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Science News for September 13, 2019


Researchers have identified areas of the retina that change in mild Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the Complutense University of Madrid have identified areas of the retina that change in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The study used optical coherence tomography to measure retinal layer thickness and found significant thinning in certain locations, which can be used to diagnose the disease before other tests.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 13, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Negative posts on Facebook business pages outweigh positive posts 2 to 1

Research found that negative posts receive more comments than positive ones and tend to attract more attention, highlighting the need for companies to respond to negative content strategically. The study analyzed data from 12,000 posts from Fortune 500 companies, finding a nearly 2:1 ratio of negative to positive posts on business pages.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateSep 13, 2019

Male Trinidad guppies find food thanks to females

In a recent study, male Trinidad Guppies were found to reach more novel food patches when in the presence of females. In contrast, female foraging was independent of male presence. The researchers suggest that life in a group can be advantageous, allowing individuals to share information and find food more easily.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateSep 13, 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.

Trapped by a flexible schedule

A survey of over 4,200 Russian-speaking self-employed individuals found that freelancers often work long hours, including evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends. While some reported feeling satisfied with their work-life balance, others struggled to maintain it due to the demands of non-standard schedules. The study also found that c...

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·DateSep 13, 2019

Biochar used to prevent soil erosion in Tatarstan

Researchers developed a biochar technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from soils and prevent soil degradation. The innovative method uses chicken dung and agricultural waste to produce biochar, which slows down humus mineralization and stalls CO2 emission.

SourceKazan Federal University·DateSep 13, 2019

Scientists seek to harness the power of accelerators for environmental remediation

Researchers Fay Hannon and Gianluigi Ciovati design low-energy, compact accelerators to clean wastewater. The technology has the potential to replace existing methods, which can be chemically and energetically intensive. The accelerators may also be used to treat tar sands, hydraulic fracturing fluids, and other industrial byproducts.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateSep 13, 2019

Multidrug resistance: Not as recent as we thought

Researchers from Osaka University found that a relatively ancient Haemophilus influenzae drug efflux pump AcrB confers resistance to antibiotics similar to its more evolved counterparts. The study highlights the evolution and mechanism of multidrug efflux systems, suggesting a 'one size fits all' approach is not suitable.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateSep 13, 2019

Extinction of Icelandic walrus coincides with Norse settlement

A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution reveals that the Icelandic walrus went extinct shortly after Norse settlement around 870 AD, likely due to commercial hunting and ivory trade. The research used ancient DNA analyses and C14-dating to demonstrate the existence of a unique population of Icelandic walruses.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 13, 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.

NASA-NOAA satellite's night-time look at Tropical Storm Kiko

Tropical Storm Kiko strengthened into a tropical storm on Sept. 11, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing its nighttime image on Sept. 12. The storm is forecast to approach hurricane strength later this weekend and is expected to continue moving west-northwest.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 13, 2019

Groovy! These grooved patterns better mitigate shock waves

A team of engineers at UC San Diego has discovered a method to make materials more resilient against massive shocks using grooved patterns. The researchers found that these patterns can diminish the impacts of reflected shock waves, while initial transmitted shock waves showed inconclusive results.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateSep 13, 2019

Communities that Care prevention system helps to protect youth

Students in CTC participating districts showed significant reductions in marijuana, cigarette, alcohol use, and delinquent behavior compared to non-CTC districts. The study highlights the effectiveness of evidence-based programs in promoting healthy youth development.

SourcePenn State·JournalPrevention Science·DateSep 13, 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.

Microbes make chemicals for scent marking in a cat

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that many volatile compounds from a male cat's anal sacs are produced by a community of bacteria, rather than the cat itself. This discovery challenges traditional views on scent marking and communication in cats.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 13, 2019

Developing therapeutic strategies for pregnant women with lupus

A team of researchers investigated the link between pregnancy and lupus flares, finding that gut microbiota may regulate disease severity. The study suggests that modulating the gut microbiota community could lead to improved disease management for pregnant women with lupus.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMicrobiome·DateSep 13, 2019

New way to target cancer's diversity and evolution

Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research have discovered the three-dimensional structure and function of the 'mix n match' protein DHX8, which helps control a process linked to cancer progression and drug resistance. This study opens up a potentially exciting new way to tackle drug-resistant cancers.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalBiochemical Journal·DateSep 13, 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.

How IL-6 allows the immune response to develop for a key cell, the T follicular helper

A preclinical study shows that IL-6 protects T follicular helper cells from deleterious effects of IL-2 by interrupting a feedback loop, allowing them to receive sustained T-cell receptor stimulation. This finding has important therapeutic implications for autoimmune diseases like lupus and may lead to better treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 13, 2019

The enigma of Bronze Age tin

Researchers use natural sciences methods to determine geographic origin of Bronze Age tin artifacts from Israel, Turkey, and Greece, disproving Central Asian source and confirming Europe as the origin of ingots. The study highlights complex trade networks between Europe and Eastern Mediterranean during the Bronze Age.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 13, 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.

Slower growth in working memory linked to teen driving crashes

A new study suggests that slower growth in working memory is associated with motor vehicle crashes among teenagers. The research found that young drivers with less-than-average working memory growth were more likely to report being involved in a crash, while those with greater-than-average growth were less likely.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 13, 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.

MIT engineers develop 'blackest black' material to date

Researchers at MIT developed a material that is 10 times blacker than anything reported previously, using vertically aligned carbon nanotubes. The new coating absorbs greater than 99.995% of incoming light from any angle, making it the blackest material on record.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 13, 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.

Warriors Research Institute expands telehealth to Texas veterans and their families

The Warriors Research Institute, a Baylor Scott & White center, has received a $500,000 grant to expand its telehealth program for Texas veterans and their families. The program offers high-quality, accessible mental health treatment via live video conferencing, with significant improvements in quality of life reported by participants.

SourceBaylor Scott & White Research Institute·DateSep 13, 2019

Researchers identify focus points to reduce opioid overdose deaths

Researchers have identified specific touchpoints where individuals with opioid use disorder encounter the healthcare system, criminal justice, or public health services, increasing their risk of overdose death. Targeted interventions and harm reduction services can reduce these deaths by up to 50%.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateSep 13, 2019

New health monitors are flexible, transparent and graphene enabled

Researchers have developed a new class of flexible and transparent wearable devices that can measure multiple human vital signs, including heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pulse oxygenation. The devices are conformable to the skin, operate battery-free wirelessly, and provide continuous measurements during activity.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 13, 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.

How new loops in DNA packaging help us make diverse antibodies

A new study in Nature explores the role of chromatin loops in V(D)J recombination, a gene assembly process that generates diverse antibodies. The research reveals how cells exploit loop formation to mix and match genetic code, leading to the creation of new antibodies.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2019

Environmental pollution in China begins decreasing

A recent international research study published in Science Advances journal shows that environmental awareness and investments in China over the past decade have led to a weakening of the connection between economic growth and pollution. Despite this progress, major challenges remain, including increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 13, 2019

Blink and you'll miss it

Scientists have successfully observed and controlled fast-paced chemical reactions using light, which could lead to new optical nanotechnology. The method uses ultrafast techniques to visualize the reaction, offering insights into molecular interactions and potential applications in materials design.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2019

Study examines patterns of violence among young urban males

The study found that high levels of social support were associated with reduced risk behaviors, and that mentoring was linked to a lower likelihood of gang involvement. These findings suggest understanding the associations between different types of violence and their related risk factors may help in prevention efforts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 13, 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.

B cells linked to immunotherapy for melanoma

Researchers at EMBL and Medical University of Vienna found B cells play a critical role in triggering inflammation and guiding T cells to melanoma. This discovery suggests that B cells may be more important in immunotherapy than previously thought, potentially leading to new targets for cancer treatment.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2019

Parasitology: Mother cells as organelle donors

Research reveals that Toxoplasma gondii's mother cells share micronemal proteins with daughters during asexual reproduction. This recycling mechanism enables the reassembly of vital organelles for parasite propagation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2019

Land restoration in Latin America shows big potential for climate change mitigation

A new study maps 154 land restoration projects in Latin America, revealing their potential to mitigate climate change through forest restoration. The research highlights the importance of natural regeneration and assisted regeneration methods for increasing vegetation cover and biodiversity.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalForests·DateSep 13, 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.

Addressing serious illness with a serious question to clinicians

A study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that emergency clinicians can use the 'surprise' question to identify patients at greatest risk of near-term death, prompting essential end-of-life conversations. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between clinician responses and patient mortality, with those who answered they wou...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 13, 2019

Sticks and stones may break your bones, but this reaction edits skeletons

Researchers at ICIQ develop a new catalytic reaction that can edit the skeletons of organic molecules, enabling skeletal remodelling and circumventing long-standing challenges in metal-carbyne generation. This breakthrough expands synthetic possibilities for creating new materials or medicines.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 13, 2019

Children of refugees with PTSD are at higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders

A large register study shows that refugee children with parents having PTSD are at a significantly higher risk of contact with the psychiatric system before turning 18. The researchers highlight the need for greater focus on this problem and early measures to support these vulnerable children.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateSep 13, 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.

Predictable esports: Amateurs and professionals sit differently in a chair

A team of scientists from Skoltech and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology studied the movements of 19 esports players, including professionals and amateurs. The results show that machine learning methods can accurately predict a player's skill level in 77% of cases, with professional players moving more than beginners.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·DateSep 13, 2019

Tiny bubbles in our body could fight cancer better than chemo

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new approach to delivering enzyme-producing genes that can convert certain drugs into toxic agents and target tumors. The study found that nano-bubbles, or extracellular vesicles, were 14 times more effective at delivery and killed over half of the breast cancer cells in mice.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateSep 13, 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.

Speeding up the drug discovery process to help patients

Researchers developed a method to categorize drugs based on cellular responses, predicting potential clinical effects and reducing side effects. The approach was validated using opioid analgesics, with potential applications in safer opioids and cannabis product testing.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2019

New vibration sensor detects buried objects from moving vehicle

A new laser-based sensor called LAMBDIS effectively detects buried objects while a vehicle is in motion, overcoming the challenge of existing technologies' sensitivity to environmental vibrations. It achieved comparable results to traditional laser Doppler vibrometers in laboratory and field tests.

SourceOptica·DateSep 13, 2019

Same but different: unique cancer traits key to targeted therapies

Scientists have identified distinctive characteristics of KRAS-positive lung cancers that can be targeted to inhibit growth, offering a new approach for personalized therapy. The study suggests exploring co-existing mutations as an alternative to traditional therapies.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 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.

How microtubules branch in new directions, a first look in animals

Biologists have directly observed and recorded branching microtubule nucleation in living fruit fly cells, a mechanism crucial to cell division. The technique enabled visualization of individual microtubules using TIRF microscopy, revealing that microtubule tips trigger the process.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 13, 2019

Gene editing tool gets sharpened by WFIRM team

Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine scientists have developed a faster and more efficient gene editing tool using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The new delivery system packages both essential components together, enabling transient Cas9 expression and avoiding unwanted results.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 13, 2019