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Science News for November 1, 2019


New printer creates extremely realistic colorful holograms

The new CHIMERA printer produces digital 3D holograms with unprecedented detail and realistic color, created using low-cost commercial lasers and high-speed printing. The printer can produce wide-field-of-view holograms with full parallax, ideal for applications such as museum displays and architectural models.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateNov 1, 2019

Online tool speeds response to elephant poaching by tracing ivory to source

A new online tool uses an interactive database of genetic information to help authorities quickly identify the origin of confiscated ivory from African elephants. The Loxodonta Localizer matches genetic sequences from poached ivory to those stored in the database, providing a faster and cheaper analysis than current approaches.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateNov 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.

How the Aztecs could improve modern urban farming

Researchers discovered that chinampas, a raised field system on artificial islands, can provide fresh produce year-round with low irrigation needs. The system's high productivity and sustainability make it an attractive solution for modern megacities.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateNov 1, 2019

Here's something that will raise your blood pressure

Researchers found that activating the apelin receptor led to increased blood pressure due to vasoconstriction, a process also affected by the α1A-adrenergic receptor. The study suggests a coordinated mechanism controlling blood vessel contraction and may support therapy development for vascular stenosis and vasospasm.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalThe Journal of Biochemistry·DateNov 1, 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.

What Reddit's basketball fans can tell us about online discourse

A recent study on Reddit's basketball fans reveals that mixing fans of different teams can lead to a backfire effect, resulting in more negative comments and hate speech. The researchers found that when fans interact with opposing groups online, their language patterns deteriorate, becoming increasingly negative and confrontational.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateNov 1, 2019

Lymphatic system found to play key role in hair regeneration

Scientists discover molecular coordination tool and specialized lymphatic capillaries that transport immune cells and drain excess fluids from tissues, controlling fluid composition and cell synchronization during hair follicle stem cell activity.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateNov 1, 2019

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

A crowdsourcing game called Foldit allows players to design protein structures that are reproduced in labs, showing their accuracy. Researchers also discovered how cooking affects the gut microbiome and found a new material to remove toxic sulfur dioxide gas.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 1, 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.

New study sheds light on conditions that trigger supernovae explosions

Researchers developed a theory that sheds light on detonation formation at the heart of supernovae explosions, demonstrating the process using experiments and numerical simulations. The study predicts the conditions for detonation formation in Type Ia supernovae, providing insight into fundamental aspects of physical processes.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScience·DateNov 1, 2019

'Transformative electronics systems' to broaden wearable applications

A KAIST team has designed a new strategy for electronics that can mechanically transform into a wearable electronic device. The platform allows users to seamlessly tune its stiffness and shape, offering robust and convenient interfaces for various applications.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 1, 2019

Black and elderly patients less likely to receive lung cancer treatments

A new study found that only about 6 in 10 lung cancer patients in the US receive recommended treatments, with black patients and those over 80 receiving significantly lower treatment rates. The researchers highlight the importance of communicating benefits of treatment for advanced disease beyond survival.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateNov 1, 2019

Best of frenemies: Unexpected role of social networks in ecology

Biologists at UC Davis propose that species pay attention to each other, especially if they share predators, leading to new insights into population dynamics and cooperation. Advances in technology have made it easier to study short-lived interactions between species in the wild.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEcology·DateNov 1, 2019

A new spin on life's origin?

A research team at The University of Tokyo has successfully produced helixes that twist preferentially in a particular direction, shedding light on the origin of life's chirality. This breakthrough may lead to new and cheaper drug production methods and finally address the lingering question of how life began.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 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.

New innovations in technology could benefit veterans with PTSD

The Zeriscope system enables veterans to virtually take their doctor with them during prolonged exposure therapy, providing real-time feedback on physical and psychological information. This innovation aims to improve treatment outcomes and reduce dropout rates for veterans with PTSD.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateNov 1, 2019

Harvesting genes to improve watermelons

An international team of researchers has created a comprehensive watermelon genome resource to help plant breeders increase the domestic fruit's quality and ability to thrive during an era of climate change. The resource includes genetic insights into wild watermelon species and their potential for disease resistance, paving the way fo...

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 1, 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.

Fluorescent probes offer fuller view of drug delivery in cells

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a technique using fluorescent probes to study the performance of molecules inside living cells. The probes can accurately measure the rate at which linkers release drugs in cells, enabling pharmaceutical companies to make informed decisions about drug delivery systems.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateNov 1, 2019

Living skin can now be 3D-printed with blood vessels included

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a way to 3D print living skin complete with blood vessels. The advancement brings researchers closer to creating grafts that are more like the skin our bodies produce naturally, which can accelerate wound healing and improve patient outcomes.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateNov 1, 2019

Four decades of data sounds early warning on Lake George

A 40-year study of Lake George's deep waters reveals significant increases in salt and nutrients, but at concentrations still too low to cause harm. The findings serve as an early warning for potential impacts on streams, wetlands, and shallow waters, suggesting a shift in research focus.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateNov 1, 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.

Rice yields plummet and arsenic rises in future climate-soil scenarios

Climate change is projected to cause a dramatic decline in rice yields, potentially devastating global food supplies. The crop's sensitivity to soil arsenic, exacerbated by increased temperatures and irrigation with high-arsenic water, will lead to twice the normal amount of toxic arsenic in rice.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 1, 2019

Food waste in tourism is a bigger issue than previously thought

The tourism industry is facing significant challenges due to food waste, with globally estimated 1.3 billion tons of food lost or wasted each year. Food waste in tourist households has been neglected despite growing numbers of tourists and diverse travel experiences.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalTourism Review·DateNov 1, 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.

Being physically active can lower older adults' risk for dying

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that low levels of physical activity are associated with higher risks of mortality among Brazilian older adults. The research suggests that regular physical activity can help reduce deaths from heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 1, 2019

Hindu children more apt to echo propaganda that 'Indian equals Hindu'

A new study from UC Berkeley and Yale University found that Hindu children are more likely to associate their faith with their national identity than Muslim peers. The research suggests that these associations can predict support for policies favoring Hindus over Muslims.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalChild Development·DateNov 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.

NASA satellite imagery finds Rebekah now post-tropical

NASA's Terra Satellite captures Post-Tropical Cyclone Rebekah as a remnant low-pressure area, devoid of deep convection and strong thunderstorms. Rebekah is expected to weaken into a trough or elongated area of low pressure between 12-24 hours.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 1, 2019

Disordered proteins become stable, 'super-sticky' materials

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a new method to create stable IDP-based materials by controlling environmental triggers. This allows researchers to harness the phase transition properties of IDPs to build novel materials for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 1, 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.

ADHD across racial/ethnic groups

Researchers found significant disparities in ADHD diagnoses among racial and ethnic groups, with African Americans more likely to receive a diagnosis than Asians and Hispanics. The study's findings highlight the need for culturally tailored screening tools and diagnostic practices.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 1, 2019

A new material for regenerative medicine capable to control cell immune response

Scientists have developed a new material that controls cell immune response, using inhibitors placed directly in the material. The polycaprolactone scaffolds are biodegradable and release the inhibitors gradually, which can reduce negative consequences after heart attacks and strokes.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateNov 1, 2019

Researchers engineer insulin-producing cells activated by light for diabetes

Scientists develop optogenetic approach to control glucose levels in diabetic mice, achieving improved tolerance and regulation of glucose without pharmacological intervention. The light-switchable cells can produce more than two- to three-fold the typical level of insulin in response to glucose levels.

SourceTufts University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateNov 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.

The secret behind crystals that shrink when heated

Brookhaven researchers discover a new type of vibrational motion that causes scandium fluoride crystals to buckle and shrink when heated. This phenomenon is relevant to materials used in electronics, medicine, and telecommunications, offering fresh insight into unconventional superconductors and flexible materials.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 1, 2019

Study shows media overlook best practices when reporting a celebrity suicide death

A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that media coverage of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain's suicides did not always follow best practices, increasing the risk of contagion among vulnerable individuals. The study highlights the importance of following suicide reporting guidelines to reduce this risk.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 1, 2019

The last Neanderthal necklace

A team of researchers has discovered a piece of jewelry made from eagle talons, believed to be the oldest known ornament in Europe. The discovery dates back to 39,000 years ago and provides insight into the cultural practices of Neanderthals.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 1, 2019

Estrogen's opposing effects on mammary tumors in dogs

A new study has found that spaying dogs reduces their risk of developing mammary tumors, but may increase the risk of more aggressive cancers. Higher serum estrogen levels in spayed animals with mammary tumors were associated with longer times to metastasis and improved survival times.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 1, 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.

Dartmouth engineers develop new way to know liars' intent

Researchers at Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth have developed an approach for detecting a speaker's intent to mislead, which could be used to extract opinion from 'fake news.' The framework uses universal features of deceptive reasoning and has been shown to outperform models based on verbal changes and personal differences.

SourceThayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth·JournalJournal of Experimental & Theoretical Artificial Intelligence·DateNov 1, 2019