Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 25, 2019


Tuberculous infection is not life-long in most people

Researchers from Penn-led study suggest that tuberculous infection is rarely life-long and that 90% of infected people will not develop active TB. The study found that immunological memory to the disease can outlast elimination of infection, making it difficult to detect those at risk.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 25, 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.

IKBFU researchers have discovered another natural antioxidant -- alder bark

IKBFU researchers have found that alder bark extracts contain high levels of polyphenols and antiradical activity, offering potential benefits for anti-aging and disease prevention. The study also reveals the presence of oregonin, a diarylheptanoid glycoside with anti-inflammatory and antimycotic properties.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalEuropean Journal of Wood and Wood Products·DateOct 25, 2019

MIT engineers develop a new way to remove carbon dioxide from air

A new system can capture carbon dioxide from the air at any concentration level, including 400 parts per million, and release it into a carrier stream. This technology has significant implications for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and could eliminate the need for fossil fuels in applications such as soft-drink bottling plants.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 25, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Can solar technology kill cancer cells?

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new approach to detect and attack cancer cells using light-activated fluorescent dyes. The breakthrough utilizes technology traditionally reserved for solar power, offering promising results in breast, lung, and skin cancer cell lines and mouse models.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 25, 2019

Algorithm identifies cancer patients in need of advance care planning conversations

A new algorithm developed by a Penn Medicine-led team flags patients who would benefit most from advance care planning conversations, leading to improved timely discussions. The study found that 51% of high-priority flagged patients died within six months compared to less than four percent in lower priority group.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 25, 2019

Placing another piece in the dark matter puzzle

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz used a novel nuclear magnetic resonance technique called ZULF to search for dark matter. They found no evidence of ultralight dark matter particles with couplings above a particular threshold, ruling them out as possible candidates.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 25, 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.

What 26,000 books reveal when it comes to learning language

A UB researcher's study using 26,000 books suggests that the learning environment plays a significant role in shaping language behavior. The researchers analyzed data from 10 different studies involving over 1,000 participants and found that culture-specific books explained much of the variance in the data.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateOct 25, 2019

Electrospun fibers weave new medical innovations

Electrospun fibers are being explored as a novel method for creating effective contraceptives and treating brain tumors. A University of Cincinnati study discovered that coaxial electrospinning can combine different materials to improve drug delivery and effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalChemPlusChem·DateOct 25, 2019

Only half of US children get enough sleep during the week

Research found that only 48% of school-age US children get sufficient sleep, leading to improved learning outcomes and childhood flourishing. Children who get enough sleep show increased interest in learning, do required homework, and demonstrate positive behavioral traits.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 25, 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.

Did an extraterrestrial impact trigger the extinction of ice-age animals?

A study published in Scientific Reports suggests an asteroid or comet hit Earth 12,800 years ago, causing a period of extreme cooling and contributing to the extinctions of over 35 species of megafauna. The impact hypothesis is supported by platinum spikes found at research sites worldwide, including South Carolina, Europe, and Chile.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 25, 2019

Daylight not rain most important for Africa 'green-up' phenomenon

New research reveals that daylight hours are the key factor in starting Africa's iconic 'green-up' phenomenon, where plants and trees grow their leaves. The study found shorter daylight hours before the growing season resulted in later vegetation growth.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 25, 2019

Mentally ill die many years earlier than others

A nationwide study in Denmark found that people with mental disorders die 10-7 years earlier than the general population. The study, published in The Lancet, explores mortality rates for different types of mental disorders, including depression and anxiety.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 25, 2019

Antibiotics not necessary for most toothaches, according to new ADA guideline

The American Dental Association recommends against prescribing antibiotics for healthy adults with toothaches, citing evidence that they do not alleviate symptoms and can cause harm. In cases where dental treatment is delayed or signs of infection are present, antibiotics may be considered, but only in specific scenarios.

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateOct 25, 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.

New study on early human fire acquisition squelches debate

Researchers discovered evidence of controlled fire in Lusakert Cave 1, contradicting the long-held notion that Homo sapiens were the first to master fire. The team used archaeological, hydrocarbon, and isotope analysis to determine the age of fire control among early humans.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 25, 2019

Memory training builds upon strategy use

Researchers found that working memory training relies on task-specific strategies to improve performance, rather than increasing capacity. Hundreds of commercial programs claim to boost memory, but their effects are limited to similar tasks.

SourceAbo Akademi University·JournalJournal of Memory and Language·DateOct 25, 2019

Hydrogen boride nanosheets: A promising material for hydrogen carrier

Researchers have discovered that hydrogen boride nanosheets can store and release significant amounts of hydrogen under ultraviolet light, making them a promising material for hydrogen carriers. The discovery reinforces the view that these nanosheets could go beyond graphene as a multifunctional material.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2019

Energy regulation rollbacks threaten progress against harmful ozone

A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers warns that rollbacks of US energy regulations could lead to increased CO2 emissions, slowed progress in reducing pollutants, and worsening air quality. This could result in higher costs for healthcare and finances due to increased cases of respiratory illness.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalOne Earth·DateOct 25, 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.

Study finds youth suicide rates rise with community poverty levels

Research suggests that counties with high poverty levels have a 37% higher rate of child suicides compared to the least impoverished counties. The association is particularly pronounced for firearm suicides. To address this issue, experts recommend safe gun storage and open communication with children about mental health and suicide.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 25, 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.

Not all hypertension drugs are created equal, reports big-data study

A Yale-coauthored paper in Lancet analyzed data from 4.9 million patients to compare the safety and effectiveness of five classes of first-line hypertension medications. Thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics were found to be better at preventing heart attack, heart failure, and stroke than ACE inhibitors.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 25, 2019

Researchers uncover novel amyloidosis

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have discovered a novel amyloid protein, lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), that induces amyloidosis in rats. This finding is significant as it may provide insights into the development of human amyloidosis and serve as a disease model for studying this condition.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalAmyloid·DateOct 25, 2019

Game changer: New chemical keeps plants plump

A UC Riverside-led team has developed a chemical to help plants retain water, reducing crop losses from drought. The new compound, Opabactin, is more effective than earlier versions and works quickly, allowing farmers to manage crop performance.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience·DateOct 25, 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.

Fighting the herpes virus

A team of researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to understand herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections. They found that the NRF2 transcription factor slows infection progression and identified a drug, bardoxolone methyl, that inhibits HSV-1 by activating this factor.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2019

Reframing Antarctica's meltwater pond dangers to ice shelves and sea level

A new study models fracture chain reactions from meltwater ponds on Antarctica's ice shelves, finding a speed limit to their damage. The research suggests that while pond fracturing is short-ranged, rapid surface melting can trigger catastrophic collapses like Larsen B.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 25, 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.

Immune system upgrade

Researchers develop copper telluride nanoparticles that mimic enzymes, inducing oxidative stress and triggering inflammatory processes in tumor cells. This triggers an immune response, allowing the body to defend against metastasis and relapses.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 25, 2019

Pediatric cancer study shows usefulness of gene expression analysis

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that analyzing gene expression in tumor cells can reveal new targets for therapy in pediatric cancer patients. The study found that 68% of children with cancer showed potential for treatment through gene expression analysis, compared to 46% who responded to DNA mutation analysis.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 25, 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.

Retrieving physical properties from two-colour laser experiments

Physicists have discovered that useful information about ultrafast light-matter interactions is buried deep within signals produced by two-colour pump-probe experiments. Advanced techniques are required to extract this information, which could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as vision and photosynthesis.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 25, 2019

Scientists find molecular key to body making healthy T cells

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center identified the transcription factor activator protein 1 (AP-1) as critical to the formation of mature and fully functioning T cells. AP-1 helps open up chromatin, a twisted structure of DNA that controls cell activation.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 25, 2019

'Swimmer's shoulder,' common in more than three-quarters of swimmers

Research reveals that 76.7% of swimmers experience shoulder pain within the last 12 months, with distances swum exceeding 2,001 yards significantly increasing pain reports. The study also found that nearly half of athletes know peers using pain medication, highlighting a concerning trend in competitive swimming.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 25, 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.

High fiber, yogurt diet associated with lower lung cancer risk

A high-fiber and yogurt-rich diet has been shown to reduce lung cancer risk by 33% compared to a low-fiber diet. The study's findings support the US Dietary Guidelines recommending a high fiber and yogurt diet for cardiovascular health and gastrointestinal cancer prevention.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 25, 2019

Ultrastructure of focal adhesion scaffold unveiled in human pluripotent stem cells

Researchers at the University of Turku have used super-resolution microscopy to study focal adhesions in human pluripotent stem cells. The study reveals novel features in the ultrastructure of these adhesions, which may be important for maintaining pluripotency. Abrogation of focal adhesion structure leads to a speeded-up exit from the...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2019

Study highlights power of family resilience to protect children from bullying

Research suggests that families with high levels of resilience can reduce their child's risk of being bullied, while also protecting them from becoming bullies themselves. The study analyzed responses to the National Survey of Children's Health and found a significant association between family resilience and lower rates of bullying.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 25, 2019

Detection of oral HPV DNA in teen, young adult females

Researchers detected oral HPV DNA in 6.2% of teen and young adult female participants, with detection decreasing over time since becoming sexually active. The study suggests that the HPV vaccine is less effective against certain types of oral HPV in vaccinated individuals compared to those who are fully unvaccinated.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 25, 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.

Experts in high-risk pregnancy respond to the published results of the PROLONG trial

The PROLONG trial found that weekly injections of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate do not reduce recurrent preterm birth or neonatal morbidity. In contrast, a previous study showed a 34% reduction in recurrent preterm birth with this medication. The differing results may be attributed to differences in the populations studied.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 25, 2019

Researchers develop platform for scalable testing of autonomous vehicle safety

The researchers have developed a platform that enables companies to quickly address safety concerns in autonomous vehicles through software and hardware advances. They analyzed 144 AVs driving over 1,116,605 miles and found that human-driven cars were up to 4000 times less likely than AVs to have an accident.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateOct 25, 2019

Broadly protective antibodies could lead to better flu treatments and vaccines

Researchers have isolated three broadly protective human antibodies targeting the influenza virus neuraminidase protein, providing strong protection against various strains in vitro and mice. These antibodies could inform the development of new antiviral treatments and HA-based vaccines with longer-lasting immunity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateOct 25, 2019

NASA observes Tropical Storm Kyarr form near southwest India coast

Tropical Storm Kyarr formed quickly near the southwestern coast of India, intensifying into a storm with heavy rainfall warnings and gale-force winds forecasted. NASA's Aqua satellite provided visible images revealing a large band of powerful thunderstorms circling the low-level center of circulation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 25, 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.

Insect evolution: Insect evolution

Researchers find over 100 insect larvae in amber, providing new evidence on the ecology of Eocene-era forests. The discovery supports a warm-to-temperate seasonal humid forest ecosystem interpretation, and offers insights into the evolution of dipteran larvae.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPeerJ·DateOct 25, 2019

Study shows trampoline injuries have increased over the past decade

Trampoline-related fractures among children increased by an average of 3.85% from 2008 to 2017, with most injuries occurring outside the home at places of recreation or sport. The study suggests that trampoline parks and gyms may be contributing to the rising incidence of trampoline fractures.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 25, 2019

Super-strong magnetic supercrystals can assemble themselves

Researchers at NTNU have created magnetic supercrystals that assemble themselves into strong shapes, increasing cohesive energy by up to 45% due to magnetism. This discovery opens up new possibilities for controlling the mechanical properties of these structures, which could be used in various applications.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 25, 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.

Heightened risk of adverse financial changes before Alzheimer's diagnosis

A study published in Health Economics found that individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease face a heightened risk of adverse financial outcomes due to compromised decision-making and exploitation. The researchers tracked financial data before diagnosis and found significant reductions in liquid assets and net wealth.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalHealth Economics·DateOct 25, 2019

Advance in search for new Clostridioides difficile vaccine

University of Exeter researchers have identified a gene in Clostridioides difficile responsible for binding to the gut, offering a promising new approach to developing a vaccine. Mice vaccinated with this protein generated specific antibodies and were less susceptible to C. diff infection.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 25, 2019

Micromotors push around single cells and particles

Researchers developed a new type of micromotor that can move around single cells and microscopic particles in three dimensions without damaging them. The technology has potential applications in targeted drug delivery, nanomedicine, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and other biomedical fields.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 25, 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.

Bariatric surgery is safe for teens with morbid obesity

A new study from Penn Medicine shows that bariatric surgery is safe and effective for teenagers with morbid obesity, with low rates of complications and readmissions. The study found no evidence that higher BMI was associated with poor health outcomes following adolescent bariatric surgery.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateOct 25, 2019

Deflating beach balls and drug delivery

Researchers use deflating beach balls to model microscopic hollow spheres, revealing properties that could aid in targeted drug delivery. This understanding may help control directed motion and improve cancer treatment.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 25, 2019

Length of time in US associated with immigrants' opioid use

A study found that first-generation immigrants who spend more time in the US are more likely to use prescription opioids. The study revealed a significant increase in opioid use from new to long-standing immigrants, with nonimmigrants also showing a higher rate of opioid use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 25, 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.

Jurassic dinosaurs trotted between Africa and Europe

Researchers have identified two types of dinosaur footprints in Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, and Morocco that suggest large predators strolled between the two continents. The footprints belong to carnivorous theropods similar to Tyrannosaurus rex.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of African Earth Sciences·DateOct 25, 2019

Use of emergency CPR device rising despite lack of evidence

A new study found a fourfold increase in the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) devices among emergency medical technicians in the U.S. over a six-year period, despite minimal evidence of their effectiveness. The devices were used more often outside of hospitals, with a steep rise from 2% to 8% between 2010 and 2016.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJAMA·DateOct 25, 2019

Sharing solar technology with developing countries

A Swansea-led project aims to provide clean, affordable and reliable power to local communities in developing countries using perovskite solar cells. The £800,000 funding will support the construction of demonstrator buildings and collaboration with experts from five countries.

SourceSwansea University·DateOct 25, 2019

Putting the 'bang' in the Big Bang

Researchers simulated the critical reheating period at the end of cosmic inflation, which may have bridged the gap between inflation and the Big Bang. The simulations suggest that quantum effects could have redistributed energy quickly, producing conditions necessary for the start of the Big Bang.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 25, 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.

Researchers identify improved avenues to train plastic surgeons in microsurgery

Researchers at McGill University have identified improved avenues for training plastic surgeons in microsurgery. By adopting non-biological simulators, they found a 48% decrease in the number of animals needed for training and a 50% reduction in costs. This shift also reduces animal use, death, and improves performance on animal models.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateOct 25, 2019

Study finds risk factors tied to drowning-related hospitalizations and death

Research reveals that nearly 1 in 10 hospitalized children with drowning injuries die despite comprehensive medical care. The study identified demographic factors such as being under 5 years old, male, and Caucasian, as well as complications like cerebral edema and cardiac arrhythmia, as significant predictors of mortality.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 25, 2019

Determining the shapes of atomic clusters

A team of researchers has confirmed that distinctive geometric shapes and irregular amorphous structures can be identified mathematically in atomic clusters. The new method provides insights into the structural properties and potential forces between atoms, enabling more effective engineering of nanoparticles for specific applications.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateOct 25, 2019

Study identifies challenges to neonatal resuscitation outside of hospitals

A new study reveals that many emergency medical services (EMS) responders lack recent training in newborn resuscitation techniques and experience caring for newborns. The researchers analyzed simulated 911 calls to a home birth in progress, highlighting the need for EMS-specific neonatal training and equipment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 25, 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.

Novel formulation of an injectable drug to treat joint inflammation acts for ten days

Researchers developed an injectable drug formulation using lipid nanoparticles to sustain the effect of naproxen in treating temporomandibular joint inflammation. The study showed significant reduction in inflammation and absence of side effects, making it a potential treatment option for this condition.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 25, 2019

Nerve cell protection free from side effects

Scientists at the University of Göttingen have identified an alternative erythropoietin receptor, CRLF3, which triggers protective effects in humans without stimulating red blood cell production. This discovery offers new hope for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·DateOct 25, 2019

4.5 million Euros for fundamental research

Researchers at TU Dresden are working on understanding the metabolism of cancer cells, tracing the development of childhood leukemia, and developing novel electronic components using 2D materials. The institution has received a total of 48 ERC Grants since 2008 to support innovative projects.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateOct 25, 2019

Stanford study casts doubt on carbon capture

A Stanford University study published in Energy and Environmental Science suggests that carbon capture technologies can cause more harm than good, reducing only a small fraction of carbon emissions. The research concludes that using renewable energy options like wind or solar is always better from a social cost perspective.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 25, 2019

New study finds taxi drivers improve earnings through trip selection

A new study reveals that taxi drivers use trip selection to optimize their earnings rather than increasing the number of trips or working hours. Mobile hailing apps enable drivers to choose longer, larger-fare trips, improving hourly earnings and reducing cruising time between trips.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateOct 25, 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.

Brown and white body fat speak different languages

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have mapped proteins secreted by adult human brown and white fat cells, revealing they send distinct signals to the rest of the body. Brown fat plays a key role in regulating the cellular immune system, while white fat promotes tissue plasticity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 25, 2019

Integrated solutions for the Indus Basin

The new integrated modeling framework could help the Indus Basin region address water resource challenges and interconnected sustainable development goals. The framework, developed by IIASA researchers, includes state-of-the-art integrated assessment modeling and participatory approaches to engage stakeholders in decision-making.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalOne Earth·DateOct 25, 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.

Birds do not habituate to traffic noise

Researchers found that birds in constant traffic noise had lower levels of corticosterone in their blood compared to quiet environments. This suppression may protect against negative effects of chronic stress on the immune system. Chicks from noisy parents were also smaller but caught up after leaving the nest.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalConservation Biology·DateOct 25, 2019

Small magnets reveal big secrets

A microscopic process of electron spin dynamics in nanoparticles has been identified, which could have wide-ranging impact on applications in medicine, quantum computation, and spintronics. The research provides insights into the principles of energy dissipation in nanomagnets, enabling engineers to build better devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 25, 2019

Dynamic images show rhomboid protease in action

Researchers used solid-state NMR spectroscopy to observe rhomboid protease movement, revealing a gate that opens for substrate protein entry. This study provides new insights for developing medication targeting these proteins.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 25, 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.

Mountain streams emit a surprising amount of CO2

A recent study found that mountain streams have a higher average CO2 emission rate per square meter than lower-altitude streams due to additional turbulence. The scientists developed a model to estimate natural CO2 emissions from over 1.8 million mountain streams worldwide, indicating geological sources as the primary origin of CO2.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2019