Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 28, 2019


USC study implicates flavored e-cigs in the teen vaping epidemic

A USC study found that teens who vape candy- or fruit-flavored e-cigarettes are more likely to stick with the habit and vape more heavily. The study suggests that regulations reducing youth exposure to flavored e-cigarettes may aid in preventing young people from becoming long-term e-cig users.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 28, 2019

New clues as to why mutations in the MYH9 gene cause broad spectrum of disorders in humans

Researchers used in vivo imaging to observe how cells move and generate forces in living tissues, revealing new clues on why MYH9 gene mutations lead to various diseases. The study demonstrates that altered myosin activity results in defects in epithelial morphogenesis due to slower cell movements.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

The Lancet Psychiatry: Insufficient evidence that medicinal cannabinoids improve mental health

A meta-analysis of 83 studies found inadequate evidence for the effectiveness of medicinal cannabinoids in relieving depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, or psychosis. Despite some low-quality evidence suggesting pharmaceutical THC may improve anxiety symptoms, the overall risks and ne...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateOct 28, 2019

Go-ahead for international stellarator project

The Helmholtz International Lab for Optimized Advanced Divertors in Stellarators (HILOADS) has been approved to conduct research on stellarator projects. HILOADS brings together institutions from Germany and the US, including the Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The project aims to develop o...

SourceMax-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP)·DateOct 28, 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.

Lend me a flipper

Researchers at Kyoto University found that bottlenose dolphins can coordinate their behavior in a rope-pulling task, with initiators waiting for followers to reach the task and followers matching the initiator's swimming speed. This flexible coordination is likely rooted in their patterns of affiliative behavior.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPeerJ·DateOct 28, 2019

In Wisconsin, 3 in 5 people with Down syndrome diagnosed with dementia by age 55

A new study shows that nearly all adults with Down syndrome harbor signs of dementia by age 40, and by age 55, three in five will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a similar neurodegenerative condition. The study highlights the need for early diagnosis and support services for people with Down syndrome as they age.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 28, 2019

Climate engineering: International meeting reveals tensions

The 'hidden politics' of climate engineering were exposed at the UNEA-4 meeting, highlighting concerns about governance, transparency, and funding. The discussion revealed a significant split between the US and EU on geoengineering strategies, with the US opposing a preliminary governance framework.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 28, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New research finding gives valleytronics a boost

A UC Riverside-led research team has discovered a new quantum process in valleytronics that can speed up the development of this emerging technology. The breakthrough, which uses local energy minima in semiconductors, enables the creation of information processing schemes superior to current charge-based technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateOct 28, 2019

New venture team success requires collective ownership -- with boundaries, study says

A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that successful startups require leaders who both seek input and set boundaries with their team members. The researchers call this 'territorial-marking' behavior beneficial for startups. Leaders who establish limits signal their psychological investment, encouraging team members to inv...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of information and organizational sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Obesity rates in China have tripled over the past 10 years

China's obesity rates have nearly tripled over the past decade, reaching 14% for general obesity and 32.4% for abdominal obesity among adults. A cluster of high obesity prevalence was identified in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this growing health concern.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 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.

Workplace sales ban on sugared drinks shows positive health effects

A study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found that a workplace ban on sugared drinks led to a 48.5% reduction in consumption and improvements in insulin resistance and total cholesterol levels among participants.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 2019

Treating the TOTAL patient: clinical trial reduces relapse

A clinical trial at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that adding chemotherapy doses in the cerebrospinal fluid improved CNS control without increasing toxicity for high-risk patients. The study reduced CNS relapse rates from 5.7% to 1.8%, making it the lowest among reported studies.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 28, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Biodiversity and agricultural commodities

Research reveals connections between soy sourcing and habitat loss for giant anteater species, highlighting the impact of global agricultural trade on biodiversity. The study examined soy production and exportation from Brazil between 2000-2010 and found significant links between consumption patterns and biodiversity loss.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 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.

Environmental and health impacts of food

Consuming fish, fruits, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, and vegetables reduces risk of mortality and diet-related diseases, while unprocessed red meats increase risk. These dietary changes may also support environmental sustainability by lowering environmental impacts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

McLean's Brain Bank receives new contract from NIH

The McLean Hospital Brain Bank has received a new contract from the NIH to fund 180 brains per year, allowing for enhanced procedures and deeper understanding of brain pathology in psychiatric disorders. The center is part of the NeuroBioBank national resource for investigators using postmortem brain tissue.

SourceMcLean Hospital·DateOct 28, 2019

Salt helps proteins move on down the road

Rice University scientists have developed a strategy to make polymer membrane-based separation of proteins more efficient using salt. The researchers identified competing forces at the nylon surface that could be tuned by salt concentration, allowing for improved separation efficiencies.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Lenalidomide may delay onset of myeloma-related bone, organ damage

A study by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group found that lenalidomide delayed disease progression and improved overall survival in high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma patients. The treatment reduced serious adverse events, but it is unclear if it affects overall survival.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 28, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Follow the dotted line

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new method to precisely create droplets using a jet of liquid, offering greater flexibility and precision than standard techniques. This breakthrough enables the quick generation of drops with finely controlled sizes and locations within a 3D space.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

NASA tracking Eastern Atlantic's late season Tropical Storm Pablo

Tropical Storm Pablo formed on Oct. 25 and strengthened into a hurricane before weakening back into a tropical storm. NASA's satellite imagery captured the storm's formation and rapid changes, revealing a small-scale cyclone with well-defined winds within a larger low-pressure area.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 28, 2019

Crystallization clarified, researchers report

Researchers from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern University have developed techniques to observe and simulate the self-assembly of crystalline materials at a higher resolution. They pinpointed individual motions of tiny nanoscale particles as they orient themselves into crystal lattices, confirming that synt...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 28, 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.

Financial incentives plus information decrease patient preference for diagnostic testing

A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that providing financial incentives to forego testing significantly decreases patient preference for testing, even when accounting for test benefit and risk. Financial incentives also decreased patient preference for low-value diagnostic testing, such as CT imaging of the head.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateOct 28, 2019

BU medical student awarded AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship

Simone Vais, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded the AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship. The $10,000 award will assist in covering her medical education expenses as she applies for residency in family medicine and focuses on improving healthcare access for underserved p...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateOct 28, 2019

The frostier the flower, the more potent the cannabis

A new study reveals that stalked glandular trichomes in cannabis flowers are the richest source of THC- and CBD-forming metabolites and fragrance-giving terpenes. The findings provide insight into how these trichomes make and store valuable products.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateOct 28, 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.

Soft double gyroids are unique, but imperfect, crystals

Scientists at Rice University have created a unique nanoscale material called soft double gyroids, which exhibits a maze-like structure. However, their analysis reveals that the material's structure is not perfectly cubic, but rather distorted due to grain boundaries and directional stress.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2019

Spider-inspired depth sensor

The spider-inspired depth sensor combines metalenses and nanophotonic parts for low-computation depth sensing, paving the way for microrobots and wearable devices. It reduces computation required compared to previous passive sensors, enabling future applications in various fields.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Attacking metastatic breast cancer with sound

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a sound-based treatment that delivers anticancer drugs to lymph nodes affected by breast cancer metastases. The technique involves injecting vesicles carrying drugs into the nodes, which rupture when exposed to high-power ultrasound, releasing the medication.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 28, 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.

Medicare fraud and abuse linked to patient deaths and hospitalizations

Patients treated by providers later excluded from Medicare for committing fraud and abuse were more likely to die than similar patients treated by non-excluded physicians, nurses, and other professionals. The study estimates that fraud and abuse contributed to 6,700 premature deaths in 2013 alone.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 2019

One avocado a day helps lower 'bad' cholesterol for heart healthy benefits

A randomized, controlled feeding study found that eating one avocado a day was associated with lower levels of LDL (specifically small, dense LDL particles) and oxidized LDL in adults with overweight or obesity. Avocados also helped reduce oxidized LDL particles and increased antioxidant lutein levels.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateOct 28, 2019

Topological nanoelectronics

Physicists at JMU have successfully constructed a Quantum Point Contact (QPC) in topological HgTe quantum wells, allowing them to investigate potential interactions between the edge states. This breakthrough could lead to fundamental discoveries in topological nanostructures and innovative applications for information technology.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 28, 2019

Psychiatric diagnoses 'neither necessary nor sufficient' for access to NHS care in UK

A new UK study finds that psychiatric diagnoses are seldom used as entry criteria for NHS mental health services, instead relying on broad clusters of difficulties and the specialist skills of staff. This challenges the long-held assumption that diagnoses are essential for accessing care, opening the way for alternative and more scient...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Mental Health·DateOct 28, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Scientists identify key knowledge gaps in sustainability research

The study highlights seven key areas for further research, including integrating indigenous knowledge into research, understanding consumption patterns, and developing effective governance systems. The researchers emphasize the need for management and policy strategies that prioritize human well-being and biodiversity protection.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 28, 2019

UK vets need special training to report suspected animal abuse

Research finds that UK vets need special training to report suspected animal abuse, boosting their confidence and skills in overcoming client confidentiality and earning loss fears. The study suggests that perceived self-efficacy is a key factor in reporting animal abuse.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateOct 28, 2019

Teaching cars to drive with foresight

Scientists at the University of Bonn develop an algorithm that completes and interprets LiDAR scans to enable self-driving cars to anticipate potential hazards. The system uses a dataset of superimposed point clouds to improve scene understanding, which can lead to significant improvements in autonomous driving safety.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·DateOct 28, 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.

Unearthing history

A team of researchers has identified a fingerprint of oxidizing fluids in ancient subducted oceanic crust found on the Greek island of Sifnos. The discovery, published in Nature Geoscience, reveals that garnet crystals can preserve zonation of iron isotopic composition from early formed core to later forming rims.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 28, 2019

Repeating genomic regions in human evolution

The study reveals that repeated genomic regions expanded during human evolution and associate with differential gene expression in human and chimpanzee brain cell types. Expanded tandem repeats may hold clues to mechanisms driving their expansion and potential roles in human development.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 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.

Medical alarms may be inaudible to hospital staff

New research from the University of Illinois at Chicago found that simultaneous masking significantly impacts care providers' ability to respond to medical alarms. The study, published in Human Factors, highlights the danger of hundreds of alarms daily being indistinguishable.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateOct 28, 2019

Human influences on global soil erosion

A study analyzing pollen samples and radiocarbon dates found that human land use changes drove global soil erosion rates, starting around 4,000 years ago. In 70% of studied watersheds, land cover change was the main driver of soil erosion.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Improving governance is key for adaptive capacity

New research quantifies governance pathways at national level, finding it will take around 2050 for global weak governance to improve. The study's results have far-reaching implications for sustainable development and adapting to climate change impacts, particularly in vulnerable countries.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 28, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

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

Tungsten suboxide improves the efficiency of platinum in hydrogen production

Researchers have developed a new strategy to enhance catalytic activity using tungsten suboxide as a single-atom catalyst, significantly improving hydrogen evolution reaction performance. The study found that the support effect of tungsten suboxide enhances platinum's mass activity for hydrogen evolution by up to 16.3 times.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 28, 2019

Enabling autonomous vehicles to see around corners

A new MIT system uses computer-vision techniques to detect and classify subtle changes in shadows on the ground, enabling autonomous vehicles to quickly avoid collisions with other objects. The system outperforms traditional LiDAR technology by more than half a second in real-world scenarios.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 28, 2019

New diagnostic method to determine liver cancer consistency

Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin developed a new diagnostic technique using tomoelastography to visualize liver tumor mechanical properties. The study found that hepatic malignancies contain tissues with both stiff and fluid properties, contrary to previous assumptions.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 28, 2019

How much do obesity and addictions overlap?

A recent study found that people with obesity share similar personality profiles with those with addictive behaviors, including uncontrolled eating. This suggests that obesity treatments may benefit from adopting methods used in addiction recovery to improve self-control.

SourceMcGill University·DateOct 28, 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.

Smartphone data can help surgeons understand a patient's recovery

A new study uses smartphone accelerometer data to measure postoperative physical activity and its impact on recovery. The research team found that patients who experienced complications after surgery had significantly lower daily activity compared to those without complications.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·DateOct 28, 2019

Researchers find 'protein-scaffolding' for repairing DNA damage

Researchers have discovered how certain proteins orchestrate repair of damaged DNA by building a three-dimensional scaffold that concentrates special repair proteins. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how DNA damage causes disease and designing treatments for patients with unstable DNA.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2019

Mutated ferns shed light on ancient mass extinction

Researchers found that increased mercury levels in the environment contributed to the mass extinction of three out of four species on Earth 201 million years ago. The study suggests a cocktail effect of CO2, global warming, and toxic substances like mercury, challenging the traditional theory of greenhouse gas-induced climate change.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 28, 2019

DESI's 5000 eyes open as Kitt Peak Telescope prepares to map space and time

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) has begun testing its capabilities, capturing light from distant galaxies and preparing to map 35 million galaxies across 1/3 of the sky. DESI aims to study 10 million stars in our galaxy, the Milky Way, tackling one of physics' most profound problems: the nature of dark energy.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·DateOct 28, 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.

Yersinia -- a novel genomic tool for identifying strains

Researchers developed a novel genomic analysis method for classifying Yersinia strains, revealing unexpected biodiversity and new species. The tool enables accurate identification of pathogenicity, guiding patient monitoring and public health initiatives.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalMicrobial Genomics·DateOct 28, 2019

Advanced cancer drug shrinks and intercalates DNA

Researchers discovered that Pixantrone interacts with cancer DNA by prising apart the double helix structure and compacting its backbone. This mechanism could lead to the development of more effective cancer drugs with reduced harm to healthy cells.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 28, 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.

Signaling waves determine embryonic fates

Researchers at Rice University discovered dynamic molecular signaling waves that prompt cell differentiation and trigger the formation of germ layers in human embryos. The study counters previous theories by showing gradients do not exist in stem-cell colonies and the process is more dynamic than previously appreciated.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 28, 2019

Extent of human encroachment into world's protected areas revealed

A study reveals that protected areas worldwide are not reducing anthropogenic pressure on natural habitats, with chronic underfunding and local community disengagement identified as key factors. Satellite data analysis found increases in human encroachment in over 90% of global regions, particularly in the tropics.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

New synthesis method yields degradable polymers

Researchers at MIT have developed a new synthesis method to create polymers that can break down more readily in the body and environment. By adding a novel type of building block, they were able to create polymers with easier degradability under biologically relevant conditions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 28, 2019

How Alzheimer's disease spreads through the brain

Research in mouse neurons reveals that misfolded tau protein can quickly spread between neurons without being immediately harmful. Early therapeutic intervention targeting the initial accumulation of tau may halt Alzheimer's disease progression.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 28, 2019

Can watching movies detect autism?

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that children with autism exhibit variable and idiosyncratic gaze patterns when watching social interaction movies. This new method has high sensitivity and specificity for detecting ASD cases, making it a promising tool for early detection and assessing treatment responses.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAutism Research·DateOct 28, 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.

Study: Underground fungal relationships key to thriving plants

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in plant thriving by providing up to 80% of the nutrients and water plants need to grow. The study analyzed over 17,000 trait observations from nearly 3,000 woody plant species and found that these fu...

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Viable alternatives to trophy hunting exist, say scientists

Researchers suggest that trophy hunting undermines biodiversity conservation efforts and instead offer land-use and ownership reforms, diversified tourism, and environmental investments as more effective solutions. This approach aims to benefit and empower local communities, rather than just generating economic benefits.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 2019

Teen marijuana use may have next-generation effects

A University of Washington study found that children whose parents used marijuana during adolescence are more likely to use marijuana and other substances, while those from non-using families have better grades, according to lead author Marina Epstein.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateOct 28, 2019

Extinction of cold-water corals on the Namibian shelf due to low oxygen contents

A new study published in the journal Geology reveals that cold-water corals on the Namibian shelf have been extinct for over 4,500 years due to low oxygen contents. The researchers attribute this extinction to a shift in the Benguela upwelling system and its associated intensification of the oxygen minimum zone.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalGeology·DateOct 28, 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.

Status competition in rank-ordered hierarchies

Competitors' momentum can lower a player's chance of winning, especially when an opponent exhibits rising status. Players perceive more threat and commit errors like double faults when facing competitors with steady rank progress, suggesting that status momentum negatively impacts performance.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Consumer markets, companies linked to habitat loss for rare species in Brazil's savannah

A new study links global consumer markets to habitat loss for rare species in the Cerrado savannah, finding that over half of the impact is attributed to food and products consumed outside Brazil. The study reveals specific links between consumer countries, traders, soy production, and habitat loss.

SourceStockholm Environment Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Obesity-related genetic variants

A study identified two types of genetic variants in the PM20D1 gene that regulate its expression in adipocytes, with one variant acting as an on/off switch and another similar to a dimmer switch; these variations are associated with obesity risk.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Using whole-genome sequencing for early identification and containment of AMR pathogens

A recent study uses whole-genome sequencing to understand the evolutionary history of an XDR-TB strain that emerged in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The research identifies key factors contributing to its spread, including HIV coinfection and human migration, highlighting the importance of early detection and containment strategies.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 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.

Transforming DNA repair errors into assets

A new bioinformatics tool, MHcut, reveals that microhomology-mediated end joining is more common in humans than previously thought. Using this tool and commercial genome-editing technology, researchers created precise gene mutations to model diseases, providing insights into rare and orphan diseases.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 28, 2019

Argonaute proteins help fine-tune gene expression

Researchers have discovered a new role for Argonaute proteins in the nucleus, where they bind to enhancer regions on DNA to regulate gene expression. This finding adds to our understanding of the RNA interference pathway, which plays a crucial role in silencing specific genes.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCell Systems·DateOct 28, 2019

New findings could improve diagnosis, treatment of depression

Scientists have identified genes associated with a common depression symptom: lack of motivation. This finding could lead to new diagnostic methods and targeted treatments for depression. The study uses mouse models to understand brain changes related to specific symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNeuron·DateOct 28, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Mathematics reveals new insights into Marangoni flows

Researchers found that impurities swept away in deeper water decrease in size with surface elasticity, while counterflows cancel out fluid movement. In shallow water, the boundary becomes blurred, revealing new processes in well-studied physics experiments.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 28, 2019

New insights could help block the path of cancer 'super-highways'

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute identified a key mechanism controlling tissue structure, which could help identify drugs that make it harder for cancer cells to spread. The study found that collisions between cells help create different tissue structures, some of which aid cancer progression and can be targeted by drugs.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 28, 2019

An amazingly simple recipe for nanometer-sized corundum

Scientists developed a simple method for producing nanometer-sized corundum with high porosity at room temperature. The process involves milling a powder in a ball mill for a few hours, resulting in thermodynamically stable nanoparticles. This breakthrough reduces energy and costs associated with traditional production methods.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 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.

Training for Title IX investigators lacks tested, effective techniques

New research at Iowa State University reveals that Title IX investigators are using untested techniques in interviews, which may hinder investigations. The study suggests the use of science-based interviewing strategies to improve the effectiveness of investigative interviews.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition·DateOct 28, 2019

Science shows hype about your opponent actually messes with your game

A study from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business found that players perform worse against opponents with rising rankings due to 'status momentum', which affects their mental game. This theory counters the widely debated 'hot hand' concept, suggesting a player's positive momentum can heighten their own performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Women surgical residents suffer more mistreatment, burnout, suicidal thoughts

A new study found that women surgical residents are more likely to experience mistreatment, including verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and pregnancy/childcare discrimination, leading to higher burnout rates. The study also revealed that 5.3% of women surgical residents had suicidal thoughts in the last year compared to 3.9% of men.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 28, 2019

Study: In the long run, drugs and talk therapy hold same value for people with depression

A cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that individuals with new diagnoses of major depression should have access to both antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy, as the costs and benefits are equivalent after five years. This study provides insights into treatment decisions and could inform future care and insurance coverage.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 2019

Let there be...a new light

Researchers have synthesized a new type of chiral light that can tell right- and left-handed molecules apart. This innovative light interacts differently with each type of molecule, allowing for precise control over chemical reactions and potential applications in drug development.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 28, 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.

Protected areas and anthropogenic pressures

Researchers analyzed 12,315 protected areas across 152 countries to assess their impact on reducing anthropogenic pressures. Protected areas in temperate and forested regions have slowed human pressure, with countries with higher socioeconomic development experiencing lower rate increases.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Biomarker for schizophrenia can be detected in human hair

A study found that a subtype of schizophrenia is related to abnormal hydrogen sulfide levels in the brain, which can act as a biomarker. Higher than normal levels of the enzyme Mpst were detected in postmortem brains and hair follicles from people with schizophrenia.

SourceRIKEN·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateOct 28, 2019

Make fungi think they're starving to stop them having sex, say scientists

Researchers at the University of Bath have characterized receptors unique to fungi that prevent sexual reproduction, which could be targeted to slow down fungal evolution. By making fungi believe they are starving, these receptors could inhibit sex and increase the shelf life of resistant crops and antifungal compounds.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 28, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Snail habitats and schistosomiasis transmission

Researchers used drone and satellite imagery to map snail habitats in the Lower Senegal River Basin, finding that non-emergent vegetation was a stronger predictor of human infection than host snail counts. Removing this vegetation may benefit snail control efforts, reducing schistosomiasis transmission risk near human water-contact sites.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Scientists are developing a way to counter ulcerative colitis

Researchers conducted the world's first international study to compare two new drugs for treating ulcerative colitis. The results published in The New England Journal of Medicine show Vedolizumab as 9-12% more effective than Adalimumab in treating moderate to severe forms of the disease.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 28, 2019

Which came first: Brain size or drinking propensity?

New research challenges traditional idea about relationship between alcohol use and brain size, suggesting that reduced brain volume may represent a genetically-conferred predispositional risk factor for heavier alcohol consumption. Longitudinal and family data from three independent brain imaging studies confirm this association.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 28, 2019

Chicks born with ability to distinguish and avoid different dangers

A study by Queen Mary University of London and University of Trento reveals that chicks are born with the knowledge to flee from predators and slow down when a threat is far away. This innate ability allows them to survive in their environment without needing to learn through experience.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Genetics reveal Pacific subspecies of fin whale

Scientists have identified a new subspecies of fin whale in the northern Pacific Ocean using genetic research, highlighting the diversity of marine mammals. The finding reveals that fin whales have been separated for hundreds of thousands of years and can be assigned to their ocean of origin using genetic data.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateOct 28, 2019

Compact depth sensor inspired by spiders

Researchers developed a compact depth sensor inspired by jumping spiders' impressive depth perception. The metalens sensor combines with an ultra-efficient algorithm to measure depth in a single shot, enabling applications in microrobots, small wearable devices, and virtual/augmented reality headsets.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

An overlooked piece of the solar dynamo puzzle

Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have identified a new form of magnetic instability in the Sun's rotating plasma, which may contribute to its magnetic field generation. This discovery could be a significant step forward in understanding sunspots and their cycles.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateOct 28, 2019

Theory explains biological reasons that force fish to move poleward

The Gill-Oxygen Limitation Theory explains why fish migrate poleward in response to warming waters. As water temperature increases, the amount of dissolved oxygen decreases, making it harder for fish to breathe, while also increasing their oxygen demand.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMediterranean Marine Science·DateOct 28, 2019

Study tracks evolutionary history of metabolic networks

The study analyzed how enzymes work and reconstructed the evolutionary history of metabolic networks, showing they became less random and more organized over time. The researchers created a database called MANET, which revealed that early metabolic pathways were more random and less efficient than present-day ones.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 28, 2019

The homeland of modern humans

The study reveals that anatomically modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens) first appeared in a southern African homeland and thrived there for 70,000 years. The researchers used mitochondrial DNA to reconstruct the earliest human population history, suggesting that climate changes triggered early migrations.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2019