Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 20, 2019


Noninvasive electrophysiological biomarker for Parkinson's disease

Researchers discovered a novel noninvasive electrophysiological biomarker for Parkinson's disease using scalp electrodes and electroencephalography (EEG). The approach showed promise for developing wearable technology to monitor disease-related brain activity at home.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 20, 2019

Anxious people quicker to flee danger

A new study from Caltech shows that anxious individuals flee danger sooner in slow-threat scenarios, but not in fast-threat situations. This suggests that anxiety is a prediction strategy that helps prevent future dangers.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 20, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Good leadership and values key to staff satisfaction, study finds

Researchers analyzed over 298,000 online review ratings to find the key elements of job satisfaction and employee turnover in high-contact services. The study shows that career progression is a critical factor in staff turnover, while an increase in job satisfaction leads to higher profitability.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalTourism Management·DateMay 20, 2019

Sex sells: how masculinity is used as currency to buy sperm donors' time

Sperm banks in the UK and Australia have used marketing strategies that rely on masculine archetypes to create value for a commodity they cannot legally buy. The use of these archetypes, such as the 'soldier' and 'everyday hero', has helped resolve donor shortages and procure sperm for free.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalMarketing Theory·DateMay 20, 2019

Ultra-thin superlattices from gold nanoparticles for nanophotonics

Scientists have developed a technique to produce highly ordered particle layers using tiny gold particles encapsulated in soft polymer beads. The resulting ultrathin superlattices exhibit collective resonances when excited by light, enabling potential applications in optoelectronics and nanophotonics.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 20, 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.

Economists find net benefit in soda tax

A new analysis suggests that soda taxes serve as a 'net good,' with health benefits and reduced consumption for low-income individuals. Researchers estimate a nationwide soda tax would yield $7 billion in net benefits annually.

SourceNew York University·DateMay 20, 2019

Epidemiology: Measures for cleaner air

The study examines 38 specific measures aiming to improve air quality and finds either positive or unclear effects. However, the variability in study findings makes it challenging to draw general conclusions about what works and what doesn't.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateMay 20, 2019

Noninvasive biomarker for Parkinson's disease possibly found in EEG data

A study from the University of Oregon suggests that specific angles and sharpness of brain waves in unfiltered EEG data may indicate Parkinson's disease. Researchers used raw, unfiltered beta waves to distinguish between patients on and off medication, providing a potentially new approach for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 20, 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 measurement device: Carbon dioxide as geothermometer

Researchers developed a novel laser-based measurement device to quantify rare CO2 variants, enabling accurate tracking of Earth's temperature. This breakthrough technology surpasses mass spectrometry in precision and can significantly shorten measurement times.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 20, 2019

Why are gels elastic?

A team of scientists discovered that the elasticity of gels arises from the packing of clusters of particles in the gels. The researchers used graph theory to identify the boundaries between these clusters, which act as rigid units within the gel, determining its elastic modulus.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2019

Studies: Benralizumab not effective reducing exacerbations in moderate to very severe COPD

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that benralizumab, an asthma drug, was ineffective in reducing exacerbations in patients with moderate to very severe COPD. The study involved over 3,000 patients and showed no significant decrease in COPD exacerbation rates among those receiving benralizumab.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 20, 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.

Key drug target shown assembling in real-time

Researchers outline detailed sequence of events where a GPCR encounters its downstream signaling partner, providing insights into fundamental mechanisms of drug-induced signaling. The new analysis technique can identify precise amino acids most central to GPCR function, enabling potential sites for precision drug targeting.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCell·DateMay 20, 2019

Shared emotional states in ravens

Researchers observed ravens exhibiting negative emotional contagion when watching demonstrator ravens with induced negative emotional states. The results suggest convergent emotional evolution in birds and mammals.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019

Fiber-based imaging spectrometer captures record amounts of data

The new compact device can capture 30,000 sampling points with over 60 wavelengths, providing valuable insight into chemical makeup of scenes or samples. Researchers say it has the potential to increase crop production and inform disaster response using unmanned aerial vehicles.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateMay 20, 2019

Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets and sea level rise

Researchers used structured expert judgment to estimate probability distributions for future sea level rise, yielding long upper tails and a small but meaningful chance of exceeding 2m by 2100. The results suggest coastal communities should consider the possibility of 21st-century SLR in excess of 2m when developing adaptation strategies.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 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.

Shedding light on cancer metabolism in real-time with bioluminescence

Researchers have developed a new technique called BiGluc, which enables the visualization of glucose metabolism in real-time in cancerous tumors. This non-invasive imaging method could lead to more effective cancer treatments by identifying the metabolic requirements of different tumors.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 20, 2019

AJTMH tipsheet for May 2019

A California study reveals chronic Q fever cases may be more common than previously believed, with a higher case fatality rate than national averages. Meanwhile, a mass treatment campaign in Bolivia has effectively eliminated human fascioliasis, a parasitic worm disease once prevalent in up to 25% of the population.

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMay 20, 2019

Air pollution affects tree growth in São Paulo

Researchers found that high levels of PM10 reduced average tree growth by up to 37% and varied interannually with pollution levels during driest months. Trees exposed to higher levels of pollution grew less in trunk diameter development throughout their lives.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMay 20, 2019

Researchers link new protein to Parkinson's

Parkin's activity depends on recruitment and activation by proteins such as PINK1 and MITOL. The discovery of MITOL's role in tagging damaged mitochondria could lead to improved therapies for Parkinson's disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 20, 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.

Artificial intelligence system spots lung cancer before radiologists

A new AI system has been developed that can detect lung cancer with high accuracy, potentially leading to earlier treatment. The system uses deep learning to analyze low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) scans and performs better than human radiologists in detecting malignant nodules.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 20, 2019

Reverse-engineered computer model provides new insights into larval behavior

Scientists developed a reverse-engineered computer model to describe microscopic marine larvae behaviors, providing new insights into their dispersal and distribution. The approach abandons previous methods, revealing realistic patterns observed in nature, enhancing understanding of the marine environment.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 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.

Superconductor's magnetic persona unmasked

New experiments by US, Chinese and European physicists have found iron selenide's magnetic properties are highly anisotropic, like other iron superconductors. The material's structure and electronic behavior are surprisingly similar to those of other iron-based superconductors.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 20, 2019

How Earth's mantle is like a Jackson Pollock painting

Researchers discover varied chemical composition in mantle materials, contrasting with mid-ocean ridge lava. The team's findings suggest that the mantle is not well-mixed and that different rocks melt at different temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 20, 2019

SABER tech gives DNA and RNA visualization a boost

Researchers have developed SABER, a highly programmable method that significantly enhances the sensitivity and customization capabilities of FISH analysis. It enables parallel detection of many targets with high sensitivity and tunability at low costs.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 20, 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.

Film images of war ruins

The new project, led by Professor Vinzenz Hediger, investigates war destruction and reconstruction in non-fiction film from 1949 to 1953. The team analyzes public spaces such as marketplaces and squares in various European countries.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateMay 20, 2019

Professor rethinks living spaces for refugee camps

A researcher examines the case of people living in Jordan's Zaatari camp to understand how digital technology influences their physical space. She suggests a new design approach that prioritizes interior space, incorporating insertable walls and dividers to allow residents spatial authorship.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalArchitecture_MPS·DateMay 20, 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.

More detailed picture of Earth's mantle

A new analysis of oceanic crust cores has found distinct sections of rock with different chemical make-ups in the mantle. This variability could be linked to recycled oceanic crust and its interaction with the surrounding mantle.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 20, 2019

SLAS Discovery announces its June cover article

The June cover of SLAS Discovery features an article on the benefits of open sharing of compounds in drug discovery. By leveraging pooled knowledge, dark proteins have emerged as potential drug targets, offering a promising approach to exploring new medicines.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateMay 20, 2019

SCAI releases multi-society endorsed consensus on the classification stages of cardiogenic shock

A new five-stage system defines cardiogenic shock based on narrative patient descriptions, physical findings, and biochemical/hemodynamic markers to facilitate rapid assessment and communication between providers. The consensus aims to standardize vocabulary, recognize risk for adverse outcomes, and inform interventions.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateMay 20, 2019

Resilience of Yellowstone's forests tested by unprecedented fire

A recent study found that Yellowstone's re-burned forests have a six-fold decline in lodgepole pine tree seedlings and lost significant carbon storage capacity after experiencing two consecutive fires within fewer than 30 years. The researchers estimate it would take over 150 years for the forest to recover its lost carbon.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 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.

Solar flare insights from machine learning

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to classify solar active regions, discovering new features such as the persistence of flare-producing active regions before and after a flare. The study also identified the build-up of electrical currents before a solar flare event.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019

Circadian mechanism may not be driver behind compound linked to obesity and diabetes

A Penn Medicine study found that compound SR9009 can affect cell growth and metabolic function without the presence of protein REV-ERB, challenging previous understanding of its effects on obesity and diabetes. The research has significant implications for researchers and the general public.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 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.

Size is everything

A new method has been developed to predict the vulnerability of ecosystems, focusing on predators' body mass and prey characteristics. The approach enables researchers to determine habitat structure and stability without comprehensive data on all organisms.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 20, 2019

Chinese-Americans abused earlier in life face greater abuse risk as elders

A Rutgers University study found that Chinese-Americans who experienced child abuse or intimate partner violence are more likely to experience elder abuse. The researchers surveyed 3,157 Chinese-American adults over age 60 and found a significant association between early victimization and later abuse.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 20, 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.

High-temperature superconducting copper oxide

Researchers report a unique copper oxide exhibiting high-temperature superconductivity at up to 73 K, distinct structural features from known cuprate superconductors. This discovery suggests new directions for developing high-temperature superconductors.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019

Neurobiology: Doubly secured

The study reveals that brain stem cells use a double-lock mechanism to protect genes that control cell identity, preventing unintended activation. This discovery has great therapeutic potential for reactivating stem cells and could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 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.

Mindfulness helps mothers with opioid use disorder combat depression

A mindfulness-based parenting intervention has been shown to decrease depression symptoms in mothers with opioid use disorder, particularly those with moderate to severe depression symptoms. The study, published in Issues in Mental Health Nursing, found that the intervention was a practical alternative to pharmaceutical treatment.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalIssues in Mental Health Nursing·DateMay 20, 2019

'Spidey senses' could help autonomous machines see better

Purdue University researchers develop sensors inspired by spiders, bats, birds, and other animals to process sensory information faster, enabling drones and self-driving cars to detect and avoid objects better. The sensors can filter out irrelevant data and compute information without needing a power supply.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 20, 2019

Giving rural Indians what they want increases demand for cookstoves

A new study led by Duke University researchers found that adopting common business practices can increase the demand for improved cookstoves in rural India. The study showed a significant increase in adoption rates, with nearly half of households purchasing stoves in intervention areas compared to zero purchases in control villages.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 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.

Bonobo mothers help their sons to have more offspring

Researchers found that bonobo mothers aid their adult sons in copulation efforts, protecting them from other males and giving them access to popular spots within social groups. This behavior, rare in chimpanzees, is linked to higher male fertility and reproductive success for the bonobos.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 20, 2019

Hyperspectral camera captures wealth of data in an instant

Rice University's NASA-funded TuLIPSS project develops a portable spectrometer that can capture hyperspectral data instantly, unlike current systems that scan line-by-line. The device, called TuLIPSS, uses optical fibers to deliver image components to a detector and customize the balance of spectral and spatial data.

SourceRice University·JournalOptics Express·DateMay 20, 2019

Bolstering biopsies: Testing individual cells to guide treatment

Researchers developed a new testing method using single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze individual cells in diseased organs, revealing genetic glitches that may allow for more effective treatment. The study found promising results in lupus patients and could potentially improve biopsy accuracy for other diseases.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 20, 2019

Dog-like robot made by students jumps, flips and trots

The Stanford Student Robotics club developed an affordable, open-source quadruped robot called Stanford Doggo, which can perform acrobatic tricks and navigate challenging terrain. The robot's cost is estimated under $3,000 and all components can be bought online.

SourceStanford University·DateMay 20, 2019

Study identifies enzymes that prevent diabetic kidney disease

Researchers have identified protective factors that play a strong role in preventing diabetic kidney disease. The study found that certain enzymes, including PKM2, are present in people with good kidney function and may be used as biomarkers and targets for personalized clinical intervention.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 20, 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.

Echolocation: Making the best of sparse information

Bats use echolocation by emitting ultrasonic signals and analyzing echoes to detect objects, but their navigational system relies on a surprisingly small amount of spatial information. This allows them to navigate effectively despite receiving an 'extremely fuzzy picture' of their environment.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 20, 2019

Weight gain and loss may worsen dementia risk in older people

A large observational study found that rapid weight change and cardiometabolic risk factors significantly increase dementia risk in older adults. Continuous weight control and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are recommended for preventing dementia development.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateMay 20, 2019

Waking 'sleeping' genes could help Prader-Willi syndrome

Researchers discover potential way to wake up 'sleeping' genes that cause Prader-Willi syndrome, a devastating and incurable genetic condition. The approach aims to reduce severe symptoms such as obesity, developmental delays, and hormone dysfunction by targeting the genetic cause of the condition.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateMay 20, 2019

Farmers have less leisure time than hunter-gatherers, study suggests

A study of Agta hunter-gatherers in the Philippines found that those who adopt farming work around 10 hours a week longer than their forager neighbours, impacting women's lives disproportionately. The research suggests that agriculture may not represent progress as previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 20, 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.

Crime fighting just got easier as burglars reveal all

A recent study used virtual reality to observe burglars' behavior, revealing their expertise and skill in choosing targets. The results suggest that experienced burglars are more efficient and discriminate in their thefts, targeting high-value areas and avoiding security measures.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalCriminology·DateMay 20, 2019

Just released: Proceedings from inaugural Medical Summit on Firearm Injury Prevention

The proceedings from the inaugural Medical Summit on Firearm Injury Prevention identify a consensus-based approach to reduce injury, disability, and death from firearm violence. The article outlines a public health framework for addressing the crisis, including research, education, and targeted injury prevention initiatives.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 20, 2019

Expert judgement provides better understanding of the effect of melting ice sheets

An international team of scientists used structured expert judgment to estimate plausible ranges for future sea level rise from melting ice sheets. Their findings suggest that coastal communities should not rule out the possibility of 21st-century SLR in excess of two metres when developing adaptation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 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.

Progress in family planning in Africa accelerating

A new study shows women in eight sub-Saharan African countries gaining access to and using modern contraception at a faster rate than projected, with married women the biggest users. The average annual growth rate of change in modern contraceptive prevalence exceeded the 1.4% benchmark set by the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateMay 20, 2019

Women with sleep apnea are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than men

A study of over 19,000 people found that women with obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than men. The research, published in the European Respiratory Journal, suggests that women with severe OSA and low blood oxygen levels during sleep may be at greater risk of developing cancer.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateMay 20, 2019

Protein that promotes advancement of prostate cancer identified

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that inhibiting the BRD4 protein can consistently regulate prostate cancer cell migration and invasion. The study provides promising insights into preventing the spread of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), a highly aggressive form of the disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateMay 20, 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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Synthesis of helical ladder polymers

Scientists have successfully synthesized helical ladder polymers using a novel electrophilic aromatic substitution method. The resulting molecules exhibit well-defined right-handed helical geometry and can be modified to create nanoscale architectures for various applications.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 20, 2019

Zebrafish help researchers explore alternatives to bone marrow donation

Researchers used zebrafish and human cells to determine how blood stem cells receive Wnt signaling, discovering the crucial role of the epidermal growth factor receptor. This finding may advance laboratory development of blood stem cells, potentially leading to off-the-shelf treatments for patients with blood diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 20, 2019

Synthetic biologists hack bacterial sensors

Researchers have created a system that can systematically rewire two-component systems in bacteria, allowing them to identify the function of an unknown sensor. This technology has wide-ranging implications for medical diagnostics, pathogen study and environmental monitoring.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 20, 2019

Virulence factor of the influenza A virus mapped in real-time

The study found that acidic environments make the HA0 molecule flatter and more circular, inducing conformational changes. The researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy to visualize the structure of HA0 in real-time, paving the way for developing therapeutic approaches against influenza A viruses.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects·DateMay 20, 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.

Cardiac MRI may lead to targeted PAH therapy

Researchers developed a cardiac MRI method to predict mortality risk in PAH patients. By monitoring right ventricular function, doctors can provide targeted therapies and measure their effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 20, 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.

Bacteria change behavior to tackle tiny obstacle course

Researchers discovered E. coli bacteria change behavior to navigate tiny obstacle courses, defying predictions of slowing progress. The study's findings have implications for biology, medicine, and robotic search-and-rescue tactics.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019

Fire resilience of lodgepole pine stands

Researchers found that re-burned areas experienced significant biomass loss and a six-fold decrease in tree seedling density. The study suggests that future short fire intervals may adversely affect the resilience of subalpine forests, threatening their ability to recover from previous fires.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 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.

Water formation on the moon

Scientists use deuterium ions to create water on lunar samples, suggesting micrometeorite impacts can generate and liberate water. The results provide insight into potential water formation mechanisms on the moon and other airless bodies in the Solar System.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019

Lupus treatments can be tailored to patient's individual cells, study shows

Researchers have discovered a way to predict which patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are most likely to respond to therapy by analyzing tissue samples from their kidneys and skin. This breakthrough could lead to personalized treatment plans for SLE patients.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 20, 2019

Mount Sinai discovers placental stem cells that can regenerate heart after heart attack

Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered Cdx2 cells, a type of placental stem cell, that can regenerate healthy heart cells after heart attacks in animal models. These cells have the ability to target injury sites and avoid rejection by the host immune system, making them promising for regenerative therapy.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019

New single vaccination approach to killer diseases

Scientists have developed a new single vaccination approach that simultaneously protects against both influenza and pneumococcal infections, overcoming the limitations of current vaccines. The approach combines vaccines targeting different components of the virus and bacteria, inducing enhanced cross-protective immunity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 20, 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.

Computer program designed to calculate the economic impact of forest fires

A new visual tool, Visual Seveif programme, assesses economic losses from forest fires by considering tangible and intangible resources. The programme evaluates factors such as carbon fixation, tree age, and species, to estimate the true impact of forest fires on the economy.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalEnvironmental Impact Assessment Review·DateMay 20, 2019

Pinterest homemade sunscreens: A recipe for sunburn

A study found that nearly all Pinterest pins for homemade sunscreens positively portrayed their effectiveness but offered insufficient UV radiation protection. The researchers emphasized the importance of using commercially sold and regulated sunscreen products to protect against skin cancer.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalHealth Communication·DateMay 20, 2019

Thinking outside the box: 'Seeing' clearer and deeper into live organs

Researchers developed a new contrast agent using ytterbium to overcome concentration quenching, allowing for improved optical imaging resolution beyond CT and PET technology. The breakthrough enables clearer visualization of whole mice, opening up potential applications in bio-imaging.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 20, 2019

Progress to restore movement in people with neuromotor disabilities

Researchers developed an LSTM decoder to extract kinematics of movement from large populations of neurons, outperforming the Kalman filter in decoding tasks. This approach could provide a better algorithm strategy for neuroprostheses that restore movement in patients with severe neuromotor disabilities.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalNeural Computation·DateMay 20, 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.

Researchers develop new lens manufacturing technique

Scientists at Washington State University and Ohio State University have developed a novel method for creating custom lenses using magnetic liquid droplets. This breakthrough process eliminates the need for expensive metal molds, enabling mass production of high-quality lenses in various shapes and sizes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 20, 2019

Why do women military vets avoid using VA benefits?

Research by UMass Amherst epidemiologist Elizabeth Evans identified factors affecting women vets' use of VA-provided health care, including poor connections, limited knowledge, and uncomfortable environments. The study aims to inform improvements to VA health care design and delivery to better serve women veterans.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Humanistic Psychology·DateMay 20, 2019

Strawberry tree honey inhibits cell proliferation in colon cancer lines

Researchers found that strawberry tree honey reduces colon cancer cell proliferation and colony formation ability by regulating EGFR and MAPKs signaling pathways. The study also showed that the honey inhibits cell cycle, induces apoptosis, and suppresses key genes involved in tumor growth.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateMay 20, 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.

Clemson geneticists continue to unravel how genes impact drug use and addiction

A study by Clemson University Center for Human Genetics reveals that there is extensive genetic variation in the propensity to consume cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as change in this behavior over time. The research uses Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies to assess naturally occurring variation in drug self-administration and f...

SourceClemson University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 20, 2019

The return of the wolves

The study explores how humans can coexist with wolves in Europe's fragmented landscapes. Scientists recommend protecting farm animals, strengthening ungulate populations, and influencing wolf behavior through deterrence measures. The research aims to provide a balanced view of wolves' ecological value and minimize conflicts.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMay 20, 2019

Counter-intuitive climate change solution

A Stanford-led paper proposes converting methane into carbon dioxide as a climate change solution. The process could eliminate one-sixth of all causes of global warming and generate significant profits with a price on carbon emissions. Zeolite, a crystalline material, can act as a sponge to capture methane.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMay 20, 2019

Effects of social disruption on killer whales

Additive mortality events from human activities led to weaker social associations, reduced group size, and increased survival probability, ultimately resulting in a significant population decline. The study found that 98 individuals failed to re-associate in stable social groups after the event.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019

A better understanding of the von Willebrand Factor's A2 domain

A team of Lehigh University researchers characterized the shear-induced extensional response of vWF, revealing new insights into the protein's biomechanical behavior. They also developed a coarse-grained model to explain the protein's flow-induced properties, shedding light on its role in blood clotting and platelet function.

SourceLehigh University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMay 20, 2019

June's SLAS technology special collection now available

The June issue of SLAS Technology introduces a new sample management collection, enabling the use of disease-relevant cells and tissues in miniaturized biology. This shift reduces drug discovery attrition by mimicking the disease state more effectively.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS TECHNOLOGY·DateMay 20, 2019

Rocky mountain spotted fever risks examined

A comprehensive study in Mexicali, Mexico, found that half of the neighborhoods had diagnosed human cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, with some areas having almost one in 10 infected ticks. The study also gauged residents' knowledge and found that fewer than half used pesticides to prevent bites.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMay 20, 2019

Bonobo moms play an active role in helping their sons find a mate

Research finds that bonobo moms play an active role in helping their sons find a mate by preventing other males from mating and bringing them to ovulating females. This increases the sons' chances of becoming fathers, a finding that suggests bonobo mothers have a significant impact on male fertility.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 20, 2019

Discovery in mice could remove roadblock to more insulin production

Researchers discovered that removing a pair of negative immune signals can stimulate beta cell proliferation, allowing the pancreas to produce more insulin. The findings, made in mice, could lead to new treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 20, 2019

New Finnish study: Dietary cholesterol or egg consumption do not increase the risk of stroke

A new Finnish study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that dietary cholesterol and moderate egg consumption are not associated with an increased risk of stroke. The study, which followed 1,950 men for 21 years, also found no association between these factors and stroke risk in carriers of the APOE4 phenotype.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 20, 2019

People in higher social class have an exaggerated belief that they are better than others

Research by Peter Belmi, PhD, found that individuals from higher social classes exhibit exaggerated beliefs about their abilities and are misinterpreted as more competent due to overconfidence. This study suggests that social class shapes attitudes towards one's abilities and perpetuates class hierarchies.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 20, 2019

Artificial intelligence becomes life-long learner with new framework

A new framework called Learn to Grow has been developed to enable artificial intelligence systems to better learn new tasks while forgetting less of what they have learned regarding previous tasks. This framework allows AI systems to retain previous skills and apply them to new tasks, improving performance and efficiency.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateMay 20, 2019

Anxiety might be alleviated by regulating gut bacteria

A recent review of studies found that regulating intestinal microbiota through probiotics and non-probiotic interventions can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms in people. Probiotic supplements were only effective in about half of the studies, while non-probiotic interventions showed a 86% rate of effectiveness.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·DateMay 20, 2019

Key acid-activated protein channel identified

Researchers identified a key acid-activated protein channel (PAC) that could provide a new target for therapies for stroke, heart attack, cancer, and inflammation. The discovery was made by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers who found the PAC protein in human cell lines using a novel method.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2019

Feds fund creation of headset for high-speed brain link

A Rice University-led team is developing a headset technology that can directly link the human brain and machines, aiming to transmit visual images from one individual to another's mind. The project, funded by $18 million, plans to demonstrate direct, brain-to-brain communication at the speed of thought without surgery.

SourceRice University·DateMay 20, 2019

Gas insulation could be protecting an ocean inside Pluto

A team of researchers from Japan and the US found that a gassy insulating layer beneath Pluto's icy surface could be protecting an ocean. The simulations showed that without this layer, the ocean would have frozen hundreds of millions of years ago, but with it, it remains liquid for over a billion years.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 20, 2019

The healing power of a smile: A link between oral care and substance abuse recovery

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that patients who received comprehensive oral care as part of their substance use disorder treatment had a significant increase in completing their treatment programs. The results show that participants who underwent FLOSS (Facilitating a Lifetime of Oral ...

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateMay 20, 2019

Novel technique reduces obstruction risk in heart valve replacement

Researchers developed a novel technique called LAMPOON to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, a common complication of transcatheter mitral valve replacement. The study found that the new method increased treatment options for high-risk patients and achieved better survival rates compared to other methods.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 20, 2019

Wearable system to sense and stimulate the brain at unprecedented resolution

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University aim to create a noninvasive neural interface that can sense and stimulate the brain's dynamic activity with unprecedented resolution. The team will harness novel concepts in physics, biology, and engineering using electricity, ultrasound, and light to develop a wearable device.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·DateMay 20, 2019

Obesity risk may be increased by exposure to common environmental chemicals

Research suggests that exposure to phthalates, commonly found in everyday items, may increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Higher levels of phthalate exposure were associated with markers of impaired liver function, insulin resistance, and cholesterol in people with obesity and diabetes.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·DateMay 20, 2019