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Science News for November 27, 2019


Habitat restoration alone not enough to support threatened caribou: UBC study

A new UBC study found that restoring seismic lines to protect caribou from predators and competitors has limited effectiveness in keeping them safe. Caribou populations have declined rapidly across western Canada, and the researchers' camera trap study showed that restored lines were used about as much as unrestored lines.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBiological Conservation·DateNov 27, 2019

Silencing retroviruses to awaken cell potential

A team from the University of Tsukuba identifies a novel silencing component called TAF-Iα that plays a crucial role in retroviral silencing during reprogramming. This discovery enables the production of high-quality induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy applications.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 27, 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.

Nine climate tipping points now 'active,' warn scientists

More than half of identified climate tipping points are now active, threatening the Amazon rainforest and ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland. The scientists call for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent key tipping points, warning of a worst-case scenario of a less habitable planet.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2019

Physiotherapy 'postcode lottery' uncovered

Research reveals disparities in physiotherapy provision across England, with patients in London and the North receiving more, while those in the South West receive less. Factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity impact access to physiotherapy, highlighting a need for parity in service provision.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPhysiotherapy·DateNov 27, 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.

New Cretaceous mammal fossil sheds light on evolution of middle ear

A new species of multituberculate mammal, Jeholbaatar kielanae, has been discovered with a distinct middle ear that suggests specialization for feeding. The fossil provides solid evidence of the morphology and articulation of middle-ear bones in multituberculates.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2019

Mental practice may improve golfers' putting performance

Researchers found that kinaesthetic imagery ability enhances golf putting performance, and mental practice can improve a golfer's putting ability even if they already have a good feel for the game. The study suggests that this technique may reduce a golfer's handicap and is crucial in determining earnings on the PGA Tour.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·DateNov 27, 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.

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.

Laboratory-evolved bacteria switch to consuming CO2 for growth

Researchers created Escherichia coli strains that convert CO2 into biomass, overcoming a major challenge in sustainable production of food and fuels. The study demonstrates the feasibility of transforming a heterotrophic organism into an autotroph using metabolic rewiring and adaptive laboratory evolution.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 27, 2019

New fossil shrimp species from Colombia helps fill 160 million-year gap

Researchers have discovered a new fossil species of comma shrimp in Colombia, filling a 160 million-year gap in the evolution of these crustaceans. The fossils, which include hundreds of individuals, are remarkably well preserved and provide insights into the origins and relationships of these marine arthropods.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateNov 27, 2019

Animal embryos evolved before animals

Researchers discovered fossils of Caveasphaera, 609 million-year-old single-celled relatives of animals, revealing evidence that animal-like embryonic development evolved before complex animals appeared in the fossil record.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 27, 2019

UK health service 'lagging behind' other high income countries

The UK National Health Service faces challenges in meeting growing demand while reducing costs. Key findings show that the NHS spent less on healthcare per person compared to other high-income countries and had lower numbers of healthcare professionals. However, it achieved better rates for certain health outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 27, 2019

Activation of opioid receptor uncovered

Scientists have discovered the binding mechanism of an important pain receptor, which could lead to the development of new active substances. The current study aimed to find alternatives to opioids used today, as they can be addictive and have life-threatening side effects.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 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.

The molecule that can AUTAC bad proteins

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a molecule called AUTAC that can target specific intracellular components for degradation via autophagy. This process has been impaired in some cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Down syndrome, making AUTAC a promising innovation for disease treatment.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 27, 2019

Concordia researcher hopes to use big data to make pipelines safer

Researchers at Concordia University and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University have identified five types of pipeline failures: mechanical, operational, natural hazard, third-party, and corrosion. They propose using big data to predict failure patterns and improve safety assessments.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice·DateNov 27, 2019

Researchers finally grasp the work week of enzymes

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a way to monitor enzyme workflows, allowing them to target the amino acid composition of enzymes. This enables more efficient enzyme design, leading to lower drug costs, reduced CO2 emissions, and greener chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 2019

Inadequacies in current early-stage lung cancer treatment revealed

Researchers have found that anti-cancer agents with low-molecular weights cannot reach tumors effectively due to obstructed small arteries. This limits the use of conventional chemotherapy and highlights the need for new treatments, according to Professor Tetsuya Kodama.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 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.

How do scars form? Fascia function as a repository of mobile scar tissue

Researchers found that fascia tissue is the origin of scars and contains specialized fibroblasts that pre-assemble to heal wounds. This discovery challenges traditional views of wound healing and opens up new biological concepts for scar-related diseases, potentially leading to novel therapeutic approaches.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2019

NASA-NOAA satellite finds tropical storm Kammuri strengthening

Tropical Storm Kammuri's powerful storms have been detected by NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite, with cloud top temperatures reaching minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is forecast to intensify and potentially become a typhoon, posing a threat to Guam and the Northern Marianas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 27, 2019

Scientists now know what DNA's chaperone looks like

A team of researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder has solved the structure of the Facilitates Chromatin Transcription (FACT) protein, a key player in DNA packaging and gene expression. The discovery sheds light on how this protein maintains the integrity of chromatin during transcription, replication, and DNA damage repair.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2019

Patient's place of residence matters when choosing cost-effective anticoagulation therapy

A Finnish study uses GIS data to compare the costs of warfarin and direct oral anticoagulant therapies, finding that DOACs are more cost-effective for patients living far from INR sample collection points or requiring frequent monitoring. The researchers developed a geospatial model to determine market areas and costs for each therapy.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalGeospatial health·DateNov 27, 2019

Oyster deaths: American slipper limpet is innocent

Researchers from Kiel University found that the invasive American slipper limpet is not the main cause of European oyster population decline in the North Sea. The study analyzed historical collections of both species and revealed that the decline began in the late 19th century, before the limpet's introduction.

SourceKiel University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 27, 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.

Guidebooks or grandmas? Where most moms get their pregnancy advice

A UC study finds that pregnant women rely on their mothers for emotional support and guidance, often valuing mom's advice as equal to or over medical recommendations. This contradicts the narrow perspective of many self-help pregnancy guides, which prioritize medical guidance exclusively.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 27, 2019

Immediate treatment with antiretroviral therapy helps infants with HIV

A study of newborns in Botswana found that initiating antiretroviral therapy immediately after birth reduces the frequency of reservoir cells and improves immune responses. The Early Infant Treatment Study showed measurable benefits from early treatment, suggesting strategies to test and treat infants at birth may improve outcomes.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 27, 2019

Beads made from ostrich eggshell track cultural change in ancient Africa

Ostrich eggshell bead sizes in southern Africa increased with herding introduced around 2,000 years ago, while eastern Africa showed consistently larger sizes over several thousand years without correlation to herding. This suggests that cultural transmission of beads is more complex and not solely linked to herding practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 27, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Seeing the world's smallest universal joints

Osaka University researchers use electron cryomicroscopy to solve the structure of the bacterial flagellum's 'universal joint,' a crucial component in transmitting rotary power. This breakthrough has important implications for developing new antibiotics and biomimetic self-propelled nanomachines.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2019

Barbequed clams on the menu for ancient Puerto Ricans

Scientists analyzed fossilized clam shells to reconstruct ancient cooking habits in Puerto Rico, finding that clams were cooked at temperatures between 100°C and 200°C. The results suggest that barbeque was a common method of cooking, unlike boiling, which may not have been widespread due to the lack of ceramic pottery technology.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2019

On balance, some neonicotinoid pesticides could benefit bees

A new study found that a permitted neonicotinoid insecticide can effectively control pests while improving bumblebee foraging and food stores. This suggests certain neonicotinoids may be beneficial to bees, but the researchers caution against considering them as a homogeneous group.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 27, 2019

Problems of homophobia and transphobia in sport

The EU project OUTSPORT conducted a three-year study to counter discrimination and violence related to sexual orientation or gender identity in sport. The study found that homophobic and transphobic language is widespread, affecting over one third of those active in sport.

SourceGerman Sport University·DateNov 27, 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.

Study: Student attitudes toward cheating may spill over into their careers

A recent study by San Francisco State University professors found that students' tolerance for cheating in the classroom is linked to their openness to unethical behavior on the job. Group-oriented students, or collectivists, were more likely to be tolerant of cheating due to their desire to maintain group cohesion.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Marketing Education·DateNov 27, 2019

Can obesity limit antiarrhythmic drug effectiveness?

A new study found that Class I drug treatment showed increased rates of AFib reoccurrence in obese patients compared to non-obese patients. The study suggests that obesity hinders the effectiveness of these medications, which could impact ethnic minority populations who are more likely to experience obesity and have poorer outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateNov 27, 2019

When your microbiome and your genome aren't a good combination

A recent study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reveals a novel link between the gut microbiome and host genome in the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis. The research found that bacteria belonging to the genus Prevotella were abundant in the gut microbiota of Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateNov 27, 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 method accelerates development of protein therapeutics

A new method has been developed to accelerate the development of protein therapeutics by utilizing a cell-free system for glycosylation. This approach enables researchers to quickly discover and understand glycosylation pathways, leading to faster medicine creation and potentially opening up new avenues for treating diseases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2019

Carbon intensity of power sector down in 2019

The US electric power sector saw a decrease in carbon intensity, with total power generation falling by 4% and CO2 emissions per megawatt-hour dropping by 9% in Q2 2019. Coal generation declined by 19% compared to the previous year, while renewable sources such as solar and wind increased their share of power generation.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·DateNov 27, 2019

Stem cell therapy helps broken hearts heal in unexpected way

A recent study in Nature sheds new light on heart treatment controversy by showing that stem cell therapy triggers an acute inflammatory response to enhance mechanical properties of injured areas. Injecting living or dead stem cells into the heart's infarct region provides a modest benefit to heart function after a heart attack.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2019

Dance of the RNases: Coordinating the removal of RNA-DNA hybrids

Two research teams deciphered how RNase H2 and RNase H1 are coordinated to remove RNA-DNA hybrid structures from chromosomes. The study found that RNase H2 primarily acts during the G2 phase after DNA replication, while RNase H1 can act in all phases of the cell cycle.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 27, 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.

Researchers say animal-like embryos preceded animal appearance

A new study reveals that animal-like embryos existed 609 million years ago, long before the emergence of definitive animals. The research found that Caveasphaera fossils displayed stages of development similar to those seen in living animals, including humans.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 27, 2019

First measures of Earth's ionosphere found with the largest atmospheric radar in the Antarctic

Researchers used a fine-resolution atmospheric radar to make the first measurements of Earth's ionosphere in the Antarctic region. The study provides valuable information about electron density, ion velocity, and temperature in the ionosphere, shedding light on atmospheric and ionospheric phenomena.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateNov 27, 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.

Neonicotinoids: Despite EU moratorium, bees still at risk

Researchers detected imidacloprid residues in 48% of rape fields, posing a non-negligible risk to pollinating bees. Persistent use of neonicotinoids with certain crops threatens bee populations, highlighting the need for reinforcement of pesticide controls.

SourceCNRS·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 27, 2019

Air pollution linked with new causes of hospital admissions

Fine particulate air pollution has been linked to several common diseases that cause hospitalizations, including septicemia, fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, and skin and tissue infections. The study found substantial health care and economic costs associated with even small increases in PM2.5 exposure.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 27, 2019

Early antiretroviral treatment shrinks the HIV reservoir in infected infants

A two-year study shows that starting antiretroviral therapy within hours of birth significantly reduces the HIV reservoir and improves immune responses in infants. This finding suggests that early treatment may substantially improve health outcomes in infants with HIV.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 27, 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.

Researchers identify protein that governs human blood stem cell self-renewal

Scientists at UCLA have discovered a key protein that enables human blood stem cells to self-renew in laboratory conditions. Activating this protein, MLLT3, increases the number of blood stem cells by at least twelvefold, opening up new possibilities for treating blood disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2019

Bad news for Nemo

A study found that clownfish in Kimbe Bay are unable to adapt genetically to habitat changes and renew their population. The quality of the anemone providing a home to the fish is crucial to its survival, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these marine species.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 27, 2019

COP25 special collection: Keep climate change impacts under control by making biodiversity a focus

A new study predicts that 80-83% of New Guinea's language areas will experience decreased plant species diversity by 2070 under a 2°Celsius warming scenario. The Science Advances Special Collection proposes climate-smart expansion of protected areas to account for biodiversity and cultural traditions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 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.

Biodiversity and wind energy

Expert survey reveals conflict between renewable energy and bat protection, with most stakeholders agreeing that ecosystem sustainability is crucial. Possible solutions include accepting reduced wind turbine efficiency to compensate for shutdown times and prioritizing bat conservation over green electricity production.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateNov 27, 2019

Photosynthesis -- living laboratories

Cyanobacteria and plants use similar mechanisms to regulate cyclic electron flow during photosynthesis, according to LMU biologists Marcel Dann and Dario Leister. Two proteins, PGRL1 and PGR5, mediate control of CEF in plants.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 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.

Molière most likely did write his own plays

Researchers from CNRS disprove theory that Corneille wrote Molière's plays using authorship attribution techniques. Their study finds significant differences in writing habits and speech mannerism between Molière and other authors of the time.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2019

Clown fish survival depends on environment more than genetics

Researchers observed four generations of clown fish in Papua New Guinea's Kimbe Island lagoons to find no genetic variation for reproductive success. Environmental conditions, particularly sea anemones, play a vital role in clown fish survival and population replenishment.

SourceCNRS·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 27, 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.

Head-to-head comparison finds three anti-seizure drugs equally effective for severe form of epilepsy

A new study reveals that levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate are equally safe and effective in treating patients with refractory status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition characterized by prolonged seizures. The three drugs stopped seizures and improved responsiveness in approximately half of the study participants.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 27, 2019

Material for safer football helmets may reduce head injuries

Researchers have developed elastic microlattice pads that can withstand both single hits and repeated impacts better than existing state-of-the-art foams. The new material absorbs up to 48% more energy efficiently compared to the top vinyl nitrile foam during repeated impacts.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateNov 27, 2019

Scholars find that irregularly shaped parks reduce mortality risk

A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that residents near irregularly shaped community parks have a lower mortality risk compared to those living near traditional square-shaped parks. The researchers, led by Huaquing Wang and Lou Tassinary, analyzed land cover data from Philadelphia and discovered that the compl...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateNov 27, 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.

Animals could help humans monitor oceans

A team led by the University of Exeter suggests that animals carrying sensors can fill gaps in ocean monitoring, particularly in areas near poles and shallow coastal regions. The study highlights the potential for animal-borne sensors to enhance our understanding of climate variability and weather patterns.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 27, 2019

New vaccine will stop the spread of bovine TB

Researchers developed a novel vaccine that protects against bovine tuberculosis (TB) without interfering with the tuberculin skin test. The new vaccine allows for simultaneous protection and accurate diagnosis of TB in cattle.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 2019

Why do we freeze when startled? New study in flies points to serotonin

A Columbia University study finds that serotonin is the chemical that drives a fly's startle response, causing it to freeze momentarily. The research provides insights into the biology of this ubiquitous phenomenon and offers clues about what may happen in human bodies when we get startled.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 27, 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.

Puffins stay cool thanks to their large beak

Researchers from McGill University and the University of California, Davis, discovered that puffin beaks can drop by 5°C within 30 minutes of landing, suggesting an evolutionary trait to cool down during flight. This study suggests that large bills may have evolved to help birds dissipate heat from energetically demanding activities.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 27, 2019

Research affirms imaging technique's ability to characterize healthy and non-healthy tissue

A study published in SPIE Journal of Biomedical Optics found that diffuse reflectance spectroscopy can reliably discriminate between healthy tissue and tumor tissue, regardless of neoadjuvant chemotherapy status. The technique's feasibility for tumor-margin assessment during breast-conserving surgery has been demonstrated.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateNov 27, 2019

Contagious cancer in shellfish is spreading across the Atlantic Ocean

A study discovered contagious cancer in shellfish that has spread across the Atlantic Ocean and into the Pacific. Researchers believe ships may have transported infected mussels, delivering the disease to new regions. The findings could help develop plans to protect marine life and inform human cancer metastasis research.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateNov 27, 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.

Humans co-evolved with immune-related diseases -- and it's still happening

Researchers describe how ancestral origins impact the likelihood of developing immune-related diseases, including Crohn's disease and cardiovascular diseases. The human immune system is evolving depending on a person's location or lifestyle, leading to new diseases emerging as our lifespans increase.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Immunology·DateNov 27, 2019

Not seeing the trees for the wood

Higher brain areas provide feedback to primary visual cortex, reducing surround-suppression effect. Understanding this process is crucial for developing prosthetics that enable blind people to see again.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 27, 2019

Beware of swimming if you use deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's

Researchers identified nine cases of people who lost their ability to swim after receiving deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. The study highlights the potential risk of drowning and emphasizes the need for supervised assessment before engaging in deep water activities.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 27, 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.

Prostate cancer 'super responders' live for 2 years on immunotherapy

A phase II clinical trial found that a small proportion of men with end-stage prostate cancer responded to pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy treatment, and lived for two years or more. The study identified a group of patients with DNA repair gene mutations who responded particularly well to the treatment.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 27, 2019

Case report: Stem cells a step toward improving motor, sensory function after spinal cord injury

A clinical trial enrolled 10 adults with traumatic spinal cord injuries to receive stem cell injections, with the first patient demonstrating significant improvement in motor and sensory functions. The study's early findings suggest that patient response varies, but the treatment may offer a new option for improving physical function a...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateNov 27, 2019

Exploring drug repurposing to treat glioblastoma

Researchers found that MALT1 levels correlate with patient survival in brain cancer, and blocking the gene with MALT1 inhibitors causes glioblastoma stem cells to undergo cellular suicide. This discovery points to the potential of further exploring MALT1 inhibitors as a treatment for glioblastoma.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 27, 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.

Deportation worries may increase high blood pressure risk

A four-year study found that immigration deportation worries double the risk of developing high blood pressure in Mexican-born women, highlighting potential negative impacts on cardiovascular health. The study suggests considering immigration policies' effects on stress levels and subsequent blood pressure outcomes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 27, 2019

Helper protein worsens diabetic eye disease

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a new pathway contributing to degeneration of the light-sensitive tissue in the eye. A potential treatment involves blocking a protein called angiopoietin-like 4, which acts synergistically with VEGF activity.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 27, 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.

Better way to interpret blood tests to diagnose pulmonary embolism

A new approach to interpreting D-dimer blood tests can help rule out pulmonary embolism and reduce the need for CT scans, freeing up resources and reducing radiation exposure. The study found that a higher-than-usual D-dimer level can be considered a negative result in patients with low probability of having a pulmonary embolism.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 27, 2019

Cutting nanoparticles down to size -- new study

Researchers have developed a method to precisely control the size and shape of nanoparticles, which could lead to more effective drug delivery systems. By modifying a base nanoparticle with a second polymer, scientists can create nanoparticles of specific dimensions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 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.

CMU algorithm rapidly finds anomalies in gene expression data

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed an algorithm to identify and correct mistakes in gene expression data, a major breakthrough in biological research. The CMU algorithm has detected 88 previously unknown anomalies in widely used RNA-seq libraries, opening up new avenues for investigation.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCell Systems·DateNov 27, 2019

Gunshot injuries have long-term medical consequences

Researchers studied gunshot injury patterns and found that patients with chest or abdominal wounds were more likely to be readmitted to the hospital. The study aimed to identify injury patterns and predict future outcomes for victims of gun violence.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 27, 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.

Thermo-chemical power generation integrated with forced convection cooling

This study demonstrates a novel self-sustaining liquid-cooling system that partially recovers lost thermal energy through electric power generation. The integration of thermo-electrochemical conversion with forced convection cooling enables the use of wasted heat for pumping coolant, reducing the need for active cooling.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateNov 27, 2019

Chinese Academy of Sciences leads discovery of unpredicted stellar black hole

A Chinese-led team of international scientists has discovered a massive stellar black hole with a mass 70 times greater than the Sun, located 15 thousand light-years from Earth. The discovery challenges current models of stellar evolution and forces theorists to re-examine how such massive black holes can form.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2019

New launch communications segment empowers Artemis

The Kennedy Uplink Station is a critical component of NASA's Launch Communications Segment, providing uplink and downlink communications between Artemis astronauts and mission controllers. The segment has reduced costs and simplified operations, enabling NASA to save tens of millions of dollars in operating costs over its lifetime.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 27, 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.

Imaging uncovers secrets of medicine's mysterious ivory manikins

A team of researchers used micro-CT imaging to study the composition and age of 22 ancient ivory manikins, found in the Duke University collection. The study revealed that most of the manikins were composed of true elephant ivory, while some contained alternative materials such as antler or whale bone.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 27, 2019

Black silicon can help detect explosives

A new sensor developed by scientists uses black silicon to detect trace amounts of nitroaromatic compounds, a common component of explosives and toxic pollutants. The sensor's high sensitivity and dynamic measurement range make it a potentially game-changing tool for medical and forensic evaluations.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalACS Sensors·DateNov 27, 2019

Millions for research into cellular quality control

The German Research Foundation has approved €12 million for the Collaborative Research Centre on selective autophagy. The research alliance aims to better understand autophagy at molecular and cellular levels to counteract imbalances in the system.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateNov 27, 2019

Glass from a 3D printer

Using stereolithography, ETH Zurich researchers have created glass objects with intricate structures and pore sizes controlled by UV light intensity. The technique allows for the production of complex glass objects, such as those with different types of glass or combined materials.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 27, 2019

Study finds three anti-seizure drugs equally effective for severe form of epilepsy

A new study has found that levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate are equally safe and effective in treating patients with refractory status epilepticus. The three drugs were tested on over 380 children and adults, showing similar benefits in stopping seizures and improving responsiveness.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 27, 2019