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Science News for September 27, 2019


Light in a new light

A team of LSU researchers has successfully demonstrated a method to generate groups of photons with manipulable quantum properties, known as multiphoton states. By subtracting out some photons, they can reshape the form of the wavepacket and artificially increase the number of photons in it.

SourceLouisiana State University·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateSep 27, 2019

High-speed microscope illuminates biology at the speed of life

The new SCAPE 2.0 system allows for faster and more detailed imaging of living tissues, revealing previously unseen details of biological systems. This technology has the potential to impact various fields such as genetics, cardiology, and neuroscience.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 27, 2019

Extra amino acid could work wonders

Rice University chemist Han Xiao is developing a custom-designed 21st amino acid to make life-saving substances and produce novel proteins for therapies. The goal is to create 'unnatural organisms' that can produce multiple designer amino acids, leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy and cancer treatment.

SourceRice University·DateSep 27, 2019

Lipid produced by organism helps control blood sugar

Researchers have discovered that a lipid produced by brown adipose tissue, called 12-HEPE, helps reduce blood sugar levels in obese mice. The study found that 12-HEPE promotes glucose uptake into both skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue, leading to improved glucose tolerance.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 27, 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.

Researchers make it possible for ultrasound to reveal gene expression in the body

Researchers at Caltech have developed a new reporter gene that allows for the visualization of genetic activity using ultrasound, enabling the study of gene expression in tumors, immune cells, and other cell types. The breakthrough could lead to new diagnostic tools for diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Men can be spared radiotherapy after surgery

The RADICALS-RT trial found no difference in disease recurrence between men who received radiotherapy shortly after surgery and those who waited for cancer to come back. The study confirms that observation should be the standard approach after surgery, with radiotherapy used only if the cancer recurs.

SourceThe Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust·DateSep 27, 2019

Cellular aging is linked to structural changes in the brain

Researchers found that telomere length changes are associated with structural changes in the brain, including thickening or thinning of the cerebral cortex. This study suggests that short-term changes in telomere length may reflect general fluctuations in health and aging status, but long-term effects remain unclear.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 27, 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.

Thermal siphon effect: heat flows from low temperature to high temperature

A team of scientists found that heat energy can transfer from a node with lower temperature to another node with higher temperature in certain complex network structures. This phenomenon becomes more evident when the network assortativity decreases. The study may shed new light on the search for good thermoelectric materials.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 27, 2019

African American children respond differently to asthma medications

Researchers found that African American children respond better to increasing inhaled corticosteroids or adding long-acting beta agonists compared to step-up therapies. The study highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches for subgroups of asthma patients, particularly those with African ancestry.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 27, 2019

Turning heat into electricity: A new thermoelectric material developed at FEFU

A new thermoelectric material has been developed using strontium titanate and titanium oxide, allowing for the transformation of exhaust heat into electrical energy. The material's biphase structure and nanosized grains increase its thermoelectric efficacy, enabling devices to operate at high temperatures without overheating.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalMaterials·DateSep 27, 2019

A laser, a crystal and molecular structures

Researchers developed a new technique called complementary vibrational spectroscopy to study molecular structures. This method combines infrared absorption and Raman scattering spectrometers to provide detailed information about molecular vibrations.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 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.

Immunologists identify T cell homing beacons for lungs

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine identified CXCR6 and CXCL16 as critical molecules for T cells to travel to and populate the lungs. This discovery could lead to designing adjuvants that recruit CD8 T cells into the airways, potentially reducing symptoms or preventing infection.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 27, 2019

Salt shakers should carry tobacco-style health warning, say experts

Experts recommend requiring salt shakers to carry front-of-pack health warnings to raise consumer awareness about excess salt consumption. The World Health Organization aims to reduce sodium intake by 30% by 2025, and warning labels could help people make healthier choices.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Hypertension·DateSep 27, 2019

Harmful metals found in vapors from tank-style electronic cigarettes

A study by University of California, Riverside researchers found high concentrations of metals such as lead, nickel, and chromium in e-cigarette aerosols. The team analyzed six popular e-cigarette tanks and their atomizers, revealing that the model with fewest metal parts had the fewest metals in its aerosol.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2019

Study helps surgeons determine optimal approach for broken hips

A new study found that partial replacement, or hemiarthroplasty, is a viable alternative to total hip arthroplasty for treating displaced femoral neck fractures in patients over age 50. The study reported similar rates of outcome measures between the two techniques, with no significant difference in the incidence of secondary procedures.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 27, 2019

Are humans preventing flies from eavesdropping?

Researchers found that background noise inhibits parasitoid flies' ability to locate cricket calls, suggesting a potential fitness cost for males trying to find mates. This altered soundscapes may influence the evolution of host-parasitoid relationships.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateSep 27, 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.

CCNY physicists score double hit in LED research

Researchers at City College of New York have successfully demonstrated a light-emitting diode (LED) operating at room temperature, utilizing half-light half-matter quasiparticles in atomically thin semiconductors. This breakthrough has significant implications for LiFi technology, which offers faster data transmission speeds than Wi-Fi.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 27, 2019

First large-scale study of universal screening for autism raises questions about accuracy

Researchers found the widely used M-CHAT/F screening tool is less accurate in real-world settings than shown in previous studies. The study also revealed disparities in detecting early autism symptoms in minority, urban, and low-income children. Despite these findings, experts recommend continuing universal screening for all toddlers.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 27, 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.

Study examines alcohol consumption, risk of dementia in older adults

An observational study of 3,021 adults aged 72 and older found that alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with an increased risk of dementia in those without mild cognitive impairment. However, among those with MCI, drinking more than 14 drinks per week was linked to the highest risk of dementia

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 27, 2019

Oldest galaxy protocluster forms 'queen's court'

Astronomers have discovered the oldest known galaxy protocluster, z66OD, with 12 galaxies existing 13.0 billion years ago. One of these galaxies is Himiko, a giant object found previously by the Subaru Telescope, which was unexpectedly located on the edge of the protocluster.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateSep 27, 2019

Landscape patterns matter

A new research special issue analyzes landscape patterns to understand their effects on resource sustainability, ecosystem health, habitat connectivity, and other societal values. The study highlights the importance of measuring and monitoring these patterns to ensure sustainable landscapes.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateSep 27, 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.

Better methods needed for predicting risk of liver disease

A large registry-based study found that current scoring systems have moderate reliability in predicting severe liver disease risk. The study identified individuals with normal scores as being at a very low risk of developing severe liver disease, highlighting the need for new methods to detect those at higher risk.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateSep 27, 2019

Study examines impact of climate change on Louisiana's Houma tribe

Repeated disasters and environmental changes are rapidly eroding the land in Southeastern Louisiana, affecting the tribe's ability to sustain its culture, health, and livelihoods. Tribe members express a deep sense of grief about the lost land and lack of agency in decisions impacting them.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateSep 27, 2019

$3M grant to create cybersecurity modeled after human body

Researchers are developing a form of cybersecurity inspired by human biological systems, detecting and addressing threats in their earliest stages. The team is also offering training and research opportunities to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateSep 27, 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.

For this ocean dweller, ability to respond to warming waters is about location

A new study finds that copepods, small crustaceans found in nearly every freshwater and saltwater habitat, adapt to warming waters through phenotypic plasticity rather than genetic changes. The research suggests that thermal adaptation can happen relatively quickly, reducing organisms' vulnerability to warming.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 27, 2019

Geometry goes viral: Researchers use maths to solve virus puzzle

Researchers have developed a new mathematical framework that accurately predicts the positions of proteins in the containers of all icosahedral viruses for the first time. The discovery solves a scientific mystery that has endured for half a century and paves the way for new insights into how viruses form, evolve, and infect their hosts.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 2019

Teens sleep 43 more minutes per night after combo of 2 treatments, study finds

A study from Stanford University School of Medicine has found that a combination of light therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can increase teen sleep duration by 43 minutes per night. The treatment consists of brief flashes of bright light to reset the body clocks, followed by motivation techniques to encourage earlier bedtimes.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateSep 27, 2019

Your energy-efficient washing machine could be harboring pathogens

A study has identified a washing machine as a reservoir of multidrug-resistant pathogens, specifically Klebsiella oxytoca. The bacteria were transmitted to newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit through contaminated clothing washed at low temperatures. Researchers highlight the need for higher temperatures or disinfectants to preve...

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 27, 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.

Study shows nearly half of cancer patients who enter a comprehensive tobacco treatment program quit smoking

A comprehensive tobacco treatment program at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center resulted in an average of 45% smoking abstinence rates among participating cancer patients. This rate surpasses that of previous minimal interventions like quitlines, which averaged less than 20% abstinence rates.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 27, 2019

US ATLAS phase I upgrade completed

The US ATLAS Phase I Upgrade enables the detection of rare processes and sheds light on dark matter, dark energy, and antimatter asymmetry. The upgrades improve the trigger/data acquisition system, liquid argon calorimeter, and forward muon detector, allowing for more efficient data collection and analysis.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateSep 27, 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.

Using math to blend musical notes seamlessly

A new algorithm developed by MIT student Trevor Henderson seamlessly blends different audio signals in real-time, recreating the portamento effect. The algorithm uses optimal transport to map pitches from one signal to another, producing a smooth transition without volume fading.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 27, 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.

Study finds age hinders cancer development

A recent study published in Aging Cell has discovered that human aging processes may actually hinder the development of cancer. In most human tissues, aging-related gene expression changes are contrary to those found in cancer, suggesting a protective effect on cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalAging Cell·DateSep 27, 2019

Colorado project wins International Atomic Energy Agency safety competition

Researchers from University of Colorado Cancer Center Department of Radiation Oncology won the IAEA safety competition by recognizing the importance of a positive attitude towards radiation safety and developing department-wide processes for communicating safety standards. The team used Safety Month as an opportunity to broadcast and t...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateSep 27, 2019

Study finds safe mercury levels in Kotzebue Sound fish

A University of Alaska Fairbanks study tested 297 subsistence-caught fish from Kotzebue Sound and found average mercury levels safe for unrestricted consumption. Only four individual fish exceeded the

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateSep 27, 2019

Genetic markers linked to the start of symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Researchers identified genetic variants related to Parkinson's disease symptom onset, which could enable delimiting research on new therapeutic targets. The study, led by Cristina Malagelada, used biocomputing techniques and analyzed statistical interactions to identify genetic associations.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalMovement Disorders·DateSep 27, 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.

Ultrasound yields similar cancer detection rates after digital mammography, tomosynthesis

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that ultrasound screening after digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis yielded no significant difference in additional cancer detection rate. The findings suggest that DBT does not obviate additional US screening for women with dense breast tissue.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 27, 2019

Converting CO2 to valuable resources with the help of nanoparticles

A German-Australian team of researchers has successfully converted carbon dioxide into ethanol and propanol using metallic nanoparticles, also known as nanozymes. This breakthrough is based on the principle of enzyme cascade reactions, where complex molecules are produced from comparatively simple raw materials.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 27, 2019

Men with prostate cancer can be spared radiotherapy after surgery

A new trial found that men with prostate cancer who receive radiotherapy after surgery have no difference in disease recurrence compared to those who do not. The study suggests that observation should be the standard approach and radiotherapy only used if the cancer comes back.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 27, 2019

NASA-NOAA satellite sees Tropical Depression 19W organizing

Tropical Depression 19W is organizing and strengthening toward tropical storm status. The storm has developed strong thunderstorms around its center with winds near 29 mph/46 kph, and forecasters expect it to move west-northwest and then turn north.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 27, 2019

Many gas giant exoplanets waiting to be discovered

Researchers suggest an unseen population of gas giants orbiting nearby Sun-like stars, awaiting detection. New models support the disk instability mechanism, challenging the core accretion method.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateSep 27, 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.

Sleep varies by age, geographical location and gender

A worldwide study found that sleep patterns differ among 16-30 year olds, with varying durations and timings based on age, sex, and region. The study tracked nearly quarter of a million nights of sleep using wearable devices, revealing significant geographical and gender-based variations in sleep habits.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalSleep Medicine·DateSep 27, 2019