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Science News for October 18, 2019


Bean tree plan to protect Amazon

A new project aims to use Inga trees to keep land fertile for the long term, reducing pressure on smallholders to abandon their land. The plan could help maintain tree cover in the Amazonian Arc of Deforestation by supporting sustainable agriculture and providing a premium income for milk produced from grazing cattle.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateOct 18, 2019

'Flamenco dancing' molecule could lead to better-protecting sunscreen

Researchers have discovered a molecule that absorbs ultraviolet light and then disperses it in a 'flamenco-style' dance, making it ideal for use as a UV filter in sunscreens. The molecule is eco-friendly, easy to synthesize, and lasts longer than industry-standard sunscreens.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 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.

A new discovery: How our memories stabilize while we sleep

Research finds that delta waves during sleep selectively activate specific neuron assemblies involved in long-term memory formation. These assemblies code information and send crucial signals between the hippocampus and cortex, allowing memories to stabilize.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateOct 18, 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.

NASA-NOAA satellite observes development of Tropical Storm Octave

Tropical Storm Octave formed on Oct. 17 as a tropical depression in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with cloud top temperatures reaching -70 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to weaken due to wind shear and movement out of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), forecasted to degenerate into a remnant low over the weekend.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 18, 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.

A new stable form of plutonium discovered at the ESRF

Scientists have found a new stable form of plutonium with an unexpected pentavalent oxidation state, which may be crucial for improving the safety of radioactive waste storage. The discovery was made using advanced synchrotron X-ray methods and has significant implications for long-term nuclear waste management.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 18, 2019

Make some noise: How background noise affects brain activity

Researchers found that brain actively filters out background noise, with fluid outdoor sounds causing the largest effect on focus. The study uses wearable EEG technology to measure brain activity in different environments, paving the way for more realistic neurotechnology design.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPsychophysiology·DateOct 18, 2019

Can the design of a building improve the creative output of its occupants?

A groundbreaking study found that employees who worked in a Maharishi Vastu building scored higher on the standardized Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, generating 50-80% more original ideas. The study suggests that traditional systems of architecture can have wide-ranging benefits.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalCreativity Research Journal·DateOct 18, 2019

Why modified carbon nanotubes can help the reproducibility problem

Researchers found that functionalized carbon nanotubes enhance the interaction between perovskite and CNTs, improving their performance and stability. The study revealed a self-recrystallization process in perovskite at room temperature, which can be accelerated by frequent measurements but degrades stability.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalSolar RRL·DateOct 18, 2019

Novel nanoprobes show promise for optical monitoring of neural activity

Researchers have developed ultrasensitive nanoscale optical probes to monitor the bioelectric activity of neurons and other excitable cells. The new technology could enable scientists to study neural circuits at an unprecedented scale, leading to powerful brain-machine interfaces.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 18, 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.

Newly discovered virus infects bald eagles across America

A new virus, BeHV, has been found in nearly a third of the US bald eagle population, causing seizures and liver damage. The virus is related to human hepatitis C and was found in eagles without symptoms of the fatal disease, Wisconsin River Eagle Syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 18, 2019

Ugandans and Kenyans in cities happy to pay for food that is more nutritious

Researchers found that poor urban consumers in Uganda and Kenya are willing to pay a premium for more nutritious flour, with up to 94% of respondents agreeing to pay more. The study highlights the potential for improving nutrition among the urban poor through targeted policy interventions.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalFood Policy·DateOct 18, 2019

New diagnostic method finds aggressive tumors

Researchers have developed a new genomic method, CUTseq, that can assess the amount and type of copy number alterations in tumors, helping identify highly heterogeneous and aggressive cancers. The technique is cheaper than existing technologies and can be applied to multiple biopsies or small tissue sections.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dr. Josef Steiner Cancer Research Award 2019 goes to Serena Nik-Zainal

Bioinformatician Serena Nik-Zainal is awarded the Dr. Josef Steiner Cancer Research Award for her development of new methods to classify tumors using bioinformatics. Her research aims to improve cancer diagnosis and prognosis by making comprehensive computational infrastructure accessible to clinicians.

SourceUniversity of Bern·DateOct 18, 2019

Creatine powers T cells' fight against cancer

New research reveals creatine powers CD8 T cells' fight against cancer by storing and distributing energy. Creatine supplementation enhances existing immunotherapies, including PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy, leading to significant tumor eradication rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 18, 2019

Lifestyle is a threat to gut bacteria: Ötzi proves it

A study on Ötzi's DNA found a decrease in Prevotella copri, a common human gut microbe, in Westernized populations. The discovery suggests that Westernization may have contributed to the loss of beneficial bacteria, with significant implications for public health.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 18, 2019

Land management practices to reduce nitrogen load may be affected by climate changes

A new study from University of Illinois researchers used computer modeling to estimate how land management practices may be affected by climate changes. The study found that redistribution of land uses and certain management practices can help reduce nitrogen loss without changing fertilizer application rates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateOct 18, 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.

Electric cloth

Chinese scientists developed a new material that enables the creation of flexible, wearable supercapacitors with high energy density. The electrodes are made from a hybrid material synthesized from two carbon nanomaterials and a metal-organic framework, which provides a balance of porosity, conductivity, and electrochemical activity.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 18, 2019

New research center aims to make electronics more secure

The Center for Hardware and Embedded Systems Security and Trust will investigate unique vulnerabilities in collaboration with private companies and government agencies. The research focus is on developing techniques to avoid circuit counterfeiting and ensuring the authenticity of computer chips.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateOct 18, 2019

Whole genome sequencing could help save pumas from inbreeding

Using whole genome sequencing, scientists can pinpoint populations that need an influx of new genes or identify the best pumas to move between populations. This approach may help prevent inbreeding and its consequences, such as health defects.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 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.

Why respiratory infections are more deadly in those with diabetes

Researchers discovered a delayed and prolonged inflammatory response in diabetic mice infected with MERS-CoV, indicating a malfunction in the body's response to infection. This finding highlights the importance of managing glucose levels in patients with diabetes experiencing respiratory infections.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·DateOct 18, 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.

NIH pairs cutting-edge neuroethics with ground-breaking neurotechnologies

The NIH BRAIN Initiative collaboration highlights potential issues and offers recommendations for clinical research with neural devices, emphasizing the need for informed consent and post-trial responsibilities. The paper discusses three main areas of ethical challenges related to these devices.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 18, 2019

University of Hawaii team unravels origin, chemical makeup of Titan's dunes

A University of Hawaii team has provided answers to key questions about Titan's surface, including the existence of vast longitudinal dunes and dark organics. The researchers used remote sensing data from NASA's Cassini-Huygens mission to study the chemical makeup of these organic dunes.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 18, 2019

Stress in the powerhouse of the cell

Researchers discover that flawed removal of signal sequences leads to protein aggregation in mitochondria, causing them to stop working. However, cells execute a protective stress response to maintain key functions, ensuring survival.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 18, 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.

'I Snapchat and drive!'

A Queensland University of Technology study reveals that one in six young drivers use Snapchat while driving, often to share videos or photos. Despite this, most drivers do not think they will be caught by police, but the introduction of mobile phone detection camera technology may act as a strong deterrent.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateOct 18, 2019

Paving a way to achieve unexplored semiconductor nanostructures

The study introduces a novel approach to creating GaAs/GaAsBi core-shell multi-layered NWs on Si substrates, focusing on structural deformation induced by Bi. The work paves the way for developing high-performance optoelectronic nanodevices with superior electronic and optical functions.

SourceEhime University·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 18, 2019

Researchers quantify Cas9-caused off-target mutagenesis in mice

Scientists have quantified the rate of Cas9-caused off-target mutagenesis in mice through whole-genome sequencing, revealing that guide RNA design can significantly reduce unwanted mutations. The study highlights the need for improved precision in gene editing, particularly in therapeutic applications.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateOct 18, 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.

New NIH BRAIN Initiative awards accelerate neuroscience discoveries

The NIH BRAIN Initiative has awarded over 180 new projects to accelerate neuroscience discoveries, including developing neural circuit tools, studying non-neuronal cells, and analyzing complex data. These advancements aim to improve treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateOct 18, 2019

Big data technique reveals previously unknown capabilities of common materials

A new big data technique has revealed the previously unknown properties of nickel, enabling applications in data storage, biosensors, and quantum computing. Researchers discovered that nickel can produce a huge magnetic field when made into single-crystal nanowires and subjected to mechanical energy.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateOct 18, 2019

SNAP provides a model for ensuring a right to food

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) addresses the right to food by providing targeted assistance to low-income households and expanding automatically in response to changes in need. SNAP achieves a right to food through its entitlement program, access to food nationwide, and respect for participants' dignity and autonomy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateOct 18, 2019

Discovery raises hopes of preventing streptococci infections

Researchers at the University of Dundee have discovered an enzyme that could prevent Group A Streptococcus infections by inhibiting a carbohydrate coating on the bacterium's surface. The discovery offers new opportunities for developing antimicrobial drugs with minimal off-target effects.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 18, 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.

Mars once had salt lakes similar to Earth

A team of scientists, including Texas A&M University researcher Marion Nachon, found that Mars' Gale Crater lake underwent drying episodes, potentially linked to the planet's global drying. The study reveals signs of liquid water and salt ponds similar to those on Earth, particularly in South America's Altiplano region.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 18, 2019

Wind turbine design and placement can mitigate negative effect on birds

A new study found a negative effect of three birds lost for every turbine within 400 meters of a bird habitat, but also suggests ways to minimize the impact through wind turbine design and placement. The researchers estimate that about 150,000 birds are affected by wind turbines in the U.S. every year.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEnergy Policy·DateOct 18, 2019

Strathclyde quantum technology partnership secures £4.6 million

A University of Strathclyde-led partnership with M Squared aims to develop advanced computing technology for significant advancements in UK's quantum capabilities. The project will work with fintech and aerospace businesses to deliver breakthroughs in banking security, traffic management and aerospace security.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateOct 18, 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.

Genes linked to sex ratio and male fertility in mice

Researchers identified genes that influence the balance between male and female offspring in mice, affecting male fertility. The study found that removing specific gene families led to skewed sex ratios and male infertility, providing a potential model for understanding sperm production.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 18, 2019

Energy flow in the nano range

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed two new spectroscopic methods to study energy transport on the nanoscale. By deciphering the behavior of double-walled nanotubes, they aim to improve artificial light-harvesting antennas and photovoltaics.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2019

Croissant making inspires renewable energy solution

The study uses a unique processing technique to create a polymer film capacitor with record-high energy density, promising a step change in the field of dielectric capacitors. This innovation could enable efficient and low-cost electric energy storage systems for intermittent renewable energy sources.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2019

Limiting mealtimes may increase your motivation for exercise

Research suggests that restricting food intake can increase motivation to exercise in mice, potentially leading to weight loss and reduced complications like diabetes and heart disease. This could be achieved through better diet control, such as limiting mealtimes or fasting intermittently.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·DateOct 18, 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.

A compound effective to chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells identified

A compound has been identified as effective in killing chemotherapy-resistant glioblastoma-initiating cells (GICs), a major challenge in treating this devastating cancer. The research also showed that the compound is non-toxic to normal cells, raising hopes for developing drugs with low toxicity.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateOct 18, 2019