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Plasma flow near sun's surface explains sunspots, other solar phenomena

A University of Washington study proposes a model of plasma motion that explains the 11-year sunspot cycle and other solar phenomena. The model suggests that a thin layer beneath the sun's surface is key to understanding solar magnetic phenomena, including sunspots, magnetic reversals, and solar flow.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateSep 19, 2019

Graphene sets the stage for the next generation of THz astronomy detectors

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology have demonstrated a graphene-based detector that can detect faint cosmic signals with high sensitivity and large bandwidth. The device's low power requirements make it ideal for future space missions, enabling 3D imaging of the universe.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 11, 2019
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.

Suicide rates climbing, especially in rural America

A new study finds that US suicide rates have jumped 41% since 1999, with rural areas bearing the brunt. Factors contributing to higher rates include lack of insurance, gun shop density, poverty, and low social connections.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 6, 2019

MIT's fleet of autonomous boats can now shapeshift

Researchers at MIT have developed a new algorithm that enables the 'roboats' to smoothly reshape themselves as efficiently as possible. The system, designed for Amsterdam's canals, allows groups of linked roboat units to unlatch from one another and reattach to form various structures, such as bridges and stages.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 29, 2019

New evidence that optimists live longer

Researchers found that individuals with higher optimism levels live up to 11-15% longer and have a 50-70% greater chance of reaching 85 years old compared to those with lower optimism. Optimism may be linked to healthier habits, better emotional regulation, and increased resilience.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Big brains or big guts: Choose one

A global study finds that birds with smaller brains thrive in variable environments by using alternative ecological strategies, such as large bodies and high reproductive rates. In contrast, big-brained birds are less adaptable and invest more time in raising fewer offspring.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2019

How red-eared invaders are hurting California's native turtles

Scientists removed nearly 200 invasive red-eared sliders from a UC Davis Arboretum waterway to observe the impact on native western pond turtles. The study found that without competition, native turtles gain significant weight and improve health.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 22, 2019

Mosquitoes push northern limits with time-capsule eggs to survive winters

New research shows that mosquitoes at the northern edge of their range are successfully surviving cold winters using diapause eggs. This rapid local adaptation could impact efforts to control the spread of invasive species like Asian tiger mosquitoes, which transmit diseases such as Zika and dengue viruses.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 21, 2019

Are attitudes contagious?

A Northwestern University study found that people acquire attitudes toward individuals based on nonverbal signals, including implicit biases. The researchers discovered that participants attributed their negative attitudes to the target's behavior rather than the observer's actions, highlighting the importance of considering the role o...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateAug 19, 2019
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.

Magnetic plasma pulses excited by UK-size swirls in the solar atmosphere

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered UK-size photospheric plasma swirls generating short-lived Alfvén pulses in the solar atmosphere. These pulses are estimated to carry more than 10 times higher energy flux than needed for heating the local upper solar chromosphere.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 2019

Researchers forecast failure in disordered materials

Scientists predict potential failure sites in disordered materials like cellular foams and fiber networks by analyzing network connections. They used geodesic edge betweenness centrality to identify the most critical edges and predicted failure locations with high accuracy.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2019
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.

ASHG honors Stephen Montgomery with Early-Career Award

Stephen Montgomery, a Stanford University geneticist, receives ASHG's Early-Career Award for his innovative work on gene regulation, rare genetic variants, and exercise-induced molecular impacts. He has made significant contributions to the field, mentoring numerous students and postdoctoral researchers.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 22, 2019

Timing is everything for the mutualistic relationship between ants and acacias

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania discover a genetic mechanism controlling the development of specialized structures in acacia trees that feed and house ant colonies. The findings suggest an age-dependent phenomenon in plant development, where traits appear only after reaching a mature stage.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2019

Dementia and transitional care: Gaps in research and practice

A new study found that older patients with dementia received significantly less transitional care than those without dementia, including inadequate patient education and poor communication between healthcare teams. Researchers are calling for system-level changes to prioritize the needs of dementia patients and their caregivers.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Gerontological Nursing·DateJul 16, 2019
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.

Strange warping geometry helps to push scientific boundaries

Scientists at Princeton University have created an electronic array that simulates particle interactions in a hyperbolic plane, a geometric surface where space curves away from itself at every point. This innovation could enable new investigations in quantum mechanics and aid the design of new materials.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature·DateJul 11, 2019

Cells synchronize to release toxins in unison

Researchers at Stanford University discovered a new form of cell communication, where individual cells coordinate their ultrafast contractions to release paralyzing toxins in sync. The phenomenon was found to occur through hydrodynamic flows, allowing cells to sense and respond to their environment.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateJul 10, 2019

Physicists' finding could revolutionize information transmission

A team led by UC Riverside physicists has identified dark trions as a promising carrier of quantum information, with a lifetime of over 100 times longer than bright trions. This breakthrough could revolutionize information transmission and enable new ways of data transfer.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 9, 2019

Is that news really 'fake,' or is it just biased?

Bias and honesty are key factors in determining source credibility, a study by Ohio State University researchers found. People tend to distrust biased sources, even if they believe the information is true. In contrast, untruthful news isn't the only issue for consumers; objective sources can still lose credibility if perceived as biased.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJul 8, 2019
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.

New imaging method aids in water decontamination

A new imaging method developed at Cornell University helps remove pollutants from water by identifying optimal catalyst particle sizes and shapes. The technique, called COMPEITS, reveals previously unknown behaviors of catalysts, rendering pollutants nontoxic.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 8, 2019

Prized postdoc works to demystify process behind quark combination

Andrea Signori's project, 'Unraveling Hadronization,' aims to improve fragmentation functions and make them more accurate. This will give physicists more confidence in detecting specific quarks in particles, leading to a better understanding of hadronization.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJun 28, 2019

'Robot blood' powers machines for lengthy tasks

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a system of circulating liquid, called "robot blood", to store energy and power robotic applications. This synthetic vascular system enables robots to perform sophisticated tasks for longer periods, increasing energy density while maintaining mobility.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2019
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.

Electron-behaving nanoparticles rock current understanding of matter

Northwestern University researchers found nanoparticles engineered with DNA in colloidal crystals exhibit electron-like behavior, introducing a new term called metallicity. This discovery challenges the current understanding of matter and opens doors to designing new materials with unique properties.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2019

Researchers find genes that could help create more resilient chickens

Researchers have identified genes that can help chickens resist Newcastle disease, a major poultry pathogen affecting small flocks in low- to middle-income countries. The study found that certain breeds of chickens have innate resistance to the disease due to evolutionary adaptations.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 2019

Researchers develop tool to predict postoperative delirium severity

Researchers developed a tool to predict postoperative delirium severity, enabling better care for patients recovering from surgery. The study used data from 100 adults undergoing non-cardiac, non-neurological surgery, combining two previous tools to assess delirium intensity.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJun 11, 2019

Scientists stack algorithms to improve predictions of yield-boosting crop traits

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois has developed a new technique to predict high-yielding crop traits by stacking six machine learning algorithms, improving predictive power by up to 15 percent. The approach empowers scientists to leverage computational analysis to translate their datasets into beneficial results.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateJun 3, 2019
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.

Circadian clock and fat metabolism linked through newly discovered mechanism

Researchers at Princeton University discovered a new mechanism linking the circadian clock and fat metabolism through the Nocturnin enzyme. The study found that Nocturnin regulates specific metabolites to produce energy and protect cells from damage, leading to improved metabolic health outcomes.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 30, 2019

Tiny fish a big lure for life on coral reefs

Researchers at Simon Fraser University discovered that tiny fish species around the world are a crucial food source for larger fishes on coral reefs. These 'cryptobenthic' fishes dominate larval communities near reefs and create a steady stream of babies that rapidly replaces each adult fish devoured on the reef.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2019

Film images of war ruins

The new project, led by Professor Vinzenz Hediger, investigates war destruction and reconstruction in non-fiction film from 1949 to 1953. The team analyzes public spaces such as marketplaces and squares in various European countries.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateMay 20, 2019

Why do women military vets avoid using VA benefits?

Research by UMass Amherst epidemiologist Elizabeth Evans identified factors affecting women vets' use of VA-provided health care, including poor connections, limited knowledge, and uncomfortable environments. The study aims to inform improvements to VA health care design and delivery to better serve women veterans.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Humanistic Psychology·DateMay 20, 2019

Detecting dementia's damaging effects before it's too late

Scientists have discovered that patients with a rare form of dementia called Primary Progressive Aphasia show abnormalities in brain function despite structurally normal MRI scans. Functional defects were found in regions not yet showing structural damage on MRI, suggesting an early-detection method for neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateMay 13, 2019
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.

Do most Americans believe in human-caused climate change?

A study found that varying question formats can significantly affect the proportion of Americans who believe in human-caused climate change. The researchers surveyed over 7,000 people and found that the acceptance rate ranged from 50% to 71%, depending on the format used.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalClimatic Change·DateMay 9, 2019

Study reveals final fate of levitating Leidenfrost droplets

A team of researchers has detailed the final fate of levitating Leidenfrost droplets, finding that smaller drops escape and larger ones explode violently. The study's findings suggest that contaminants play a crucial role in determining the droplets' behavior, with minute quantities having significant effects on their lifetime.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 2019

Arsenic-breathing life discovered in the tropical Pacific Ocean

Researchers found that microorganisms can use arsenic as an electron acceptor to extract energy from food, a strategy thought to be a holdover from Earth's early history. The discovery opens up new avenues for studying organisms that thrive in low-oxygen environments.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2019

Bots exploiting blockchains for profit

Researchers found that bots use time delays to make trades faster than humans, allowing them to frontrunning and take advantage of human error. High fees paid to prioritize transactions pose a security threat to the entire blockchain.

SourceCornell University·DateApr 30, 2019
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.

Only some people get one health benefit from social support

A new study suggests that social support only benefits those with a positive attitude about themselves, but not those with low self-esteem. People with high self-esteem already have advantages compared to those with low self-esteem, and social support only helps them more.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateApr 30, 2019

Federal research significant in environmental rule-making

Stakeholders rely on federal government-sponsored research to form opinions on hydraulic fracturing, viewing it as more neutral and credible. The study highlights the importance of federal research in reducing polarization and shaping the regulatory landscape.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateApr 29, 2019
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.

How superstitions spread

A model by theoretical biologists demonstrates how superstitious beliefs can become established in a society's social norms, guiding the behavior of large groups. The research suggests that even irrational beliefs can be beneficial when correlated with others' actions, leading to coordinated behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2019

Amazonian soils mapped using indicator species

Researchers from Finland and Brazil developed a method that uses both plant and soil data to produce a map of soil properties in Amazonia. The study leverages digital herbarium databases and fern species occurrence data to estimate soil properties, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 17, 2019

Successful research papers cite young references

Analyzing nearly 6 million citations, Northwestern University researchers found that highly cited papers cite relatively recent work and go on to become highly cited themselves. This suggests that top scientists are adept at identifying promising research.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateApr 15, 2019
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.

One-two punch helps solve greatest unmet need in cardiology

A team of UT Southwestern researchers has created a groundbreaking two-hit model to combat HFpEF, a type of heart failure with no effective treatments. By combining high-fat diets with blood pressure-raising drugs, they replicated the human condition and provided an accurate biological picture that can advance treatment development.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2019

Researchers working to prevent sexual harassment in scientific field settings

A team of Colorado State University researchers are studying the prevalence and psychological indicators of sexual harassment in field-based research. They aim to create a policy and culture of collegiality and respect across field teams, with a focus on low-power positions like graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

SourceColorado State University·DateApr 9, 2019

Postdoctoral researcher launches Community Noise Lab at Boston University

Community Noise Lab, launched by Dr. Erica Walker, explores the relationship between community noise and health through real-time sound monitoring, lab experiments, and community engagement. The lab aims to inform, empower, and impact communities, sharing ride-sharing science to advance public health research.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateApr 8, 2019
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.

Racial bias associated with disparities in disciplinary action across US schools

A study by Princeton University researchers found that racial bias contributes to disciplinary disparities in US schools, with black students experiencing higher rates of suspension and expulsion. The study analyzed data from over 3,100 counties and found a correlation between county-level measures of racial bias and disciplinary action.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2019
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.

New study demonstrates radio signal benefits from decades-old theory

Researchers have demonstrated the real-world utility of direct antenna modulation (DAM) for boosting radio signal quality when transmitting at high data rates. The method has applications in military communications and can improve signal quality dramatically with much smaller antennas.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Access·DateApr 2, 2019

URI researcher calculates temperature inside moon to help reveal its inner structure

A University of Rhode Island scientist has determined the temperature at the boundary of the Moon's core and mantle, finding it to be between 1,130 and 1,470 degrees Celsius. This discovery will help create a temperature profile through the Moon, allowing researchers to better understand its internal structure, composition, and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateApr 1, 2019

2019 HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Human Frontier Science Program has awarded 89 fellowships to outstanding young life scientists from around the world. The new fellows will conduct innovative research in biology, including studies on skin-based lymph nodes, motor proteins for translation, and temporal learning.

SourceHuman Frontier Science Program·DateMar 28, 2019
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.