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Science News for June 17, 2013


Fibromyalgia is not all in your head, new research confirms

A breakthrough discovery by scientists at Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC has provided a biological rationale for fibromyalgia. Researchers found an increase in sensory nerve fibers around specialized blood vessel structures in the skin of female patients with fibromyalgia, which may be driving the reported symptoms.

SourceIntegrated Tissue Dynamics (INTIDYN)·JournalPain Medicine·DateJun 17, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

$8.7 million grant supports 'Gene-Environment Interaction' research

The University of Cincinnati's Center for Environmental Genetics will continue to conduct innovative research on how environmental agents interact with genetic and epigenetic factors to influence disease risk and outcome. The center supports state-of-the-art core facilities and technologies, including bioinformatics, integrative techno...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJun 17, 2013

Mice in a 'big brother' setup develop social structures

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute developed a system to track mouse behavior, revealing signs of leadership and a class system in groups of normal mice. In contrast, experiments with autistic-like mice showed little emergence of dominant leaders or social structures.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Quality of waking hours determines ease of falling sleep

Researchers found that two proteins affect responses to wakefulness and sleep deprivation. The study suggests that assessing quality of wakefulness before bedtime could lead to new ways of treating sleep disorders.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2013

Prenatal exposure to BPA affects fat tissues in sheep

Research suggests prenatal BPA exposure causes increased inflammation in fat tissues after birth, leading to obesity and metabolic syndrome. The study found that prenatal BPA exposure interacts with postnatal diet to modulate inflammatory mechanisms in fat deposits.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 17, 2013

First risk assessment of shale gas fracking to biodiversity

A recent study published in Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences explores the threat posed by shale gas fracking to biodiversity. The research reveals potential impacts on ecosystems, including salinization of soils, surface waters, and fragmentation of forests.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 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.

Study finds the sweet spot -- and the screw-ups -- that make or break environmental collective actions

A study by Michigan State University found that there is a sweet spot – a group size at which the action is most effective. This sweet spot can increase and be more effective until free-riders weigh down the effort's momentum, while small groups can be powerful until individuals become overwhelmed.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2013

Safety review of bone growth product ushers in new era of data sharing

A Yale project has made all of Medtronic's clinical trial research data for a bone growth product available for independent reanalysis. The project, known as the Yale University Open Data Access Project (YODA), aims to address the problem of unpublished and selectively published clinical evidence.

SourceYale University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 17, 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.

Sibling aggression, often dismissed, linked to poor mental health

A new study from the University of New Hampshire finds that sibling aggression is associated with significantly worse mental health in children and adolescents. The study analyzed data from a national sample of 3,599 children and found that even mild instances of sibling aggression can lead to increased mental health distress.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 17, 2013

Preventing eggs' death from chemotherapy

Researchers at Northwestern University have found a molecular pathway that prevents the death of immature ovarian eggs due to chemotherapy, potentially preserving fertility and endocrine function. Adding a specific chemotherapy drug combination may protect young women's reproductive health during cancer treatment.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJun 17, 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.

Bariatric surgery restores nerve cell properties altered by diet

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have found that bariatric surgery restores nerve cell properties altered by diet, allowing patients to better regulate digestion. The study may lead to new treatments that mimic the effects of gastric bypass without surgery.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJun 17, 2013

Exposure to BPA in developing prostate increases risk of later cancer

A new study by University of Illinois Chicago researcher Gail Prins found that early exposure to BPA in the developing prostate increases the risk of later prostate cancer. Prostate stem cells become sensitized to estrogen through BPA exposure, making them more susceptible to cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateJun 17, 2013

Observation is safe, cost-saving in low-risk prostate cancer

A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that active surveillance and watchful waiting are safe alternatives to initial treatment for men with low-risk prostate cancers. These strategies can lead to better quality of life and reduced healthcare costs, with some patients experiencing up to 13 months additional quality-a...

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 17, 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.

New 'embryonic' subduction zone found

A new subduction zone has been detected off the coast of Portugal, marking the beginning of a cycle that will close the Atlantic Ocean. The Iberian subduction zone will pull Iberia towards the United States over approximately 220 million years.

SourceMonash University·JournalGeology·DateJun 17, 2013

Study examines Hispanic youth exposure to food, beverage TV ads

Hispanic preschoolers and adolescents viewed a high number of food and beverage ads on TV, with fast-food promotions prevalent on Spanish-language channels. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring of food marketing to Hispanic youth due to their higher obesity rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 17, 2013

Investigational drug improves sleep disorder among the blind

A study found that patients taking tasimelteon had a significantly higher rate of re-synchronization of their body clock, leading to improved night-time sleep and reduced daytime drowsiness. The medication addresses the root cause of Non-24 Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder in blind individuals by synchronizing their circadian clock.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 17, 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.

Pyrocumulus cloud billows from New Mexico fire

Pyrocumulus clouds formed above a New Mexico wildfire, demonstrating their unique characteristics in satellite images. The Silver fire's pyrocumulus cloud reached altitudes of 10-11 kilometers and temperatures up to -45°C.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 17, 2013

Mapping a room in a snap

A team from EPFL has developed a computer algorithm that can create a 3D model of a simple room based on sound picked up by four microphones. The algorithm uses the differences in signal time to calculate distances between microphones, walls, and the sound source.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2013

Variants in the SIM1 gene are associated with severe obesity

Two independent studies identified SIM1 mutations in obese patients, revealing a strong link between SIM1 dysfunction and severe obesity. Reduced SIM1 function was associated with increased food intake, altered nervous system dysfunctions, and Prader-Willi-like features.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 17, 2013

Printing artificial bone

Researchers at MIT develop approach to print synthetic materials with fracture behavior similar to natural bone, using computer-optimized designs and 3-D printing. The new material exhibits a fracture resistance of up to 22 times larger than its strongest constituent material.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 17, 2013
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.

Study details age disparities in HIV continuum of care

A study reveals significant age disparities in HIV continuum of care, with people under 45 years less likely to be aware of their infection or have a suppressed viral load. Early diagnosis and prompt care are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality, but many patients face barriers to access treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 17, 2013

Illinois-Intel partnership leads to prototype for debugging innovations

Researchers from the University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering have developed a new process called QuickRec, which allows steps in a process to be retraced to learn where bugs occurred. This prototype is a multicore record and replay system for multithreaded programs, enabling secure and efficient debugging.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateJun 17, 2013

When retailers strike out twice

Researchers found that customers may desire both revenge and reconciliation after a double service failure, depending on perceived firm motives. Effective ways to reduce negative customer response include explanations of the failure and apologies paired with compensation.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateJun 17, 2013

Community-based programs may help prevent childhood obesity

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health conclude that community-based approaches are crucial in preventing childhood obesity. The study found that comprehensive interventions incorporating schools and focusing on both diet and physical activity are more effective in preventing obesity in children.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 17, 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.

Study identifies protein essential for normal heart function

A study by UCSD researchers reveals that MCL-1 promotes normal heart function, but its absence leads to rapid heart failure and cell death. The protein's role in cancer treatment and potential cardiac toxicity are also explored.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 17, 2013

Is there an invisible tug-of-war behind bad hearts and power outages?

Scientists from Princeton University and Germany's Max Planck Institute report first experimental evidence of chimera states occurring naturally in a broad range of circumstances. The phenomenon can strike any process that relies on self-emergent synchronization, including clock pendulums, lightning bugs, and heart cells.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2013

Throwing the bum out: When should scandal-hit politicians stage a come back?

A new study in Social Science Quarterly finds that scandal-hit politicians typically don't regain their pre-scandal predicted margins of victory until four to six years after the event. Voter turnout increases following a scandal, but is linked to voters wanting to 'kick the bum out', rather than supporting the incumbent.

SourceWiley·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateJun 17, 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.

Scouring the genome of adenoid cystic carcinoma

Researchers identified a genetic translocation that can precipitate disease in adenoid cystic carcinoma, with many disease-associated mutations occurring in genes modifying DNA. Identifying individual mutations will aid in the development of personalized therapy, according to accompanying commentary.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 17, 2013

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for June 18, 2013

Two independent reviews of rhBMP-2 trial data found no significant benefits and potential increased risks of cancer associated with its use. The studies suggest that patients should be counseled on the relative benefits and harms of each option, as the role of rhBMP-2 in spinal surgery is still being defined.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 17, 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.

Poor eating behaviors may put preschoolers at risk for later health problems

A new study by Dr. Nav Persaud found a significant association between poor eating habits in kids ages three to five and their levels of non-HDL cholesterol, putting them at risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. Parents who allowed their children to snack on junk food and eat while watching TV were more likely to have this risk.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 17, 2013

Missing enzyme linked to drug addiction

Researchers identified a key brain enzyme, prohormone convertase 2 (PC2), involved in opioid addiction. PC2 regulates endogenous opioids in the brain, leading to increased mu opioid receptor expression.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 17, 2013

CNIC researchers find a possible treatment for one of the main symptoms of premature aging disease

CNIC researchers have identified a possible treatment to block the deposition of calcium in arterial walls, a key symptom of premature aging disease. Chronic treatment with pyrophosphate inhibits calcium deposition, which is accelerated in mice with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation·DateJun 17, 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.

Timeline reforms increase initiation speed of NCI sponsored clinical trials

The study found that the median time to activation of phase 1-2 trials decreased from 541 to 442 days, and for phase 3 trials from 727 to 395 days. The reforms led to faster initiation of NCI-sponsored trials, ultimately benefiting patients in need of new treatments for cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 17, 2013

Multidisciplinary initiative reduces airway infection in pediatric intensive care patients

A multidisciplinary approach combining preventive measures and regular monitoring significantly reduced ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) infections in pediatric intensive care patients. The initiative, implemented at Nationwide Children's Hospital, resulted in a 53% drop in VAT cases compared to pre-intervention rates.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 17, 2013

Voices may not trigger brain's reward centers in children with autism, Stanford/Packard study shows

A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that brain regions tailored to respond to voices are poorly connected to reward-processing circuits in children with high-functioning autism. This weakness may impede their ability to experience speech as pleasurable, contributing to communication deficits.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 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.

Study of dietary intervention examines proteins in brain

A study found that diet high in saturated fat increased LD αβ levels, while diet low in saturated fat decreased these fractions. The study suggests that lipidation states of apolipoproteins and amyloid peptides may play a role in AD pathological processes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJun 17, 2013

High-frequency trading tactic lowers investor profits

Researchers found that latency arbitrage, a common high-frequency trading practice, diminishes profits collectively for both regular investors and high-frequency traders in fragmented markets. They recommend regulatory changes to move to discrete trading, which would lead to more efficient trades and eliminate the latency arms race.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJun 17, 2013

1 step closer to a vaccine for a common respiratory disease

Researchers at University of Helsinki and ETH Zurich have solved the three-dimensional structure of RSV, a common cause of respiratory infection. The structural model provides valuable information for intelligent vaccine design, targeting the virus's fusion protein and matrix protein.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2013

Making a case for transparent corporate accounting information

A new study by Prof. Yaniv Konchitchki finds that greater transparency in firms' earnings has a positive effect on the bottom line. The study establishes that transparency of a firm's accounting earnings is a telling indicator of the company's cost of capital and thus its valuation.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalJournal of Accounting and Economics·DateJun 17, 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.

Eating more red meat associated with increased risk of Type 2 diabetes

A large-scale study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that consuming more red meat over time increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The research followed over 149,000 participants and documented a 48% elevated risk for those who increased their red meat intake by more than 0.50 servings per day.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 17, 2013
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.

Infections increase risk of mood disorders

A study of over 3 million Danes found that those admitted to hospital with an infection prior to a mood disorder diagnosis had a 62% increased risk of developing the condition. The immune system's impact on brain function may play a role in this connection.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 17, 2013

Mayo Clinic: Rotavirus vaccine given to newborns in Africa is effective

Researchers have developed a vaccine that provides at least 60 percent protection against rotavirus in newborns, significantly reducing severe dehydration and hospitalizations. The study, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, suggests that early administration of the vaccine could save thousands of lives annually.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJun 17, 2013

Eating behaviors of preschoolers may be related to future risk of heart disease

A study of 1076 preschool children aged 3-5 years found associations between unhealthy eating behaviors and serum non-HDL cholesterol levels, indicating a potential early link to cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that promoting responsive feeding and healthy eating habits may help reduce the risk.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 17, 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.

Pesticides significantly reduce biodiversity in aquatic environments

Research reveals pesticides are responsible for reducing regional biodiversity of invertebrates in streams and rivers by up to 42 percent. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for new concepts linking ecology with ecotoxicology to protect aquatic ecosystems.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2013

Research examines how technology can break down barriers

A pilot study explores using iPad technology to facilitate remote interpreting for deaf and hard-of-hearing college students. The research found that this technology can enhance student engagement in co-op experiences, but challenges arise from connectivity issues.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJun 17, 2013

'Chemical architects' build materials with potential applications in drug delivery and gas storage

University of Pittsburgh researchers design a family of ultra-porous materials with potential applications in drug delivery, gas storage, and industrial separations. The materials' high porosity could enable more efficient pharmaceutical delivery into the human body and lower-cost industrial separations.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 17, 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.

NYSCF and Columbia researchers demonstrate use of stem cells to analyze causes, treatment of diabetes

Researchers from NYSCF and Columbia University have generated patient-specific beta cells using skin cells from MODY patients. These cells accurately reflect the features of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) and can be used to develop new therapies for the disease. The study's findings demonstrate a critical proof-of-principl...

SourceNew York Stem Cell Foundation·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 17, 2013

Elderly benefit from using implantable defibrillators

A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation found that elderly patients can benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) just like younger individuals. The study of 5,399 patients revealed that older patients were as likely to experience life-threatening electrical shocks but had higher ra...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 17, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

An innovative material for the green Earth

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have developed a novel method to synthesize hierarchically nanoporous frameworks of nanocrystalline metal oxides for CO2 adsorption. The material exhibits exceptionally high CO2 adsorption capacity, offering a potential solution to environmental pollution.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 17, 2013

New compound excels at killing persistent and drug-resistant tuberculosis

A new anti-tuberculosis compound has shown powerful activity against ordinary active TB bacteria, non-replicating TB bacteria, and extensively drug-resistant strains. The compound works in two different ways, targeting TB replication and dormancy, and shows no toxicity or adverse side effects.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 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.

Study identifies travel choices for a smaller carbon footprint

A new study by researchers from IIASA and CICERO estimates that personal travel impacts the climate, with air travel having the biggest impact per distance traveled. The study suggests that choosing trains, buses, or carpooling can significantly reduce an individual's carbon footprint.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 17, 2013

New medication treats drug-resistant prostate cancer in the laboratory

A new drug called pyrvinium pamoate inhibits aggressive prostate cancer resistant to standard drugs by binding to a different site on the AR and inhibiting its activity without preventing androgen binding. This unique mechanism of action has the potential to treat cancers resistant to currently approved therapies.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 17, 2013

New way to improve antibiotic production

Researchers found that an antibiotic can trigger its own production, increasing levels by dramatically. This breakthrough could enable faster and more cost-effective production of antibiotics.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2013

People attribute minds to robots, corpses that are targets of harm

Research suggests that people attribute more mind to entities perceived as targets of harm, including robots and corpses. This finding implies that moral intuitions lead to subjective perceptions of minds, which can influence decision-making on contentious issues like animal rights and end-of-life decisions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 17, 2013

A new target for cancer drug development

Harvard researchers have identified the SALL4 gene as a key player in tumor formation, and have demonstrated that blocking its activity can halt cancer growth. The study provides new hope for treating aggressive forms of leukemia and other cancers.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 17, 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.

Jet stream changes cause climatically exceptional Greenland Ice Sheet melt

A team of researchers from the University of Sheffield found that unusual atmospheric jet stream circulation caused the exceptional surface melt of the Greenland Ice Sheet in summer 2012. The analysis revealed a record surface melt extent of over 90%, far exceeding the previous record of 52% in 2010.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateJun 17, 2013

Blocking overactive receptor in Alzheimer's recovers memory loss and more

A study by McGill University researchers found that blocking the activity of a specific receptor can reverse memory pathology and improve cerebrovascular function in mice with advanced Alzheimer's disease. The treatment also reduced toxic amyloid-beta peptide levels, which contribute to neuronal and vascular dysfunction.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·DateJun 17, 2013

Second Atlantic season tropical depression forms

A tropical depression formed in the western Caribbean Sea on June 17, with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph. The center of the depression will move inland over southern Belize before potentially emerging into the Bay of Campeche, where it could strengthen into Tropical Storm Barry.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 17, 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.

Working backward: Computer-aided design of zeolite templates

Researchers at Rice University have developed a computational method to tailor the properties of zeolites, a crucial step in producing industrial minerals. The method uses organic structure directing agents (OSDAs) to guide the growth of zeolite crystals and can potentially produce new types of zeolites.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateJun 17, 2013

BPA linked to a common birth defect in boys

A new study found a link between fetal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and lower levels of insulin-like peptide 3, a key testicular hormone. This could be a co-factor in the development of cryptorchidism, a common birth defect in boys.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 17, 2013

New study shows predators affect the carbon cycle

A recent study found that the presence of spiders drives up the rate of carbon uptake by plants, while also changing their storage patterns. This effect is linked to the predator-prey relationship between grasshoppers and spiders, highlighting the vital role of predators in regulating the carbon cycle.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2013

IQ link to baby's weight gain in first month

A study of over 13,800 children found that those who gained 40% of their birthweight in the first four weeks had a 1.5-point higher IQ by age six compared to those who gained less weight. This suggests a link between rapid brain growth and higher cognitive abilities.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 17, 2013

Naturally occurring hormone induces egg maturation

A clinical study found that kisspeptin effectively induces egg maturation in women undergoing IVF treatment, reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The hormone triggers natural reproductive hormone release, resulting in healthy babies.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 17, 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.

Researchers find genetic diversity key to survival of honey bee colonies

Researchers tracked 80 commercial honey bee colonies over 10 months and found that those with queens who had mated at least seven times were 2.86 times more likely to survive. This suggests that genetic diversity is crucial for the survival of honey bee colonies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJun 17, 2013

A robot that runs like a cat

The 'cheetah-cub robot' boasts excellent auto-stabilization characteristics and can run nearly seven times its body length in one second. Its design is based on the meticulous observation of feline leg morphology, featuring springs to reproduce tendons and actuators to replace muscles.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·DateJun 17, 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.

Artificial sweetener a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that mannitol prevents clumps of α-synuclein protein from forming in the brain, a process characteristic of Parkinson's disease. Mannitol has been shown to reduce aggregates of α-synuclein in genetically-altered flies and mice.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 17, 2013

CWRU study finds babies witnessing violence show aggression later in school

A new Case Western Reserve University study reveals that children exposed to domestic violence between ages 3-5 are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior in school. The research found no behavioral differences among these children until they reached school age.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJun 17, 2013

Obesity associated with hearing loss in adolescents

A recent study published by The Laryngoscope journal found that obesity is associated with sensorineural hearing loss across all frequencies in adolescents, with almost twice the likelihood of unilateral low-frequency hearing loss compared to non-obese teens.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJun 17, 2013

Mobile health devices can improve health care access in developing countries, remote regions

The development of mobile-presence medical devices can help fill the void of limited healthcare infrastructure and access to medical professionals in remote locations. Pilot tests have successfully connected obstetricians with pregnant women in Bolivia, enabling real-time monitoring and diagnostic imaging.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 17, 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.

Aspirin may fight cancer by slowing DNA damage

A new study suggests that aspirin slows the accumulation of DNA mutations in abnormal cells in Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition. This finding implies that aspirin may exert cancer-preventing effects by lowering mutation rates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 17, 2013

Medical assessment in the blink of an eye

Researchers found that medical specialists can identify abnormality in breast and cervical cancer images with high accuracy, outperforming random guessing. However, localizing the issue proves challenging even for experts.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJun 17, 2013

JCI early table of contents for June 17, 2013

Researchers identified a genetic translocation that can precipitate disease in adenoid cystic carcinoma patients. They also found that variants in the SIM1 gene are associated with severe obesity, while vitamin B3 blocks cyst formation in a mouse model of polycystic kidney disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 17, 2013

Intelligent glasses designed for professors

The proposed system, ALFs, uses augmented reality glasses and cell phone symbols to enable immediate and private feedback from students to professors. The system aims to overcome timidity and fear of speaking in class, allowing for more effective lecture classes.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalBritish Journal of Educational Technology·DateJun 17, 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.

Slow and steady wins the baggage search

Researchers found that trained Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening officers were slower than undergraduate students but more accurate in identifying T-shaped arrangements on computer screens. Consistent search patterns freed up brain processing, improving performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalVisual Cognition·DateJun 17, 2013

Drug combination promotes weight loss in polycystic ovary syndrome

A study found that combining metformin and liraglutide results in greater weight loss and improvements in body mass index and waist circumference for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. This combination therapy also leads to higher chances of conception, improved pregnancy outcomes and improved metabolic profile.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 17, 2013