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Science News for October 17, 2019


Young adults with PTSD may have a higher risk of stroke in middle age

Researchers found that young adults with PTSD were twice as likely to experience a TIA and 62% more likely to have a stroke compared to those without PTSD. The study highlights the importance of early recognition and treatment of mental health conditions like PTSD in reducing the risk of stroke.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalStroke·DateOct 17, 2019

New effective vaccines for Lyme disease are coming

Researchers have identified promising new strategies to counteract infection and develop effective vaccines. The vaccine targets both the offending microbe and its tick carrier to prevent Lyme disease.

SourceRutgers University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateOct 17, 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.

How roots grow hair

A team of researchers has identified a key regulator of root hair growth in plants, revealing a new mechanism for controlling this process. The discovery, made using 'smoke detectors' from fire-following seeds, shows promise for improving crop yields and drought resistance.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 17, 2019

Museums put ancient DNA to work for wildlife

Scientists are using ancient DNA from museum specimens to study the evolution and stresses faced by endangered species. Researchers have analyzed DNA samples from animals such as woodrats, crayfish, and songbirds to understand their genetic diversity and relationships.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalConservation Genetics·DateOct 17, 2019

How aerosols affect our climate

Researchers used a massive NASA dataset to develop a framework explaining the sensitivity of local temperatures to aerosols. The study found that the longwave effect of aerosols is more significant than previously thought, contributing to a smaller terrestrial diurnal temperature range.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 17, 2019

Newly discovered microbes band together, 'flip out'

Researchers have discovered a new species of choanoflagellates that can act together to change shape and swim. The microbes use light-sensing proteins to coordinate their movements, suggesting this ability pre-dates the first animals.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Federal proposals to limit Medicaid funding would hit community health centers hard

A new study published in the Milbank Quarterly found that federal proposals to limit Medicaid funding through block grants or per-capita caps would severely impact community health centers. Under these plans, health center revenues generated by Medicaid beneficiaries would drop by 92% and 58% for traditional enrollees by 2024.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateOct 17, 2019

Study examines variation in transplant centers' use of less-than-ideal organs

Researchers found that transplant centers accepted varying numbers of high-risk kidneys between 2010 and 2016, but differences were not fully explained by waitlist size or organ availability. The study suggests that accepting less-than-ideal organs can lead to shorter average wait times for patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 17, 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.

Assigning workers to new networks boosts sustainability

Researchers at Michigan State University found that positioning employees in different units enables them to learn from innovative colleagues and adopt new skills. This approach promotes organizational learning for sustainability without the need for top-down hierarchy or extensive training.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalOrganization & Environment·DateOct 17, 2019

BARseq builds a better brain map

The researchers used BARseq to map the connections of 3,579 neurons in the auditory cortex of the mouse brain. This technology enables scientists to pinpoint the location of a neuron and determine its pattern of gene expression and physiological activity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateOct 17, 2019

Modern Melanesians harbor beneficial DNA from archaic hominins

A recent study reveals that modern Melanesians have inherited beneficial genetic variants from archaic Neanderthal and Denisovan hominins. These genes are associated with positive selection in the Melanesian genomes, particularly at chromosomes 16p11.2 and 8p21.3, suggesting an adaptive role in environmental adaptation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

A simpler way to make some medicines

Chemists at Ohio State University have discovered a new way to synthesize the most common molecule arrangement in medicine, which could make it easier and more efficient for drug makers to produce medicines. This breakthrough could lead to a reduction in waste and an improvement in the production process.

SourceOhio State University·JournalChem·DateOct 17, 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.

Researchers discover how left-right information is integrated to correct organ positioning

Scientists from CSIC-UMH have discovered a molecular mechanism that ensures the right equilibrium needed in left-right signaling cascade during development, leading to correct heart positioning. This mechanism involves a transient wave of small molecules called microRNAs that travel along the left-hand side of the embryo.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 17, 2019

Study provides first evidence that fat accumulates in the lungs of overweight and obese people

A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal has provided evidence that fatty tissue builds up in the airway walls of individuals who are overweight or obese. This accumulation alters the normal structure of the airways and leads to inflammation in the lungs, which may contribute to increased asthma symptoms.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateOct 17, 2019

New study uncovers 'magnetic' memory of European glass eels

Researchers found that European glass eels use their magnetic sense to imprint a memory of current direction in the estuary where they become juveniles. This helps them orient in moving water during migration.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateOct 17, 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.

Ants fight plant diseases

Aarhus University researchers have found that ants inhibit at least 14 different plant diseases through the secretion of antibiotics and pheromones. The discovery has sparked hope for new biological control agents in agriculture, which could be used to combat resistant plant diseases.

SourceAarhus University·JournalOikos·DateOct 17, 2019

A higher resolution image of human lung development

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles identified molecular markers that distinguish between airway and vascular smooth muscle cells. This breakthrough enables separate studies of lung disorders like COPD and asthma in premature infants.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateOct 17, 2019

UTA investigating best ways to protect coastal communities from rising sea levels

Researchers are investigating strategies to mitigate coastal flooding in Santa Monica Bay and Humboldt Bay using natural and nature-based features, as well as artificial structures. The study aims to understand the effectiveness of these approaches in controlling local flood hazards and improving quality of life for nearby communities.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 17, 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.

HARP eclipses CLIP in continuous, rapid and large-scale SLA 3D printing

Researchers have developed a new approach to rapid and large-scale stereolithographic 3D printing, called HARP, which surpasses the capabilities of existing methods like CLIP. The method uses a flowing layer of fluorinated oil as a heat exchanger, allowing for faster rates and wider resin compatibility.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

Dementia and eating disorders: it is a problem of (semantic) memory

A recent study reveals that semantic memory deficits are involved in specific eating disorders in patients with dementia. The research found a correlation between the severity of these eating disorders and reduced performance on semantic memory tests, suggesting that these behaviors depend on the integrity of semantic memory. This brea...

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalJournal of Neuropsychology·DateOct 17, 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.

Always on beat: ultrashort flashes of light under optical control

Researchers from the University of Bayreuth and Göttingen have discovered a way to control ultrashort laser pulses, enabling precise material analyses and medical procedures. The new technique involves manipulating soliton pairs in laser pulses, allowing for efficient adjustment of pulse intervals.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 17, 2019

The composition of species is changing in ecosystems across the globe

A team of scientists mapped global biodiversity change, revealing greater changes in species composition in marine systems than on land. The study highlights the importance of protecting regions with high biodiversity loss rates and improving monitoring for conservation strategies.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

First generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from domestic cats

Scientists successfully induce pluripotency in adult cat cells, generating stem cells that can differentiate into various cell types. The breakthrough may lead to the development of cellular models for genetic diseases affecting domestic cats and similar human disorders.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateOct 17, 2019

Tennessee researchers join call for responsible development of synthetic biology

Researchers from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture join a global call for responsible synthetic biology development. The authors highlight four major areas where improvements are needed to advance the field, including genome design, DNA synthesis, genome editing, and chromosome construction.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 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.

Parasite paralysis: A new way to fight schistosomiasis?

A research team has isolated a potent compound that paralyzes parasitic worms causing devastating health problems. The discovery could lead to new ways to fight schistosomiasis, a disease with no alternative treatment besides praziquantel.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 17, 2019

Mathematical modelling vital to tackling disease outbreaks

A new study by researchers at the University of Waterloo highlights the importance of mathematical modelling in tackling disease outbreaks. The study concludes that combining data from multiple medical and public health sources can provide more informative insights for public health planners, enabling effective intervention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 17, 2019

Photosynthesis olympics: can the best wheat varieties be even better?

Researchers conducted a 'Photosynthesis Olympics' study to identify the most efficient wheat varieties, finding that top performers were up to 90% better than worst ones due to genetic differences. The results have significant implications for breeders and farmers, offering potential for improved yields with reduced inputs.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateOct 17, 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.

Figuring out Alzheimer's

Researchers at the IPC PAS have discovered how beta-amyloid molecules interact with cell membranes, revealing that small oligomers destroy the membrane and large ones aggregate to form fibrils. Their research may lead to new treatments by modifying amyloid interaction with membranes.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalLangmuir·DateOct 17, 2019

Training social workers in fight against opioids

The University of Texas at Arlington will train more addiction recovery specialists with a new $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. The project aims to provide evidence-based practices for working with opioid users through hands-on training.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 17, 2019

Scientists unwind mystery behind DNA replication

Researchers found that intrinsic mechanical properties of chromatin determine how fibers entwine during DNA replication, preventing tangles and ensuring proper segregation. The study highlights the importance of physical principles in biological processes and provides new insights into chromatin behavior.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell·DateOct 17, 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.

Ancient stars shed light on Earth's similarities to other planets

A new method used to analyze geochemistry of planets outside our solar system implies that Earth is not unique, with rocks from asteroids and white dwarf stars showing similarities to those on Earth and Mars. The study's findings suggest that oxidation plays a significant role in shaping the chemistry of rocky planets.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

Fertiliser scheme could solve Mexico's seaweed problem

University of Exeter scientists are working on a scheme to collect Sargassum seaweed, which can be converted into high-quality, low-cost fertiliser and biofuel through hydrothermal liquefaction. This process could help clear beaches in Mexico and the Caribbean, while also addressing marine plastic pollution.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateOct 17, 2019

CNIO researchers obtain the first mice born with hyper-long telomeres

Researchers have successfully created mice with hyper-long telomeres, which live longer and healthier lives without any genetic modification. This breakthrough shows that lengthening telomeres can increase longevity and delay metabolic ageing, paving the way for potential future treatments.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2019

Combination of AI & radiologists more accurately identified breast cancer

A new AI tool, trained on a large dataset of mammography images, accurately identified breast cancer with 90% accuracy when combined with radiologist analysis. The study suggests that AI can augment human radiologists' diagnoses, reducing false-positive and false-negative results.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateOct 17, 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.

Exposure to secondhand smoke associated with eye differences among children

Exposure to secondhand smoke has been associated with differences in choroidal thickness among children, with non-exposed kids showing healthier eyes. The study examined over 1,400 young children in Hong Kong and found significant differences in eye health between those exposed and not exposed to secondhand smoke.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateOct 17, 2019

Stranded whales detected from space

Researchers develop method to count whales from space, revolutionizing stranding detection in remote areas. The technique provides early insight into whale mortality, enabling rapid response and conservation efforts.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 17, 2019

Future flash drought will increase over humid regions

A recent study found a significant increasing trend of flash drought frequency over China during 1961-2005, driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. The exposure risk in southern provinces with humid climates is expected to increase by up to 40% in the middle of this century.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 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.

Blanket of light may give better quantum computers

Scientists at DTU Physics have created a two-dimensional lattice structure of 30,000 entangled light pulses, paving the way for less expensive and more powerful quantum computers. This breakthrough uses room-temperature materials and avoids the need for costly refrigeration technology.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 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.

Online abortion medication demand highest in states with restrictive abortion policies

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that US residents requesting online abortion medications cited difficulty accessing clinical care and personal preferences as reasons for their requests. The demand was highest in states with restrictive abortion policies, with Mississippi leading the way.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 17, 2019

Health care intervention: Treating high-need, high-cost patients

A novel intervention integrating psychological values-based approach with coordinated care management significantly improved daily functioning for vulnerable patients. The 'values-based' approach identified patients' values and goals to engage them in appropriate care, reducing hospital costs and improving quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateOct 17, 2019

Male and female mice have different brain cells

Researchers discovered unique brain cell types specific to male and female mice in the hypothalamus region, which governs aggression and mating behaviors. The study found 17 distinct cell types, with some abundant in males and others only in females.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateOct 17, 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.

Aspirin use after biliary tract cancer diagnosis

Researchers found that aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of death among patients with biliary tract cancer, which includes gallbladder cancer. The observational study included nearly 3,000 patients and suggests that long-term aspirin use may be beneficial for these patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 17, 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.

Is there evidence of the 'immigrant health paradox' among Arab Americans?

A recent study led by Boston College researcher Nadia Abuelezam found little evidence of the 'immigrant health paradox' among Arab Americans. In contrast to previous research on Asian and Latino immigrants, first-generation Arab immigrants had poor health profiles compared to second- or third-generation immigrants.

SourceBoston College·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 17, 2019

Image analysis to automatically quantify gender bias in movies

A KAIST research team developed an advanced system to automatically analyze visual information in films and quantify gender bias. The study found that female characters are often depicted in passive emotions and surrounded by specific objects, promoting public awareness of the importance of prudence when creating characters.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateOct 17, 2019

A new approach to tackle superbugs

A novel approach to tackle superbugs has been discovered using nanocapsules made of natural ingredients, which can prevent bacteria from attaching to stomach cells. The research aims to reduce antibiotic-resistant strains and is a potential preventative measure.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateOct 17, 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.

Scientists discover new species of wasp-mimicking praying mantis

Scientists have discovered a new species of praying mantis that conspicuously mimics a wasp, offering insights into the evolutionary biology and defense mechanisms of this unique behavior. The newly described Vespamantoida wherleyi joins one previously known species within the newly erected genus Vespamantoida.

SourceCleveland Museum of Natural History·JournalPeerJ·DateOct 17, 2019

Mapping global biodiversity change

A recent study mapping global biodiversity change reveals varying rates of loss and gain in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The research found that some regions are recovering while others are experiencing significant declines, with changes occurring faster in marine than terrestrial assemblages.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 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.

Pitt study: Sexual selection alone could spark formation of new species

A University of Pittsburgh study found that sexual selection alone could spark the formation of new species through imprinted behaviors. The research, which focused on strawberry poison frogs, suggests that females prefer mates with similar colors to their mothers and males become more aggressive against rivals with matching colors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature·DateOct 17, 2019

Collective behavior 480 million years ago

Researchers studied fossilized Moroccan Ampyx trilobites and found evidence of orderly lines during storms, suggesting ancient group behavior. This discovery implies that group behavior may have conferred an evolutionary advantage on early animals, allowing them to survive environmental stress.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 17, 2019

Faulty signalling pathway linked to congenital heart condition

A faulty signalling pathway is linked to left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), a congenital heart condition where muscular projections fail to transform into compact heart muscle. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying LVNC and may lead to potential therapies.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 17, 2019

Green areas in cities promote wellbeing

A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that larger green areas in urban neighborhoods are associated with higher wellbeing. Participants who spent more time in green spaces showed reduced activity in the brain region responsible for processing negative emotions.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 17, 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.

Industrial melanism linked to same gene in 3 moth species

Three moth species, including the peppered moth, rely on the same gene for industrial melanism, a response to environmental change. The mutations likely occurred hundreds of years before the industrial revolution, suggesting adaptive evolution uses similar genetic machinery across deep evolutionary time.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 17, 2019

Crop-improvement lab established with $25M USAID grant

The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Crop Improvement will support national breeding programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America with advanced technologies and methods. This project aims to deliver staple crops that can increase yields, enhance nutrition, and show greater resistance to pests and diseases.

SourceCornell University·DateOct 17, 2019

From waste to wealth: Researchers to transform anaerobic digestion

A multi-institutional team led by Colorado State University aims to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of anaerobic digestion. They plan to redesign bioreactors using renewable electrons to produce valuable products such as hexanoic acid and isobutanol, reducing methane production and carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceColorado State University·DateOct 17, 2019

First demonstration of a 1 petabit per second network node

The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) has developed a large-scale optical switching testbed capable of handling 1 Petabit per second optical signals. This breakthrough demonstrates the feasibility of ultra-high capacity petabit-class backbone networks, which can support increasing internet services ...

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateOct 17, 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.

Embryo's early development revealed in a dish

Bioscientists at Rice University have created a system to form all major cell types of ectoderm in a culture dish, allowing for the most comprehensive analysis yet of signaling pathways that drive patterning. The balance between two signaling pathways, BMP and Wnt, is critical, and cells can take more than one road to get there.

SourceRice University·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 17, 2019

Lessons from Ridgecrest

A comprehensive analysis of the Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence reveals a web-like network of interconnected faults, challenging standard models of large seismic events. The complexity of the rupture is only clear due to the combined data from orbiting radar satellites and ground-based seismometers.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

Highest throughput 3D printer is the future of manufacturing

Northwestern University researchers have developed HARP, a high-throughput 3D printer that can print large parts in hours and small parts at high resolutions. The technology bypasses heat limitations with a nonstick liquid interface, enabling fast and large-scale manufacturing without molds or warehouses.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 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.

Research gauges neurodegeneration tied to FXTAS by measuring motor behavior

Researchers used a grip-force test to analyze sensorimotor function in people with the FMR1 premutation, identifying subtle symptoms and potential indicators of disease progression. The study aims to improve early diagnosis and treatment for Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) in at-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalFrontiers in Integrative Neuroscience·DateOct 17, 2019

Parasite paralysis: A new way to fight schistosomiasis?

Researchers have isolated a potent chemical, 'schistosome paralysis factor', that can immobilize cercariae and prevent infection. This discovery could lead to new treatments for schistosomiasis, which causes devastating health problems in Africa, Asia, and parts of South America.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 17, 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.

Giving robots a faster grasp

Researchers at MIT have created an algorithm that significantly speeds up the planning process required for robots to adjust their grasp on objects. The new approach uses motion cones to efficiently calculate feasible pushes and reposition objects in less than a second, compared to traditional algorithms that take over 500 seconds.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·DateOct 17, 2019

Mount Sinai researchers bring us one step closer to universal influenza vaccine

Researchers at Mount Sinai develop a novel vaccine using chimeric hemagglutinin, inducing broad antibody responses against human and avian influenza viruses. The study shows promise for a universal flu vaccine, but interim results indicate further work is needed.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 17, 2019

The Lancet Haematology: First global estimates suggest around 100 million more blood units are needed in countries with low supplies each year

The global demand for blood transfusions exceeds the available supply by 30 million units annually, with the largest shortages found in lower-income countries. The estimated shortfall varies sharply between countries, with some requiring up to 75 times more blood than their supply can provide.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Haematology·DateOct 17, 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.

Phylogenetic analysis forces rethink of termite evolution

Researchers at OIST have constructed a new termite family tree using comprehensive RNA sequence analysis, placing a previously difficult-to-place subfamily within the Termitidae. The study reveals that comb building emerged in their common ancestor several million years after the loss of gut symbionts.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 17, 2019

Financial hardship in cancer: The role of health insurance literacy

A new American Cancer Society study links health insurance literacy with medical and non-medical financial hardships among adult cancer survivors. The study found that those with health insurance literacy problems were more likely to report material and psychological hardships, as well as make non-medical financial sacrifices.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·DateOct 17, 2019

Weaving quantum processors out of laser light

Researchers have successfully created a large-scale quantum processor made entirely of laser light, providing a scalable solution to overcome current limitations in quantum computing. The design allows for the generation of a massive two-dimensional cluster state with built-in scalability.

SourceCentre for Quantum Computation & Communication Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 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.

Near misses on slot machines may not encourage continued gambling

A recent study from University of Alberta researchers suggests there may be no relationship between near misses and continued play, contrary to widely held beliefs. The study found that despite brain activity changes and subjective measurements, conclusive evidence for a near-miss effect on gambling persistence is lacking.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateOct 17, 2019

High-risk patients benefit from undergoing surgery at teaching hospitals

A new study published in Annals of Surgery found that high-risk patients who underwent general or vascular surgery at major teaching hospitals had significantly lower 30-day mortality rates (15.9% vs 18.2%) and reduced costs compared to non-teaching hospitals. Orthopedic surgery patients showed similar outcomes at both types of hospitals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateOct 17, 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 do ketogenic diets affect skin inflammation?

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that ketogenic diets heavy in coconut oil and palm oils worsened psoriasiform-like skin inflammation in mice. In contrast, well-balanced ketogenic diets with long-chain triglycerides did not exacerbate skin inflammation.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateOct 17, 2019

What is Europe? Exploring post-war history through the medical lens

A new research project led by Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin aims to shed light on European post-war history by focusing on the shared concern for people's health. The 'Leviathan' project, awarded an ERC Synergy Grant, will study the development of medicine and healthcare between 1945 and 1990 in both Eastern and Western Europe.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·DateOct 17, 2019

Exoplanet interiors have Earth-like geochemistry

A new study reveals that some exoplanets have Earth-like geochemistry, with high oxidation levels similar to those in the Solar System. This finding suggests that rocky exoplanets may have similar internal properties to Earth and Mars.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

Communicating uncertainty about climate change

A new Stanford study found that expressing uncertainty about climate change predictions increases public trust in scientists, but acknowledging unknown factors can undermine credibility. When climate scientists include best-case and worst-case scenarios, Americans are more trusting and accepting of their statements.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 17, 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.

Cystic fibrosis carriers at increased risk of digestive symptoms

Researchers found that cystic fibrosis carriers have a higher likelihood of experiencing bile duct obstruction and other digestive system phenotypes. The study used large-scale genomic data from the UK Biobank to identify these associations, which may provide answers for carriers who were previously left without information.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateOct 17, 2019

Reforesting is a good idea, but it is necessary to know where and how

A large group of ecologists contests an article proposing 'reforestation' of the Cerrado, Brazil's most biodiverse tropical savanna. The critics argue that the plan is based on flawed calculations and could worsen climate change by reducing surface albedo and intensifying global warming.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

Double layer of graphene helps to control spin currents

Researchers have created a device that controls spin currents using a double layer of graphene on top of tungsten disulphide. The new technique enables the use of spin currents in transistors, which could be more energy-efficient than traditional electronics.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPhysical Review B·DateOct 17, 2019

Europe prepares four 5G pilots in industrial applications

A European research project, 5Growth, will test nine 5G use cases in four vertical industry settings in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. The pilot tests aim to validate the performance of 5G systems for Industry 4.0, eHealth, and audiovisual entertainment applications.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateOct 17, 2019

Controlling ion recognition in reactive host-guest systems

Scientists controlled host-guest complexes to explore the mechanism of chemical reactions, discovering that modification of guest metal ions could switch between 'recognition first' and 'reaction first' pathways. This finding has potential applications in drug delivery systems.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 17, 2019

DEET gives humans an 'invisibilty cloak' to fend off mosquito bites

Researchers found that DEET traps and masks human scents, preventing them from reaching mosquito odor detectors. This interaction leads to a lower response in mosquitoes, reducing the risk of malaria transmission. The study provides insight into how repellents work and may lead to new, more effective repellent development.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 17, 2019