building starch backbones for lab-grown meat using Lego pieces

Researchers at Penn State and the University of Alabama developed a technique to spin starch fibers using Lego pieces, creating potential scaffolds for lab-grown 'clean' meat. The starch fiber mats have been optimized for better alignment and strength, making them suitable for biomedical applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·DateMar 26, 2019

Violence against long-term care staff 'normalized'

A new study reveals that violence against long-term care staff in Canada is widespread and largely unreported due to fear of reprisals. The research identifies underlying causes such as understaffing, poor organization, and inadequate emotional care as contributing factors.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateMar 26, 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.

In the tree of life, youth has its advantages

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that younger groups of organisms diversify faster than older ones, challenging traditional explanations for the Tree of Life's imbalance. This suggests that time-dependent general principles govern life's diversity on Earth, operating beneath other factors

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2019

Genetic tagging may help conserve the world's wildlife

Research suggests genetic tagging is a powerful tool for ecology and conservation, providing non-invasive methods to track animal populations. The method offers benefits over traditional approaches, such as scalability, precision, and cost-effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 26, 2019

The income gap, growing

A recent study by Robert Manduca at Harvard University reveals that income inequality is a major driver of the growing income gap between different regions in the United States. The study shows that over the past forty years, the number of people living in communities at the extreme ends of the income scale has increased three-fold, wi...

SourceHarvard University·JournalSocial Forces·DateMar 26, 2019

Control of mosquito-borne diseases

Researchers identified a novel mobile genetic element, pWCP, in the Wolbachia bacterium of Culex pipiens mosquitoes. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding interactions between the bacterium and its host, as well as its role in pathogen transmission.

SourceCirad·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 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.

Deciphering the walnut genome

Scientists at UC Davis and USDA's ARS developed a new approach to sequence walnut genomes, using long-read DNA sequencing and optical genome mapping. The resulting high-quality genome sequences can help breeders develop disease-resistant varieties.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalHorticulture Research·DateMar 26, 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.

The tremendous supply of apple cultivars in Wyoming

Researchers identified over 200 heritage apple cultivars planted in Wyoming's homesteads and orchards from the late 19th century. These historic trees continue to produce fruit despite harsh conditions, suggesting they could be used for breeding programs to improve drought- and cold-tolerance.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMar 26, 2019

'Aneurysm Number' may help surgeons make treatment decisions

Researchers developed a simple nondimensional parameter called 'aneurysm number' to classify the flow mode in both sidewall and bifurcation aneurysms. The parameter can substitute flow factors, potentially reducing the need for cumbersome measurements and simulations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 26, 2019

In hunt for life, astronomers identify most promising stars

The Cornell University-led study identifies 1,822 stars with conditions suitable for finding Earth-like planets and life-supporting environments. These stars are within reach of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope for atmospheric analysis and the detection of signs of life.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 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.

Facebook is free, but should it count toward GDP anyway?

A new study by MIT researchers puts a dollar value on free digital goods people use, including Facebook ($40-$50/month), YouTube ($1,173/year), and digital maps (59 euros/$67/month). The surveys drew 65,000 responses and found significant consumer surplus beyond prices paid.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 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.

Tracing the process of nitrous oxide formation in the ocean

Researchers at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel have directly detected oceanic nitrification process by measuring hydroxylamine, a short-lived compound. The new method allows for quick and simple analysis of nitrous oxide formation in the ocean.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 26, 2019

Sound sense: Brain 'listens' for distinctive features in sounds

Researchers developed a computational model that explores how the auditory system achieves accurate speech recognition by identifying distinct categories of sounds. The model found that the brain looks for informative features, such as those characteristic of a face, to distinguish between different vocalizations.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2019

The regeneration of a cell depends on where it is positioned

Researchers have developed a new method to study gene expression and its relationship with cell behavior, including regeneration. The method, called single-cell-digital gene expression (1cell-DGE), allows for the analysis of RNA from individual living cells in intact tissue without compromising positional information.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 26, 2019

Bringing endangered species back from the brink

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a method to produce eggs from ovarian tissue in labs, providing new hope for the critically endangered Northern White Rhino. The technique could enable conservationists to pull species back from extinction by utilizing ovarian tissue from old or injured animals.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·DateMar 26, 2019

Penn Nursing study links nurse work environments and outcomes

A meta-analysis from Penn Nursing's Center for Health Outcomes & Policy Research has linked better nurse work environments to lower odds of negative outcomes, including patient mortality. The study analyzed data from over 2,600 hospitals and found a strong association between the nurse work environment and patient and clinician well-be...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalMedical Care·DateMar 26, 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.

Immune-repelling protein prolongs function, survival of human stem-cell-derived beta cells

A team from Massachusetts General Hospital has developed a new method to encapsulate human stem-cell-derived beta cells, which restored glucose metabolism in diabetic mice and protected the cells from immune system attack. The use of an immune-repellent protein, CXCL12, significantly prolonged the survival and function of the cells.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateMar 26, 2019

Syracuse University physicist discovers new class of pentaquarks

Tomasz Skwarnicki and his team have analyzed data from the Large Hadron Collider beauty experiment at CERN, discovering three never-before-seen pentaquarks. The findings suggest that pentaquarks are built in a similar way to protons and neutrons, potentially affecting models of matter in other parts of the universe.

SourceSyracuse University·DateMar 26, 2019

Health risks associated with mixtures of man-made chemicals are underestimate

The EDC-MixRisk project reveals that current regulations underestimate health risks associated with combined exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals, affecting fetal development and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The study highlights the need for a novel approach to mixture risk assessment and emphasizes the importance of considering...

SourceStockholm University·DateMar 26, 2019

Pediatric health researchers offer insights for RSV vaccine

Pediatric health researchers offer new insights for RSV vaccine development, highlighting the importance of type 1 interferons in infants' immune response. The study suggests strategies to enhance type 1 interferon responses and improve existing vaccines, offering hope for prevention of severe RSV disease in infants.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMar 26, 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.

Untangling the brain's life-support network

A USC Dornsife-led study has provided the first global network model of the inner workings of the hypothalamus, a critical part of the brain that controls fundamental behaviors and physiology. The study reveals novel associations with several diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and behavioral disorders.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateMar 26, 2019

Speciation: Birds of a feather...

A study by LMU biologists reveals that the distinct division between Europe's carrion crows and hooded crows is largely driven by plumage color. The two forms have remained distinct despite fertile hybrid offspring, suggesting a selective advantage for mate choice based on feather color.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 26, 2019

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Joaninha affecting Mauritius

Tropical Cyclone Joaninha is affecting Mauritius, with NASA tracking its movement through the Southern Indian Ocean. The storm is causing strong southerly winds and heavy swells, prompting warnings from the Mauritius Meteorological Services.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 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.

BridgIT, a new tool for orphan and novel enzyme reactions

Researchers developed BridgIT, a tool that annotates proteins for 93% of enzymatic reactions, filling gaps in metabolic networks. The tool correctly predicts enzymes for 211 out of 234 non-orphan reactions and 334 out of 379 hypothetical reactions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2019

Widespread losses of pollinating insects in Britain

A new study reveals that one-third of pollinator species have declined in distribution across Great Britain, while others remain stable or show inconclusive trends. However, an unexpected positive finding is the increase in key bee species responsible for pollinating flowering crops.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2019

Children develop PTSD when they 'overthink' their trauma

A new study reveals that children who have trouble processing their trauma and perceive their symptoms as a sign of something seriously wrong are more likely to develop PTSD. The research found that deliberate attempts to process the trauma can actually worsen PTSD in children.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMar 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.

New tool maps a key food source for grizzly bears: huckleberries

A new mapping technique using satellite imagery helps track huckleberry distribution across Glacier National Park, enabling biologists to predict where grizzly bears will be found. This tool also aids in conserving the plant, which is crucial for the bears' survival and informs strategies to minimize human-bear conflicts.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalInternational Journal of Remote Sensing·DateMar 26, 2019

New 'pulsing' ultrasound technique improves drug delivery to brains of mice

A new 'pulsing' ultrasound technique has been developed to improve drug delivery to the brains of mice, opening up new possibilities for treating neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's. By using shorter-wave pulses, researchers were able to deliver drugs effectively without causing tissue damage or side effects.

SourceImperial College London·JournalRadiology·DateMar 26, 2019

Quick thinking? It's all down to timing

The study reveals that the rapidity with which neurons fire off affects information processing in the brain. Neurons in the hippocampus use spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) to learn and form memories, with precise timing determining the strength of connections between neurons.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·DateMar 26, 2019

Trained musicians perform better -- at paying attention

A study published in Heliyon found that trained musicians exhibit greater executive control of attention than non-musicians, with improved performance linked to increased years of training. This suggests that musical training can enhance cognitive abilities beyond music-specific skills.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateMar 26, 2019

Compared to sustained inflations for extremely premature infants, standard treatment prevails

A large multicenter trial found that standard intermittent positive pressure ventilation did not reduce the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death at 36 weeks postmenstrual age for extremely preterm infants. In contrast, sustained inflations did not appear beneficial in reducing BPD risk and mortality in this vulnerable popu...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA·DateMar 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.