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NSF-Simons Centers to search for the Rules of Life

The NSF-Simons Research Centers will investigate the mathematical foundations of biological systems, shedding light on the pathways from DNA to organismal complexity. This knowledge may lead to predictive frameworks for understanding phenotypes across multiple scales and time.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateMay 25, 2018

Whey protein supplements and exercise help women improve body composition

A systematic review by Purdue University experts reveals that whey protein supplements combined with physical activity can help women improve their body composition. The study found a modest increase in lean mass without influencing fat mass, supporting the use of whey protein as an effective strategy for achieving a leaner body type.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNutrition Reviews·DateMay 23, 2018

'These could revolutionize the world'

Vanderbilt University researchers have discovered a way to produce cheap and small carbon nanotubes from air, which are supermaterials stronger than steel and more conductive than copper. This breakthrough could steer the conversation towards using these materials in future technology, rather than just focusing on reducing emissions.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 23, 2018

New tech may make prosthetic hands easier for patients to use

Researchers developed a user-generic musculoskeletal model that translates neuromuscular signals into commands for prosthetic devices. The technology has shown promising results in early testing with able-bodied and amputee volunteers, potentially paving the way for more intuitive and reliable prosthetic control.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateMay 22, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chemists synthesize millions of proteins not found in nature

Researchers have devised a way to rapidly synthesize and screen millions of novel proteins that could be used as drugs against Ebola and other viruses. These 'xenoproteins' offer advantages over naturally occurring proteins, including increased stability and potential for better immune response.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2018

BU researcher receives competitive $100,000 NIH grant

BU researcher Duo Zhang has received a highly competitive $100,000 NIH Pathway to Independence Award to investigate a previously unidentified RNA molecular in lung inflammation. The grant will assist him in launching independent research on bacterial-induced pneumonia.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateMay 15, 2018

New research says location of protected areas vital to wildlife survival

A new study provides a framework to identify geographical hotspots that can protect wild places and species from biodiversity loss. The study suggests that the exact location of protected areas is vital to wildlife survival, and that Canada's diverse ecosystems require careful consideration in their conservation.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalFACETS·DateMay 14, 2018

Gender discrimination results in the deaths of extra 239,000 girls per year in India

A new study reveals that India experiences an average of 239,000 excess female child mortality annually, primarily in rural areas with lower education and socioeconomic development. The researchers argue that addressing gender discrimination is crucial to reducing mortality rates among girls under five.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateMay 14, 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.

Tau-tolly microtubular!

Researchers have created a near-atomic-resolution model of tau-microtubule interactions, revealing how tau stabilizes microtubules and forms aggregates that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 10, 2018

Ultrafast laser pulse created by golden nanoparticles

Scientists have successfully created a fast, tunable, and stable nanoparticle-array laser, enabling ultrafast lasing dynamics with short and rapidly appearing laser pulses. The study showcases promising potential for all-optical switching and sensing applications.

SourceAalto University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 2, 2018
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.

Soccer heading -- not collisions -- cognitively impairs players

Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that frequent soccer ball heading is associated with poorer performance on psychomotor speed and attention tasks. Players who headed the ball more frequently showed subtle reductions in neuropsychological function, which may lead to microstructural changes in the brain.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateApr 24, 2018

Diamond-like carbon is formed differently to what was believed -- machine learning enables development of new model

A team of researchers has developed a new method for modeling the formation of diamond-like carbon at the atomic level, which challenges the prevailing understanding of the process. The approach uses machine learning to simulate thousands of atoms over long periods, revealing a more accurate picture of how the material forms.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 19, 2018

Deeper understanding of species roles in ecosystems

Researchers at Linköping University developed new methods to predict ecological roles of species in ecosystems. They found that a species' environment influences its role, particularly in predator-prey interactions. The study focuses on marine ecosystems but may inspire research on land-based habitats.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEcology Letters·DateApr 12, 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.

Solid research leads physicists to propose new state of matter

Researchers at UT Dallas suggest a new type of matter that exhibits both zero viscosity and non-periodic structure. Theoretical framework proposes an experimental setup to produce the material, potentially creating a supersolid with unique properties.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 9, 2018

Advancing the science of smell -- with a hint of musk

A Yale-led research group has identified two olfactory receptors that respond to musk compounds, which could advance the study of the pharmacological effects of musks. The discovery may have implications for understanding how human smell works at a molecular level and its impact on behavior.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 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.

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.

Scientists control molecular alignment on a graphene surface

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a method to construct perfectly aligned molecular assembly structures on graphenes. The technique relies on atomic force microscopy (AFM) and induces symmetry breaking in molecular patterns, enabling precise control over molecular alignment.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2018

Four kinds of algal toxins found in San Francisco Bay shellfish

A study by UC Santa Cruz researchers has found that 99% of mussels collected from San Francisco Bay were contaminated with at least one algal toxin, and 37% contained four distinct kinds of toxins. The contamination exceeded regulatory guidelines for multiple toxins in previous years.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalHarmful Algae·DateMar 12, 2018
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.

Flat gallium joins roster of new 2-D materials

Researchers successfully exfoliated gallenene onto various substrates, demonstrating its potential as an efficient metal contact in two-dimensional electronic devices. The method used to create the flat gallium could be explored for other metals and compounds with low melting points.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 9, 2018

A new kind of star

Researchers have developed a novel mathematical model combining general relativity with quantum vacuum polarization, enabling the existence of ultracompact stars and new stellar configurations. The study suggests that these stars could be detectable in future gravitational wave observatories.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 8, 2018

Strict eating schedule can lower Huntington disease protein in mice

Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that restricting food access to a six-hour window per day stimulated autophagy and lowered mutant huntingtin protein levels in mice with Huntington disease. This suggests a potential new treatment approach for the disorder, which could be complementary to existing therapies.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateMar 6, 2018
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.

Scientists engineer crops to conserve water, resist drought

Researchers have improved crop water-use-efficiency by 25% without compromising yield, using a single gene. The team increased photosynthetic protein PsbS levels to conserve water, allowing plants to grow faster and yield more during dry spells.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2018

Personalizing wearable devices

A new machine learning algorithm allows for quick optimization of personalized control parameters for assistive wearable devices, achieving significant improvements in metabolic performance and reducing costs. Researchers achieved a 17.4% reduction in metabolic cost compared to walking without the device.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 28, 2018

Scientists monitor crop photosynthesis, performance using invisible light

Researchers deployed 12-foot metal poles with sensors to capture sun-induced fluorescence, allowing them to rapidly monitor crop photosynthetic performance. This technology has the potential to transform phenotyping into an efficient, automated process.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateFeb 27, 2018
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.

Snake-inspired robot uses kirigami to move

A team of researchers developed a soft robot that uses kirigami to achieve locomotion, gripping the ground like snakeskin. The robot's surface transforms into a textured surface as it stretches, allowing it to crawl without rigid components.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 21, 2018

Can a cockroach teach a robot how to scurry across rugged terrain?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a multi-legged robot that replicates the locomotion patterns of cockroaches, allowing it to traverse large gaps and bumps with increased efficiency. By studying the movement principles of these insects, the team aims to create robots that can navigate complex, cluttered terrain.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateFeb 13, 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.

Nuno Maulide to receive Springer Heterocyclic Chemistry Award 2018

Nuno Maulide will receive the award at the European Colloquium on Heterocyclic Chemistry in Lecce, Italy, for his original work on unconventional reactivity profiles and high-energy reactive intermediates. The prize includes a travel grant, €1,000 cash prize, and a lifelong online subscription to Topics in Heterocyclic Chemistry.

SourceSpringer·DateFeb 12, 2018

Evolution -- and skill -- help hefty hummingbirds stay spry

New research reveals that larger hummingbirds can compensate for their greater body masses by adapting their physiology. The study found that acceleration is primarily driven by muscle capacity, while wing size plays a key role in maneuverability.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2018

Fruit bat's echolocation may work like sophisticated surveillance sonar

Researchers found that Egyptian fruit bats use a technique similar to frequency-scanning sonar, pointing different frequencies of sound at slightly different angles to create fine-grained acoustic images. This discovery could lead to the development of cheap sensors with sensing capability.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 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.

What are memories made of?

Researchers have discovered that three distinct varieties of the protein AKT play different roles in brain health, with AKT2 targeting brain cancer and AKT1 promoting memory formation. The study's findings hold promise for developing targeted therapies for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJan 26, 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.

Scale-eating fish adopt clever parasitic methods to survive

Researchers studied four species of scale-eating fish, finding that each employed distinct strategies to pry scales off prey. The study highlights the diversity of life on Earth and sheds light on the evolution and behavior of these unusual carnivorous grazers.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 17, 2018

'Sniffing' out counterfeit liquors

A portable device can identify liquors and determine if they've been altered, offering a strategy for liquor quality assurance. The device uses an advanced sensor array that can detect various scotch whiskies, bourbon, rye, brandy and vodka with greater than 99 percent accuracy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateJan 10, 2018

NIH fellowships to help grad students study heart health

Two graduate students have won National Institutes of Health fellowships to study heart health, with Tristan Raisch focusing on electrical conduction and Carissa James exploring protein synthesis in gap junctions. The awards strengthen Virginia Tech's training in biomedical sciences.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateJan 9, 2018
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.

Unifying the theories of neural information encoding

Researchers at IST Austria and Paris create framework connecting three neural information encoding theories, providing concrete predictions for previously unstudied coding regimes. The unified theory allows neurons to have mixed coding objectives, covering a range of constraints and phenomena not explained by existing models.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2017

Plain cigarette packaging may reduce incorrect impression of product's safety

A study published in BMJ Tobacco Control found that plain cigarette packaging can reduce consumers' misconceptions about the safety of certain brands. In an online survey, participants rated Natural American Spirit packaging as safer when viewed with a plain container or graphic warning image compared to current US packaging.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateDec 18, 2017

Flower or flesh? Genetics explain mosquito preference

Researchers have identified genetic differences between mosquitoes that prefer plants and those that consume blood. The study suggests that the shift from blood to plant-based diet may be driven by reduced risks of predation and stress associated with consuming blood meals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

To trade or not to trade? Breaking the ivory deadlock

A new policy process aims to overcome the stalemate on ivory trade, recognizing the moral perspectives of both proponents and opponents. The researchers' structured approach seeks to help stakeholders understand each other's views, making informed decisions that balance conservation with economic interests.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2017

Software enables robots to be controlled in virtual reality

Researchers at Brown University have created software that allows users to control robots remotely using virtual reality, enhancing the manipulation tasks of autonomous robots. The system uses a robot's sensors to create a point-cloud model of the environment, transmitted to a remote computer connected to a virtual reality headset.

SourceBrown University·DateDec 14, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Researchers examine how errors affect credibility of online reviews

Researchers found that consumers with high levels of trust view misspellings as 'errors of knowledge', while those with low trust see them as indicative of careless writing. Consumers also react differently to typos, viewing typographical errors as signaling a lack of conscientiousness.

SourceIndiana University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateDec 11, 2017