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Science News for May 11, 2011


Teens who feel responsible to their parents are more engaged in school

A new longitudinal study found that children who feel more responsible to their parents stay engaged in school and perform better. The study, conducted in the US and China, suggests that parents should communicate to teenagers the importance of acting responsibly as they enter middle school.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

CWRU researchers call for changing how research is done

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University are rethinking participation criteria in biomedical studies to make them more inclusive of people with disabilities. They argue that excluding people with disabilities from research can lead to missing crucial scientific evidence and health-related differences.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 11, 2011

Yale researchers explain why cancer 'smart drugs' may not be so smart

Yale researchers have found that a decoy receptor called serum sEGFR might limit the effectiveness of cancer 'smart drugs' like Cetuximab. This could explain why some patients do not respond to these treatments, even though the drug is supposed to target specific cancer cell growth drivers.

SourceYale University·JournalBiotechnology Journal·DateMay 11, 2011

When words get hot, mental multitaskers collect cool

Research by Demaree and Schmeichel found that people with high working memory capacity are better at controlling their emotions after receiving harsh criticism. They use a coping mechanism to make themselves feel better, resulting in less negative emotions.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalEmotion·DateMay 11, 2011

Health reform law will insure nearly all uninsured women by 2014

The Affordable Care Act is expanding health insurance coverage to nearly all uninsured women, addressing the issue of millions unable to afford needed healthcare. The law includes premium subsidies and new rules protecting women from high costs, aiming to increase access to preventive care and reduce medical debt.

SourceCommonwealth Fund·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

Marine lab research tracks pollutants in dolphins and beluga whales

Researchers found that bottlenose dolphins and beluga whales accumulate more chemical pollutants when living and feeding in waters near urbanized areas. POPs were detected in the highest concentrations, with PCBs being the most prevalent pollutant.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 11, 2011

Toward a vaccine for methamphetamine abuse

Three new vaccine formulations show potential in preventing long-term relapse and reducing costs associated with methamphetamine addiction. The formulations produce a good immune response in mice, offering a unique approach to treating the highly addictive substance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 11, 2011

The secret behind NIST's new gas detector? Chirp before sniffing

The NIST sensor detects many different trace gases at fast rates with high sensitivity, built from off-the-shelf technology for portability and commercial potential. The key is using radiation at terahertz frequencies to rotate gas molecules uniquely for identification and measurement.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Express·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

Infantile amnesia: Gauging children's earliest memories

A longitudinal study of 140 children aged 4-13 found that younger children's earliest memories changed over time, while older children became more consistent in their recollections. Children who were between 4 and 7 years old showed little overlap between memories recalled at two different ages.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 11, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Potential new predictor of male reproductive potential identified

A study published in PLoS ONE found that a shorter anogenital distance may indicate impaired testicular development and function. The research suggests that this non-invasive measurement could be used to evaluate patients with reduced reproductive potential, potentially linking gestational exposures to adult testicular function.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 11, 2011

Brain development goes off track as vulnerable individuals develop schizophrenia

Research studies found that vulnerable individuals with genetic deletions on chromosome 22, known as velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS), are at risk for developing schizophrenia. Progressive brain abnormalities emerge during adolescence, including deficits in the volume of temporal cortex gray matter, which predicts psychosis.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 11, 2011

Resettlement is a positive move for homeless people

A UK study found that 81% of single homeless people lived independently 18 months after resettlement, with most reporting improved lives and rebuilding their relationships. Help from tenancy-support workers was crucial in the first months of resettlement.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

Blood pressure drug shows some muscle

Researchers discovered losartan improves muscle regeneration and prevents wasting away from inactivity in geriatric mice. The study suggests losartan may have broader clinical applications in protecting against immobilization atrophy in older adults.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 11, 2011

Change is the order of the day in the Arctic

Scientific data show alarming changes in Arctic snow, water, ice, and permafrost, posing risks to human populations and the world at large. Climate change could also open up new areas for mineral and oil exploration, but this must be balanced against the enormous challenges it poses.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·DateMay 11, 2011

Serendipity leads to lifesaving discovery

A McGill research team identified two distinct disease-causing mutations in the IRF8 gene, which causes severe immunodeficiency and disseminated BCG infection. These findings led to a successful stem cell transplant that saved the life of a three-month-old baby girl.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

Carbon, carbon everywhere, but not from the Big Bang

NC State physicist Dean Lee and colleagues create simulations using effective field theory to calculate low-lying states of carbon-12, confirming the Hoyle state's existence. The research provides a better understanding of 'fine-tuning' in stellar processes that produce essential elements for life.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 11, 2011

Beware of predatory male black bears

Research reveals that lone male black bears are the primary cause of fatal attacks on humans, with a significant increase in attacks linked to human population growth. The study also found that familiarization with humans and previous bear encounters do not necessarily lead to increased attack rates.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMay 11, 2011

Stay-at-home parents make for a cooperative family of lizards

Researchers found that great desert burrowing skink families construct complex tunnel systems with up to 20 entrances, extending over 13 meters. Multiple generations participate in the process, suggesting a unique insight into lizard evolution and family cooperation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

Human lung stem cell discovered

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a human lung stem cell capable of regenerating damaged lung tissue. The discovery has the potential to offer a new treatment option for those suffering from chronic lung diseases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 11, 2011

Guilt, cooperation linked by neural network

A UA study using economic models backed up by fMRI scans explores the neural bases of guilt aversion and its role in sustaining human cooperation. The findings suggest that a critical neural system processes moral sentiments to sustain trust and reciprocity in complex situations.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNeuron·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

Reforesting rural lands in China pays big dividends, Stanford researchers say

China's Sloping Land Conversion Program has helped restore eroded forestland while providing economic gains for farmers. The program has decreased soil erosion by up to 68% and improved the environment, but its economic benefits have been less pronounced, with some families struggling to find new work.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2011

The urea cycle: An anabolic steroid for diatoms

A team of researchers has identified the urea cycle in diatoms as a key player in recycling inorganic carbon and nitrogen, enabling them to quickly recover from nutrient withdrawal and respond to changes in their environment. The discovery sheds new light on the evolutionary relationships between diatoms, plants, and animals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2011

Marriage problems related to infants' sleep difficulties

Researchers found that marital instability at 9 months old predicts child sleep problems at 18 months, including difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. This relationship persists even after controlling for factors such as birth order, parents' anxiety, and infant temperament.

SourceOregon State University·JournalChild Development·DateMay 11, 2011

The '$1,000 genome' may cost $100,000 to understand

Advances in technology have reduced sequencing gene costs to $1,000, but analyzing genomic data for personalized medicine remains costly. New trends in bioinformatics, such as commercial drug discovery and collaboration, are helping reduce the burden.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

US, Chinese children differ in commitment to parents over time

A new study found that American children's sense of responsibility to their parents declines in the seventh and eighth grades, while Chinese students maintain their feelings of obligation. This decline coincides with decreases in academic performance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalChild Development·DateMay 11, 2011

Mother and kid goat vocals strike a chord

New research from Queen Mary University of London has found that mother and kid goats can recognize each other's calls shortly after birth, a finding that suggests robust mechanisms of memorization and recognition in goats. This study's results have implications for understanding animal communication and behavior.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

MIT Study: conventional fossil fuels sometimes 'greener' than biofuels

A new MIT study highlights the variability in greenhouse gas emissions from alternative fuels, suggesting that conventional fossil fuels may sometimes be a more environmentally friendly choice. The research found that different types of land used for biofuel production can result in varying levels of carbon dioxide emissions, with some...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 11, 2011

Lessening the dangers of radiation

A Tel Aviv University researcher has found that ultrasound scans are as effective as CT scans for diagnosing head and neck ailments, suggesting a safer alternative. The study's results have implications for the use of CT scans in medical procedures, particularly those involving radiation exposure.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalEuropean Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology·DateMay 11, 2011

MARC Travel Awards announced for the 22nd American Peptide Symposium

The FASEB MARC Program has awarded 3 travel grants totaling $4,950 to support underrepresented minority students and postdoctorates at the 22nd American Peptide Symposium. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research by promoting participation of young scientists from underrepresented groups.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateMay 11, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study shows evolutionary adaptations can be reversed, but rarely

A study by MIT researchers calculated the likelihood of a particular evolutionary adaptation reversing itself. They found that only a small percentage of evolutionary adaptations in drug-resistance genes can be reversed, but only if they involve fewer than four discrete genetic mutations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 11, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study finds cryopreserved endothelial progenitor cells phenotypically identical to non-frozen

A study published in Cell Transplantation found that cryopreserved endothelial progenitor cells have the same phenotypic, structural, and functional properties as non-frozen cells. This discovery eliminates the need for cell isolation procedures before using these cells in clinical transplantation.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateMay 11, 2011

Adult stem cells take root in livers and repair damage

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully coaxed adult human cells into an embryonic state and used them to regenerate liver tissue in mice with chronic liver damage. The induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) showed promise as a potential alternative to liver transplants for patients with serious liver diseases, offering...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 11, 2011

Vitamins may hitch a protected ride on corn starch

Researchers have developed a method to deliver vitamins using corn starch, potentially creating stable vitamin-enriched ingredients. This technique could offer an inexpensive and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods of producing medications and food supplements.

SourcePenn State·JournalCarbohydrate Polymers·DateMay 11, 2011

Marriage problems predict sleep difficulties in young children

A recent study of over 350 families found that marital instability when children are 9 months old can lead to sleep problems by 18 months. The research suggests that parents should be aware of the potential impact of marital stress on their child's well-being during the first year or two of life.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

'Liquid smoke' from rice shows potential health benefits

A new study found that rice-based liquid smoke has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help fight off diseases. The researchers discovered that it could prevent inflammation without triggering allergic responses.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 11, 2011

Non-human primate studies reveal promising vaccine approach for HIV

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a vaccine candidate that programs the immune system to respond swiftly to HIV, with over half of monkeys showing control over virus replication. The vaccine candidate has been shown to maintain control for over a year, outperforming antiretroviral therapy in clearing the ...

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2011

New strategy aims to reduce agricultural ammonia

Researchers discovered that natural plant compounds known as tannins can reduce both nitrogen cow excretion and microbial enzyme activity in manure, resulting in a significant decrease in ammonia emissions. The study found that dietary tannin cut ammonia emissions from cows' manure by an average of 30%.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

New organic catalyst should enhance drug research and development

A new organocatalyst, Hua Cat, developed at Oregon State University is now available for commercial use, promising to make new drug development less costly and more environmentally friendly. The catalyst has shown great promise in various applications, including the treatment of cancer, heart disease, and infectious diseases.

SourceOregon State University·DateMay 11, 2011

Study: Surge in obesity correlates with increased automobile usage

A recent study by University of Illinois researcher Sheldon H. Jacobson found a strong correlation between the rise in automobile usage and obesity rates in the US. By analyzing data from 1985 to 2007, Jacobson discovered that vehicle use is directly linked to sedentary behavior, which ultimately contributes to obesity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTransport Policy·DateMay 11, 2011

Clouds, a weapon against climate change?

Researchers discovered key bacterial genes influencing sulfur gas flux from seawater, impacting cloud formation. This finding helps evaluate the impacts of climate change on cloud manipulation as a potential method to mitigate global warming.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2011

Learning through mere exposure

Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum find that passive stimulation can induce lasting changes in human behavior and perception, opening new perspectives for intervention and treatment of visual perceptual disorders. Visual perception is impaired after slow stimulation but improved with rapid stimulation.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

Musical experience offsets some aging effects

A Northwestern University study finds that lifelong musical training can benefit adults by offsetting age-related decline in memory and ability to hear speech in noisy environments. Musicians aged 45-65 outperform non-musicians in auditory memory, hearing speech in noise, and other cognitive functions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 11, 2011

Mild obesity appears to improve survival in ALS patients

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that mild obesity, measured by body mass index, was associated with longer survival rates among ALS patients. Patients who were mildly obese outlived those of normal weight, underweight, or even overweight.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalMuscle & Nerve·DateMay 11, 2011

Wine yeasts reveal prehistoric microbial world

Two wine yeasts, S. cerevisiae and Dekkera bruxellensis, have been studied to reconstruct the evolutionary history of ethanol production. They developed similar abilities around 100-150 million years ago, likely driven by environmental pressures such as competition from other microbes.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2011

Following your steak's history from pasture to plate

Scientists created a method to reconstruct cattle dietary history and authenticate beef origins by analyzing muscle tissue and tail hair elements. The technique provides a powerful tool to verify farm practices and label claims on meat products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 11, 2011

Drought tolerance in crops: Shutting down the plant's growth inhibition under mild stress

Plant hormone ethylene plays a major role in shutting down growth inhibition during mild drought stress. The study shows that plants grow slower when water becomes limiting but can resume growth if the stress is temporary. By targeting this response, crop varieties can be developed to improve productivity and reduce yield losses.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

University pond reveals hidden history of fungi

Scientists have found a hitherto unknown type of fungi, cryptomycota, which has significantly expanded our knowledge of fungal diversity. The discovery was made possible by analyzing DNA samples taken from the University of Exeter's pond, revealing a previously hidden branch in the fungal tree of life.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2011

Fake cigarettes increase success rate for quitting smoking

A new study found that using fake cigarettes can significantly boost a smoker's chances of quitting. The research analyzed the effectiveness of nicotine-free inhalers in helping people overcome their addictive behavior and ritual of smoking.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

Digital forensic examiners face stress, role-conflict

Digital forensic examiners experience moderate stress but high job satisfaction due to unclear standards and multiple ways of collecting evidence. Police officials should consider hiring more digital forensics experts or improving their work environment.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Contemporary Criminal Justice·DateMay 11, 2011

Coping with climate change

A new study reveals that some species are adapting to rising temperatures by migrating northward and upward, while others are struggling to keep pace. The researchers found that predicting which species will thrive in a warming world is challenging, as general traits such as body size or diet may not be sufficient to determine success.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalEcology Letters·DateMay 11, 2011

Putting research into practice to improve health care decisions

The report highlights the importance of involving GPs in clinical trials and making research findings more accessible to patients. It also emphasizes the need for greater international collaboration and evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to speed up the translation of research into clinical practice.

SourceEuropean Science Foundation·DateMay 11, 2011

Patient reports of relatives' cancer history often not accurate

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that patient reports of family cancer history are not highly accurate. The study revealed low to moderate accuracy rates for breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancer diagnoses, with higher accuracy rates for first-degree relatives

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 11, 2011

Flipping hot Jupiters

Astronomers at Northwestern University have developed a computer simulation that explains how hot Jupiters form with flipped orbits around their stars. The study, published in Nature, suggests that gravitational perturbations from other planets in the system can cause the inner planet to lose energy and orbit closer to its star.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

Drive test: NIST super-stable laser shines in minivan experiment

Physicists at NIST have demonstrated a super-stable laser operating in a minivan, showing its potential for field use in geodesy, hydrology and space-based physics experiments. The laser was tested with the vehicle stationary and moving at speeds of less than 1 meter per second, remaining stable enough for some applications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Express·DateMay 11, 2011

Slow road to a synapse

A study led by Subhojit Roy reveals how certain proteins in neurons travel at a slower pace than others, assembling into larger complexes that move down the axon. The proposed model suggests a 'plume' of proteins, where complexes disassemble and reassemble as they progress, making the overall motion slow and coordinated.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuron·DateMay 11, 2011

2 PNNL scientists receive Early Career Research Awards

Two PNNL researchers, Matthew Marshall and Alexandre Tartakovsky, have been awarded Early Career Research Awards to study microbial biofilms and develop new computer models. The grants will support their research in underground contamination and complex molecular processes.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMay 11, 2011
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.

Botox injected in head 'trigger point' is proven to reduce migraine crises

Researchers at the University of Granada have identified specific trigger points in the head that contribute to migraine frequency and severity. Injecting botulinum toxin (botox) into these points reduces migraine crises by 50% or more in 18% of patients, with mild side effects.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateMay 11, 2011

Antarctic icebergs help the ocean take up carbon dioxide

Researchers found that Antarctic icebergs enrich the Southern Ocean with iron-rich sediment, fertilizing microscopic algae that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process transfers carbon into the deep sea, potentially impacting global climate models.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·DateMay 11, 2011

Teens use peers as gauge in search for autonomy

New research finds that teens use peers as a metric for autonomy, with younger girls wanting more freedom than older boys. Teens consistently overestimate their peers' levels of autonomy, assuming they have more freedoms than themselves.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 11, 2011
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.