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Science News for November 28, 2019


Predicting molecular bond energy by artificial intelligence

Researchers employ neural networks to predict molecular bond energies, reducing computational cost and improving accuracy. The combination of AI and quantum chemistry calculations provides an efficient tool for quickly predicting molecular bond energies in complex systems.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateNov 28, 2019

Concussion recovery not clear cut for children

Persistent concussion symptoms in children may be a sign of reduced brain function and decreased grey matter, according to researchers at the University of Queensland. The study found that poor sleep was linked to decreases in brain grey matter and reduced brain function, allowing for predictions of recovery outcomes with 86% accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateNov 28, 2019

Australia's got mussels (but it could be a problem)

A new study has found that mussels, introduced to Australia's coastlines, have established themselves and may pose a threat to native species due to genetic pollution. However, the research also suggests that the invasive mussels may bring benefits, such as enhanced tolerance to warm conditions, which could safeguard Australian mussel ...

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateNov 28, 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.

Informed consent for heart procedure: most patients overestimate benefits

A study by the European Society of Cardiology found that most patients do not understand or recall information given to them before heart procedures. Patients often believe that opening blocked arteries can cure their heart disease, despite this being a misconception.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing·DateNov 28, 2019

The coldest reaction

Researchers at Harvard University have achieved the coldest chemical reaction in history, slowing down molecules to capture the critical act of bond formation. By utilizing ultracold temperatures, they observed the intermediate stage of the reaction for microseconds, enabling direct measurement and validation of theories.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2019

Toward more efficient computing, with magnetic waves

MIT researchers have devised a novel circuit design that enables precise control of computing with magnetic waves, without any extra components or electrical current. This approach leverages the spin wave property in magnetic materials to produce measurable output that can be correlated to computation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Virtual reality becomes more real

Scientists from Skoltech ADASE lab have developed a method to enhance depth map resolution, enabling more realistic virtual reality and computer graphics. The new approach leverages human perception to assess reconstruction quality, outperforming existing methods in visual quality.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·DateNov 28, 2019

Harvard Wyss Institute researchers demonstrate machine-guided engineering of AAV capsids

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a high-throughput synthetic biology approach to improve AAV capsid proteins, revealing hidden features and potential new accessory proteins that could help fast-track future gene therapies. The study uses machine-guided design to generate large numbers of high-quality capsid variants.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2019

Illuminating seafloor seismology with existing 'dark' fiber-optic cables

Researchers used existing underwater fiber optic cables to create an array of seismic sensors, mapping a previously unknown fault system off California's coast. The technique, known as Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), allows for unprecedented detail in monitoring seafloor seismic activity and potential offshore resources.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 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.

Pharmacist-led interventions may help prevent cardiovascular disease

A review of randomized controlled trials found that pharmacist-led interventions, such as medication review and patient education, can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Patients who received these interventions experienced significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and LDL-cholesterol levels.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateNov 28, 2019

Combine chemical probe resources to optimize biomedical research, scientists urge

A new report recommends that researchers use expert reviews and computational Big Data approaches to select high-quality chemical probes. The report highlights the value of resources like the Chemical Probes Portal, which provides assessments on 192 chemical probes for 181 different proteins of interest.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalFuture Medicinal Chemistry·DateNov 28, 2019

Unexpected pattern of fish species richness found in the Amazon Basin

A new study reveals an unusual diversity gradient in the Amazon Basin, with higher species richness in the western portion than expected. The research, led by scientists from France and Brazil, analyzed data from 97 subdrainage basins along the main stem of the Amazon and its tributaries.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 28, 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.

Creating the conditions for a globally just energy transition

A new policy brief highlights the risks of an uneven low-carbon energy transition and provides concrete proposals to prevent such risks. The authors recommend focusing on 'just transitions', accelerating technology transfer initiatives, and coordinating financial flows for energy transitions in developing countries.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·DateNov 28, 2019

Pharmacist-led interventions may help prevent cardiovascular disease

A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that pharmacist-led interventions can significantly reduce medical risk factors for cardiovascular events. Pharmacist-led interventions included patient education, medication review, and lifestyle modification, resulting in reductions in systolic blood pressure...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateNov 28, 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.

Climate science: Amazon fires may enhance Andean glacier melting

A study found that biomass burning in Amazonia can enhance tropical glaciers in the Andes, with aerosols like black carbon increasing melting by 3-4% or 6%. The impact depends on dust content in snow, highlighting climate pressure from global food demand

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 28, 2019

An agenda for multidisciplinary cyber risk research

Experts argue that cyber risk requires collaboration across behavioral science, data science, economics, law, management science, and political science. A unified concept model identifies core questions to understand cyber risk and how each field can contribute to its efforts.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2019

Growing nano-tailored surfaces using micellar brushes

Growing nanoscale polymer brushes on materials' surfaces enables the creation of diverse array of materials with tailored chemical properties. The approach allows for precise control over surface density, length and chemistry, enabling various catalysis and antibacterial applications.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 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.

Additive manufacturing and NI/TI metal bolster cooling technology

A novel elastocaloric cooling material made from nickel-titanium alloy was developed using additive technology, showing high efficiency, ease of scaling-up, and minimal environmental impact. The material demonstrated robust mechanical integrity, withstanding one million cycles without degradation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2019

Home urine test for prostate cancer could revolutionize diagnosis

A new home urine test has shown to accurately diagnose aggressive prostate cancer and predict treatment needs up to five years earlier than standard clinical methods. The 'PUR' test looks at gene expression in urine samples and provides vital information about tumor aggressiveness.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBioTechniques·DateNov 28, 2019

Half of all women with HIV are diagnosed late in Europe

Women account for one-third of new HIV diagnoses in the Region, with 54% of cases among them being diagnosed late. Early diagnosis is crucial to start treatment and reduce transmission risk, but current systems are failing women and older adults, according to health experts.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·DateNov 28, 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.

Tinder is a waste of time for most people

Researchers found that Tinder users had limited success in achieving one-night stands, with most gains coming from traditional dating methods. The study suggests that using Tinder does not lead to an increase in short-term sexual relationships.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateNov 28, 2019

People with depression experience suicidal thoughts despite treatment

A new study from iPSYCH found that one in five people with depression have suicidal thoughts despite treatment with antidepressants. The researchers suggest that more intensive treatment could lead to better responses in patients who don't respond to medication within the first few weeks.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateNov 28, 2019

Whales stop being socialites when boats are about

Humpback whales tend to socialize less in the presence of small fishing boats compared to when there are no vessels present. The noise from boats may be masking their signals, making it difficult for them to communicate and join together.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 28, 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.

Underwater telecom cables make superb seismic network

Researchers used fiber-optic cables to create a seismic network that can detect earthquakes and map fault zones. The technique, known as Distributed Acoustic Sensing, uses laser light to measure strain in the cable, providing detailed images of the ocean floor.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2019

Fatigue-resistant, high-performance cooling materials enabled by 3D printing

Researchers have developed a new type of solid-state elastocaloric cooling material using 3D printing that exhibits exceptional fatigue resistance and efficiency. The unique nanocomposite structure produced by this method could enable the widespread use of mechanocaloric cooling materials in refrigeration applications.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2019

First operational mapping system for high-resolution tropical forest carbon emissions created using

Researchers developed a method to monitor tropical forest carbon emissions at unprecedented detail using satellite imagery and machine learning algorithms. The approach quantified the economic cost of deforestation in Peru, revealing areas with significant net losses of forest carbon due to logging and land conversion.

SourceArizona State University, Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 28, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

How individual cell types in the brain contribute to Alzheimer's disease

A study by Duke-NUS Medical School researchers has uncovered new insights into how individual cell types in the brain contribute to Alzheimer's disease progression. The study found distinct gene expression profiles and networks across different cell types, providing potential druggable targets for future drug development.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 28, 2019