Researchers at Duke University have developed a new optical sensing platform that can detect genomic cancer biomarkers in tissue samples using silver-plated gold nanostars. This technique has the potential to provide fast and reliable diagnostic results for cancer and other diseases, simplifying testing processes.
Researchers have demonstrated the potential of a leukemia drug, arsenic trioxide, to treat medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer most common in children. The drug made tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy and proved capable of killing tumor cells and preventing new colony formation.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers will test two existing drugs against SARS-CoV-2-infected mini lungs in a dish to find solutions for COVID-19. The grant aims to advance promising drug candidates and improve patient care.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered that transcription factor PU.1 plays a crucial role in regulating PD-L2 expression, which has implications for developing new treatments for immune-related disorders and cancer. The study sheds light on the molecular events underlying PD-L2 regulation.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJul 21, 2020
Lionfish in Curacao reefs exhibit strong preference for brown chromis over other two prey fish species. The study suggests that lionfish can be picky about their daily menu as long as they are not starving, with poorer condition fish being less selective.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateJul 21, 2020
The researchers report two new cryo-EM structures representing the pre- and postfusion conformations of the full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The findings suggest that current vaccine strategies may be relying on limited information about the natural state of the protein, highlighting the need for further evaluation.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers use VLA radio telescope to image galaxy NGC 4217's magnetic field, extending far beyond the galaxy's disk. The dynamo theory suggests that this massive magnetic field is generated by plasma motion within the galaxy's disk.
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 at Rockefeller University have created new surrogate viruses to test neutralizing antibody activity against SARS-CoV-2, enabling rapid testing in biosafety level 2 labs. The tools will help assess vaccine efficacy and develop antibody-based therapies.
SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020
A UCLA study reveals that COVID-19 antibodies decrease by roughly half every 36 days after infection in people with mild cases of the disease. This rapid decay raises concerns about the reliability of antibody tests and the potential impact on herd immunity and vaccine effectiveness.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum used EEG to study the impact of repetitive tactile stimulation on brain activity. They found that neuronal responses adapted to the frequency of stimulation and showed changes over time, potentially illustrating a learning process.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers from Skoltech and MSU discovered the type of electrochemical reaction associated with charge storage in the anode material for sodium-ion batteries. They also developed a method to produce hard carbon with high capacity comparable to graphite, a crucial step towards commercializing SIB.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalElectrochimica Acta·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers at UCLA have identified a potential new combination therapy to treat advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by targeting BMI1 proteins. The study found that using an anti-PD1 immunotherapy drug in combination with PTC209 successfully stopped cancer growth, prevented reoccurrences, and eliminated cancer stem cells.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 21, 2020
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.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that combining self-imposed prevention measures like handwashing and mask-wearing with government-imposed social distancing can delay and reduce the peak of a COVID-19 epidemic. The model found that if self-imposed measures exceed 50% efficacy, large epidemics can be prevented.
Researchers found that Fusobacterium nucleatum, a common mouth bacteria, can initiate cancer cell migration by sticking to and entering cancer cells using protein Fap2. This causes cancer cells to release cytokines IL-8 and CXCL1, leading to inflammation and attracting immune cells.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience Signaling·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers have created an optical switch that can direct high-frequency gamma radiation by switching the acoustic field. This effect demonstrates controlled transparency of a resonant medium for gamma radiation, which may be useful for controlling generated radiation in modern synchrotron sources and X-ray lasers.
SourceKazan Federal University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 21, 2020
A non-invasive blood test, PanSeer, can detect five common types of cancers four years before conventional diagnosis methods. The test detected cancer in 91% of asymptomatic samples and accurately identified cancer-free samples 95% of the time.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2020
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.
Researchers pinpointed a single gene biomarker, nitride oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), to distinguish between atopic dermatitis and psoriasis with 100% accuracy using adhesive tape strips. The study identifies distinct immune response markers for each disease.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers propose a new method for constructing higher-order topological insulators using ring resonators and synthetic dimensions, enabling dynamic control over system parameters. This approach allows for the creation of high-dimensional topological insulators with exotic properties.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers analyzed the magnetic field of Milky Way-like galaxy NGC 4217 and discovered unique structures such as X-shaped fields, helices, superbubbles, and giant loops. These findings suggest a connection between star formation and supernovae explosions in shaping the galaxy's magnetic field.
Researchers discover that alcohol activates microglia in the brain, altering geometry and increasing dopamine diffusion, which may promote addiction. This study provides a new understanding of alcohol's effects on the brain and suggests potential treatments.
SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 21, 2020
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.
A new study found that children with newly-diagnosed type 1 diabetes have a distinct gut microbiome composition associated with poorer blood sugar control. The researchers used machine learning analysis and genetic analysis to identify this link, highlighting the importance of gut health in disease development.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 21, 2020
A new method detects MIR images using Si cameras through non-degenerate two-photon absorption, enabling simple and efficient imaging. The approach avoids alignment artifacts and utilizes the nonlinear optical properties of the Si chip itself to trigger photo-induced charge carriers.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 21, 2020
Thanks to a decade-long collaboration, the global population of the critically endangered Chinese crested tern has more than doubled, from fewer than 50 adults to over 100. The project used social attraction techniques to lure adult seabirds to restoration sites with suitable nesting habitat.
SourceOregon State University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers at Stanford University have created a handheld, portable device to measure ammonia levels in blood. The device, which assesses ammonia levels from a finger or earlobe prick, can report results in less than a minute and is significantly more efficient than current methods.
SourceStanford University·JournalACS Sensors·DateJul 21, 2020
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.
Researchers studied convenience samples from 10 US geographic sites to estimate SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence. The study found varying levels of antibodies across different regions.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers propose an all-optical method to modulate plasmonic response in graphene and metal-based systems using intense pump beams, enabling ultrafast light modulation. The technique exploits nanoscale photothermal effects to heat electrons, inducing changes in conductivity and optical properties.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 21, 2020
A set of reviews concludes that hundreds of studies link widespread health issues including infertility, diabetes, and impaired brain development to hormone disruptors in pesticides, flame retardants, and certain plastics.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 21, 2020
A new CSU study found that physical stress at work is linked to faster brain aging and poorer memory in older adults. Those who reported high levels of physical stress had smaller hippocampal volumes and performed poorly on memory tasks.
SourceColorado State University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science created artificial cells that produced viral parts, allowing for safe testing and development of diagnostic tools, drugs, and vaccines. The system consists of micrometer-sized compartments etched into a silicon chip, enabling controlled production of specific proteins.
SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 21, 2020
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.
Researchers at Flinders University warn that family members can be the first to detect early signs of a problem gambler. Chronic hypervigilance, relationship conflict, and exhaustion are common consequences for partners and families.
SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJul 21, 2020
A new study found that training doctors in anaesthetic skills using Lego bricks can improve their performance. The study used a simple task where participants copied shapes using bricks to see in a mirror, and found that this improved their ability to perform ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia tasks.
SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateJul 21, 2020
A new study explores patients' views on hospital fundraising practices, finding that certain strategies cause concerns. Hospitals can show appreciation to donors through nicer hospital rooms, expedited appointments, or providing doctors' cell phone numbers, while avoiding wealth screening and sharing patient names without permission.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateJul 21, 2020
A new study by YANG Jia and colleagues identified both task-specific and subject-invariant components of perceptual learning ability, revealing multifaceted nature of learning and strong evidence for consistent pattern of individual differences across multiple training tasks.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2020
A collaboration between Cornell and Northwestern universities has exposed tiny chemical flaws in human enamel using atomic imaging techniques. The findings suggest that irregularities in the enamel's structure may play a role in reinforcing it, making it more resilient to decay.
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.
A recent study by Flinders University highlights the escalating gendered burdens faced by women during the pandemic, particularly in frontline healthcare roles and unpaid care work. Women experienced discrimination, eviction threats, and restricted access to essential services under COVID-19 restrictions.
SourceFlinders University·JournalSocial Sciences·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that epidermal stem cells undergo a change in their complex sugar repertoire with age, which could serve as a biological marker of aging. This 'glycome shift' is characterized by an increase in sialylated complex type N-glycans and a decrease in mannose-type N-glycans.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAging Cell·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers have developed a droplet biosensing method that can detect the presence of COVID-19 in a sample in just minutes. This fast and accurate method uses surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to analyze viral genetic material, reducing testing time and error margin.
Researchers found that over 20% of US homes lack sufficient space and plumbing facilities to isolate or quarantine COVID-19 patients. The study suggests that offering hotel stays with medical supervision at no cost could decrease transmission in minority communities.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020
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.
Researchers found that the WA Christmas Tree, a parasitic plant, adapts to its environment by adjusting to temperature changes rather than relying on precipitation. This discovery has implications for conservation and restoration efforts, as it could inform the collection of seed for these species.
SourceCurtin University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJul 21, 2020
A study from the University of Tokyo found that feeding distillation remnants from shochu production to pigs reduces stress levels and improves the quality of meat, resulting in better-tasting sirloin and fillets. The leftovers also contain nutrients like leucine and histidine peptides, which may contribute to the benefits.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalFood Chemistry·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers have demonstrated coherence times up to 10,000 times longer than previously recorded for spin-orbit qubits, making them an ideal candidate for scaling up silicon quantum computers. Strong spin-orbit coupling is key to achieving stable qubits and robust quantum information.
SourceCentre for Quantum Computation & Communication Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 20, 2020
A new University of Michigan study estimates that wealthy American homes generate about 25% more greenhouse gases than lower-income residences, mainly due to their larger size. The researchers used data from over 93 million American homes to create nationwide rankings by state and zip code.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020
A new study from the University of California, Davis, shows that toddlers may experience and deal with uncertainty in decision making like older children and adults. Toddlers gather information before making decisions, taking extra time on difficult trials, and exhibiting behaviors that suggest they can respond to uncertain situations.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 20, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new strategy, 'wrap, trap and zap,' to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater treatment plants. The graphene-wrapped nanospheres kill bacteria by producing reactive oxygen species, degrading antibiotic-resistant genes and minimizing their release into the environment.
SourceRice University·JournalWater Research·DateJul 20, 2020
A NIH study found consistent sex-based differences in cortical volume across 2,000 brain scans, which correspond with patterns of sex-chromosome gene expression. These findings suggest that genetic mechanisms, including those on the X and Y sex chromosomes, may influence sex differences in brain anatomy.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020
A new portable DNA detection method can identify tree pests and pathogens like the Asian gypsy moth and sudden oak death pathogen in under two hours. The device uses PCR testing to analyze tiny amounts of DNA and has been tested on multiple destructive invasive species.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 20, 2020
A team of geophysicists used the ROMY ring laser to measure the Earth's rotational velocity and axis orientation, achieving the most precise ground-based measurements yet. The instrument detected minute alterations in the Earth's rotation caused by ocean currents, ice mass shifts, and seismic events.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 2020
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.
Researchers found that certain species of foraminifera can survive and thrive in anoxic environments with high levels of toxic hydrogen sulfide. The organisms exploit soluble organic material as a source of carbon and energy, playing a crucial role in anaerobic nutrient cycles.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJul 20, 2020
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have demonstrated that behavior therapy exposing people to memories of their trauma does not cause relapses of opioid or other drug use. Following the first therapy session, PTSD severity and emotional problems decrease significantly.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJul 20, 2020
Researchers found that high genetic risk scores, including apolipoprotein E ε4, increase dementia risk by 2.6 times, while favorable cardiovascular health reduces the risk by 0.45 times.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNeurology·DateJul 20, 2020
A study finds that crop rotation effectively mitigates western corn rootworm damage to Bt cornfields, increasing yields and reducing fertilizer use. Farmers must diversify their Bt crops and rotate to prevent the pest's resistance.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020
Physicists at the University of Bath have accurately measured and characterised a single, twisted nanoparticle using a new method, taking them closer to producing medicines on demand. The discovery could lead to mini-labs that can mix substances in a completely new way, producing pharmaceuticals from minute droplets of active ingredients.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 20, 2020
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.
A UCSF study found that older adults with retained senses of hearing, vision, and touch have half the risk of developing dementia compared to those with marked sensory decline. The study tracked over 1,800 participants in their seventies for up to 10 years, revealing a stronger association between olfaction and lower dementia risk.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateJul 20, 2020
Researchers at the University of Maryland have discovered 37 recently active volcanic structures on Venus, suggesting the planet's interior is still churning. The study provides evidence that Venus is no longer a dormant planet and may hold clues to its geological development.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 20, 2020
Researchers use cameras, drones, geolocators, and sensors to track wildlife and greenhouse gas emissions. Computing advances help analyze terabytes of data, enabling ecologists to scale up ecological research and address environmental challenges.
Research reveals exotic species diversity increases on Azores islands through human activities, disrupting native ecosystems and nutrient recycling processes. The study found a slight decrease in endemic island species, such as the Azorean money spider.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateJul 20, 2020
Researchers developed a system to monitor pneumonia and genetic diseases by analyzing breath exhaled by patients, revealing a new potential diagnostic tool. The technology uses specialized nanoparticles that release gases when proteases in the body cleave them, allowing for rapid detection of lung health.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 20, 2020
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.
Researchers develop Proteus, a lightweight material that turns back the force of cutting tools upon itself, making it resistant to angle grinders, drills, and high-pressure water jets. The unique structure of ceramic spheres encased in cellular aluminium creates an interlocking, vibrational connection that repulses any attack.
SourceDurham University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 20, 2020
Researchers have successfully developed a method to 'upconvert' low energy light into visible light using oxygen, enabling it to be captured by solar cells. This breakthrough has the potential to increase the efficiency of solar cells and expand their sensitivity range.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 20, 2020
International trade can compensate for regional food shortages and reduce hunger due to climate change. Eliminating protectionist measures and barriers to trade can relieve these differences.
SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 20, 2020