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Science News for July 1, 2020


Fussy eating -- and parents' stress -- remedied by online guide

A new online resource has been proven to alleviate parents' anxiety and encourage healthy eating habits in young children. The Child Feeding Guide, developed by experts at Aston University and Loughborough University, helps mums change their approach to feeding and reduces self-reported anxiety by nearly 20%.

SourceAston University·JournalNutrition Bulletin·DateJul 1, 2020

Software tool could be used to limit lockdowns, safeguard economy

Researchers developed a software tool to determine strategies that prevent surges in the virus without taking a huge toll on the economy. The tool factors in population density, demographics, climate, and transportation statistics to provide alternative scenarios to closing all shops and businesses.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateJul 1, 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.

Cancer cells make blood vessels drug resistant during chemotherapy

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that inflammatory changes in tumors caused by chemotherapy trigger drug resistance in blood vessels, resulting in poorer cancer outcomes. The team also discovered a treatment strategy involving the combination of an ABCB1 inhibitor and anticancer drugs to overcome this resistance.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 1, 2020

Researchers develop computational model to build better capacitors

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a computational model that understands how material nanostructure affects conductivity. The goal is to inform the development of new energy storage devices for various electronics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 1, 2020

School absenteeism has surprising consequences for adults

Research found that students who frequently missed school from kindergarten to eighth grade were less likely to vote, reported greater economic difficulties, and had poorer educational outcomes. Early absenteeism was linked to disengagement and consequences beyond education.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateJul 1, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How to bring conservation messaging into wildlife-based tourism

A study found that conservation messaging is lacking in mainstream wildlife-based tourism operations, failing to provide information on wildlife conservation and opportunities for tourist action. The researchers propose a toolbox of ideas to improve conservation messaging using five principles: promote positive messaging, provide actio...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPeople and Nature·DateJul 1, 2020

Addiction care barriers fell due to COVID-19; experts see challenges in keeping them down

Recent COVID-19 policy shifts have made it possible for more people to access addiction care via telemedicine, specifically video chats and telephone calls. Key treatments like medications, psychotherapy, and peer group support can now be delivered remotely, but sustaining this approach will require continued changes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJul 1, 2020

Understanding molecular mechanisms of air pollution's impact on ILD critical

Research on air pollution's impact on ILD reveals associations between pollutant exposure and increased risk of developing the disease. Epigenetic methods hold promise for understanding this relationship, but more study is needed to quantify effects.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 1, 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.

Coordinating complex behaviors between hundreds of robots

Researchers propose STyLuS*, a new approach to solving complex robot control problems, by growing 'trees' in the search space to find optimal solutions. This method reduces memory requirements and processing power needed for large-scale robotic tasks.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·DateJul 1, 2020

In the Arctic, spring snowmelt triggers fresh CO2 production

New research from San Diego State University reveals that spring snowmelt in the Arctic triggers fresh carbon dioxide production at higher rates than previously assumed. The study found that cold thaw accounts for nearly half of carbon emissions, offsetting summer uptake by vegetation.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 1, 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.

Why memory-forming neurons are vulnerable to Alzheimer's

A new study sheds light on the molecular factors that render entorhinal brain cells uniquely sensitive to degeneration. Researchers found that a suite of genes is likely involved in making these neurons easy targets for degeneration, with PTBP1 playing a major role.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 1, 2020

Estimation of excess deaths from COVID-19 in the US

Researchers analyzed weekly changes in US deaths due to COVID-19 and found a significant increase, indicating an estimated 1.8 million excess deaths between March 2020 and May 30, 2020. The study used data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Vital Statistics System.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 1, 2020

Moffitt develops tool to detect patients at high risk for poor lung cancer outcomes

A new radiomics model can identify early stage lung cancer patients at high risk for poor survival outcomes and require aggressive follow-up or adjuvant therapy. The model uses two radiomic features to stratify patients into three risk groups, which may have more aggressive cancer despite early detection.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 1, 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.

Study shows asthma drug salbutamol's potential as Alzheimer's treatment

A new study reveals that the common asthma drug salbutamol may offer potential as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. It is effective at reducing the accumulation of insoluble fibres of the tau protein, which are found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.

SourceLancaster University·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateJul 1, 2020

Brain activity prior to an action contributes to our sense of control over what we do

Scientists identified specific brain regions linked to humans' sense of agency, finding that brain activity involved in planning and motor monitoring is crucial. By altering this network with transcranial magnetic stimulation, researchers were able to reduce participants' sense of control over their actions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 1, 2020

GPS isn't just for road trips anymore

Researchers found that GPS-guided tractors can reduce overlap and gaps in field coverage by up to 6% and 16%, respectively, leading to increased crop production and environmental benefits. This technology has the potential to be adopted by small farms, which currently lag behind larger producers in terms of technology adoption.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgricultural & Environmental Letters·DateJul 1, 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.

UM Bio Station researchers unlock mystery of subterranean stoneflies

Researchers from the University of Montana's Flathead Lake Biological Station have unlocked a mystery surrounding unique aquatic insects in the Flathead watershed. Subterranean stoneflies have been found to survive in low-oxygen environments, and their DNA has revealed a possible mechanism for this adaptation.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalEcology·DateJul 1, 2020

Study confirms ultra music festival likely stressful to fish

Researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that Ultra Music Festival was stressful for toadfish, causing a significant stress response and elevated cortisol levels. The study showed a 4-5 fold increase in blood cortisol levels in toadfish during the festival.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJul 1, 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.

Giant leap in diagnosing liver disease

A novel microbiome-based diagnostic tool has been developed to quickly and inexpensively identify liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients. The non-invasive method analyzes patient stool samples and achieves an accuracy of over 90% in diagnosing cirrhosis, with potential implications for improving treatment outcomes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 1, 2020

$10 million grant to move middle and high school instruction beyond language

A national research and development center will focus on weaving topics into the full curriculum, using real-world examples that are engaging and directly relevant to students of this age. The center aims to develop and test interventions that leverage transdisciplinary approaches to improve instruction for English Learners.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 1, 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.

CityU's CRISPR-assisted novel method detects RNA-binding proteins in living cells

Researchers from CityU have developed a novel detection method called CARPID to identify binding proteins of specific RNAs in living cells. The method uses CRISPR/dCasRx system and biotin-labelling technology to detect RNA-protein interactions, showing high specificity and applicability for lncRNAs of different lengths.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 1, 2020

Scientists discover a new mechanism controlling liver cancer development

Researchers have identified a protein PPARα that regulates bile acid metabolism and suppresses the growth of cholangiocarcinoma in mice. The study provides new insights into liver cancer development and suggests potential therapeutic targets.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 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.

Tabletop quantum experiment could detect gravitational waves

Researchers from UCL and international collaborators propose a detector using nano-scale diamond crystals to measure mid-frequency gravitational waves. The device would be 4000 times smaller than current detectors, enabling the study of black hole collisions and exploring nonclassical gravity.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJul 1, 2020

Ultrafast insulin formulation may enable faster management of blood sugar in diabetes

A new ultra-rapid insulin formulation, UFAL, reached peak activity in pigs with diabetes twice as fast as Humalog, a commercially available option. This could lead to faster quality-of-life improvements for diabetic patients by allowing quicker blood sugar level management during mealtimes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 1, 2020

Is not helping a bad person good or bad?

A recent study challenges previous theoretical predictions on justified defection, a mechanism that ensures benefits are returned to cooperative individuals. Researchers found that people have a neutral attitude toward justified defection, unlike cooperation with a bad person, which is viewed as good.

SourceRissho University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 1, 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.

Laser takes pictures of electrons in crystals

Researchers have developed a new laser-based microscope that can resolve the distribution of electrons in crystal lattices with unprecedented resolution. The technique, known as Light Picoscopy, uses powerful laser pulses to drive electrons into fast motion, allowing them to emit radiation that reveals their position within the crystal.

SourceUniversity of Rostock·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2020

A simpler way to make sensory hearing cells

Researchers have successfully reprogrammed three types of mouse cells into induced hair cell-like cells, offering a potential solution for identifying causes and treatments of hearing loss. The new cells possess characteristics similar to naturally occurring hair cells and are vulnerable to an antibiotic known to cause hearing loss.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·DateJul 1, 2020

Treatments tested for invasive pest on allium crops

A Cornell University-led team of researchers found that traditional chemical insecticides work best against the invasive Allium leafminer on allium crops. Synthetic insecticides like dinotefuran and cyantraniliprole reduced damage by up to 89% and eradicated the insect in some cases.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateJul 1, 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.

Radar points to moon being more metallic than researchers thought

New radar findings suggest the Moon's subsurface is richer in metals like iron and titanium than previously believed. The research uses dielectric properties to locate metal oxides in lunar soil, revealing a steady increase in concentration with crater size.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 1, 2020

Smart structures: Structural cells of the body control immune function

Researchers discovered widespread expression of immune genes in structural cells, which contribute to the response to pathogens. The study highlights that structural cells are not only essential building blocks but also play a key role in defending against infections.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 2020

Infant sleep problems can signal mental disorders in adolescents -- Study

A new study found that specific infant sleep problems can signal mental disorders in adolescents, including psychotic experiences and borderline personality disorder. The research analyzed data from over 7,000 participants and found associations between irregular sleep routines and shorter nighttime sleep.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJul 1, 2020

New drug reduces stroke damage in mice

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute identified a novel drug that can protect the brain during and after a stroke. The study shows that injured neurons can remain viable if prevented from following biochemical pathways leading to cell death.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 1, 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.

How does our brain fold? Study reveals new genetic insights

A new pre-clinical study identified genes linked with the development of brain folds in the grey matter of the brain. The research found differences in genetic expression and neuron shape during the folding process, which can lead to cognitive deficits and neurological conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceRMIT University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJul 1, 2020

Well packed

Scientists develop a strategy to synthesize biomolecule-metalorganic frameworks with high bioactivity by adding peptides as modulators. These biohybrids can mimic cellular cascades and function as optical glucose sensors, offering potential for industrial applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 1, 2020

Growing numbers of alcohol related hospital admissions linked to local spending cuts

A study found that local authorities' spending cuts on alcohol services are associated with increased hospital admissions. The research, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed data from 2012 to 2019 and found a link between reduced funding for specialist treatment and higher rates of alcohol-related hospitalizations.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 1, 2020

Charcoal a weapon to fight superoxide-induced disease, injury

Researchers have discovered that charcoal nanoparticles can effectively combat damaging levels of superoxides, which are toxic at high concentrations. The nanozymes could aid in the treatment of COVID-19 patients by reducing radical oxygen ions produced in response to an injury or stroke.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateJul 1, 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.

Science snapshots July 2020

A Berkeley Lab-led team has gained insight into bacterial DNA packing, enabling potential control over microbial behavior. Researchers at JBEI have developed synthetic biology tools unlocking complex plant engineering, allowing for more sophisticated traits in plants. High-performance windows with reduced energy consumption will be ins...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2020

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Individual decisions to reduce movement -- even before state-wide stay-at-home policies were introduced -- likely helped slow the spread of COVID-19 in the USA

Before state-level stay-at-home policies were implemented, individuals in the US reduced their movement, which was strongly correlated with a decline in COVID-19 case growth. This suggests that social distancing played a crucial role in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJul 1, 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.

New plastic biomaterials could lead to tougher, more versatile medical implants

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have created a new thermoplastic biomaterial with shape memory properties, enabling it to be stretched and molded but reforming into its original shape when heated. The material offers a stable, long-lasting option for medical devices such as bone replacements.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2020

UCF is developing new nanotech to detect food fraud

A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a new test strip that can detect adulterated food with high accuracy, solving the problem of people paying more for their food than it's worth. The technology aims to replace current tests that are expensive, complicated or less effective, and is scheduled for completion in 2023.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateJul 1, 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.

Complexity of human tooth enamel revealed at atomic level in NIH-funded study

A NIH-funded study has revealed unprecedented atomic details of human tooth enamel structure and composition, including the presence of minor elements such as magnesium and sodium. The findings suggest that these irregularities may introduce areas of strain in the crystallite, potentially making enamel stronger overall.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 2020

Why do arteries age? Study explores link to gut bacteria, diet

A study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that TMAO, a compound produced in the gut from red meat metabolism, impairs artery function and hastens aging. Adults with higher blood levels of TMAO had significantly worse artery function and greater signs of oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateJul 1, 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.

Controlled human infection models and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development

Researchers from WRAIR and partners discuss the need for controlled human infection models (CHIMs) to study SARS-CoV-2, but note they won't advance current vaccines. CHIMs could provide valuable insights into vaccine efficacy and the virus's progression within the body.

SourceWalter Reed Army Institute of Research·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 1, 2020

First exposed planetary core discovered

Scientists have discovered an exoplanet with an exposed core, similar in size to Neptune, orbiting a star about 730 light years away. The researchers believe the planet may be a gas giant that lost its atmosphere or failed to form one due to special circumstances.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 2020

New Yorkers grow more hesitant about a return to normalcy, poll shows

A recent poll shows New Yorkers are growing more hesitant about resuming normal activities due to the surge in COVID-19 cases. Employment and housing worries remain a significant concern for many respondents. Meanwhile, less than a third of those who received food assistance report it is meeting their needs.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateJul 1, 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.

New research examines links between religion and parental support from non-family members

A new study found that mothers who receive help from their congregation have higher fertility rates and better child cognitive development. The research suggests that religion supports cooperative breeding strategies, allowing women to have more children without sacrificing their children's success.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJul 1, 2020

Light pollution gives invasive cane toads a belly full of grub

Research from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found that light pollution can significantly increase the number of insects consumed by invasive cane toads. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used outdoor enclosures with artificial lights to test the impact on the toad's diet.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 1, 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.

Material research: New chemistry for ultra-thin gas sensors

Researchers have created a new process for depositing ultra-thin layers of zinc oxide, which can be used to produce high-quality gas sensors and barrier layers. The non-pyrophoric precursor allows for safe handling and low-temperature processing, enabling the coating of plastics.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalSmall·DateJul 1, 2020

Does deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's increase risk of dementia?

A new study published in Neurology suggests that deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease does not significantly increase the risk of developing dementia. Researchers found that factors such as age, hallucinations, and cerebral hemorrhage during surgery were associated with a higher risk of dementia.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 1, 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.

Energy-saving servers: Data storage 2.0

Researchers at Mainz University have developed a technique that can halve the energy required to write data to servers by utilizing piezoelectric crystals. This innovation enables complex server architectures and reduces energy consumption, which is projected to increase significantly in the IT sector.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 1, 2020

B-cell protectors

Researchers discovered a protein called Pdap1 that supports B cells in producing effective antibodies while protecting them from cell death. The protein helps B cells cope with stress and promotes antibody gene diversification, ensuring a strong humoral immune response.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 1, 2020

Understanding the circadian clocks of individual cells

Two new studies reveal individual cells maintain internal clocks through a combination of genetic and random mechanisms. These findings suggest that cellular periodicity is influenced by epigenetic control and may hold insights into aging and cancer.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateJul 1, 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.

To listen is to survive: Unravelling how plants process information

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich identified hundreds of new information exchange points between plant proteins, revealing that most proteins function in multiple signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to new strategies for biotechnological development or breeding of plants to address climate change challenges.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 2020

Exercise can slow or prevent vision loss, study finds

A new study suggests that exercise can reduce the development of macular degeneration by up to 45% in lab mice. The research also implies that regular physical activity may benefit other causes of vision loss, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJul 1, 2020

Feeds of the future

A University of Göttingen research team found that black soldier fly larvae meal and spirulina can be included in poultry feed without negatively impacting quality. Microalgae are also a potential alternative to soybean meal, but remain more expensive due to production costs.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateJul 1, 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.

New system combines smartphone videos to create 4D visualizations

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a system that combines iPhone videos to create 4D visualizations, allowing viewers to watch action from various angles. The method uses convolutional neural nets and can be applied to a wide range of scenes, including those shot independently from different vantage points.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJul 1, 2020

Crystal wars

A team of researchers at The University of Tokyo and Fudan University studied crystallization processes when multiple structural arrangements are possible. They found that transient precursors of various crystalline orderings coexist and compete with each other, leading to complex crystal engineering methods.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 1, 2020

Researchers develop a new ultrafast insulin

Stanford researchers developed a new ultrafast insulin formulation that stabilizes monomeric insulin for over 24 hours, allowing it to take effect almost immediately upon injection. The formulation could potentially reduce the time it takes for insulin to reach peak activity by four-fold.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 1, 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.

Cause of abnormal groundwater rise after large earthquake

Researchers analyzed groundwater level changes around Kumamoto City after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake, finding a significant increase in groundwater levels due to increased permeability of the mountain aquifer. The study suggests that earthquakes can alter hydrological environments and release water from mountains.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2020

Women who experience high blood pressure during pregnancy more likely to develop heart disease

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that women with gestational hypertension are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and heart failure. Women who experienced high blood pressure during their first pregnancy were 45% more likely to develop overall cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 1, 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.

Knowledge of severe storm patterns may improve tornado warnings

Researchers found a statistically significant difference in storm structure between those producing tornadoes and non-tornadic supercells, which could lead to more accurate warnings. The study suggests using polarimetric radar data to identify the orientation of raindrop shapes, potentially improving tornado warning times.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 1, 2020

Spanish language increasingly more relevant to presidential elections

Research by Binghamton University faculty highlights Spanish language's growing impact on US politics, with key findings including increased use of Spanish in campaign speeches and debates. The study suggests a divide between Democratic and Republican parties on the role of Spanish in election discourse.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalSpanish in Context·DateJul 1, 2020

High-end microscopy refined

Researchers used structured illumination microscopy and expansion microscopy to visualize the three-dimensional ultrastructure of the synaptonemal complex in mouse cells. The study revealed a far more complex structure than previously assumed, with details of molecular organization that were previously hidden.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 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.

Showing pro-diversity feelings are the norm makes individuals more tolerant

A new study from University of Wisconsin-Madison found that showing people how their peers feel about diversity can increase tolerance, reduce exclusion, and close racial achievement gaps. The intervention, which used social marketing strategies, resulted in enhanced sense of belonging among marginalized groups and reduced intergroup a...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 1, 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.

Common fireworks release toxic metals into the air

A new study by NYU Langone Health found that commercially available fireworks emit toxic metals such as lead, copper, and titanium, which can damage human cells and animal lungs. Exposure to these particles was also linked to increased oxidation in the body, a chemical process that can cause cell damage.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateJul 1, 2020

Quantum fluctuations can jiggle objects on the human scale

Researchers at MIT's LIGO Laboratory measure quantum noise affecting 40-kilogram mirrors, displacing them by 10-20 meters, a confirmed prediction by quantum mechanics. The team uses a novel instrument called a quantum squeezer to isolate and quantify the quantum effect.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 2020

Federal grants support research to improve pandemic forecasting

University of Massachusetts Amherst biostatistician Nicholas Reich has received significant grants from the CDC and NIH to enhance his groundbreaking pandemic forecasting work. The new funding will support the expansion of the COVID-19 Forecast Hub, which provides weekly projections for COVID-19 deaths in the US and by state.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJul 1, 2020

Identified the genetic landscape of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms

A study published in the Journal Blood reveals the molecular landscape of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN), a group of rare malignancies with overlapping features. The researchers identified genotype-phenotype associations and potential diagnostic molecular markers that can improve diagnosis and risk stratificatio...

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalBlood·DateJul 1, 2020