The expansion of oil palm cultivation has contributed significantly to economic growth and poverty reduction in local communities, particularly in Asia. However, large-scale deforestation and biodiversity loss are concerns due to the increased demand for palm oil, primarily used in food, fuel, and cosmetics industries.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAnnual Review of Resource Economics·DateMay 19, 2020
Researchers developed an AI model using CT scans and clinical data to diagnose COVID-19, achieving higher sensitivity than radiologists. The algorithm can rapidly detect the virus, isolate patients, and prevent its spread during pandemics.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 19, 2020
Researchers found that exposing people to prosocial models and modeling elicits subsequent helpful acts, driven by goal contagion. People are more motivated to help after witnessing others benefit from the model than when they themselves benefit. This framework can influence new prosocial behaviors amid the pandemic.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateMay 19, 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.
Researchers found that acetylation at lysine 16 leads to disordered aggregates with high toxicity, highlighting the importance of protein shape in amyloid beta toxicity. The study aims to better understand the complexity of misfolded proteins and their role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateMay 19, 2020
Researchers found two single-miRNA and 29 two-miRNA biomarkers in serum plasma that can predict later onset of preeclampsia in asymptomatic pregnant women. Early identification could lead to prevention and better maternal and newborn outcomes.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateMay 19, 2020
Researchers developed a framework using an epidemiological model of COVID-19 to calculate the optimal statistical threshold for approving a drug during a pandemic. This allows regulators to make a trade-off between false positives and false negatives, prioritizing the need for more timely approvals during outbreaks.
SourceThe MIT Press·JournalHarvard Data Science Review·DateMay 19, 2020
Using supervised learning algorithm, researchers reduced uncertainty in oceanic N2O emissions by substantial margins. The study reveals a vigorous seasonal cycle dominated by tropical and coastal upwelling regions
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers from University Hospital of Toulouse treated a severely ill patient with COVID-19 using tocilizumab, a biological agent targeting inflammatory cytokines. The patient showed dramatic improvement in respiratory outcomes, suggesting potential benefits for patients with the most severe forms of COVID-19.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 18, 2020
Scientists have discovered the mysterious material tantalum disulfide, which exhibits unintuitive behavior, switching from conductor to insulator. The study reveals that 'Mottness' is a key player in explaining this phenomenon, challenging traditional theories.
Researchers will collect data from over 300 COVID-19 patients and use it to train an algorithm that predicts adverse cardiac events. The goal is to create a predictive risk score that can determine up to 24 hours ahead of time which patients are at risk of developing heart problems.
Researchers discovered a Jurassic stick insect that employed mimicry by resembling ferns to protect itself from predators. The discovery reveals the earliest known specializations for mimicry and defense in stick insects, dating back 165 million years. This finding sheds light on the evolution of these remarkable insects.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 18, 2020
Recent Australian wildfires highlight the need for new fire, resource, and conservation policies to reduce megafires and alter timber production. Researchers suggest protecting unburnt areas and expanding conservation zones to restore repeatedly damaged ecosystems.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 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.
Researchers found that gesturing while speaking affects the sound of a person's voice, adding acoustic emphasis. The study suggests that gestures carry additional information about bodily tension and motion, contradicting traditional views on language.
SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020
A recent clinical trial has demonstrated the ability of a stem cell-based topical solution to regrow hair in individuals with androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness. The study found that the treatment led to significant increases in both hair count and follicle diameter.
SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateMay 18, 2020
Coronavirus infections can cause delirium in hospitalized patients, which increases the risk of death or extended hospital stay. Long-term effects may include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateMay 18, 2020
A recent study led by a Texas A&M University professor reveals that South Asia will be threatened by frequent extreme heat and high air pollution days. By 2050, occurrences of both extremes are projected to increase in frequency by 75% and 175%, respectively, posing significant risks to human health.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAGU Advances·DateMay 18, 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 observational study is exploring blood-based biomarkers and demographic factors to predict COVID-19 disease course. The DISCOVER study aims to identify markers that can help doctors make informed decisions about patient triage and hospital management.
PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have shown promise in treating non-small cell lung cancer, but the proportion of patients who benefit from these treatments is relatively small. Researchers are exploring biomarkers to identify potential beneficiaries and improve cost-effectiveness.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020
New research analyzing over 10,000 bird species reveals that wing shape adapted for long-distance flight is primarily driven by temperature variability, territory defense, and migration. This geographic pattern has significant implications for understanding biodiversity and may explain smaller geographical ranges in tropical species.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2020
Researchers found that individuals with higher cardiovascular risk burdens experienced faster declines in episodic memory and working memory, as well as smaller hippocampal volumes. Maintaining heart health may be key to preventing cognitive decline, according to the study's findings.
SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 18, 2020
A large international study found that consuming at least two daily servings of dairy products is associated with lower risks of diabetes and high blood pressure. Full-fat dairy products showed the strongest associations, particularly in countries with low dairy intakes.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care·DateMay 18, 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.
New research from the University of South Australia shows that movement-based yoga can significantly improve mental health for individuals with a range of mental disorders. The study, which examined 19 studies across six countries, found incremental benefits with increased yoga practice.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 18, 2020
A study by Kris Karnauskas found that a marine heatwave followed by a terrestrial one, exacerbated by global warming, led to the massive coral bleaching event. The warm water persisted for months, causing extensive damage to the ecosystem and drastically changing species composition.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 18, 2020
Researchers have discovered a class of iron-based superconductors that spontaneously generate constant internal magnetic fields, breaking time-reversal symmetry. This discovery has enormous potential for new applications in quantum computing devices.
SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 18, 2020
A research team developed a method to improve the durability of thin-film flexible electrodes and transistors by creating a zigzag pattern of micrometer-sized holes. This approach reduces stress distribution and prevents crack propagation, allowing devices to withstand thousands of bending cycles.
SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 18, 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.
The EU's ambitious climate goals may lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions worldwide if non-EU countries don't adopt similar strategies. The EU-Calc model forecasts a CO2 leakage of 61.5%, resulting in an increase of 615 kilos of CO2 for every tonne of emissions avoided by the EU.
A Michigan State University scientist has proposed a point-of-care diagnostic platform using nanotechnology to diagnose COVID-19 infection and assess future risk. The platform uses nanoparticles or magnetic levitation to analyze biological fluids, creating unique patterns that can identify patients at high risk of death.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateMay 18, 2020
A new study by ANU researchers shows that Victorian bushfires have burned over 1.5 million hectares since 1995, with more than 600,000 hectares burning twice and over 112,000 hectares burning three times. This has led to a significant impact on ecosystems, biodiversity, and industry.
SourceAustralian National University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020
Researchers discovered a new mechanism for regulating RAS enzyme activity that will inform therapeutic strategies for inhibiting mutated RAS proteins involved in cancer. The study found that close proximity on the cell membrane is required for one RAS protein to interact with other RAS proteins.
SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys identified a promising immunotherapy combination that eradicates medulloblastoma in mice. By adding tumor necrosis factor (TNF), the treatment removes the 'invisibility cloak' from p53-mutant tumors, allowing them to be detected and destroyed by the immune system.
SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 18, 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.
A study by Dr. Pooja Tandon found that 33% of middle schools and 69% of high schools do not restrict phone use during these times. Limiting phone use is believed to decrease screen exposure, improve focus in the classroom, and promote physically active play.
SourceSeattle Children's·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 18, 2020
A new study found that mindfulness training can help multiple sclerosis patients regulate their negative emotions and improve their processing speed. The four-week program showed benefits over adaptive cognitive training and a waitlist control group.
SourceOhio State University·JournalRehabilitation Psychology·DateMay 18, 2020
Scientists used virtual reality to simulate a naturalistic environment for insects, revealing their ability to use perspective and motion parallax to locate food sources. The study also showed that airflow cues play a crucial role in orienting flies, especially in the absence of visual cues.
SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020
A new study published in Environmental Research Letters reveals that a small percentage of industrial facilities are responsible for the majority of toxic pollution year after year. The researchers analyzed data from over 25,000 facilities across 322 manufacturing industries and found that only 1,116 can be characterized as 'super poll...
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 18, 2020
Researchers have quantified over a century of changes in Cook County, finding 80% wetland loss and species extinctions. The study aims to inform restoring aquatic ecosystems' health.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalUrban Ecosystems·DateMay 18, 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.
The EU's new AGENT research project aims to establish a global network of actively cooperating gene banks and convert them into digital resource centers. The project seeks to standardize gene bank management and verification, making plant genetic resources more accessible to researchers and breeders worldwide.
SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·DateMay 18, 2020
Scientists discovered that patients with certain inflammatory demyelinating diseases have auto-immune antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), which is thought to be important in maintaining the myelin sheath's structural integrity. This finding suggests that therapeutic strategies need to be individualized for pat...
Researchers at Princeton University and University of Bergamo analyzed how famous Renaissance domes were built without shoring or forms, quantitatively proving physics behind their structure. The study reveals forces that allow structures to be self-supporting, advancing modern construction techniques and potential environmental benefits.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalEngineering Structures·DateMay 18, 2020
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a system that can manipulate and detect orbital angular momentum, or OAM, of light on small semiconductor chips. This breakthrough enables the transmission of multiple distinct OAM modes, potentially shattering the bandwidth bottleneck in optical communications.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 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.
Researchers developed Early Bird, an energy-efficient method for training deep neural networks, which can use 10.7 times less energy than traditional methods to achieve the same level of accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to significant cost savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers discovered that open and expansive body postures in fourth graders led to improved mood and higher self-esteem, particularly in relation to school. The study suggests that simple poses like arms folded can have negative effects on a child's confidence.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalSchool Psychology International·DateMay 18, 2020
A Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin study reveals that the northern Italian city of Nembro recorded more deaths in March 2020 than in previous years, but only half were classified as COVID-19 deaths. The study highlights the importance of all-cause mortality in quantifying the pandemic's full impact.
SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 18, 2020
Researchers have developed genetically-encoded X-ray-sensitive tags for site-specific labeling of protein-of-interest in mammalian cells. This enables endogenous labeling of diverse molecules and subcellular structures with an ultrahigh spatial resolution of ~30 nm. The high photostability of these tags allows long-term observation of ...
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 18, 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.
New research from China provides detailed GHG emission estimates, including CO2 distribution in cities and non-CO2 monitoring. These findings support low-carbon development and energy conservation efforts.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020
This study compared early postoperative pain in patients undergoing bilateral scheduled staged TKA, finding no significant differences between the first and second surgeries. The frequency and number of analgesic requests were also similar, but showed a positive correlation at 24 hours after the second surgery.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Orthopaedics Journal·DateMay 18, 2020
Research suggests that cigarette smoke triggers an increase in ACE2 receptors in the lungs, a protein used by the coronavirus to enter human cells. Quitting smoking may reduce this risk.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMay 18, 2020
Tropical cyclones have increased in intensity over the past four decades, with wind speeds of at least 100 knots rising by approximately 15% between early and latter halves of record. The increase corresponds to a statistically significant rate of 8% per decade, consistent with physical theory and numerical simulations.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 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.
The article introduces a new theory of detonation-driven hypervelocity shock tunnels, covering three aspects: special features, detonation driver concept, and interface-matching problem. It demonstrates the successful application of this theory in developing large-scale hypersonic test facilities.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 18, 2020
Flying insects integrate visual, olfactory, and aerodynamic cues to locate objects in 3D space. Research using virtual reality revealed that Dipteran species use depth cues, wind tunnel-like airflow fields, and odor information to navigate.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020
Cornell University astronomers have developed a practical model to tease out climate clues for potentially habitable exoplanets. By analyzing the effects of planetary surface color and light from its host star, they can calculate a climate, providing valuable insights into the detectable spectra of Earth-like planets.
SourceCornell University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 18, 2020
A Florida State University researcher has identified 85 previously unknown submarine landslides in the Gulf of Mexico between 2008 and 2015. These landslides pose significant risks to coastal communities and seabed infrastructure, including oil platforms and pipelines.
SourceFlorida State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 18, 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 new USC study highlights the disproportionate impact of urban heat waves on low-income and disadvantaged communities in LA, with over half of census tracts expected to experience more than 16 extreme heat days above 95F per year by the end of the century.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 18, 2020
The article outlines a roadmap for better understanding COVID-19 in children, emphasizing the need for widespread testing, antibody studies, and vaccine evaluations. Critical steps are required to ensure children receive timely attention, treatment, and prevention strategies.
SourceI-ACT for Children·JournalPediatric Research·DateMay 18, 2020
A global trial is testing whether chloroquine can prevent COVID-19 infection or decrease its severity in front-line health-care workers. The CROWN CORONATION trial will recruit over 30,000 workers globally and examine the effectiveness of three different chloroquine dose schedules.
A new LAT1 inhibitor has been developed that can induce apoptosis in cancer cells without affecting brain amino acid homeostasis. The inhibitor was tested in vitro and found to be hemocompatible, making it a promising treatment option for various cancers.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAPOPTOSIS·DateMay 18, 2020
A study from Linköping University shows that proximity in video calls is established mainly by way of the body and senses, such as giving a digital high five. Humour and creativity also play a role in creating emotional proximity.
SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development·DateMay 18, 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.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio identified key drivers of tumor plasticity, a phenomenon where cancer cells change their behavior to evade treatments. The study found that targeting these genetic signals could increase therapy effectiveness and potentially cure more cancers.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 18, 2020
A new epigenetic editing tool has been developed to activate silenced genes by removing DNA methylation labels. The tool uses CRISPR and a plant enzyme called ROS1 to guide the removal of these marks, allowing researchers to reactivate silenced genes.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateMay 18, 2020
Researchers found that audiences preferred robot comedians with good timing, leading to higher laughter ratings. Adaptive performances also improved audience perception of individual jokes, but not overall funniness.
A new study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that people who experience more variety in their daily routines feel happier. The researchers found a strong correlation between brain activity in the hippocampus and striatum when individuals had diverse experiences.
SourceNew York University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 18, 2020