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Cilia beat to an unexpected rhythm in male reproductive tract, study in mice reveals

Researchers discovered that cilia in the efferent ductules of male reproductive tract agitate sperm to prevent aggregation and promote transport. The study's findings have significant translational potential for developing new methods to help patients with infertility.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019

The most important hair on your head is on the inside

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have found that cilia are essential for normal brain development and functioning. In zebrafish larvae, groups of cells with cilia create a stable directional flow of cerebrospinal fluid within individual ventricles.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 3, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A model for describing the hydrodynamics of crowds

Researchers developed a physical model describing crowd movement and behavior, predicting speed information spreads through the group like waves. The generic description can accurately predict crowd flows in various settings, with little variation between groups.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateJan 3, 2019

A catalytic flying carpet

Researchers at Pitt develop a two-dimensional, shape-changing sheet that wraps, flaps and creeps in a reactant-filled fluid. The team introduces a coating of catalysts on the flexible sheet, initiating motion and reconfiguration through catalytic chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 2, 2019

University of Birmingham develops sight-saving treatment for eye infection or trauma

The University of Birmingham has developed an innovative eye drop treatment that rapidly reduces sight-threatening scarring to the surface of the eye. This novel treatment, which consists of a fluid gel loaded with a natural wound-healing protein called Decorin, shows promise in promoting scarless healing and improving corneal transpar...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalRegenerative Medicine·DateDec 21, 2018

When a fish becomes fluid

During zebrafish development, a region of the embryo switches from viscous to liquid, allowing it to take shape. The study found that this process is mediated by cell division and regulated by non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 17, 2018

New undersea maps lead to hydrothermal vent and species discoveries

A new hydrothermal vent field, JaichMaat, has been discovered using submarine robotics. The vent field features multiple mounds with unique geological and geochemical characteristics, supporting diverse microbial and animal communities. Detailed maps allow for the quantification of these communities in relation to geologic features.

SourceSchmidt Ocean Institute·DateDec 13, 2018
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.

Taming turbulence: Seeking to make complex simulations a breeze

Scientists have developed a new approach to modeling turbulence, which allows for the simplification of complex systems. By representing both growing and decaying motions, researchers can greatly improve existing models and tackle previously intractable problems, such as fusion experiments and weather forecasting.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateDec 11, 2018

New sepsis treatment a step closer

A large clinical study in Australia and New Zealand aims to better understand sepsis treatment practices and evaluate the effectiveness of a reduced fluid approach. The study, funded by the Emergency Medicine Foundation, will investigate how intravenous fluids are used to treat sepsis patients.

SourceEmergency Medicine Foundation (Australia)·JournalTrials·DateDec 11, 2018

Uranium in mine dust could dissolve in human lungs

A new study found that uranium in mine dust can dissolve in simulated lung fluids and bloodstream, increasing the risk of disease. The researchers tested dust samples from five sites near uranium mines in New Mexico, discovering that mineral composition affects solubility.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateDec 5, 2018

Predicting oil spill and wild fire damage -- NSF grant

Virginia Tech professors Shane Ross and Traian Iliescu receive NSF grant to create a computational model-based simulation that quickly predicts contaminant spread. The research aims to improve forecasts of disaster response operations, minimizing environmental damage and costs.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 30, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Table-top experiment flips current understanding of solutal convection

A new study by University of Texas at Austin researchers reveals that the primary driver of solutal convection in porous media is not density, but mechanical dispersion. The findings contradict decades of scientific consensus and have significant implications for CO2 sequestration and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 30, 2018

Babies born with broken hearts

Fetal single ventricle defects can be identified with echocardiograms, but irregular filling mechanics may contribute to defects in developing fetal hearts. Researchers are exploring how flow patterns affect outcome and could use fluid dynamics to advance the mechanistic understanding of heart failure in children.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 20, 2018
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.

Aquatic animals that jump out of water inspire leaping robots

Researchers design robotic system inspired by jumping copepods and frogs, revealing the importance of body size and entrained water mass in achieving maximum jumping heights. The robot's limitations highlight the challenges of entering or exiting air-water interfaces.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 20, 2018

New drug discovery could halt spread of brain cancer

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a drug that can block the spread of glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer, by halting the rapid movement of fluid within the body. The breakthrough finding could lead to improved treatment options for patients with glioblastoma.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 19, 2018

The subtle science of wok tossing

Researchers at Georgia Tech discover that wok tossing is a critical aspect of cooking fried rice, involving two oscillating motions: translational and rotational. By understanding these motions, they aim to develop robotic designs for automated fried rice cooking.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 19, 2018

Helping Marvel superheroes to breathe

Researchers found that Ant-Man and the Wasp's bug-sized state would lead to serious oxygen deprivation issues due to reduced atmospheric density. Microfluidic technologies could help alleviate these issues by providing controlled flow rates and directions of air, similar to insect respiratory systems.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 18, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists explain how wombats drop cubed poop

Researchers studied the digestive tracts of wombats and found that elastic properties of intestinal walls allow for cube formation. Wombats use cube-shaped poop to mark their home ranges and communicate with other wombats.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 18, 2018

Researchers propose solutions for urine sample splash dilemma

Researchers have proposed a solution to the uncomfortable and messy issue of providing urine samples. A patented product called the Orchid, designed by Faith Leibman, features a funnel-like catch attached to a urine sample cup, making it easier for women and people with disabilities to provide a urine sample.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 18, 2018

Explaining a fastball's unexpected twist

Investigations by Utah State University researchers reveal that two-seam fastball pitch movement is influenced by finger grip and spin axis tilt. The knuckleball's unique point of separation mid-flight also affects its trajectory, contrary to initial assumptions based on the Magnus effect.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 18, 2018

Swarmlike collective behavior in bicycling

A team of researchers analyzed aerial video footage of bicycle races to determine the causes of changes in peloton collective behavior. They found two types of propagating waves within pelotons, driven by rider vision and sensory input, which challenge previous assumptions about aerodynamics' role in group dynamics.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 18, 2018
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.

Bursting bubbles launch bacteria from water to air

Researchers found that bacteria can affect a bubble's longevity, causing it to last up to 10 times longer than an uncontaminated one. The team discovered that bacterial secretions act as surfactants, extending the lifetime of contaminated bubbles by reducing surface tension and making them more resistant to perturbations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 15, 2018

Doing the wave: how stretchy fluids react to wavy surfaces

Researchers at OIST investigate viscoelastic fluid flow over wavy surfaces, revealing unexpected effects of elasticity. The critical layer, a region where vortices are amplified, is confirmed experimentally for the first time.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 7, 2018

Machine-learning system could aid critical decisions in sepsis care

Researchers developed a predictive model to guide clinicians in deciding when to give potentially life-saving drugs to ER patients suffering from sepsis. The model analyzes health data and predicts whether patients will need vasopressors within the next few hours, with an accuracy rate of over 80 percent.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 6, 2018

Researchers identify promising proteins for diagnostic, prognostic use in ALS

A team of researchers from North Carolina State University has identified two promising proteins, chitinase-3 like1 and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin, that may improve the diagnosis and prognosis of ALS. The study found that models developed from proteins in cerebrospinal fluid were more useful than those in blood plasma.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 5, 2018

Seeing cell membranes in a new light

Researchers have long believed cell membranes act like a viscous liquid, but a new study suggests they are closer to a semi-solid like Jell-O. The discovery was made by Harvard University scientists who used fluorescent protein and mechanical actuators to measure membrane tension.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateNov 1, 2018
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.

Inside these fibers, droplets are on the move

Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to process larger volumes of fluid using individual fibers, overcoming limitations in traditional microfluidic devices. This innovation enables the detection of rare substances, such as cancerous cells among millions of normal cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Study finds human milk components in amniotic fluid

Researchers at UC San Diego discovered human milk oligosaccharides in amniotic fluid during pregnancy, which may influence early microbiome development and prevent preterm birth. HMOs' presence in amniotic fluid also suggests potential benefits for prenatal lung and brain development.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 2, 2018

Women who drank more water had less frequent urinary tract infections

A study of 140 premenopausal women with recurrent cystitis found that those drinking more water (1.5 liters daily) experienced less frequent infections (average 1.7 vs 3.2 episodes). Drinking more water may be a safe and inexpensive alternative to antimicrobial treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 1, 2018
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.

Blood and brain fluid change first in Huntington's disease

A new study finds that a simple blood test can detect early changes caused by Huntington's disease, even before brain scans can pick up signs. The test measures two biomarkers, NfL protein in blood and mutant huntingtin protein in brain fluid, to track the disease's progression.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 12, 2018

Careful -- You are made of glass

Researchers used state-of-the-art techniques to measure cell forces and stresses in zebrafish embryos, discovering a fundamental physical mechanism for shaping embryonic tissues. This finding provides insight into human health issues like cancer formation and organ engineering.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateSep 5, 2018
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.

Injection wells can induce earthquakes miles away from the well

A study of injection wells reveals that they can cause earthquakes up to 6 miles away from the well site. Injecting fluids into sedimentary rock produces bigger, more distant earthquakes compared to injecting into the underlying basement rock. This challenges current recommendations for hydraulic fracturing and wastewater disposal.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2018

Ironing out the difficulties of moving fluids in space

Researchers on the International Space Station are studying ferrofluids with magnetic fields to create pump systems without mechanical moving parts. This could extend system lifetimes and improve performance in next-generation space vehicles.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·DateAug 28, 2018

Can 'microswimmers' swim through jelly?

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University studied how microswimmers navigate gels with contrasting results based on swimmer features and size relative to the gel's mesh. They discovered two mechanisms for achieving motion, one through breaking time-reversal symmetry and the other by modulating arm amplitudes

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateAug 27, 2018
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.

Stunting and the microbiome

A study of stunted children found decompensation of the gastrointestinal tract and increased abundance of oropharyngeal taxa in their gut microbiomes. This suggests a key role for oral cavity bacteria in childhood growth stunting.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2018

Supercomputing simulations and machine learning help improve power plants

Researchers at University of Stuttgart are developing tools to make supercritical heat transfer more viable using high-performance computing and machine learning. They explore using carbon dioxide as a cleaner alternative to water in power plants, which could reduce hardware requirements by ten-fold.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 20, 2018

Fellowships recognize tomorrow's supercomputing innovators

Linda Gesenhues and Markus Höhnerbach receive fellowships for their work on finite element simulation of turbidity currents and portable optimizations of complex molecular dynamics codes. Their research has potential applications in geological phenomena, such as underwater volcanoes and earthquakes.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateAug 16, 2018

Army scientists create new technique for modeling turbulence in the atmosphere

Researchers develop a novel approach using the Lattice-Boltzmann method to accurately model atmospheric turbulence in complex environments, reducing computational load and improving prediction accuracy. This breakthrough has significant implications for military operations, civilian planning, and emergency response.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Fluid Mechanics·DateAug 7, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Earthquakes can be weakened by groundwater

Researchers from EPFL and ENS Paris have discovered that highly pressurized water in the vicinity of an earthquake can reduce its intensity. This finding contradicts previous theories and highlights the importance of considering fluid pressure in geothermal models to accurately predict earthquake behavior.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2018

Researchers turn powerful, viscous disinfectants into breathable mist for the first time

A team of engineers and physicians at the University of California - San Diego developed a device that diffuses potent disinfectants for airborne delivery. The device effectively eliminated bacteria commonly causing hospital-acquired infections and also killed highly multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria including K. pneumoniae.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalApplied Microbiology and Biotechnology·DateAug 1, 2018

Soundwave-surfing droplets leave no traces

Researchers create a digital microfluidics platform using soundwaves and oil to avoid contamination for reusable lab-on-a-chip devices. The technology enables programmable, rewritable biomedical chips with exponentially increased combinations of reagent inputs.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2018

New target is an apparent triple threat to pneumonia

Scientists have identified a new target for treating pneumonia, which shows promise in restoring tight barriers and improving fluid clearance. The target is ENaC-alpha, a subunit of natural channels that mediate sodium uptake and play a role in fluid movement.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJul 25, 2018
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.

As we get parched, cognition can easily sputter, dehydration study says

Researchers analyzed data from multiple studies on dehydration and cognitive ability, finding that functions like attention and complex problem-solving suffer most. The study also warned that older people and those with high body fat content are more susceptible to dehydration-related impairments.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJul 17, 2018

That sound makes me dizzy

University of Utah engineers uncover the reasons behind vertigo caused by specific sounds, linking it to a thinning of the bone enclosing the inner ear. The study reveals pathological fluid mechanical waves in the semicircular canals as the culprit, causing incorrect signals sent to the brain.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 10, 2018
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.

Swimming bacteria work together to go with the flow

Bacteria can reduce liquid viscosity and make it flow frictionlessly. Researchers at the University of Bristol found that bacterial suspensions can exhibit negative viscosity, a phenomenon previously thought impossible in physics. This discovery could lead to the development of bacteria-powered machines.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 4, 2018

A first look at interstitial fluid flow in the brain

A team of researchers has developed a new method to measure and reconstruct interstitial fluid flow velocities in the brain. The technique reveals high variability in flow rates and magnitudes, contradicting the classical idea of a uniform flow rate. This discovery could potentially help predict tumor growth and improve cancer treatments.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateJul 3, 2018