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Science News for September 16, 2019


Community policing and police legitimacy: A field experiment

A field experiment found that positive, nonenforcement contact between police and residents improved attitudes towards the police. The study's findings suggest that community-oriented policing can increase public trust and police legitimacy, especially among minority communities.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

The stellar nurseries of distant galaxies

Molecular clouds in distant galaxies have higher mass, density, and internal turbulence than those in nearby galaxies, producing more stars. The international team used ALMA to detect clouds in a Milky Way progenitor 8 billion light-years away.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 16, 2019

Vitamin E found to prevent muscle damage after heart attack

A pre-clinical study published in Redox Biology reveals that vitamin E may help preserve heart function after a heart attack by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. The findings suggest that vitamin E could be an effective and inexpensive therapy for patients with heart attacks, providing new hope for cardiovascular health.

SourceBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute·JournalRedox Biology·DateSep 16, 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 human hearts evolved for endurance

A study found that human hearts have evolved to handle sustained endurance activity, while sedentary lifestyles lead to more 'ape-like' hearts and increased hypertension. Researchers compared heart function in apes and four groups of humans with varying activity levels.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gene-targeted cancer drugs, slow release overcome resistance

Biomedical engineers at Duke University developed a method to overcome limitations of gene-targeted cancer drugs by combining CRISPR/Cas9 targeting with sustained release drug delivery. This strategy effectively addressed potency, elimination, and resistance issues, demonstrating improved efficacy in mice with colorectal cancers.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 16, 2019

Are existing laws enough to cope with accelerating environmental change?

A team of scholars finds that existing environmental and natural resources management statutes have sufficient flexibility to cope with changing conditions, allowing for adaptation and transformation within a legislative framework. By leveraging agency discretion and flexibility in the laws themselves, governments can respond to comple...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Cause of rare, fatal disorder in young children pinpointed

Researchers prove the psychosine hypothesis correct by showing that mice with genetic mutations causing both Krabbe and Farber diseases do not develop Krabbe disease. They then test a drug known to inhibit acid ceramidase, carmofur, which modestly extends the lives of mice with a model of Krabbe disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 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.

Deaths halved among infarct patients attending Heart School

A new study by researchers at Uppsala University found that attending Sweden's 'Heart School' program significantly lowers mortality risk for patients with a first heart attack. The program focuses on lifestyle-related risks and teaches patients the importance of healthy habits.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateSep 16, 2019

Palmer amaranth's molecular secrets reveal troubling potential

Researchers have discovered that Palmer amaranth has evolved multiple mutations to resist herbicides, including the gly-210 deletion and an arginine substitution, allowing it to evade control methods. The plant appears to be naturally tolerant to post-emergence PPO-inhibitor application.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateSep 16, 2019

Study finds community-oriented policing improves attitudes toward police

A study conducted in New Haven found that community-oriented policing improves attitudes toward police with brief, friendly door-to-door visits. The research showed that a single positive nonenforcement-related encounter enhanced the legitimacy of police officers and increased people's willingness to cooperate with the police.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

In mice: Transplanted brain stem cells survive without anti-rejection drugs

In a breakthrough, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers successfully transplanted protective brain cells into mice without the need for lifelong anti-rejection drugs. The innovative approach exploits the immune system's natural tendencies to accept transplanted cells as 'self', allowing them to thrive and protect brain tissue long-term.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBrain·DateSep 16, 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.

NASA finds Humberto strengthening off the Florida Coast

Tropical Storm Humberto strengthened off the Florida coast, becoming a hurricane on September 15 at 11 p.m. EDT. NASA's Aqua satellite revealed strongest thunderstorms were as cold as -63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 16, 2019

Compounds extracted from Cerrado plant combat fungus that causes candidiasis

Researchers have isolated four compounds from Mimosa caesalpiniifolia that show effective antifungal activity against Candida species, including drug-resistant strains. The compounds will be tested in the form of ointments to combat candidiasis, a potentially lethal disease.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateSep 16, 2019

For lemurs, sex role reversal may get its start in the womb

A Duke University study found that female lemurs' aggression may be programmed in the womb due to high levels of androstenedione. Females exposed to higher doses of this hormone during pregnancy grow up to be more aggressive as adults.

SourceDuke University·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateSep 16, 2019

Ecologist revives world's longest running succession study

Researchers revive 103-year-old succession plots in Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park, finding stable communities rather than predictable trajectories. The findings challenge traditional chronosequence studies and highlight the importance of early events in shaping long-term ecosystem dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalEcology·DateSep 16, 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.

Dartmouth research advances noise cancelling for quantum computers

Researchers from Dartmouth College and MIT successfully detect and characterize complex non-Gaussian noise processes in superconducting quantum computing systems. This breakthrough advances the development of more precise qubit systems, which is essential for building scalable and high-performing quantum computers.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2019

Anemia may contribute to the spread of dengue fever

Research suggests that anemia, characterized by low levels of iron in the blood, can facilitate the colonization and multiplication of the dengue virus in mosquitoes. Iron supplementation may potentially reduce the transmission of dengue fever to mosquitoes in affected areas.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 16, 2019

Only a third of women take up all offered cancer screenings, new research finds

Research found that only 35% of eligible women took part in all three screening programmes, with 10% remaining unscreened. Women from areas of less deprivation and those with caring duties were more likely to take up screenings, while practices with higher proportions of unemployed patients and smokers had lower rates.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Medical Screening·DateSep 16, 2019

Algae and bacteria team up to increase hydrogen production

Researchers from the University of Córdoba have successfully combined microalgae and bacteria to increase hydrogen production by 60% compared to individual production. The synergy is facilitated by acetic acid, which allows algae to produce more hydrogen, reducing waste and promoting bioremediation.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalBioresource Technology·DateSep 16, 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.

A novel tool to probe fundamental matter

Researchers propose and validate a novel experimental approach to study matter interactions and novel states of matter. They successfully implement a lattice gauge theory using ultracold gas of atoms manipulated by lasers.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 16, 2019

Most massive neutron star ever detected, almost too massive to exist

Astronomers using the Green Bank Telescope have discovered a millisecond pulsar with a massive neutron star at its center, packing 2.17 times the mass of our Sun into a sphere only 30 kilometers across. This finding approaches the limits of how massive and compact an object can become without crushing itself down into a black hole.

SourceGreen Bank Observatory·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 16, 2019

Can sex trafficking be prevented?

A new study evaluated the impact of a child CSE prevention program, My Life My Choice, on young teenagers. The results show that participants reported half as many episodes of sexually explicit behavior and were 24% less likely to experience dating abuse after completing the curriculum.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateSep 16, 2019

New observations help explain the dimming of Tabby's Star

Researchers propose that Tabby's Star is experiencing long-term dimming due to a disk of debris from an exomoon accumulating around it, blocking its light. The exomoon's outer layers are being torn apart by stellar radiation, creating dust clouds that periodically pass between the star and Earth.

SourceColumbia University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 16, 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.

Lack of sleep affects fat metabolism

A study published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that just a few days of sleep deprivation can affect how the body metabolizes fat from food. The researchers gave participants a high-fat dinner while they were sleep-restricted, and found that their bodies cleared the fat faster than those who had plenty of sleep.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateSep 16, 2019

At-home blood pressure tests more accurate for African Americans

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that at-home measurements are more accurate and less expensive than clinic readings, especially for African Americans. This approach can help identify high-risk hypertensive patients earlier, potentially preventing heart disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateSep 16, 2019

Governance and environmental change

A study suggests that existing laws in the US and EU have adaptive and transformative capacities to respond to environmental changes. Innovative cooperation between government and nongovernment entities is necessary to leverage these capacities and keep up with environmental change.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

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

New method reveals how damage occurs in human biological cells due to mechanical fatigue

Researchers developed a novel method to measure mechanical fatigue's effect on human red blood cells, revealing that cyclic deformation causes faster deformability loss. The technique assesses static and cyclic mechanical deformation, providing insights into accumulated membrane damage and its relation to diseases.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Taking evolution to heart

A study analyzing humans, chimpanzees, and gorillas reveals the human heart adapts to endurance activities by becoming larger, longer, and more elastic. However, there is a trade-off between these adaptations, making it harder for individuals with one type of adaptation to cope with the other.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

KATRIN cuts the mass estimate for the elusive neutrino in half

The KATRIN experiment has narrowed the estimated mass range of the elusive neutrino to 1 electron volt (eV), cutting it in half from a previous upper limit of 2 eV. This breakthrough allows scientists to answer fundamental questions about the universe's evolution and physics beyond the Standard Model.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateSep 16, 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.

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.

Meatballs might wreck the anti-cancer perks of tomato sauce

A new study from Ohio State University found that eating iron-rich foods with tomato sauce can decrease lycopene uptake by twofold. This could have significant implications for individuals consuming high amounts of lycopene and iron, such as those eating Bolognese sauces or fortified cereals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateSep 16, 2019

NASA finds Kiko weakening in the Eastern Pacific

Hurricane Kiko is being disrupted by wind shear from the northeast, preventing a closed eyewall circulation and allowing the storm to weaken. Cloud top temperatures indicate strong storms with the capability to create heavy rain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 16, 2019

Radiation therapy effective against deadly heart rhythm

A phase one/two study found that a single high dose of radiation significantly reduces ventricular tachycardia episodes, with a 72% overall survival rate at one year and 52% at two years. The noninvasive procedure is a last line of defense for patients who have exhausted other treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateSep 16, 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.

Catch-22 in graphene based molecular devices resolved

A research team has found a way to overcome the limitations of graphene-based molecular devices, creating structures that are both electrically and mechanically stable at room temperature. The breakthrough, published in Nature Nanotechnology, uses a combination of covalent binding and large ۆ-conjugated head groups to achieve stability.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 16, 2019

Tomorrow's coolants of choice

Researchers at HZDR and TU Darmstadt developed a systematic magnetocaloric material library to assess promising materials for magnetic cooling. The study highlights the need for sustainable access to suitable materials, with iron-rhodium alloys showing potential as alternatives to rare-earth metals like gadolinium.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateSep 16, 2019

Victorian hog deer genetics revealed

A study by La Trobe University researchers has found that hog deer introduced to Victoria in the 1860s are comprised entirely of hog deer and chital hybrids. The discovery could affect conservation efforts, as the hybrid species is fertile and plays a crucial role in conserving the native range.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateSep 16, 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.

Hiding in plain sight

Early rice growers unwittingly selected for barnyard grass, which later evolved to mimic rice plants, allowing it to escape detection and spread globally. The study sequenced the genomes of rice-mimic and non-mimic forms of the weed to understand this process.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 16, 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.

Measuring ethanol's deadly twin

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a handheld device that can detect methanol in alcoholic beverages and diagnose poisoning by analyzing exhaled breath. The device uses a small metal oxide sensor to distinguish between methanol and ethanol, with detection limits down to the legal limit.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2019

Play equipment that gets kids moving

Research by University of Queensland found children with access to fixed play equipment like swings and slides are more likely to meet national physical activity guidelines. The type of play equipment at home is directly related to the amount of physical activity a child does.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateSep 16, 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.

Potential target for diabetes-associated Alzheimer's disease

A new study reveals that a protein called caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is depleted in the temporal lobe of humans with type-2 diabetes and in a diabetic mouse model, leading to increased Alzheimer's disease pathology. Restoring Cav-1 levels in mice reduced Alzheimer's pathology and improved learning and memory deficits.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateSep 16, 2019

Flavoring ingredient exceeds safety levels in e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco

A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that pulegone, contained in menthol and mint flavored e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, exceeds safety levels with potential carcinogenic properties. The FDA does not regulate pulegone's presence in these products, despite being banned as a food additive.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 16, 2019

New imaging technology could 'revolutionize' cancer surgery

Researchers develop a new imaging technology that uses laser light to distinguish between cancerous and healthy tissues during surgery, potentially eliminating the need for secondary surgeries. This innovation has the potential to save time, money, and anxiety in cancer treatment, while also reducing the economic burden of healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 16, 2019

Physicians report high refusal rates for the HPV vaccine and need for improvement

A study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine found that physicians' delivery and communication practices must improve to boost HPV vaccine completion rates. Pediatricians who strongly recommend the vaccine have higher acceptance rates, and optimizing HPV delivery through standing orders and alert systems can also help.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 16, 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.

Combination of wood fibers and spider silk could rival plastic

A new bio-based material has been created by combining wood cellulose fibres and spider silk protein found in spider web threads, exhibiting high strength and stiffness along with increased toughness. The researchers achieved this by aligning cellulose nanofibrils into a stiff scaffold and infiltrating it with a soft and energy-dissipa...

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 16, 2019

Geochemists measure new composition of Earth's mantle

Researchers at the University of Münster have discovered a new composition of the Earth's mantle, suggesting that large parts of it contain fewer incompatible elements. The study found that more material from the mantle has melted to form the Earth's crust than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 16, 2019

More predictive genetic risk score sought for type 1 diabetes

A highly predictive genetic risk score is being developed by Paul Tran to identify children at significant risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The algorithm uses a feedforward neural network to analyze thousands of gene variants associated with the disease, aiming to predict with five times better accuracy than current systems.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 16, 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.

Valuing thoughts and prayers

A study involving 482 participants found that Christians value thoughts and prayers from fellow believers, but atheists/agnostics reject Christian prayers. People with non-Christian beliefs are willing to pay to avoid praying with a Christian.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 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.

Uncovering the hidden 'noise' that can kill qubits

Researchers have developed a new tool to detect non-Gaussian noise affecting qubits, which can cause decoherence and destroy their fragile quantum state. By analyzing the noise patterns, scientists hope to gain insights into microscopic mechanisms and develop more effective methods to protect qubits from specific types of noise.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Hope for coral recovery may depend on good parenting

USC scientists discover coral passes beneficial algae colonies to offspring for survival advantage. The finding suggests corals can adapt to rising ocean temperatures through genetic mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 16, 2019

Commonly used drug for Alzheimer's disease doubles risk of hospitalization

A commonly used Alzheimer's treatment, donepezil, significantly increases the risk of hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition that can cause kidney damage. The study found a two-fold higher risk of hospitalization with donepezil compared to other cholinesterase inhibitors.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateSep 16, 2019

ACC issues principles for overcoming compensation, opportunity inequity

The American College of Cardiology has published its first health policy statement on cardiologist compensation and opportunity equity, aiming to advance fairness and improve patient care. The document outlines 17 principles for achieving equity in compensation and opportunity, including minimizing disparities and promoting equal acces...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 16, 2019

Circadian clock and response to vaccination

Research in mice revealed that vaccination led to increased antigen-specific CD8+ T cell proliferation when administered mid-day. The circadian clock influences this response by controlling the cells' transcriptional program and modulating their responsiveness.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Renegade genes caught red handed

Researchers dispute the long-held belief that heterochromatin is a reliable guardian of the human genome. A study by University of Arizona researcher Keith Maggert reveals that heterochromatin can flicker on and off, allowing transposons to cause mutations and damage. This instability has significant implications for our understanding ...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 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.

Brain activity intensity drives need for sleep

Researchers found a gene that responds to brain activity to coordinate the need for sleep, and zebrafish studies suggest that intensive brain activity increases sleep pressure. The findings may help understand sleep disorders and conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNeuron·DateSep 16, 2019

Nanoparticles used to transport anti-cancer agent to cells

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a platform that uses nanoparticles known as metal-organic frameworks to deliver a promising anti-cancer agent, siRNA, to cells. The study shows that MOFs can present a viable platform for delivering potent anti-cancer agents to target specific genes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalChem·DateSep 16, 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.

Most American adults do not know that HPV causes oral, anal, and penile cancers

A recent study found that over 70% of US adults are unaware that human papillomavirus (HPV) causes anal, penile, and oral cancers. The study, led by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, also showed low HPV vaccination rates among eligible individuals.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 16, 2019

Like an instruction manual, the genome groups genes together for convenience

Scientists identified over 11,000 families of grouped genes in genomes of different species, with a third being part of conserved clusters. The study found that natural selection favors gene organization, making it easier to regulate genes, and that horizontal transfer may be less common than previously thought.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 16, 2019

Economists find mixed values of 'thoughts and prayers'

A study by University of Wyoming economists found that Christian hurricane victims value prayers from religious strangers, while atheists and agnostics believe they are worse off. The research suggests that thoughts and prayers should be employed selectively to maximize their impact on recipient welfare.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

To address hunger, many countries may have to increase carbon footprint

Researchers found that plant-forward diets can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water use, with even a two-thirds vegan diet having lower impacts than traditional lacto-ovo vegetarian diets. The study's findings emphasize the need for country-specific dietary shifts to address climate and nutrition crises.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateSep 16, 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.

Renewable cement production

A new electrochemical process can decarbonate calcium carbonate to form alite and release hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide streams. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce or eliminate cement industry greenhouse gas emissions by capturing CO2 for sequestration or power generation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 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.

Immune response depends on mathematics of narrow escapes

A new study reveals the narrow escape problem, a classic math puzzle, plays a key role in determining immune responses. The unique shape of T cells creates a close-contact zone for triggering molecules, and the size of this zone depends on the surface protrusions, keeping the process sensitive to invaders.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Just add water

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara and their international team have uncovered the mechanism behind doping organic semiconductors using Lewis acids. The discovery reveals that water plays a crucial role in this process, enabling scientists to design even better dopants for greater control over these materials.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 16, 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.

NIH-funded study suggests teen girl 'night owls' may be more likely to gain weight

A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that teenage girls who go to bed later are more likely to gain weight compared to those who sleep earlier. The research also showed a significant association between late bedtime and increased waist size and body fat in young females.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 16, 2019

Public attitudes toward police

Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial in New Haven, Connecticut, where police officers made community policing visits to residents' homes. The study found that positive interactions improved public trust and cooperation with police, especially among black individuals and those with strong negative views towards the police.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

More than Lyme: Tick study finds multiple agents of tick-borne diseases

Researchers found that over half of deer ticks were infected with Lyme disease and other pathogens, while nearly a quarter carried multiple agents. This study highlights the need to consider all tick-borne diseases, not just Lyme, due to polymicrobial infections.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalmBio·DateSep 16, 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.

Eating cheese may offset blood vessel damage from salt

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming four servings of cheese per day alongside a high sodium diet may protect blood vessels from damage. The researchers discovered that antioxidants in cheese may play a role in preserving vascular health, providing an alternative strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateSep 16, 2019

New research sheds light on how happy couples argue

Happy couples tend to take a solution-oriented approach to conflict, focusing on solvable issues like household labor and leisure time. They avoid discussing sensitive topics like health and intimacy, which can be challenging to resolve without risking vulnerability or embarrassment.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalFamily Process·DateSep 16, 2019

Eco-friendly method for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles

Scientists from Ural Federal University and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology developed a green synthesis method for iron oxide nanoparticles using Ipomoea aquatica extract. The resulting nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetic nature, antibacterial activity, and potential applications in biomedicine.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalChemistrySelect·DateSep 16, 2019

Acute chikungunya infection studied at the molecular level in Brazilian patients

Brazilian researchers used computational tools to analyze blood cells from patients infected with chikungunya virus, identifying genes associated with the disease and potential biomarkers of predisposition to chronic joint pain. The study suggests that certain gene signatures can be explored as therapeutic targets.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 16, 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.

New sample holder for protein crystallography

The new sample holder allows for direct crystallization of proteins on the holder, eliminating the need for transfer and reducing damage risk. This innovation simplifies protein crystallography by grouping up to 24 sample holders onto one plate.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateSep 16, 2019

Human heart evolved for endurance

The study reveals that humans developed longer ventricles and larger chamber sizes due to endurance exercise, contrasting with great apes' shorter intense bursts of resistance. This suggests a trade-off between pressure and volume in the human heart's evolution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Look out, invasive species: The robots are coming

Researchers develop robotic fish predators that induce fear responses in mosquitofish, triggering avoidance behaviors and physiological changes associated with energy reserve loss. Brief exposure to a robotic largemouth bass replica provokes meaningful stress responses in mosquitofish.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 16, 2019

UTSA cancer prevention program expands

The Building a Healthy Temple Cancer Prevention Program is expanding to 30 churches in San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley to educate and support at-risk individuals with faith-based health programming. The program aims to reduce cancer risks through good nutrition, physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateSep 16, 2019

Atlantic Ocean may get a jump-start from the other side of the world

Researchers found that as the Indian Ocean warms, it generates additional precipitation, drawing air from other parts of the world to dilute its salinity. This results in saltier water in the Atlantic Ocean, which accelerates its circulation, providing a potential 'jump-start' for the AMOC.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 16, 2019

Defective cilia linked to heart valve birth defects

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina identified mutations in ciliary genes causing bicuspid aortic valve and aortic valve narrowing. The study revealed that disruption of cilia development leads to BAV disease and calcification on the aortic valve.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCirculation·DateSep 16, 2019

Social isolation derails brain development in mice

Research published in eNeuro found that female mice isolated during adolescence showed atypical brain development and habitual behavior in adulthood. Social isolation was linked to dendritic spine excess and impairment of goal-dependent decision making, highlighting the importance of social experience during adolescence.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateSep 16, 2019

How gut bacteria negatively influences blood sugar levels

A world first study reveals how gut bacteria influence blood sugar levels by communicating with cells producing serotonin in the host body. The microbiome worsens metabolism by driving up serotonin levels, leading to significant metabolic problems.

SourceFlinders University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Needle-free flu vaccine patch effective in early study

A new needle-free flu vaccine patch has been developed that effectively stimulates the immune system without negative side effects. The patch uses a synthetic peptide to disrupt the skin barrier, allowing the flu vaccine virus to be delivered, and has shown promise in early human trials.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateSep 16, 2019

Success story or artificial inflation? Hospital performance in CAUTIs

A new study by Boston University School of Medicine found that CAUTI rates decreased significantly after the implementation of value-based incentive programs, but not due to improved patient outcomes. The change in definition likely led to artificial inflation of hospital performance scores.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateSep 16, 2019

Biological mechanism explained: How lymphoma cells metastasize to the brain

Researchers discovered that chronic inflammatory processes in aging brains lead to lymphoma cells being retained in the brain tissue instead of being released back into the blood. The NF-kappaB signaling pathway and CCL19 play a crucial role in this process, allowing lymphoma cells to multiply and develop tumors.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 16, 2019

Sweet success of parasite survival could also be its downfall

Researchers found that Leishmania parasites protect themselves from starvation by making an unusual carbohydrate reserve called mannogen, which enables their survival within human hosts. This discovery provides a new understanding of the parasite's metabolism and could lead to the development of new therapies for Leishmaniasis.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 16, 2019

One step closer future to quantum computers

Physicists have identified how to distinguish between true and 'fake' Majorana states in topological superconductors, a crucial step for advancing the field of quantum computers. By investigating supercurrents, they found that sign reversals can indicate trivial states.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 16, 2019

Reduce, reuse, recycle: The future of phosphorus

Researchers emphasize the need to boost phosphorus use efficiency in farming systems due to its limited supply and environmental concerns. Strategies include breeding crops that utilize phosphorus more efficiently, designing crop rotations, and utilizing soil organic matter and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateSep 16, 2019

A modelling tool to rapidly predict weed spread risk

A new statistical modeling tool uses features of a weed species and geography to predict high-risk areas where weeds are likely to spread first. Land management authorities can use the tool to identify at-risk areas that require careful monitoring, improving early detection and effective containment of invasive weeds.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 16, 2019

Is copper a cause of Alzheimer's disease?

A University of Houston chemist is investigating the role of copper in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The researcher aims to understand how cells regulate copper levels, which are found to be unusually high in people with the disease.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 16, 2019

Genetic mutation appears to protect some people from deadly MRSA

A genetic variant in the DNMT3A region of chromosome 2p appears to help people with MRSA clear blood stream infections by regulating immune response. The mutation reduces levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, allowing for a more effective host response.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Researchers build microscopic biohybrid robots propelled by muscles, nerves

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed soft robotic devices driven by neuromuscular tissue stimulated by light, enabling biobots to swim and walk autonomously. The new generation of two-tailed bots uses skeletal muscle tissue and optogenetic neurons for propulsion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

The sleep neuron in threadworms is also a stop neuron

The RIS neuron in threadworms serves both to induce sleep after shedding its cuticle or recovering from stress, and to halt movement during locomotion, enabling the worm to change direction or avoid danger. This dual function highlights the complexity of simple life forms like worms.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2019

Welcome indoors, solar cells

Researchers at Linköping University have developed organic solar cells that can harness indoor light to produce electricity. The cells achieve high energy efficiency, with some variants converting up to 26.1% of ambient light into electricity.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 16, 2019

Grassland diversity and climate change

Climate change causes grassland communities to lose diverse species, especially those adapted to drought. The loss of native forbs with high specific leaf area indicates water-limited regions are particularly vulnerable.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Fish trophic levels in freshwater lake

A study of 148 years of fishing records in Lake Simcoe found that commercial fishing led to depletion of high-trophic-level fish, while recreational fishing helped recover trophic levels. Fish stocking and invasive species also impacted the lake's ecosystem.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Study finds virtual reality training could improve employee safety

A new study by the University of Nottingham found that virtual reality (VR) training can improve employee safety by increasing engagement and retention. The research used immersive VR systems to simulate health and safety training scenarios, comparing outcomes with traditional PowerPoint training. The results showed that VR-trained emp...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateSep 16, 2019

Light and sound in silicon chips: The slower the better

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have developed a new concept that combines light and sound waves in standard silicon chips, achieving delays of tens of nano-seconds without introducing additional materials. This breakthrough enables the selective processing of sound waves, which is difficult for electronics and optics alone.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2019

Don't make major decisions on an empty stomach, research suggests

A study by Dr Benjamin Vincent found that hunger significantly alters people's decision-making, making them more impatient and prone to settling for smaller rewards. This effect carries over into other kinds of decisions, such as financial and interpersonal ones, indicating a potential danger for those experiencing hunger due to poverty.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateSep 16, 2019

Large transnational corporations play critical role in global natural resource management

Researchers identified six corporate actions that can promote environmental stewardship: aligning vision, mainstreaming sustainability, license to operate, financing transformations, radical transparency, and evidence-based knowledge for action. These changes can be implemented by large corporations to ensure long-term sustainability.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 16, 2019

WVU astronomers help detect the most massive neutron star ever measured

West Virginia University astronomers have detected the most massive neutron star ever measured, weighing 2.17 times that of the sun. This groundbreaking discovery was made possible through the Green Bank Telescope and sheds light on the mysteries surrounding these exotic celestial objects.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 16, 2019

Misperceptions about racial economic progress are pervasive

A national survey of over 1,000 adults reveals widespread misperceptions about racial economic progress, with 97% of participants underestimating the Black-White wealth gap. The researchers argue that cognitive factors and stereotypes contribute to these misperceptions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateSep 16, 2019

New microscopes unravel the mysteries of brain organization

Researchers have developed custom-built microscopes called mesoSPIMs, which can image the minute detail of brain tissue down to individual neurons. These new microscopes provide new insights into brain and spinal cord organization, enabling researchers to investigate neuronal networks involved in cognition, pleasure, or drug addiction.

SourceWyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 16, 2019

Daily aspirin may benefit many patients without existing cardiovascular disease

Researchers found that 2.5% of women and 12.1% of men without established CVD could derive net benefit from aspirin treatment for 5 years. The study used data from a well-characterized web-based decision support program in New Zealand, identifying persons likely to benefit from aspirin treatment based on personalized benefit-harm analy...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 16, 2019

Potential target for Krabbe disease therapy

Researchers have identified acid ceramidase as a key enzyme in the production of psychosine, a toxic glycolipid that accumulates in people with Krabbe disease. Removing or inhibiting this enzyme has been shown to decrease or eliminate psychosine production and disease symptoms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

NASA finds Tropical Depression Peipah dissipating

Tropical Depression Peipah weakened to a swirl of clouds on Sept. 16, with wind shear pushing strong thunderstorms southwest of the center. The storm was centered near 24.8 degrees north latitude and 142.8 degrees east longitude, about 82 miles east of Iwo To Island, Japan.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 16, 2019

Genetic responses of wild wheat to global warming

Researchers found elevated selection and increased mutational burdens in wild emmer wheat under global warming, but also more beneficial mutations. Genetic responses vary by temperature and rainfall, with high temperatures associated with lower mutational burden and reduced selection.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Finding your niche

New research suggests that societal complexity is linked to personality traits, with more complex societies exhibiting greater diversity of personality types. This is explained by the presence of multiple socioecological niches, which shape individual behavior and contribute to success or reinforcement within a given environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateSep 16, 2019