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Science News for July 31, 2013


Wonders of nature inspire exotic man-made materials

Researchers create metamaterials with unprecedented properties by mimicking the structures of geckoes' toes and mother of pearl. These materials could lead to improved aircraft coatings and other innovative applications.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateJul 31, 2013

BIDMC's George Tsokos, M.D., receives NIH MERIT award

George Tsokos, MD, has received a prestigious MERIT Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for his longstanding work investigating molecular T-cell defects underlying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The funding will support his project and provide insights into disease diagnosis and therapeutic targets.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Insect-inspired super rubber moves toward practical uses in medicine

Scientists have made significant strides in harnessing the properties of resilin, a natural protein that enables insects to flap their wings and jump. Resilin has been modified for use in diagnostics, engineered to act like human cartilage, and developed into hybrid materials for cardiovascular applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateJul 31, 2013

Robots strike fear in the hearts of fish

Researchers at NYU-Poly used bio-inspired robots to study fear responses in zebrafish, finding that alcohol can modulate these reactions. The findings may lead to new methodologies for understanding anxiety and developing substances that alter emotions.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 31, 2013

New Journal of Integrated Pest Management articles useful for farmers and military

The latest issue of the Journal of Integrated Pest Management features articles on controlling corn earworms, beetles, and other pest management issues. The Research Program for Deployed Warfighter Protection also highlights its accomplishments in developing new public health pesticides and repellent systems.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Another scientific proof of the difference in social perception between men and women

A recent study found that oxytocin improves social interaction interpretation in both men and women, but with distinct effects on kinship vs. competition for each sex. Men's competitive relationships improved with oxytocin, while women's kinship identification enhanced, highlighting the hormone's impact on sex-specific social behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJul 31, 2013

Cleveland Clinic study finds lowest risk treatment for severe carotid and coronary disease

A retrospective study from Cleveland Clinic found that patients who underwent stenting of the carotid artery followed by open heart surgery had the best outcomes. The researchers compared three common treatment approaches and found that this combination had significantly lower risks of serious events after one year.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 31, 2013

How do student characteristics predict university graduation odds?

A study of over 2,500 students found that higher GPA, fulltime enrollment status, black race, a higher number of transfer credits, and expected family contribution are key predictors of graduation. The findings challenge traditional assumptions about improving university graduation rates.

SourceSAGE·JournalSAGE Open·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

First experimental signs of a New Physics beyond the Standard Model

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique detect deviations in B meson decay consistent with New Physics predictions. The findings suggest the existence of a new particle, Zprima, which could explain dark matter and gravitational interactions.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·DateJul 31, 2013

Understanding the effects of genes on human traits

A novel approach has been developed to scan the entire genome, allowing researchers to better understand the effect of genetic variants on protein translation. This method could lead to the development of biomarkers for personalized medicine and new therapies for complex diseases such as diabetes and schizophrenia.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2013

Autism symptoms not explained by impaired attention

Researchers found that moving attention fluidly and orienting to social information are not key components of autism. Children with high-functioning autism and those without autism showed similar signatures in shifting attention and responding to social stimuli.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateJul 31, 2013

Personality and social psychology at the 2013 APA Convention

Researchers found that keeping a secret can change the way people interact with others, leading to more deceptive behavior among friends and superficial positivity towards acquaintances. Additionally, high neuroticism and low conscientiousness are consistently associated with increased risk of obesity across various samples. Confrontin...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

ITN achieves scientific manuscript first -- provides open, interactive access to clinical trial data

The ITN has made its clinical trial data and analysis code publicly available through the TrialShare portal, allowing researchers to access raw study data, confirm published conclusions, and perform interactive analyses. This move aims to enhance scientific collaboration and speed up the sharing of research results.

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 31, 2013

Bird brains predate birds themselves

A new study published in Nature reveals that at least a few non-avian dinosaurs had brains as large or larger than those of Archaeopteryx, indicating they may have had the neurological hardwiring necessary for flight. This challenges the idea that Archaeopteryx was uniquely transitional between feathered dinosaurs and modern birds.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalNature·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Penn: New variants at gene linked to kidney disease, sleeping sickness resistance

A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics found new genetic variants that protect against human African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, also increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. These variants were most common in Fulani pastoralist groups living in western and central Africa.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 31, 2013

Chemists develop innovative nano-sensors for multiple proteins

Chemists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz developed a new method for parallel protein analysis, detecting hundreds or thousands of different proteins. The test strips bearing gold nano-particles can identify specific proteins in tiny samples, making it suitable for rapid disease diagnosis and environmental toxin detection.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 31, 2013

1 size doesn't fit all

A new study published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reveals that ethnicity-based birth weight charts are more accurate than traditional population-based standards. These charts can help identify small but healthy babies, reducing parental anxiety and unnecessary healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Therapy for severe vasculitis shows long-term effectiveness

A new study by the NIH-funded Immune Tolerance Network found that rituximab is as effective as standard therapy in inducing and maintaining disease remission in people with severe forms of vasculitis. The drug requires shorter treatment duration, reducing the risk of long-term side effects such as cancer, infertility, and infection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 31, 2013

UT Austin researchers successfully spoof an $80 million yacht at sea

Researchers from UT Austin successfully spoofed an $80 million yacht at sea using a custom-made GPS device. The team demonstrated that spoofing attacks can be carried out covertly and with significant difficulty in detecting, posing a serious threat to marine vessels and other forms of transportation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateJul 31, 2013

Key factors for wireless power transfer

A team of researchers discovered that resonance frequency matching, alignment of the magnetic field, and impedance matching are crucial for efficient wireless power transfer. This technology could enable dynamic charging of electric vehicles on highways, increasing their driving ranges indefinitely.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJul 31, 2013

Bartke earns GSA's 2013 Robert W. Kleemeier Award

Bartke, a renowned gerontologist, has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding aging and longevity. His work on the growth hormone/IGF/insulin axis pathway has significantly advanced our knowledge of this complex process.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

NASA technologist makes traveling to hard-to-reach destinations easier

A NASA technologist has developed a fully automated tool, the Evolutionary Mission Trajectory Generator (EMTG), that gives mission planners detailed directions for efficiently steering spacecraft to distant interplanetary destinations. The tool can calculate multiple trajectories in minutes, reducing the time required to design missions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 2013

Genetic link to gestational diabetes

Researchers identified two genes, HKDC1 and BACE2, associated with glucose and insulin levels in pregnant women but not in the general population. This study suggests that genetic risk profiles could one day identify individuals at elevated risk for developing gestational diabetes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalDiabetes·DateJul 31, 2013

New Explorer mission chooses the 'just-right' orbit

The TESS mission will map the locations of over 500 transiting exoplanets, including small planets around bright stars. This is the first time NASA has studied a large number of small planets with advanced instruments.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 2013

Wilson earns GSA's 2013 Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Productive Aging

Wilson has been recognized for her work in translating research into practical application and policy, particularly through the Healthy IDEAS project, which improves outcomes for mental health conditions among older adults. She is also a leader in promoting social worker competencies to promote older adults' well-being.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 31, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

VCU physicists discover theoretical possibility of large, hollow magnetic cage molecules

VCU physicists have discovered the theoretical possibility of creating large, hollow magnetic cage molecules that could be used for targeted non-invasive drug delivery. The molecules, which are larger than the original Buckminster fullerene, carry giant magnetic moments and could serve as effective vehicles for delivering drugs to tumors.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 31, 2013

The pathway to potato poisons

Scientists have mapped out the biochemical pathway responsible for manufacturing glycoalkaloids in plants, which are toxic substances found in potatoes and other edible plants. The research could facilitate breeding of toxin-free crops and development of new crop varieties.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 31, 2013

'Highway from hell' fueled Costa Rican volcano

Scientists suggest that Costa Rica's largest stratovolcano, Irazú, erupted in the 1960s due to magma rising from the mantle over a few months, rather than thousands of years. This fast-rising magma could provide an early warning tool for detecting oncoming volcanic disasters.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Using gold and light to study molecules in water

Using a device that detects molecules in real-time, researchers can now observe biomolecule interactions in a sample of water. This technology has major implications for medicine, enabling scientists to study proteins, medicines, and cells with unprecedented precision.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2013

New signal stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques

A new mouse model study reveals that interleukin-17 can stabilize atherosclerotic plaques by promoting their stability. This discovery provides crucial information on the role of the immune system in atherosclerosis and may lead to the development of new therapies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 31, 2013

Digest this: Cure for cancer may live in our intestines

Researchers discovered a biological mechanism that preserves intestinal tracts in mice treated with lethal doses of chemotherapy, increasing survival rates by up to 75%. The findings could revolutionize cancer therapy by allowing humans to tolerate stronger doses of chemotherapy and radiation, potentially curing later-stage metastasize...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJul 31, 2013

Computational biology: Cells reprogrammed on the computer

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg's LCSB have developed a computational model that accurately predicts cell reprogramming, eliminating the need for stem cells. The breakthrough could lead to treatments for diseases like Parkinson's by repurposing healthy skin cells into functional nerve cells.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalStem Cells·DateJul 31, 2013

Exercise is good for you, but it won't cut hot flashes

A 12-week aerobic exercise program showed no significant reduction in hot flashes among postmenopausal women. However, white women and those with initial fitness levels improved with exercise. Exercise had small positive effects on sleep quality, insomnia, and depression.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

August 2013 Lithosphere concentrates on China, the Himalaya, India, and North America

Researchers studied China's Qinling and Tibetan Plateau orogens, finding evidence of late-stage foreland growth. In India, scientists proposed a cost-effective method for locating diamonds using geological, geochemical, and geochronological data. Additionally, a Middle Paleozoic continental arc was identified in southern China, providi...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateJul 31, 2013

Anemia linked to increased risk of dementia

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that anemia is associated with a nearly 41% higher risk of developing dementia. People with anemia at the start of the study were more likely to develop dementia over 11 years.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 31, 2013

Brain maps to benefit epileptic surgery

A new brain mapping technique using magnetoencephalography (MEG) has been developed to help surgeons plan for surgical treatment in epilepsy. The study, published in Human Brain Mapping, produced detailed spatial maps of critical language functions to improve surgical outcomes.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Georgia Tech uncovers iOS security weaknesses

Researchers at Georgia Tech found two security weaknesses that allow malware to be installed on iOS devices via Trojan Horse-style applications and peripherals. A proof-of-concept attack called Jekyll can hide malicious code in approved apps, while a malicious charger called Mactans can install arbitrary apps without user interaction.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJul 31, 2013

Oregon lab changes game for synthesizing new materials

Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a game-changing approach to synthesize thousands of new compounds with ultra-low thermal conductivity. The team designed layered elemental precursors that self-assemble into metastable compounds with predictable nano-architectures and specific crystallographic orientations.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 31, 2013

Rubber slat mats could improve animal well-being

Researchers found that pregnant sows housed on rubber slat mats had a reduced risk of swelling and wounds on the limbs, but an increased risk of sole and heel lesions. The study suggests that rubber slat mats could improve animal well-being by reducing locomotory problems in swine.

SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Placebo effects of different therapies not identical

Research found that responses to placebos are influenced by diverse factors including route of administration, environmental cues, and learning. Participants' expectations correlated with pain thresholds and tolerance, suggesting a complex relationship between placebo effects and individual traits. Sham acupuncture's effect on genuine ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 31, 2013

Study offers promising new direction for organ regeneration and tissue repair

A research team has identified a new approach to enhance normal tissue growth, which could have widespread therapeutic applications for patients with various medical conditions. The study found that epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) play a critical role in accelerating tissue growth and regeneration.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2013

Fertility therapy not associated with long-term cardiovascular disease

Researchers found no association between fertility treatment and long-term cardiovascular disease, contradicting previous theories. Women who received fertility therapy had a lower risk of death and major cardiovascular events compared to those without the treatment.

SourceWomen's College Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Could planting trees in the desert mitigate climate change?

Researchers propose carbon farming as an environmentally friendly method to sequester massive amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. A new study shows that one hectare of Jatropha curcas plants could capture up to 25 tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide per year, making it a competitive alternative to other geoengineering techniques.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalEarth System Dynamics·DateJul 31, 2013

Entomological Society of America announces 2013 fellows

The Entomological Society of America has elected ten new Fellows, Dr. Charles Vincent and Dr. Jeffrey G. Scott, who have made significant contributions to entomology in research, teaching, extension, or administration. The fellows will be recognized at the ESA's 61st Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateJul 31, 2013

American Neurological Association and Wiley launch new open access journal

The American Neurological Association has launched a new open access journal, Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, to publish original research and scholarly reviews on nervous system diseases. The journal is supported by Annals of Neurology, the most prestigious peer-reviewed clinical neurology journal worldwide.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateJul 31, 2013

Satellite sees Flossie fizzle fast

Tropical Depression Flossie's remnants brought strong winds to Hawaii, causing power outages on the islands of Maui and Molokai. The storm's low pressure area was centered near Honolulu, Hawaii, about 140 miles west-northwest.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

BPA exposure disrupts human egg maturation

Researchers found that BPA exposure can dramatically inhibit egg maturation, leading to decreased maturity, increased degeneration, and spontaneous activation. This study adds to growing evidence about the impact of BPA on human health and may explain why some couples struggle with infertility.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJul 31, 2013

BMJ editorial: India's research participant protection policy

Experts say India's new policy protecting research participants could have serious consequences for public health and the country's role in global clinical research. The policy's compensation provision for injury from failed investigations could discourage trial participation, leading to a shortage of registered drugs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 31, 2013

1 in 3 US youths report being victims of dating violence

According to new research, nearly 1 in 3 American youths aged 14-20 have been victims of dating violence and almost as many acknowledge committing violence toward a date. The study found significant overlap between victimization and perpetration, highlighting the importance of prevention programs that consider these dynamics.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Male Holocaust survivors have a longer life-expectancy

A recent study found that male Holocaust survivors lived an average of 14 months longer than non-survivors, with a significant difference in life-expectancy among men aged 10-20 during the war. The researchers suggest that the 'Posttraumatic Growth' phenomenon may have contributed to their longevity.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 31, 2013

Internet-based training could help in the fight against antibiotic resistance

A new study published in The Lancet found that internet-based training can significantly lower antibiotic prescribing rates for acute respiratory tract infections. Clinicians who received training in using CRP tests or enhanced communication skills reduced their prescribing rates by 47% and 32%, respectively. Combining both types of tr...

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 31, 2013

Gene decoding obeys road traffic rules

Researchers found that maintaining a safe distance between transcription enzymes is crucial for efficient production of microRNAs. By launching enzymes at lower rates, they can avoid 'traffic jams' and create more molecules.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2013

NASA finds powerful storms in quickly intensifying Tropical Storm Gil

NASA's TRMM satellite observed intense bands of rain wrapping around Tropical Storm Gil's future eye, indicating strong organization. Powerful storms with rain rates over 5.2 inches per hour were detected near the storm's center, featuring 'hot towers' that could contribute to rapid intensification.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Binding together repelling atoms

Theoretical predictions show that controlled noise from an environment can bind repelling atoms together, creating a bound state with exotic properties. This novel mechanism could lead to improved cooling of atomic quantum gases.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2013

Improving heat removal qualities of graphene

Researchers at University of California, Riverside, have received a $360,000 NSF grant to study graphene's thermal properties and develop new approaches for removing heat from electronic devices. The team will investigate the effect of rotation angle on twisted bilayer graphene's thermal conductivity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJul 31, 2013

New target identified for food allergy therapy

Researchers at National Jewish Health have identified Cyp11a1 as a potential target for treatment of food allergies. Blocking the enzyme's activity in sensitized mice prevented diarrhea and inflammation, reducing levels of proteins associated with allergies.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Clean water and soap may help improve growth in young children

A Cochrane review found that interventions improving water quality and hygiene practices resulted in an average 0.5cm increased height growth in children under five. Access to clean water and soap was associated with reduced microbiological and parasitic infestations, positively impacting child development.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJul 31, 2013

NIH launches neurological drug development projects

The NIH has launched three new projects to develop therapeutics for Fragile X syndrome, nicotine addiction, and age-related macular degeneration. Researchers aim to create novel treatments using cutting-edge science to address debilitating disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateJul 31, 2013

New 3-D colonoscopy eases detection of precancerous lesions

Researchers at MIT have developed a new endoscopy technology that captures three-dimensional images of the colon surface, making it easier to detect precancerous growths. The technique, known as photometric stereo endoscopy, uses multiple light sources to create visual representations of surface features.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJul 31, 2013

Microfluidic breakthrough in biotechnology

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences have developed a microfluidic system that can merge, transport and split microdroplets, allowing for the simultaneous cultivation of hundreds of different bacteria cultures. This breakthrough could speed up research on antibiotic resistance by reduci...

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 31, 2013

Sensitive parenting can boost premature children's school performance

A new study by University of Warwick found that highly sensitive parenting at age 6 can increase academic achievement in very preterm and low birthweight children to levels similar to full-term children. Cognitively stimulating parenting also benefits all children's long-term school success, regardless of birth status.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Cross-country collaboration leads to new leukemia model

Researchers have discovered a new leukemia model, showing that cancer stem cells actively remodel the bone marrow environment to favor diseased cells. This finding could influence the effectiveness of bone marrow transplants and lead to the development of new therapies.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 31, 2013

Man-made quakes could lead to safer, sturdier buildings

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are testing a two-story building made of cold-formed steel to determine its seismic resistance. The tests aim to improve nationwide building codes and make future buildings less expensive to construct.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Mount Sinai launches first-ever genetic testing program in the primary care setting

The Mount Sinai Hospital is launching the first-ever genetic testing program in primary care settings to identify genetic risk for kidney disease in patients with hypertension. This $3.7 million grant will provide genomic information to individualize treatment, testing, and monitoring, with a focus on African Americans who are four to ...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateJul 31, 2013

Rituximab therapy effective for ANCA-associated vasculitis

Researchers demonstrate that a single course of rituximab therapy is as effective as the current standard of care regimen in patients with ANCA-associated Vasculitis. The RAVE study shows that a short course of rituximab can induce and maintain remission, providing an alternative to long-term cyclophosphamide treatment.

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 31, 2013

Guided growth of nanowires leads to self-integrated circuits

Scientists have successfully created self-integrating nanowires whose position, length and direction can be fully controlled. This breakthrough enables the production of electronic circuits with hundreds of transistors simultaneously, opening doors to various technological applications including LED devices, lasers, and solar cells.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2013
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.

Citizen scientists rival experts in analyzing land-cover data

A new study shows that citizen scientists can analyze satellite data and identify human impact as accurately as experts. However, experts were better at identifying specific land cover types. Interactive training and feedback may help non-experts improve their classification rates.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 31, 2013

The flexible tail of the prion protein poisons brain cells

Researchers discover that prion protein has a 'switch' controlling its toxicity, which can be triggered by antibodies targeting the flexible tail. The study finds that only antibodies targeting the tail are suitable for use as potential drugs, while those triggering the switch are harmful.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateJul 31, 2013

Studying the emotions which cause opinions to change

A physicist has developed a model to study the dynamics of opinions, combining information with emotions to understand how opinions form and change. The study reveals that minority groups can persist despite being surrounded by enemies and that many elections have close results.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 31, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Allman earns GSA's 2013 Donald P. Kent Award

Dr. Richard M. Allman has been recognized with the 2013 Donald P. Kent Award by The Gerontological Society of America for his exceptional leadership in gerontology through teaching, service, and practice. His research focuses on understanding mobility loss and testing new ways to maintain or enhance mobility in older adults.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 31, 2013

Words and actions

Researchers at SISSA uncover inconsistencies in the dependence of the linguistic system on the motor one, with damage to specific brain regions affecting gesture imitation but not language processing. The study employs voxel-based lesion symptom mapping to establish a link between brain damage and performance decline.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalBrain·DateJul 31, 2013

HIV answers raise new ethical questions

Experts warn that widespread use of Truvada for HIV prevention may lead to unintended consequences, including increased transmission of other STIs. Daily dosing, safer sex counseling, and regular testing are crucial for successful PrEP implementation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJul 31, 2013

Figuring out flow dynamics

Researchers at Caltech have developed a new way to analyze turbulent flow near walls, which can help reduce drag and fuel consumption in aircraft and ships. By breaking down complex equations into smaller blocks, they found that commonly observed features of wall turbulence can be explained by superposing just three response modes.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateJul 31, 2013