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Science News for November 6, 2019


Federal funding targets critical need in disability education

The University of Arizona is receiving $2.5 million in federal funding to train students as educational interpreters and teachers for K-12 students with visual impairments. This program aims to address a shortage in these fields, providing opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateNov 6, 2019

Liver-chip identifies drug toxicities in human, rat, and dog models

A new study reveals that the Liver-Chip model can recreate species-specific toxicity responses to known tool and drug compounds, improving safety predictions in humans. The research demonstrates how this platform could help ensure that safe and effective therapeutics are identified sooner.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 6, 2019

Anorexia nervosa comes in all sizes, including plus size

A new study from UCSF finds that adolescents and young adults with plus-size anorexia nervosa are at risk of cardiovascular complications, including slow heart rate and electrolyte imbalances. The study challenges traditional views of anorexia nervosa as solely affecting underweight individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 6, 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.

Earthquake impact can be affected by seasonal factors, historical study shows

Researchers found that a shallow frozen ground layer likely caused more ground failure in the 1911 Kemin earthquake due to its ability to inhibit drainage of pore-pressure excess. The study suggests seismologists should consider seasonality in soil characteristics when making probabilistic liquefaction or ground failure assessments.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateNov 6, 2019

Exceptional fossils may need a breath of air to form

Research by The University of Texas at Austin found that the presence of oxygen is necessary for fossilization, not its absence. Low-oxygen environments helped set the stage for fossilization once oxygen became available, preserving delicate marine specimens from the Early Jurassic period.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPalaios·DateNov 6, 2019

Time in host country -- a risk factor for substance abuse in migrants

A nationwide cohort study of 1.2 million people found that refugees and migrants who stay in their host country for longer are more likely to adopt local alcohol and drug behaviors and access healthcare. The study suggests that acculturative processes may lead to an increased risk of substance use disorders over time.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 6, 2019

Nature might be better than tech at reducing air pollution

Restoring native vegetation could cut air pollution by an average of 27 percent, according to a new study published in Environmental Science & Technology. The research found that nature-based solutions might be cheaper options for cleaning the air near industrial sites and other pollution sources.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 6, 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.

On the way to intelligent microrobots

The Paul Scherrer Institute has developed a micromachine that can perform different actions using magnetic fields. The robot measures only a few micrometres across and can be reprogrammed to flap its wings, hover, turn, or side-slip. This technology is an important step towards micro- and nanorobots that can carry out various tasks.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 2019

The cost of waiting in emergency departments

A new study published in Economic Inquiry reveals that prolonging emergency department wait times increases hospital costs, with moderate and severe cases bearing the brunt of the expenses. The study found a 3-6% cost increase for moderately severe cases and 6% for serious cases.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateNov 6, 2019

Tumor-specific therapy targets ovarian cancer

Nami Therapeutics develops nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, offering increased efficacy and reduced toxicity. The platform selectively targets ovarian cancer metastasis in the peritoneal cavity, improving survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·DateNov 6, 2019

New measurement yields smaller proton radius

Physicists have produced a new value for the proton's radius in an experiment conducted at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, measuring 0.831 fm, smaller than previous results and in agreement with recent muonic atomic spectroscopy results. The new method used electron scattering and novel techniques to improve precision.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

FOCUS may lower PE diagnosis in ED patients with suspected PE and abnormal vitals

A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FOCUS) can significantly lower the likelihood of pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis in ED patients with suspected PE and abnormal vital signs. The results suggest that FOCUS can be an important tool in the initial evaluation of these patients.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateNov 6, 2019

On the trail of pathogens in meat, eggs and raw milk

The BfR has developed a digital tool to track product contamination sources, while strategies for reducing Salmonella and Campylobacter infections are discussed. Viral foodborne diseases like hepatitis E and A are also on the agenda.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·DateNov 6, 2019

Study: Actually, potted plants don't improve indoor air quality

Researchers from Drexel University review a decade of studies on the air-purifying effects of potted plants and find that natural ventilation is far more effective at cleaning the air than plants. To compete with building air handling systems, it would take between 10 to 1,000 plants per square meter of floor space.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateNov 6, 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.

Study finds association between physical activity, lower risk of fracture

A new study found that regular physical activity, including lighter intensity activities like walking, reduces the risk of hip and total fracture in postmenopausal women by 18% and 6%, respectively. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 77,000 participants and suggests that even modest activities can sig...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 6, 2019

VA investigates impact of opioids, sedatives on veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs is investigating the impact of opioids and sedatives on veteran health, with a focus on reducing overdose and death rates. The study aims to identify effective treatment strategies for co-prescribing these medications, which have been linked to increased risks of respiratory depression and suicide.

SourceRutgers University·DateNov 6, 2019

Tiny transporters could deliver treatment to stroke patients

Research at the University of Manchester shows that tiny vesicles called liposomes can potentially transport life-saving drugs across the brain's blood-brain barrier following a stroke. This breakthrough offers a new way to get vital drugs to the lesions and stop further damage.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 6, 2019

A novel method for analyzing marine sediments contributes to paleoclimate reconstitution

Researchers developed a novel method using quartz and feldspar grains from the Parnaíba River in Brazil's Northeast region. The analysis reveals significant differences in luminescence between samples from headwaters and lower reaches of the river, reflecting changes in precipitation patterns over the past 30,000 years.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPaleoceanography and Paleoclimatology·DateNov 6, 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.

Switching to solar and wind will reduce groundwater use

A new study finds that increasing solar and wind energy in California can enhance drought resilience and benefit groundwater sustainability. The researchers developed a trade-off frontier framework to quantify the water sustainability value of solar and wind energy.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2019

UK needs to act to prevent electric vehicle battery waste mountain -- new study

A new study highlights the need for governments and industry to act now to develop a robust recycling infrastructure for end-of-life lithium ion batteries. The UK has an enormous opportunity to address this issue, with analysis suggesting eight gigafactories are needed by 2040 to service demand for recycled materials.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 2019

Cornell partners in $10 million poultry science grant

The five-year grant, awarded by the USDA, aims to transform nutrition and water use in the poultry industry. Researchers will explore alternative feed proteins, such as microalgae, to improve production efficiency and quality while reducing competition with food sources.

SourceCornell University·DateNov 6, 2019

Increase in physical activity after breast cancer diagnosis may lower risk of death

Researchers found that increasing physical activity after a breast cancer diagnosis is associated with a lower risk of death, regardless of pre-diagnosis activity levels. Postmenopausal women who were insufficiently active before diagnosis but sufficiently active after diagnosis had a 50% reduced risk of overall mortality.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateNov 6, 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.

NIH-funded study: Placenta imaging method may aid diagnosis of pregnancy complications

Researchers developed a new imaging technique to track maternal blood flow to the placenta, identifying women at risk for complications such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. The study found that women with reduced placental blood flow later developed one or more complications.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging·DateNov 6, 2019

Imaging test may help predict the success of labor induction

Researchers tested an imaging technique to assess cervix stiffness before labor induction, finding it can predict successful outcomes and potentially reduce cesarean rates. The study suggests a new ultrasonic assessment method could replace manual evaluation for more accurate information.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateNov 6, 2019

Liver-chip predicts the toxicity of drug candidates across species

Researchers created a Liver-Chip using Organs-on-Chips technology to predict liver toxicity across species. The platform accurately assesses the liver-specific effects of various drugs on liver cells from rat, dog, and human sources.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 6, 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.

Carbon dioxide capture and use could become big business

Researchers from UCLA, Oxford, and others analyzed 10 industrial applications for carbon dioxide emissions, finding that utilizing CO2 could help the environment by reducing emissions. The study suggests a potential scale of over 10 gigatonnes of CO2 use per year at under $100 per tonne.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 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.

Neuron circuitry from brain signals

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a machine learning model that reconstructs neuronal circuitry by analyzing brain signal spikes, estimating the strength of nerve connections with high accuracy. The findings, published in Nature Communications, have the potential to elucidate how different brain regions process information.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2019

Chemists' surprising discovery of nanoconfined reactions could aid catalytic design

Researchers at Georgia State University have made a groundbreaking discovery in catalytic reactions, revealing that nanoconfinement can actually speed up chemical reactions. This finding has major implications for the engineering of new, more energy-efficient catalysts that could save billions of barrels of gasoline every year.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2019

Breaking down controls to better control wind energy systems

A new control system has been developed to better control wind energy systems, improving efficiency and reducing costs. By decoupling power generation and feedback, the system enables turbines to respond quicker and with less strain on physical components.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateNov 6, 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.

Electrochemistry amps up in pharma

Researchers use electrochemistry to synthesize difficult-to-make compounds and reduce waste and toxic byproducts compared to traditional chemical reagents. The ElectraSyn 2.0 module has enabled chemists to access the technology without electronics expertise, but scaling up production remains a challenge.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 6, 2019

'I knew that was going to happen:' Déjà vu and the 'postdictive' bias

Researchers found that when déjà vu occurred, subjects experienced a strong 'postdictive' bias, feeling they knew the turn was coming. This bias was linked to feelings of familiarity and hindsight. Déjà vu is often accompanied by intense prediction feelings, but not actual prediction.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateNov 6, 2019

School-based sleep program may benefit adolescents

A school-based sleep education program may benefit adolescents by reducing insufficient sleep and improving sleep knowledge. The program showed promising results, with participants two times less likely to report insufficient sleep at follow-up.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateNov 6, 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.

Study questions video games' effects on violent behavior

A new study examined data from over 15,000 participants and found that playing video games as an adolescent is not linked to acts of violence in young adulthood. The research suggests that competing factors, such as gender differences, may contribute to the observed relationship between gaming and fighting.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateNov 6, 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.

How Human Population came from our ability to cooperate

A new study suggests that humans' ability to cooperate and share childrearing duties is key to our demographic success. Cooperative childrearing increases the number of children that mothers can successfully raise, leading to faster maturation and increased reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateNov 6, 2019

AI learns to design

Researchers developed an AI framework that learns human design strategies through observation, enabling it to generate new designs without explicit goal information or bias. The AI performed better than humans on average, but its success came without the advantages humans have, such as specific goals and feedback.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·DateNov 6, 2019

Determinants of employability of people living with HIV/AIDS

A study of 170 people living with HIV/AIDS in Turkey found that younger individuals, wealthier participants, and those working at diagnosis had higher employment rates. Illicit drug use, longer time since diagnosis, and low CD4 T cells counts were negatively associated with employment.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateNov 6, 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.

New genetic analysis improves diagnosis of intellectual disability

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed a new analytical tool to diagnose intellectual disability through whole-genome sequencing, discovering point mutations, structural chromosome aberrations, and expansions. This method was found to be more effective than traditional gene dose array tests in identifying genetic causes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGenome Medicine·DateNov 6, 2019

Researchers model avalanches in two dimensions

Cornell researchers have modeled crackling noise in two dimensions, using a combination of mathematical schemes to solve a decades-old problem. The study sheds light on the behavior of avalanches and crackling noise near critical points, making an important step toward a fuller understanding.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateNov 6, 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.

Researchers explore neuromarkers for poor social outcomes after traumatic brain injury

A study found associations between default mode network connectivity and emotion recognition and social integration in individuals with moderate to severe brain injury. Increased prefrontal-temporal connectivity predicted participants' level of social integration, underscoring the importance of brain connectivity metrics in TBI recovery.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateNov 6, 2019

Spiders and ants inspire a metallic structure that refuses to sink

Scientists develop a waterproof metal structure, repelled by water after being submerged for long periods, thanks to femtosecond laser patterns mimicking spiders' diving bell webs and fire ants' air-trapping abilities. The unique etching technique traps air within the structure, preserving its buoyancy even when damaged.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 6, 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.

The genetic imprint of Palaeolithic has been detected in North African populations

Researchers have identified a small genetic imprint of Palaeolithic inhabitants in North African populations, contradicting the theory that recent migrations erased their genetic traces. The study, published in Current Biology, reveals unique genetic imprints and patterns of continuity versus replacement.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 6, 2019

Study examines theory on menopause age and symptom severity

Researchers investigated how residence patterns after marriage affect menopause symptoms and age of onset. They found little evidence supporting the theory that women's experiences with menopause vary due to dispersal from their natal home.

SourceWiley·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateNov 6, 2019

Helping quinoa brave the heat

Researchers developed new techniques to measure heat tolerance in quinoa, a health food rich in essential amino acids. The method uses spectral reflectance indices to assess plant growth under high temperatures, providing insights into grain production and paving the way for breeding more resilient varieties.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateNov 6, 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.

A mechanism capable of preserving muscle mass

Researchers identify protein CaVbeta1E that promotes muscle mass maintenance via GDF5 signaling, counteracting sarcopenia. The study opens a new field of activity in developing therapeutic strategies against muscular decline associated with aging.

SourceAFM-Téléthon·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 6, 2019

The reproductive function of the clitoris

The clitoris activates changes in the reproductive tract to create readiness for sperm to fertilize an egg. Removal of the clitoris may lead to both sexual and reproductive disabilities.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateNov 6, 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.

New technology promises improved treatment of inflammatory diseases

A new treatment approach for inflammatory diseases, including sepsis, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, acute lung injury, and atherosclerosis, has been discovered using nanoparticles. The technology selectively kills 'rogue' white blood cells that drive exaggerated immune responses, while leaving beneficial cells unharmed.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 6, 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.

Mount Sinai researchers develop novel method to identify patterns among patients with multiple chronic conditions

The study found that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes were the most common triplet of chronic conditions, while lung disease and heart attacks were a surprisingly common pair. Patients living in lower-income areas developed a second chronic condition 15 years earlier than their counterparts in higher-income areas.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBMJ Open·DateNov 6, 2019

New technique lays foundation for regenerative cardiac therapies

Scientists have devised a method to sort out which heart cells can replicate and which cannot, a critical step toward treatments that may one day help the heart heal itself after injury. This technique combines molecular beacon technology and fluorescence activated cell-sorting to specifically isolate cells that successfully divide.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalCirculation Research·DateNov 6, 2019

PFASs from ski wax bioaccumulate at Nordic resort

Researchers have discovered that PFASs from ski wax accumulate in soil, earthworms, and bank voles at a Nordic skiing area, indicating potential toxicity. The compounds were found to biomagnify in the food chain, with higher levels detected in top predators.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 6, 2019

The first Cr-based nitrides superconductor Pr3Cr10-xN11

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences report discovery of Pr3Cr10-xN11, a chromium-based nitride superconductor with bulk superconductivity at 5.25 K, exhibiting a large upper critical field and strong electronic correlations. The material is the first Cr-based superconductor found in Chromium Nitrides.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 6, 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.

Flatland light

The study demonstrates the creation of rewritable optical components for surface light waves using materials like GeSbTe. This enables the control and miniaturization of light at the nanoscale, with potential applications in single molecule chemical sensing.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2019

Solar and wind energy preserve groundwater for drought, agriculture

A Princeton University-led study shows that solar and wind energy enhance drought resilience and aid in groundwater sustainability by reducing reliance on hydropower. The researchers suggest deploying solar and wind energy simultaneously with regulations on groundwater use can increase overall benefits.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2019

Many insured Americans go out of network, pay more for behavioral health

A new study highlights the disparities in healthcare access and cost-sharing for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The research found that those with these conditions pay more for out-of-network care and experience higher costs due to limited availability of behavioral health providers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 6, 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.

UCLouvain researcher makes the heart of Mars speak

Véronique Dehant's research aims to understand Mars' core, which is essential for determining the planet's habitability and potential for life. The ExoMars mission will collect Martian radio science data and analyze the planet's rotation to gain insights into its innards.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·DateNov 6, 2019

Combatting air pollution with nature

Researchers analyzed data to determine the feasibility of using nature-based solutions to combat air pollution. The study found that NBS can support native wildlife and are adaptable, cost-effective, and a truly green solution in reducing pollution and climate change.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 6, 2019

A solution to a hairy problem in forensic science

Scientists at NIST have developed a single-step method to dissolve hair proteins, allowing for quantitative analysis and comparison of protein molecules from two hairs. This new technique removes the major obstacle of working with durable hair, making it a valuable tool for forensic investigation.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateNov 6, 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.

Time for a nuclear clock

A four-investigator team led by University of Delaware physicist Marianna Safronova has won a prestigious Synergy Grant to build a nuclear clock, which will be far more sensitive than atomic clocks. The project aims to search for undiscovered physics effects and detect dark matter particles.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateNov 6, 2019

Scientists can replace metal collimators with plastic analogs

Researchers at Tomsk Polytechnic University have successfully created plastic collimators using 3D printing technology, which can replace metal counterparts in radiation therapy. The team used a numerical model and layer-by-layer deposition to manufacture the first products, finding optimal thickness for the plastic product.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalPhysica Medica·DateNov 6, 2019

Scientists should have sex and gender on the brain

Researchers argue that incorporating sex and gender into scientific studies can improve experiments, reduce bias, and lead to new discoveries. Examples include advancements in climate change research, facial recognition systems, and social robots. The goal is to increase transparency and promote inclusion in research.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 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.

Study examines depression in the last year of life

A recent study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that 59.3% of individuals had depression in the last month before death. Depression symptoms escalated gradually from 4 to 1 months before death, with certain groups experiencing higher rates, such as women and younger adults.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 6, 2019

Huge gaps in research on microplastics in North America, PSU study finds

A new study highlights the need for more research on microplastics in North American waters, particularly among commercially important fish species. The team's findings emphasize the importance of understanding microplastic exposure and effects on populations and food webs to inform fisheries management decisions.

SourcePortland State University·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateNov 6, 2019

University of Oklahoma geoscientist hopes to make induced earthquakes predictable

A team of researchers created a model to predict induced earthquake activity from wastewater injection, accounting for various variables such as subsurface hydrology parameters and regional stress on faults. The model can help oil operators restrict injection control and prevent large earthquakes in Oklahoma.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 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.

Not so quiet, please

Researchers found that early exposure to sounds can restore molecular, cellular, and functional properties in the auditory cortex of mice with Fragile X Syndrome. This discovery suggests that facilitating exposure to sounds during early development could be a novel approach to treat hypersensitivity associated with FXS.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateNov 6, 2019

New findings on gut microbiome's interactions with GI diseases

A study from Texas A&M University found that dogs with chronic enteropathy and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency have similar bacterial outputs, suggesting a common underlying mechanism. This discovery could lead to the development of more targeted treatments for both canine and human GI diseases.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 6, 2019

How hot (and not-so-hot) compounds in chili peppers change during ripening

Researchers analyzed capsaicinoid and capsinoid content in three chili peppers as they ripened. Capsaicoids accumulated earlier and at higher levels than capsaicinoids in some types of peppers, with potential implications for breeding studies and development of functional foods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 6, 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.

Only-children more likely to be obese than children with siblings

Families with single children tend to have less healthy eating practices and beverage choices compared to families with multiple children. This is attributed to differences in household dynamics and family eating habits rather than peer exposure.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateNov 6, 2019

Showing robots 'tough love' helps them succeed, finds new USC study

A new USC study found that training robots with a human adversary significantly improves their grasp of objects, leading to better performance in manipulation tasks. The researchers discovered that this approach helps robots learn more stable grasps and succeed more often in real-world environments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateNov 6, 2019

Sleep and sleepiness 'a huge problem' for people with spinal cord injury

A recent study by researchers at the University of Calgary has found that individuals with spinal cord injuries experience fatigue more than people without, with a nine times greater risk. The study also revealed that sleep-related breathing problems are associated with reduced brain health and increased risk of stroke in this population.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNeurology·DateNov 6, 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.

Shortened sleep may negatively affect women's bone health

A recent study found that postmenopausal women who slept 5 hours or less per night had lower bone mineral density at all four sites assessed. Women reporting 5 hours or less per night were also at higher risk of experiencing low bone mass and osteoporosis, particularly in the hips and spine.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateNov 6, 2019

Virus characteristics predict HIV treatment efficacy with antibody treatment

Researchers at Boston Medical Center identified specific virus characteristics that can help predict the efficacy of HIV-1 treatments using antibody-based treatments. These findings will enable physicians to make better-informed decisions on treatment plans for patients with HIV-1, ultimately treating the virus to slow it down earlier.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of Virology·DateNov 6, 2019

Autistic adults thought they were 'bad people'

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University reveals that many over-50s diagnosed with autism late in life had grown up believing they were 'bad people', citing lack of support as a major issue. The research suggests receiving a diagnosis can be a positive eureka moment, bringing relief and understanding.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·DateNov 6, 2019

Intelligent metasurface imager and recognizer

Researchers developed an AI-driven smart metasurface for joint control of EM waves on the physical level and digital pipeline, enabling real-time imaging and recognition of multiple non-cooperative people. The intelligent EM camera can be powered by Wi-Fi signals, allowing for hands-free monitoring without visible sensors.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateNov 6, 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.

Membrane intercalation enhances photodynamic bacteria inactivation

Researchers have developed a new assembly that enhances photodynamic inactivation of bacteria, achieving significantly improved efficiency against gram-negative E. coli. The assembly combines a photosensitizer and a membrane-intercalating peptide, resulting in nearly 0% survival rate of E. coli upon light irradiation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2019

Factors during pregnancy may affect early childhood weight

A study of 71,892 children born between 2007-2011 found strong associations between pre-pregnancy obesity in mothers and their children's high body mass index between ages two and six. Modest links were also identified with maternal diabetes and excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateNov 6, 2019

Hospital disinfectants struggling to kill C. diff bacteria colonies

A study found that hospital-grade disinfectants, including Clorox, have limited effectiveness against C. diff spores embedded in biofilms. The research highlights the need for improved cleansers to combat this deadly superbug, which claims thousands of lives each year.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateNov 6, 2019

Water mold research leads to greater understanding of corn diseases

A study by Michigan State University scientists identifies oomycetes as the most abundant seedling pathogens in corn, enabling targeted approaches for disease management. The research has significant implications for breeding hybrids with improved root rot resistance and fungicide sensitivity testing.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateNov 6, 2019

EduSense: Like a FitBit for your teaching skills

A new system called EduSense analyzes visual and audio features to determine effective instruction, providing personalized feedback for instructors. The system uses two wall-mounted cameras to track students' engagement and instructor behavior, offering insights that would take days or months to gather with manual observation.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateNov 6, 2019

A new CRISPR-Cas9 protein to increase precision of gene editing

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR-Cas9 protein, SaCas9-HF, to increase the precision of genome editing. The new variant shows high accuracy in targeting human cells without compromising on-target efficiency.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2019

Horses blink less, twitch eyelids more when stressed

Researchers found that stressed horses blink less and twitch their upper eyelids more, providing a simple indicator of agitation. The study used non-invasive measurements to test the significance of eyelid twitches as an indicator of stress.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalAnimals·DateNov 6, 2019