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Science News for January 14, 2020


Colloidal quantum dot laser diodes are just around the corner

Researchers successfully demonstrated a quantum dot LED that operates as an optically pumped laser, clearing the path towards versatile colloidal quantum dot laser diodes. These devices have the potential to revolutionize fields like photonics, optoelectronics, and medical diagnostics.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

Surprising beauty found in bacterial cultures

When non-motile E. coli and motile A. baylyi are mixed, stunning floral patterns emerge due to differences in growth rate, motility, and friction against the agar surface. This phenomenon has important implications for understanding growing biofilms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJan 14, 2020

Skin cancer suppressor found by Bath scientists

Researchers at University of Bath identified a molecule called DIRC3 that acts as a tumour suppressor to block melanoma cell growth and spread. High levels of DIRC3 expression in patients were linked to increased survival rates, suggesting its potential as a new treatment for skin cancer.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

Conversational difficulties with father affect adolescent health

A study of 1225 adolescents found that conversational difficulties with fathers after divorce are strongly connected to increased health complaints. The researchers also observed that closeness to both parents impacts children's health two years after the divorce.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalScandinavian Journal of Public Health·DateJan 14, 2020

Memory boost with just one look

Researchers at HRL Laboratories found that targeted transcranial electrical stimulation during slow-wave sleep can improve metamemories of specific episodes by nearly 20% after just one viewing. This non-invasive approach may benefit patients with learning and memory deficits, as well as those with PTSD.

SourceHRL Laboratories·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJan 14, 2020

Having less sex linked to earlier menopause

Women who have sex weekly are 28% less likely to experience early menopause, according to a new study published in Royal Society Open Science. The research found that having less sex is associated with an earlier menopause, suggesting a biological trade-off between investing energy in ovulation and other activities.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

New study finds evidence for reduced brain connections in schizophrenia

Researchers detect lower levels of a protein found in brain connections in people with schizophrenia, which could underlie cognitive difficulties and provide targets for new treatments. The study's findings suggest that loss of synapses may be linked to the development of schizophrenia.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2020

Fred H. Gage receives the ISSCR Achievement Award

Dr. Fred H. Gage has made groundbreaking discoveries in stem cell biology, neuroscience, and human evolution. His work has broad implications for treating diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and mental health disorders.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·DateJan 14, 2020

Egg trading between hermaphroditic fish: Why would you give when you can just take?

Researchers used microeconomic models to analyze the circumstances required for reciprocal egg trading to work. The results reveal that eggs must be costly to produce and it's essential to identify cheaters before mating. This complex system of trading helps hamlets avoid a costly dilemma by dividing the reproductive role.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

Sand mining is threatening lives along the Mekong River

Research reveals sand mining on the Mekong River is causing significant erosion, with riverbanks collapsing when lowered by just two meters. Excessive sand mining poses environmental and social risks, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations to protect communities.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 14, 2020

Study: Blood-clotting protein and blood platelets promote immune evasion, cancer progression

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center discover a direct connection between thrombin and TGF-b1, a cytokine promoting tumor progression and suppressing immune responses. Blocking this mechanism prevents tumor resistance to immunotherapy and increases tumor-infiltrating immune cells.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 14, 2020

A novel way to watch paint dry

James Gilchrist's project uses microrheology to study paint drying processes and develop a testing method to predict performance. The goal is to improve paint formulations, reduce energy consumption and costs in the automotive industry.

SourceLehigh University·DateJan 14, 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.

Heart-function protein may help muscular dystrophy patients live longer

A Rutgers-led team has found that altering a protein called Connexin-43 may alleviate DMD-related heart disease by protecting against irregular heartbeats and late-stage failure. This discovery offers hope for prolonging the lives of muscular dystrophy patients, who are currently plagued by heart muscle breakdown.

SourceRutgers University·DateJan 14, 2020

Unfruitful: Eating more produce will not cure, stop prostate cancer

A Phase III clinical trial found that eating seven or more servings of vegetables and fruits daily did not provide extra protection against prostate cancer. Despite this, a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help patients tolerate cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·DateJan 14, 2020

The wisdom of crowds: What smart cities can learn from a dead ox and live fish

A study by Portland State University researchers found that diverse crowds of local stakeholders can collectively produce complex environmental models similar to those of trained experts. The results correspond more or less exactly to scientific knowledge on the subject, with the final outcomes improving as more individuals are involve...

SourcePortland State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 14, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Exosomes promote remarkable recovery in stroke

Researchers have found that an exosome treatment can promote full recovery in swine with severe stroke, even in cases where brain cells are at risk of dying. The treatment works by interrupting the process of cell death and reducing damage signals throughout the brain network.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalTranslational Stroke Research·DateJan 14, 2020

Study examines attitudes toward transgender athletes

A new study published in Sex Roles investigates public attitudes towards the participation of transgender people in sports. The research finds that women sports fans are more likely to oppose transgender athletes participating in sports by gender identity, holding views similar to male sports fans. However, the study also reveals that ...

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 14, 2020

New research finds ranchers consider diverse factors in managing their land

A new study explores how ranchers make decisions about managing their land, finding that cultural considerations and the desire to maintain traditional practices are key drivers. The research highlights the importance of considering the complex social-ecological factors at play in private lands conservation.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalRangeland Ecology & Management·DateJan 14, 2020

Global warming to increase violent crime in the United States

A study published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that global warming could lead to a significant rise in violent crime rates in the United States. The research team used climate data and an FBI crime database to identify regional connections between warming and crime rates, particularly in winter.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 14, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Kids' behavior, socioeconomic risk linked to gut microbiome composition, function

A study by Oregon State University researchers found a connection between children's gut microbiomes and their behavior, with those experiencing behavioral problems having different microbiome profiles. The quality of the parent-child relationship and parental stress also played a role in shaping these differences. Further research is ...

SourceOregon State University·JournalmBio·DateJan 14, 2020

Neither fishing tales nor sailor's yarn

Researchers developed a method combining empirical knowledge of fishery stakeholders with scientific understanding to identify ecological cause-effect relationships in pike populations. The collective intelligence of nature users accurately captured complex human-environment relationships, exceeding scientific knowledge in some cases.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 14, 2020

Impaired driving -- even once the high wears off

Researchers found that chronic, heavy recreational marijuana use affects driving ability even when users are not intoxicated. Earlier onset of marijuana use was associated with poorer driving performance and increased impulsivity.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

'Cold Neptune' and two temperate super-Earths found orbiting nearby stars

A 'cold Neptune' and two temperate super-Earths, GJ180d and GJ229Ac, have been discovered orbiting nearby red dwarf stars, offering a chance to study potentially habitable worlds. The planets were found using the radial velocity method and offer insights into exoplanet formation and evolution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateJan 14, 2020

Plant genomes reveal the basis for adaptation to contrasting climates

Researchers identified specific genomic regions that have changed in response to natural selection to allow plant species to adapt to new climatic conditions. These adaptations are linked to traits such as winter survival and flowering, enabling plants to thrive in diverse climates.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 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.

Getting to the heart of epinephrine use in pediatric cardiac arrest patients

Researchers found that prehospital epinephrine administration was associated with improved return of circulation in pediatric patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, there was no significant improvement in 1-month survival rates. The study suggests that prehospital epinephrine administration should be included in interna...

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 14, 2020

What keeps couples together

Research on red titi monkeys reveals that female pair bond maintenance is driven by relationship management, while males provide useful services like offspring care and territory defense. The study supports the 'male-services hypothesis' suggesting females prioritize proximity to maintain relationships.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

Opening up DNA to delete disease

Researchers have developed DNA-binding editorial assistants to open up genes obscured by chromatin packaging, enabling CRISPR editing. This breakthrough enhances CRISPR efficiency and moves towards genetic-based assaults on diseases.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateJan 14, 2020

Final images from Cassini spacecraft

Researchers analyze Cassini data to study Saturn's ultraviolet auroras and their dynamic processes. The new observations provide unique views of the small-scale structures behind these auroras, revealing similarities with Jupiter's magnetosphere.

SourceLancaster University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 14, 2020

A simple twist of cell fate

A study by University of Michigan researchers sheds light on the role of WDR5 and p53 proteins in influencing stem cell fate, with implications for cancer research and potential treatments for heart disease. The team found that inducing a short delay in WDR5 expression steered embryonic stem cells towards different tissue types.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 14, 2020

Resale ticket markets benefit sports teams and fans

The resale ticket market appeals to season ticket holders who want to recoup costs, reducing the need for fans to buy full-season passes. This boosts team revenues by creating an alternative supply of tickets.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMarketing Science·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

Study suggests new strategy for treating advanced, progressing bile duct cancer

Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center suggest a new approach to treating advanced, progressing bile duct cancer. The study found that adding an mTOR inhibitor may re-sensitize tumor cells to FGFR inhibitors in patients who develop resistance to these agents.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateJan 14, 2020

Many older people's glasses of wrong power

A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found that many 70-year-olds in Sweden overestimate their eyesight, but can still see considerably better with glasses or power correction. The study also highlights the importance of regular eye exams to detect visual impairment and age-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalActa Ophthalmologica·DateJan 14, 2020

Margaret A. Goodell earns Tobias Lecture Award

Dr. Margaret A. Goodell, a renowned hematopoietic stem cell researcher, has been awarded the Tobias Lecture Award by the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR). Her pioneering work on epigenetic regulators of normal hematopoietic stem cell function has greatly advanced our understanding of hematologic malignancies.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·DateJan 14, 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.

In mice, alcohol dependence results in brain-wide remodeling of functional architecture

Researchers at University of California San Diego School found that alcohol dependence remodels the functional architecture of mouse brains, leading to increased coordinated activity and reduced modularity. This change is associated with cognitive impairment, emotional distress, and intense craving in mice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2020

Not so fast: Some batteries can be pushed too far

Researchers found that intentionally adding defects to lithium-ion batteries can cause stress, leading to cracks and degradation. The study suggests a sweet spot for defect levels to optimize performance, contradicting previous findings.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateJan 14, 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.

What we're learning about the reproductive microbiome

Researchers have found that certain microbes affect sperm quality, fertilization, embryo implantation, and reproductive health across various animal species. The study also sheds light on the role of the reproductive microbiome in sexual selection, mating systems, and sexual conflict.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 14, 2020

Galactic gamma-ray sources reveal birthplaces of high-energy particles

Researchers have identified nine galactic sources of super-high-energy gamma rays with energies over 56 trillion electron volts, three of which emit gamma rays extending to 100 TeV and beyond. These discoveries help explain where high-energy particles originate and how they are accelerated.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 14, 2020

Solving complex problems at the speed of light

A team of researchers from MIT has developed an algorithm to solve hard combinatorial problems using optical machines. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize fields such as biology, drug discovery, and routing/scheduling by leveraging the advantages of optical hardware integrated into silicon photonics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

Cancer surgery: It depends on experience

A study published in BJS Open found that mortality rates from colorectal cancer surgery are significantly higher in smaller hospitals with lower annual case numbers. Hospitals performing more operations per year have better patient survival rates, likely due to increased access to specialized care and equipment.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalBJS Open·DateJan 14, 2020

No need to dig too deep to find gold!

The study found that the depth of porphyry copper and gold deposits influences their composition, with deeper deposits containing more copper and shallower deposits containing more gold. Over 95% of gold is lost to the atmosphere through volcanic emissions, making it challenging for companies to extract this metal.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2020

Study weighs deep-sea mining's impact on microbes

A new study assesses the impact of deep-sea mining on microbial ecosystems, highlighting the need for policy makers and industry to understand microbes' roles and services they provide. Microbial processes and animal communities are slow to recover from disturbance, and damage can lead to irreversible loss of ecosystem processes.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateJan 14, 2020

New small molecule to treat Alzheimer's disease and Dravet syndrome

Researchers have developed a new small molecule that potentiates synaptic NMDA receptors, restoring brain rhythms to normal patterns and improving memory in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and Dravet syndrome. The treatment also reduced abnormal brain activity associated with these conditions.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 14, 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.

Hot OLEDs can 'switch back'

Researchers have discovered that organic LEDs (OLEDs) exhibit regions of reduced brightness known as 'switched-back' effects, despite increased applied current. This phenomenon is attributed to negative differential resistance induced by nonlinear electrothermal feedback, which can lead to unstable operation and device breakdown.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

A quicker answer on cancer, with waits cut from 84 days to 6

A rapid diagnosis centre has reduced waiting times for patients with non-specific symptoms who may have cancer to under 6 days. The study also found that if the RDC runs at full capacity, Swansea Bay University Health Board could save £157,858 and gain 9.2 quality-adjusted life years.

SourceSwansea University·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateJan 14, 2020

Infectious disease defenses among ancient hominid contributions to adaptation of modern humans

Scientists discovered more evidence of archaic introgression in immunity-related genes and found a possible resistance to malaria among Papua New Guineans. They also identified genes related to porphyrins, energy metabolism, and olfactory receptors showing signals of Neandertal introgression.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

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.

'Coolsculpting' inventors develop new non-surgical method for targeting fat

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital develop new non-surgical Coolsculpting method targeting fat almost anywhere in the body using a safe, injectable ice solution. The technology selectively reduces fat tissue at any depth and site accessed by a needle or catheter.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJan 14, 2020

Gut bacteria could guard against Parkinson's, study finds

Researchers have identified a probiotic that slows and reverses the build-up of alpha-synuclein protein, which is associated with Parkinson's disease. The probiotic, Bacillus subtilis, produces chemicals that change how enzymes process specific fats, preventing toxic clumps from forming.

SourceParkinson's UK·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 14, 2020

Study finds persistent gender gap in medical paper publication

A new study published in Family Practice shows a significant gender gap in biomedical paper publication rates, with women accounting for 48% of first authors in primary health care journals. The study found that women are less likely to publish articles on trials and have fewer research grants, contributing to the disparity.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalFamily Practice·DateJan 14, 2020

Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy may trigger long-term post-traumatic stress

A study of over 650 women who experienced early-stage pregnancy loss found that nearly a third suffer post-traumatic stress, while one in four experience moderate to severe anxiety and depression. The research calls for improved care following an early-stage pregnancy loss.

SourceImperial College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

Interdisciplinary study reveals new insights into the evolution of signed languages

Researchers identified five main European sign language lineages that dispersed globally from the late 18th century, tracing their evolution through a comprehensive database of manual alphabets and handshapes. The study provides new insights into the origins and spread of sign languages, highlighting unexpected connections between Aust...

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 14, 2020

A solid vaccine for liquid tumors

Researchers developed a novel cryogel vaccine that primes the immune system to attack and eliminate acute myeloid leukemia cells in mice. The vaccine successfully protected against disease recurrence when combined with chemotherapy.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 14, 2020

University of Ottawa tool to democratize nanopore research

Researchers at the University of Ottawa offer a unique tool to accelerate nanopore research development, making it more accessible and affordable. The innovative approach enables fast, low-cost, and automated fabrication of solid-state nanopores, which hold promise for various applications in medicine, IT, and life sciences.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Protocols·DateJan 14, 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.

Slow light to speed up LiDAR sensors development

Researchers from Yokohama National University have developed a new method using slow light to create a compact and non-mechanical LiDAR sensor. This technology has the potential to improve the performance of LiDAR sensors in various fields, including autonomous vehicles, robots, and drones.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalOptica·DateJan 14, 2020

Researchers develop tool to identify molecular receptors in worms

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new tool to identify molecular receptors in Caenorhabditis elegans worms involved in sensing pheromones. This breakthrough could speed up neuroscience research into pheromones by streamlining the process and identifying specific receptors in just a month.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·DateJan 14, 2020

A smart way to predict building energy consumption

A new AI-powered method predicts building energy consumption by analyzing environmental and operational parameters, offering a significant improvement in energy management. The hybrid deep learning model has the potential to be applied in various smart buildings and cities.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

Mitinori Saitou earns the ISSCR Momentum Award

Dr. Mitinori Saitou has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding mammalian germ cell development and reproduction in vitro. His work has enabled the generation of functional gametes from pluripotent stem cells and improved germ-cell technology.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·DateJan 14, 2020

Life Cycle Assessment pinpoints 'sustainability hotspots' in bio-chemical production

Researchers used Life Cycle Assessment to identify environmental hotspots in the production of lactic acid, a key bioplastic. The study found that heavy solvent usage and black energy consumption can negatively impact sustainability. Additionally, the development phase is crucial for identifying and addressing these hotspots.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 14, 2020

Antibiotics often sold without prescription in retail pharmacies in China

A study found that antibiotics are widely available without a prescription in Chinese retail pharmacies, hindering the government's goal to make them prescription-only by 2020. The survey revealed that 83.6% of pharmacies sold antibiotics without a prescription, with no significant differences between urban and rural locations.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAntimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control·DateJan 14, 2020

How to make it easier to turn plant waste into biofuels

Researchers at Rutgers University develop innovative ammonia-salt based solvent that rapidly dissolves plant fibers, slashing enzyme use by up to 50-fold. The process can reduce biofuels production costs and extract more lignin from plant waste.

SourceRutgers University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJan 14, 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.

CAREER Award recipient to explore potential of promising new material

Sufei Shi's lab at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has been working on fabricating high-quality transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) to study their properties and potential applications. The researchers have found an exciting particle called an exciton, which holds a lot of energy that can survive at room temperature.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateJan 14, 2020

Sugar changes the chemistry of your brain

Researchers found that sugar intake alters the brain's dopamine and opioid systems, activating the reward system after just 12 days. This suggests that sugar can be an addictive substance, pushing natural stimuli like social interaction or learning into the background.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 14, 2020

More federal funding needed to increase Americans' active transportation habits

A study found that only a slight increase in walking occurred, while cycling rates remained stagnant, with significant disparities by education level and demographics. The study calls for greater investment in safe bike lanes, sidewalks, and education programs to promote walking and cycling among all age groups.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·DateJan 14, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Reduced inhaler use is safe for infants with bronchiolitis

A new treatment protocol at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia reduced albuterol use in infants with bronchiolitis without compromising care. The protocol change prevented over 600 unnecessary treatments and did not impact patient admission rates or length of stay.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 14, 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.

Siblings of children with intellectual disabilities score high on empathy and closeness

A new study finds that relationships between children and their siblings with intellectual disabilities are more positive than those between typically developing siblings. Children with siblings with intellectual disabilities scored higher on empathy, teaching, and closeness, while scoring lower on conflict and rivalry.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateJan 14, 2020

Who's liable? The AV or the human driver?

Researchers at Columbia Engineering and Law School develop a joint fault-based liability rule using game theory to regulate self-driving car manufacturers and human drivers. They find that an optimally designed liability policy is critical to prevent moral hazard and improve traffic safety.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJan 14, 2020

Watching complex molecules at work

A team developed a new instrument to detect rapid and irreversible reactions in biological molecules like rhodopsin. The Féry spectrometer allows analysis of very fast processes with high time resolution.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJan 14, 2020

Susan Solomon earns the ISSCR Public Service Award

Susan Solomon, CEO of The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute, receives the 2020 ISSCR Public Service Award for her tireless efforts to support stem cell science and researchers. NYSCF has raised over $350 million for stem cell research projects.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·DateJan 14, 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.

Racial disparities in heart failure explained

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a significant association between malignant left ventricular hypertrophy and an increased risk of heart failure among black individuals. The study, published in the journal Circulation, suggests that early intervention can be beneficial in preventing future risk.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateJan 14, 2020

Hydrogen alarm for remote hydrogen leak detection

The new sensor detects hydrogen molecules at concentrations below 2%, outperforming traditional methods that require expensive equipment and trained personnel. Its sensitivity and resistance to interfering gases make it a game-changer for remote hydrogen leak detection.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalACS Sensors·DateJan 14, 2020