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Science News for September 19, 2019


Salmonella causing bloodstream infections in central Africa resistant to nearly all drugs

Scientists have detected extensively drug-resistant Salmonella strains in central Africa that are resistant to nearly all commonly available drugs, a significant threat to public health. The study reveals that these new strains exhibit genetic and behavioral changes that suggest ongoing evolution towards bloodstream infections.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 19, 2019

Big cities breed partners in crime

A new study from Northwestern University explains why big cities generate more crime: it's easier for criminals to find collaborators. The study found that certain types of crime, such as robbery and car theft, exponentially outpace the population.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateSep 19, 2019

Medications underused in treating opioid addiction, Mayo Clinic expert says

A review of medical data on opioid addiction in the US found that medication-assisted treatment with naltrexone, buprenorphine and methadone is effective in treating opioid use disorder. The three drugs have different strengths and weaknesses, and their optimal approach should be discussed with each patient.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateSep 19, 2019

Researchers show how railroad worms produce red light

Researchers have discovered a new bioluminescence mechanism in railroad worm Phrixothrix hirtus, emitting red light through the size of its luciferase cavity. This discovery has potential for biomedical applications like imaging muscles and blood tissue.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 19, 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.

Opioid prescriptions filled after eye surgery doubled from 2000 to 2014

Rates of filled opioid prescriptions after eye surgery doubled from 1.2% in 2000-01 to 2.5% in 2014 across six ocular subspecialties, despite reduced invasiveness and recovery time for these procedures. The study's findings are concerning as they suggest that efforts to reduce opioid use have not had the desired impact.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateSep 19, 2019

Food as medicine: UTHealth and partners fill prescriptions for food insecurity

Researchers at UTHealth developed a two-year study focusing on north Pasadena, Texas, where food insecurity is high. The program provided food prescriptions for healthy food and nutrition education, resulting in 71.1% of participants redeeming their prescriptions and 94% reporting healthier eating habits.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateSep 19, 2019

NASA-NOAA satellite finds Lorena's strong storms lashing Mexico

Tropical Storm Lorena's strong bands of thunderstorms swept over the western parts of Michoacan and Colima states, bringing heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash floods. The storm's center moved along the southwestern coast of Mexico, with maximum sustained winds reaching near 70 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 19, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA analyzes rainfall rates in strengthening tropical storm Jerry

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission's core satellite measured rainfall rates throughout Tropical Storm Jerry, revealing heavy rainfall on the eastern and southern sides of the storm. The data is used by forecasters at NOAA's National Hurricane Center to inform their forecasts and warnings.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 19, 2019

Neurological signals from the spinal cord surprise scientists

Scientists have gained a better understanding of how movements are generated in the spinal cord, revealing that it's a large network of cells rather than a single command center. This finding may lead to advances in treating neurological disorders such as ALS and spinal cord injuries.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 19, 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.

Living kidney donors face higher risk of hypertension

Living kidney donation is linked with a higher risk of developing hypertension and kidney failure. Kidney function tends to improve after donation but plateaus if hypertension develops, highlighting the importance of preventing and managing hypertension in living donors.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 19, 2019

Bridge between quantum mechanics and general relativity still possible

A unified framework has been developed to account for the apparent breakdown between classical and quantum physics. Researchers tested this framework using a quantum satellite called Micius, where they produced and measured entangled particles. The results ruled out one version of the theory but left another open to testing.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 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.

In media coverage of climate change, where are the facts?

A study by University of California - Berkeley researchers finds that the New York Times' climate change coverage often fails to present basic facts about global warming, including its causes, effects, and permanence. This lack of fact-based reporting can lead to public confusion and skepticism.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Research Communications·DateSep 19, 2019

U-M program aims to transform criminal justice research nationwide

Researchers at U-M aim to collect individual-level data across all parts of the criminal justice system, linking it with social and economic data to examine previously unanswerable research questions. The project will create a nationally integrated repository for crime data to support research and evidence-based policy.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateSep 19, 2019

Decoding how kids get into hacking

Researchers found that predictors of juvenile delinquency, such as low self-control, are common factors for both boys and girls. For girls, peer associations played a significant role in hacking behavior, while for boys, time spent playing video games was associated with hacking. The study highlights the importance of parents understan...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCrime & Delinquency·DateSep 19, 2019

New insight into the links between transport and land value

Researchers developed three new models to quantify the impact of transport links on property value in the North of England, finding a premium for ease of access to employment, with rail adding 14% to home value. The study also identified other factors contributing to property value, including access to local facilities and parks.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateSep 19, 2019

When natural disasters strike, men and women respond differently

A University of Colorado Boulder study found that women tend to take cover during emergencies and prepare for evacuation but often struggle to convince men to do so. Women are also relegated to traditional roles such as homemaker after disasters, while men focus on finances and lead community efforts.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalDisasters·DateSep 19, 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.

UBC engineers create ways to keep stone waste out of landfills

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new type of composite material made from discarded stone waste and polymers, which increases the strength and conductivity of the final product. The materials can be used in various applications, including decorations, sanitation products, and even aerospace.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalComposite Structures·DateSep 19, 2019

Plasma flow near sun's surface explains sunspots, other solar phenomena

A University of Washington study proposes a model of plasma motion that explains the 11-year sunspot cycle and other solar phenomena. The model suggests that a thin layer beneath the sun's surface is key to understanding solar magnetic phenomena, including sunspots, magnetic reversals, and solar flow.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateSep 19, 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.

AI helps reduce Amazon hydropower dams' carbon footprint

A computational model using AI identifies optimal hydropower dam sites in the Amazon basin to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis found that dams built at high elevations tend to have lower emissions per unit of power output.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 19, 2019

Early palliative care for advanced lung cancer increases survival

A study by VA Portland Health Care System and Oregon Health and Science University researchers found that early palliative care can increase survival in patients with advanced lung cancer. The study analyzed data on over 23,000 veterans and showed that palliative care provided shortly after diagnosis can lead to improved survival rates.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateSep 19, 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.

Temple researchers identify new target regulating mitochondria during stress

Researchers at Temple University Health System have identified a new target regulating mitochondria during stress, which could lead to a new approach to treating conditions such as heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and neurodegeneration. The discovery highlights the role of MCUB in mitigating calcium overload in injured heart tissue.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalCirculation·DateSep 19, 2019

Long lost human relative unveiled

Researchers have reconstructed the skeletal anatomy of Denisovans using DNA methylation patterns, identifying 56 unique features. The study reveals that Denisovans had a wider skull, longer dental arch, and unique traits that separate them from modern humans and Neanderthals.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCell·DateSep 19, 2019

Probiotic supplements may enhance weight loss in obese children

A randomized controlled study suggests that probiotic supplements can help obese children lose body weight and reduce their risk of future metabolic conditions. The findings support the potential benefits of microbiome-based treatments for tackling childhood obesity.

SourceEuropean Society for Paediatric Endocrinology·DateSep 19, 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.

DGIST achieves the highest efficiency of flexible CZTSSe thin-film solar cell

The DGIST research team has developed a flexible CZTSSe thin-film solar cell with an unprecedented efficiency of 11.4%, breaking the previous record. This achievement enables mass production using eco-friendly materials, making it easier to commercialize and apply in various fields like wearables, buildings, and automobiles.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 19, 2019

Nano bulb lights novel path

Researchers at Rice University have created a tunable, nanoscale incandescent light source by combining near-nanoscale materials that absorb heat and emit light. The system's unique configuration allows for the emission of light in specific states and wavelengths, including infrared.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 19, 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.

Wayne State leading efforts to alleviate fatbergs

A team of Wayne State University researchers is working to better understand the physical, chemical, and biological character of fatbergs through advanced analysis. Their study aims to identify contaminants in fatbergs and inform targeted prevention and mitigation efforts.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateSep 19, 2019

A bathroom scale could monitor millions with heart failure

Researchers have successfully recorded and processed data from 43 patients with heart failure using a machine learning-based ballistocardiogram (BCG) scale. The device measures circulation pulsing to detect worsening heart failure symptoms, potentially sparing patients hospital stays.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateSep 19, 2019

Study: Even short-lived solar panels can be economically viable

A new study by MIT researchers suggests that solar panels with lifetimes as short as 10 years can make economic sense for grid-scale installations. The team analyzed three types of solar installations and found that the levelized cost of electricity, not just the panel's lifetime, determines economic viability.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateSep 19, 2019

Researchers develop unified sensor to better control effects of shock waves

A new unified shock sensor developed by researchers at Yokohama National University can quickly and accurately detect and dissipate shock waves. The sensor combines imaging processing with compressible flow theory to predict the behavior of shock waves, offering improved efficiency and precision in computational fluid dynamics.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalJournal of Computational Physics·DateSep 19, 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.

Preventing climate change cheaper than dealing with its damage

A new study by University of Queensland scientists warns that acting on climate change is more cost-effective than repairing its damage. The research, published in Science, suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can save trillions of dollars in long-term costs.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2019

Tumor resistance is promoted by anti-cancer protein

Research reveals that hypoxic conditions alter p53's shape, allowing it to bind with HIF and promote cancer cell survival. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 19, 2019

UC San Diego receives $4.6M from NIMH for brain imaging data 'gateway'

UC San Diego will collaborate with Stanford University to create the Neuroelectromagnetic Data Archive and Tools Resource (NEMAR), a brain imaging data archive and tools resource. The project aims to add human neuroelectromagnetic brain imaging, including EEG and MEG, to the OpenNeuro archive.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateSep 19, 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.

LGBT+ women face barriers to healthcare

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University reveals significant barriers faced by LGBT+ women in the UK healthcare system, including negative responses to coming out and assumptions of heterosexuality. The research highlights the need for explicit education on issues affecting sexual minority women.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateSep 19, 2019

SMART announces a revolutionary tech to study cell nanomechanics

Researchers at SMART developed a new confocal reflectance interferometric microscope to study nuclear membrane mechanics in intact cells. This label-free technology has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of metastatic cancers and genetic illnesses, enabling the identification of stem cells for therapeutic applications.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 19, 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.

ALS gene may be a hitchhiker's guide to the neuron

Researchers found that neurons use annexin A11 to ship internal housekeeping instructions via a 'hitchhiking' system, which may lead to new treatments for ALS. Disease-causing mutations tie up deliveries at the cell's loading docks, preventing RNA delivery to neurons.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalCell·DateSep 19, 2019

Hurricane Nicole sheds light on how storms impact deep ocean

A new study by MBL and BIOS scientists found that hurricanes like Nicole significantly affect the ocean's biological pump, accelerating the transfer of carbon from surface to deeper ocean layers. This boost provides a crucial source of food for marine life in the deep ocean.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 19, 2019

Global trends in antimicrobial resistance of farm animals

A new study reveals a significant increase in antibiotic-resistant pathogens in chickens and pigs worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The researchers identified hotspots of resistance, including China and India, where more than half of the world's pigs and chickens are raised.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2019

Investments to address climate change are good for business

A study published in Science found that acting on climate change can have a significant return on investment, avoiding damages to people, infrastructure, and ecosystems. The research suggests that rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 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.

New mechanism for dysfunctional insulin release identified

Researchers at Uppsala University have identified a previously unknown protein, Sac2, that regulates insulin secretion from β-cells. Lowering Sac2 levels leads to reduced insulin secretion, highlighting the importance of fat composition on secretory granule function.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 19, 2019

Perception of musical pitch varies across cultures

A study by researchers from MIT and Max Planck Institute found that people living in a remote Bolivian rainforest tend not to perceive similarities between notes played at different registers, unlike Westerners. The brain's ability to detect pitch similarity appears to be acquired through exposure to music in octave-based systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 19, 2019

LSU Health research targets metformin as breast cancer prescription

Researchers at LSU Health found that metformin can delay mammary gland development, enhance tumor growth and metastasis, and decrease AMPK activation. The study suggests metformin's therapeutic value in treating breast cancer in patients with low Nischarin expression levels.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateSep 19, 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.

NASA analyzes rainfall rates in new Tropical Storm Tapah

GPM core satellite measured rainfall rates throughout Tropical Storm Tapah, revealing rates as high as 1.6 inches per hour at the storm's center. Forecasters incorporate this data into their forecasts to predict the storm's trajectory and strength.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 19, 2019

Investments to address climate change are good business

A recent study published in Science finds that investing in climate change mitigation can save more money than the costs of climate change itself. The research highlights the benefits of limiting global warming to 1.5°C and suggests that rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to avoid catastrophic consequences.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2019

Antimicrobial resistance is drastically rising

The proportion of bacteria resistant to antimicrobials has increased significantly worldwide, with critical consequences for animal health and human consumers. A new map reveals high resistance rates in regions such as northeast China, northeast India, and southern Brazil, where key antibiotics have lost efficacy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 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.

How to construct a protein factory

Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the construction of mitochondrial ribosomes, also known as mitoribosomes, which are crucial for protein synthesis. The study reveals that these structures undergo multiple assembly steps involving various proteins and machinery.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2019

USC researchers hone in on the elusive receptor for sour taste

USC scientists have identified the otopetrin 1 gene as the receptor responsible for sensing sour tastes in animals. The study found that mice with a nonfunctional Otop1 gene still produce a small response to sour taste stimuli, suggesting another signaling mechanism may also contribute to sour taste perception.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 19, 2019

New UW study questions value of fluoride varnish

A new study by University of Washington researchers found that fluoride varnish has modest anti-cavity effects in preschoolers, with a 12% decline in new cavities. The study calls for cost-effectiveness analyses to determine its value in dental services.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCaries Research·DateSep 19, 2019

Neurons promote growth of brain tumor cells

Researchers found that neurons in the brain form direct cell-to-cell contacts with aggressive glioblastoma cells, transmitting activation signals that drive tumor growth and invasion. Blocking this signal transmission can slow down tumor spread, offering new avenues for treatment.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature·DateSep 19, 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.

For gut microbes, not all types of fiber are created equal

Researchers identified fibers that selectively increase the abundance of beneficial microbes and tracked down the bioactive components responsible for their effects. The study provides insights into how gut communities compete or cooperate with each other for dietary fiber ingredients.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateSep 19, 2019

Study examines how people with psychopathic traits control their 'dark impulses'

A study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that individuals with psychopathic traits have greater levels of gray matter density in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, a region involved in self-regulatory processes. This increased density is associated with improved impulse control and reduced antisocial behavior....

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalPersonality Neuroscience·DateSep 19, 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.

Study shows both natural variation in ACE concentrations and lowering blood pressure with ACE inhibitors are associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes

A new study found that using ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure is associated with a 24% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Natural genetic variations in ACE concentrations are also linked to lower T2D risk. The researchers used Mendelian randomization to infer the causal effects of ACE inhibition on T2D risk.

SourceDiabetologia·DateSep 19, 2019

Minorities more likely to have diabetes at lower weights

A new study published in Diabetes Care found that racial and ethnic minority groups were more likely to have diabetes or prediabetes at normal or below-normal body mass index (BMI), even among those of normal weight. The research highlights the importance of screening minority patients for diabetes, regardless of their BMI.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 19, 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.

Cellular hitchhikers may hold a key to understanding ALS

Researchers found that RNA granules use Annexin A11 to hitch a ride on lysosomes, which are highly mobile organelles. This transportation method is crucial for RNA to reach its destination and translate into proteins, but mutations in annexin A11 have been linked to ALS.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateSep 19, 2019

Survival in women, men diagnosed with breast cancer

A study of nearly 1.9 million breast cancer patients found that men have lower three-year and five-year survival rates compared to women. The analysis attributed the difference to undertreatment and clinical characteristics.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateSep 19, 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.

No bones about it, this protein slows down fracture-healing

A study published in JCI Insight found that Apolipoprotein E interferes with bone healing in older individuals, leading to weaker bones and increased risk of re-fracture. Researchers discovered that reducing ApoE levels can reverse aging effects on the bones, promoting faster and more effective healing.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateSep 19, 2019

A single dose of yellow fever vaccine does not offer lasting protection to all children

A study found that a single dose of yellow fever vaccine may not offer lasting protection to all children, with levels of protective antibodies decreasing substantially over time. The research suggests that booster shots may be necessary for young children, and maintaining immunity is crucial for preventing epidemics.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateSep 19, 2019

Artificial materials reconstruct the porpoise's echolocation

Scientists create a physical model of porpoise echolocation using hybrid metamaterials, which improves detection accuracy and suppresses environment noise. This breakthrough bridges the gap between biosonar and artificial systems, paving the way for bioinspired technology in underwater sensing and nondestructive testing.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 19, 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.

New NSF-Boeing awards aim to improve online learning for today's workforce

The NSF-Boeing partnership aims to provide new educational opportunities for workers in STEM fields through online learning platforms. The five-year program will focus on building key STEM skills and exploring the effectiveness of online courseware, ultimately creating tools for current and future employees.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateSep 19, 2019

The brain may actively forget during dream sleep

A study suggests that REM sleep may prevent information overload by actively forgetting new, possibly unimportant information. Researchers found that MCH neurons in the brain play a role in controlling memory consolidation and preventing dream content from being stored.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 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.

Smoking during pregnancy may damage daughters' future fertility

A recent study suggests that smoking during pregnancy may damage daughters' future fertility due to increased testosterone exposure. The research found a significant correlation between maternal smoking and anogenital distance in female infants, which is a marker of testosterone levels.

SourceEuropean Society for Paediatric Endocrinology·DateSep 19, 2019

Electric tech could help reverse baldness

Researchers have created a low-cost, noninvasive hair-growth-stimulating technology that uses gentle electric pulses to reactivate dormant follicles. The devices are powered by the wearer's day-to-day motion and show promise in stimulating hair growth with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 19, 2019

Instant messaging in proteins discovered

Göttingen researchers observe mobile protons in proteins, revealing instantaneous communication between distant sections. This breakthrough resolves decades-long controversy over low-barrier hydrogen bonding's role in protein signaling.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·DateSep 19, 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.

Alzheimer's drug also treats parasitic Chagas disease

Memantine, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease, has been shown to reduce parasite levels by 40% and increase survival rates of mice with Chagas disease. The treatment also lowered parasite levels in the hearts of infected animals, providing a promising alternative therapy for this neglected tropical disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 19, 2019

Brain implant restores visual perception to the blind

Researchers at UCLA Health have developed an experimental brain implant that restores visual perception in patients who are blind due to injury or disease. The device enhances users' ability to navigate the world by detecting movement and distinguishing light and dark, with the goal of one day restoring a full field of vision.

SourceMediaSource·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateSep 19, 2019

Lighting the path to renewable energy

Researchers create standardized way to quantify and compare solar power variations influenced by cloud coverage, time of day, and dust particles. This method may help optimize photovoltaic farms and inform engineering and policy for more efficient solar power production.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateSep 19, 2019

Investing in climate change is good business

A new study suggests that acting on climate change will cost less than the damage inflicted by inaction. The research warns of catastrophic consequences if efforts are not accelerated to reduce global warming. Experts emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 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.

NASA estimates Tropical Depression Imelda's huge Texas rainfall

Tropical Depression Imelda brought heavy rainfall to northeastern Texas, with NASA estimating over 10 inches of rain fell between Houston and Beaumont. The storm's rainfall totals are expected to produce significant flash floods, prompting flash flood watches for parts of eastern Texas and western Louisiana.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 19, 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.

Antibody 'road block' enables fine-tuning for cardiac recovery

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed an antibody to target cadherin-11, a major contributor to inflammation in cardiac fibrosis. The study shows that the antibody can fine-tune inflammation and reduce scarring, leading to improved cardiac function.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJCI Insight·DateSep 19, 2019

Wild animals' immune systems decline with age, sheep study finds

A study on Soay sheep reveals that their immune responses to parasitic worms decline through adulthood, leading to increased mortality rates. The findings provide the first evidence linking declining immune function and survival in wild animals, highlighting a critical issue for human health as well.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2019

NASA satellite data shows Humberto's structure change

NASA's Aqua Satellite provided visible data on Major Hurricane Humberto, revealing powerful thunderstorms and a shift in its structure. The storm is expected to weaken today and become a post-tropical cyclone by Friday, with hazardous conditions persisting along the coast of Bermuda.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 19, 2019

Here's proof that bowel cancer screening reduces deaths

New research from the University of South Australia shows that bowel cancer screening significantly reduces deaths. A study of 12,906 patients found that faecal occult blood testing and colonoscopies can catch the disease early, preventing 45% of cancer deaths.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBMC Cancer·DateSep 19, 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.

BU researchers create new protocol to improve gene therapy tool production

Boston University School of Medicine researchers have developed a new protocol to produce large quantities of AAVs, which can deliver specific genes into humans and animals. The advanced technique bypasses developmental effects, saving time and reducing the number of animals used in research.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 19, 2019

CPS Energy supports clean energy and grid cybersecurity research at UTSA

Researchers at UTSA will develop a solar tracking system to optimize solar energy collection and regulate energy flow between indoor and outdoor environments. They will also work on a prototype of a clean energy technology for steam turbines using supercritical carbon dioxide, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce water usage.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateSep 19, 2019

Disrupting key protein alters biological rhythms in water flea

Researchers from North Carolina State University have shown that the E75 protein plays a critical role in regulating biological rhythms in Daphnia magna. Suppression of E75 results in longer molt cycles and reduced numbers of offspring. The study highlights the potential impact of environmental stressors on population sustainability.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 19, 2019

'Nanochains' could increase battery capacity, cut charging time

Researchers at Purdue University have developed nanochain structures made of antimony that can store more lithium ions and stabilize battery performance. The new design shows promise for increasing battery lifespan and reducing charging times.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateSep 19, 2019

Study finds hub linking movement and motivation in the brain

Researchers identify lateral septum as crucial link between circuits guiding goal-directed movement and motivated behavior. The study shows that the LS directly encodes information about speed and acceleration, enabling it to integrate or optimize performance across environmental signals.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 19, 2019

Appreciating the classical elegance of time crystals

Physicists at ETH Zurich create unifying platform to explore 'time crystals' in both classical and quantum regimes. They discover emergent dynamics at subharmonic frequencies in weakly-coupled modes, similar to those seen in quantum many-body systems.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 19, 2019

Grains in the rain

Researchers have discovered that certain plant species, including wild tomato and alfalfa, share common genes with rice that enable them to survive flooding. The study aims to improve crop resilience to flooding by activating these genes in other plants.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2019

Nearly three billion fewer birds in North America since 1970

Since 1970, North America has experienced a significant decline in bird populations, with nearly one in four species losing abundance. The study attributes this loss primarily to 12 bird families, including songbirds, and highlights the need for conservation efforts to prevent further declines.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2019

New research shows dapagliflozin used to treat diabetes can also

Research suggests dapagliflozin can reduce death and hospitalization rates in patients with heart failure, as well as improve health-related quality of life. The study found a 26% reduced risk of primary outcome in the dapagliflozin group compared to placebo, with benefits seen in both patients with and without type 2 diabetes.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 19, 2019

Wearable brain-machine interface could control a wheelchair, vehicle or computer

Researchers have developed a wearable brain-machine interface that can wirelessly control an electric wheelchair, interact with a computer, or operate a small robotic vehicle without the need for bulky headgear or wires. The system uses deep learning algorithms to analyze EEG signals and improve signal quality.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateSep 19, 2019

Antidepressants may reduce anxiety more than depressive symptoms

A UCL-led clinical trial found that antidepressant sertraline reduces anxiety symptoms earlier than depressive symptoms, with participants showing improvement in mental health overall. The study suggests antidepressants like sertraline may benefit a wider group of people beyond those diagnosed with depression or anxiety.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateSep 19, 2019

The next agricultural revolution is here

Scientists Zach Lippman and Yuval Eshed review past agricultural revolutions, highlighting key genetic mutations and modifications. They propose using CRISPR gene editing to introduce new variations in core hormonal systems, potentially boosting crop productivity and adaptability.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2019

Quality control in cells

Researchers at Heidelberg University discover bacterial Rqc2 protein plays central role in quality control, eliminating toxic protein chains. This finding suggests the mechanism must have existed in the last universal common ancestor several billion years ago.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCell·DateSep 19, 2019

Did a common childhood illness take down the Neanderthals?

A new study suggests that chronic ear infections caused by a flat Eustachian tube angle may have led to the demise of the Neanderthals. This condition would have been a lifelong threat to their health and survival, making it difficult for them to compete with Homo sapiens for resources.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalThe Anatomical Record·DateSep 19, 2019