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Science News for October 8, 2013


Working together: Bacteria join forces to produce electricity

Researchers at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute demonstrate that light-responsive Chlorobium can act in tandem with Geobacter to produce electricity. The two bacteria work together to generate current when Chlorobium transfers electrons to Geobacter, which then produces electricity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateOct 8, 2013

Market and demographic factors in forming ACOs

Researchers at The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice found that more than half the US population lives in areas where ACOs have been established. These areas tend to have higher performance on quality measures, greater managed care penetration and lower poverty rates.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalHealth Services Research·DateOct 8, 2013

Eating disorders often associated with reproductive health problems

A Finnish study found that women with eating disorders have lower pregnancy rates and increased risk of miscarriage compared to their peers. The likelihood of abortion was more than double for bulimics and nearly half of pregnancies ended in miscarriage among women with binge-eating disorder.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateOct 8, 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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Better understanding of the HIV epidemic through an evolutionary perspective

Researchers used viral sequence data to estimate HIV transmission rates, death rates, and susceptible population sizes within clusters, gaining insight into rapid spread and slowdowns. The model can predict future changes in infected and susceptible individuals, guiding public health strategies.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 8, 2013

More than 500 million people might face increasing water scarcity

A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research projects that up to 13% of the world population may face increased water scarcity by 2100, with regions like Asia and North Africa being particularly vulnerable. The researchers also warn of critical impacts on land ecosystems under global warming.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 8, 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.

Portion size -- the science & the responsibility deal

A new review reveals that simply reducing portion sizes is not an easy solution to reducing energy intakes, as consumers prioritize factors like packaging and cost over nutrition. Professor Benton highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach addressing various factors affecting energy intake and expenditure.

SourceSugar Nutrition UK·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·DateOct 8, 2013

New funding for Camplyobacter coli research

The UK is tackling the issue of food poisoning caused by Campylobacter coli through a new two-year study funded by the Food Standards Agency. Researchers will analyze 500 genomes from various sources to identify genetic markers that can help track the bacteria's presence in different environments.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·DateOct 8, 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.

Terrestrial ecosystems at risk of major shifts as temperatures increase

A new study reveals that over 80% of the world's ice-free land is at risk of profound ecosystem transformation by 2100. Up to 86% of natural land ecosystems worldwide could be affected, with changes including boreal forests becoming temperate savannas and rainforests facing dieback.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalEarth System Dynamics·DateOct 8, 2013

Where does dizziness come from?

Johns Hopkins researchers pinpointed a site in the right parietal lobe that plays a crucial role in recognizing which way is straight up and down. Disruptions to this process can cause spatial disorientation and dizziness, but the study suggests that trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) could be used to treat chronic dizziness.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateOct 8, 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.

CNIO researchers propose a new therapeutic target that prevents cell division

Researchers at CNIO's Cell Division & Cancer Group have discovered that the protein Greatwall is essential for preventing mitotic collapse in mammals. By inhibiting Greatwall, cells can no longer divide properly, which may lead to slowed-down cancer growth and potentially reactivated tumour suppressor PP2A

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2013

Postpartum depression spans generations

A recent study by Tufts University researchers found that exposure to social stress in new mothers can negatively impact their daughter's ability to provide maternal care. The transgenerational study used female rats to model postpartum depression, revealing similar behavioral and physiological changes in second-generation females.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateOct 8, 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.

A&A Case Reports premieres today

The new digital journal is dedicated to reporting patient cases that make an important teaching point or scientific observation in perioperative medicine, critical care, and pain management. All new case reports will be open access during the launch period.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateOct 8, 2013

Early-onset lumbar disc degeneration-associated mutation identified

Researchers identified a mutation in the carbohydrate sulfotransferase 3 gene associated with early-onset lumbar disc degeneration. Decreased CHST3 expression was found to predict LDD development, providing new insights into the genetic causes of this condition.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 8, 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.

Researchers find link between aircraft noise and heart disease

Two studies published in BMJ Group found a significant association between aircraft noise exposure and cardiovascular disease hospital admissions. The research suggests that even low levels of daytime and night-time aircraft noise can increase the risk of heart disease, particularly among vulnerable populations.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 8, 2013

Making the most of what you have

The study reveals that the nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) protease of classical swine fever virus is capable of self-cleavage, generating two smaller proteins with distinct activities. This discovery sheds light on the complex regulation of viral replication and has significant implications for understanding persistent infections.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Virology·DateOct 8, 2013

Growing bacteria keep time, know their place

Researchers found that engineered bacteria use time as a cue to form predictable ring patterns, contradicting established theories. This discovery has implications for understanding pattern formation in biology and could lead to the creation of biological scaffolds for new materials with energy applications.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateOct 8, 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.

A 'yes' to 1 drug could become 'yes' for other drugs

A study of 29,054 high school seniors found that those who use marijuana are less judgmental of other socially acceptable drugs like LSD and amphetamine. Conversely, youths from urban areas and those with strong religious beliefs tend to disapprove of harder drugs like cocaine and heroin.

SourceSpringer·JournalPrevention Science·DateOct 8, 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.

Breathing new life into preterm baby research

The research team will investigate ways to reduce the burden of illness associated with prematurity by improving air-breathing transition and delaying umbilical cord clamping. They aim to develop strategies to prevent brain injury and long-term consequences such as cerebral palsy.

SourceMonash University·DateOct 8, 2013

Weighed down by guilt: Research shows it's more than a metaphor

A Princeton University study finds that recalling personal unethical acts imbues feelings of guilt that are embodied as increased sensations of weight. This phenomenon is grounded in embodied cognition and has implications for understanding how humans perceive guilt.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 8, 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.

Non-specific and specific RNA binding proteins found to be fundamentally similar

Case Western Reserve University researchers discover that non-specific RNA binding proteins can be specific about where they bind to RNA molecules, seeking out particular sequences. This finding advances understanding of how proteins control gene expression and sheds light on diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature·DateOct 8, 2013

Metabolically engineered E. coli producing phenol

Researchers developed an engineered E. coli strain capable of producing phenol from glucose, overcoming its toxicity issues. The biphasic extractive fermentation process allowed efficient extraction of phenol, reaching the highest titer and productivity reported.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalBiotechnology Journal·DateOct 8, 2013

Older people exposed to aircraft noise may face greater risk of hospitalization from heart problems

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health finds that living close to an airport increases the risk of cardiovascular hospital admissions among older adults. The researchers analyzed data from 6 million participants and found that aircraft noise was associated with a 3.5% higher hospital admission rate for cardiovascular disease.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·DateOct 8, 2013

Climate change threatens Northern American turtle habitat

A new study finds that climate change has shifted the centers of North American turtles' ranges by an average of 45 miles per degree, with temperate forest and grassland species being more affected. This trend indicates that many endangered turtle species face uncertain futures due to their inability to adapt to changing climates.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 8, 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.

Debit cards deduct nutrition from school lunches

A study by Cornell researchers found that schools using debit card payment systems serve lower nutrition and higher calorie meals, as students tend to overspend. This can lead to a greater intake of unhealthy food items like candy, cheeseburgers, and fries.

SourceCornell University·JournalObesity·DateOct 8, 2013

Juno slingshots past Earth on its way to Jupiter

Juno will explore Jupiter's northern and southern lights by flying through electrical current systems that generate them. The mission aims to understand the origin and evolution of the solar system's largest planet by mapping magnetic and gravity fields, determining atmospheric composition, and observing upper atmosphere dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateOct 8, 2013

Air pollution increases heart attacks

Research presented at the Acute Cardiac Care Congress 2013 found a significant association between air pollution levels and admission for acute cardiovascular events. The study also showed that older people and men were more susceptible to arrhythmias and acute coronary syndromes at increasing levels of air pollution.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateOct 8, 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.

Neurological researchers find fat may be linked to memory loss

Neurological researchers have discovered a significant link between abdominal fat and memory loss, finding that the same protein controlling fat metabolism in the liver also resides in the memory center of the brain. This study suggests that people with high levels of abdominal fat may be at risk for memory-related problems later in life.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 8, 2013

MIT Deshpande Center announces fall 2013 research grants

The Deshpande Center is awarding grants to researchers developing innovative technologies in disease monitoring, cancer treatment, water desalination, and digital printing. The project focuses on developing proof-of-concept explorations and validation for emerging technologies with a potential impact on quality of life.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 8, 2013

UT Arlington engineers making batteries safer, cooler

Researchers at UT Arlington are working on a $152,077 Office of Naval Research grant to improve the thermal properties of lithium-ion batteries. They aim to devise better designs for cooling and operating these batteries safely in high-power applications, reducing the risk of fires and battery degradation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 8, 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.

Residents willing to pay for water improvements

A University of Illinois survey found that homeowners are willing to pay for storm-water runoff management to reduce flooding in their basements. The study also showed a strong demand for water quality improvements and environmental benefits, with residents willing to pay for low-impact development approaches.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWater Resources Research·DateOct 8, 2013

Clues to foam formation could help find oil

Rice University scientists have discovered two novel mechanisms for bubble formation in foam, known as pinch-off behaviors. This discovery could improve the efficiency of enhanced oil recovery methods by making gas act more like a liquid and increasing its contact with reservoir rock.

SourceRice University·JournalSoft Matter·DateOct 8, 2013

Something in the (expecting mother's) water

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Economics found that contaminated water is linked to lower birth weights and prematurity, especially among less-educated mothers. Infants exposed to contaminated water are also more likely to have mothers who are younger, less educated, or African-American.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·DateOct 8, 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.

Team uses a cellulosic biofuels byproduct to increase ethanol yield

Scientists at the University of Illinois have engineered yeast to consume acetic acid, a previously unwanted byproduct of biofuel production, resulting in a 10% increase in ethanol yield from lignocellulosic sources. This breakthrough could simplify cellulosic ethanol production and make it more efficient.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 8, 2013

'Mobility shoes' take a load off for knee osteoarthritis sufferers

A new study by Rush University Medical Center found that mobility shoes significantly reduced knee loading in osteoarthritis patients, even after the shoes were no longer worn. The study suggests that footwear choice may be an important consideration in managing knee osteoarthritis.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateOct 8, 2013

A slow, loving, 'affective' touch may be key to a healthy sense of self

Research suggests that slow tactile stimulation can increase brain's ability to construct body ownership and create a healthy sense of self. The study found that participants who received synchronized slow touch believed the rubber hand belonged to them more than those who received faster neutral touch.

SourceNeuropsychoanalysis Foundation·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 8, 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.

HIV vaccines elicit immune response in infants

Researchers found that two HIV vaccine trials stimulated a critical immune response in infants, which has been linked to reduced HIV infection. The findings suggest that infant vaccination can elicit a robust anti-HIV envelope IgG immune response and highlight the importance of including pediatric populations in vaccine studies.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateOct 8, 2013

Solving the internet capacity crunch

The University of Bristol and NICT successfully demonstrated a multicore fibre-based network, utilizing Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) and Software Defined Network (SDN) control. This breakthrough enables the efficient handling of emerging Internet applications such as global cloud computing.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateOct 8, 2013

Scientists 'bad at judging peers' published work,' says new study

A new study found that scientists are unreliable judges of their peers' scientific output, with subjective post-publication peer review and impact factor being poor measures. The study suggests using a suite of article-level metrics to assess merit, which could have major implications for research assessment processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 8, 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.

New study shows link between car crashes and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Researchers found elevated rates of preterm birth, placental abruption, and premature rupture of the membranes among pregnant drivers involved in a single or multiple car crashes. Stillbirth rates were also significantly higher for unbelted pregnant drivers. The study highlights the importance of crash prevention strategies during preg...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 8, 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.

UW, local company building innovative deep-sea manned submarine

The University of Washington is partnering with OceanGate to develop a five-person deep-sea manned submarine that can reach depths of over 9,842 feet. The Cyclops submarine features a carbon-fiber hull and advanced control systems, allowing for increased safety and efficiency in ocean research and exploration.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateOct 8, 2013

AGU journal highlights -- Oct. 8 2013

Researchers have developed a method to measure global sulfur dioxide emissions using satellite sensors, identifying large sources such as smelters and factories. A seismic network also detects landslides on a broad area scale in Taiwan's Chenyoulan watershed, providing insights into natural hazard occurrence and watershed dynamics.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 8, 2013

Sunscreen saves superhero gene

Researchers found sunscreen provides 100% protection against all three forms of skin cancer: BCC, SCC, and malignant melanoma. The study also revealed sunscreen shielded the p53 gene, which prevents cancer. No DNA changes were detected in skin samples where sunscreen was applied.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPigment Cell & Melanoma Research·DateOct 8, 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.

JCI early table of contents for Oct. 8, 2013

Genetic mutations in two families with eating disorders were found to be linked to decreased estrogen-related receptor alpha and histone deacetylase 4 activity, increasing the risk of developing an eating disorder. CHST3 mutations also led to early-onset lumbar disc degeneration.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 8, 2013

Rural land use policies curb wildfire risks -- to a point

A Washington State University researcher found that moderately restrictive land-use policies can significantly reduce rural wildfire risk in Flathead County. The model predicts a 10-fold increase in residential losses under increased but still moderate restrictions, while highly restrictive policies show only a nine-fold increase.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateOct 8, 2013

Penn study shows the high costs of unnecessary radiation treatments for terminal cancer patients

A new study published in JAMA found that over 95% of advanced prostate cancer patients receive multiple radiation treatments for pain control, despite the equivalent effectiveness of single treatments. The study reveals substantial cost savings with single-fraction treatment, with mean radiotherapy-related expenditures 62% lower for pa...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateOct 8, 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.

Geoscience Workforce Currents #77

The study analyzed over 400 geoscience student exit survey responses, identifying that 70% of participants took Calculus I and II, with a drop in further mathematics coursework after those classes. PhD candidates pursued multiple courses beyond Calculus II, while all three groups took at least one chemistry and physics course.

SourceAmerican Geosciences Institute·DateOct 8, 2013

Surgeons report 2 new approaches to lessen postoperative pain

Researchers have found that applying ice packs after major abdominal operations reduces postoperative pain and opioid use, with patients experiencing 50% less pain on the first and third days. An experimental prolonged drug delivery system using lidocaine also showed superior results in animal studies.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 8, 2013

New center for water research

The 'Center for Advanced Water Research' will address global problems concerning integrated water resources management jointly. With the foundation of the CAWR, partners aim to overcome the challenges in the water sector using integrated approaches.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·DateOct 8, 2013

'Brain training' may boost working memory, but not intelligence

New research suggests that brain training programs strengthen working memory capacity but do not improve general fluid intelligence. The study found that students who trained on complex span tasks showed transfer to other working memory tasks, but none of the groups showed benefits on measures of fluid intelligence.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 8, 2013

Studying the social side of carnivores

A study by Michigan State University neuroscientist Sharleen Sakai found a correlation between the size of carnivores' frontal cortices and their social nature. The coatimundi, a highly social animal, had the largest frontal cortex, while raccoons had the smallest.

SourceMichigan State University·DateOct 8, 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.

Flawed diamonds: Gems for new technology

A team of researchers has made the first detailed observation of how energy travels through diamonds containing nitrogen-vacancy centers, defects that can be manipulated with optical methods. The findings could help scientists understand the properties of these diamonds, which have potential applications in quantum computing and imagin...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 8, 2013

2 genes linked to increased risk for eating disorders

Researchers have identified two genes that increase the risk of developing eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia. The genes, ESRRA and HDAC4, interact in a brain signaling pathway and produce the same biological effect, suggesting a new potential target for understanding and treating the complex condition.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 8, 2013

New urine test could diagnose eye disease

A new urine test has been developed to diagnose retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease. The test uses mass spectrometry to analyze dolichol profiles in urine and blood samples, distinguishing between different gene mutations that cause the disease. This non-invasive test could provide personalized care for patients with RP.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateOct 8, 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.

A better breathalyzer

Researchers developed a novel breathalyzer that uses a reusable, color-changing opal sensor to detect alcohol vapor concentration. The device can provide precise digital readings and is usable multiple times, making it a promising solution for police officers.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateOct 8, 2013

Empathy helps children to understand sarcasm

A new study found that children with stronger empathy skills are better at recognizing sarcasm. Children began to detect sarcasm between ages 6 and 8, but some took longer to develop this skill. Empathy skills were measured using eye gaze and reaction time during a task that required recognizing sarcastic language.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 8, 2013

No viral cause for breast cancer and brain tumors

A major study has disproven the theory of a viral cause for breast cancer and glioblastoma, with over seven billion DNA sequences analyzed. The research found no genetic traces of viruses in these forms of cancer, contradicting previous theories suggesting Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus involvement.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 8, 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.

Public health does not 'lose out' when merged with Medicaid programs

Researchers found no evidence that state public health departments lose funding when merged with Medicaid programs. In fact, the study suggests that strong public health agencies can help save Medicaid money by preventing costly diseases.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateOct 8, 2013

First ever evidence of a comet striking Earth

A team of scientists has discovered the first-ever evidence of a comet striking Earth, with implications for understanding the solar system's formation. The discovery involves a mysterious black pebble containing the first known hand specimen of a comet nucleus.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateOct 8, 2013

LSTM Professor Richard Pleass wins Prix de l'Innovation 2013

Professor Richard Pleass of LSTM has developed a biomimetic called Hexagard, which is approximately 50 fold more effective than current IVIG therapy. The innovative treatment aims to replace IVIG therapy for treating autoimmune diseases in developing countries where it is unaffordable.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·DateOct 8, 2013

UCLA Dentistry discovers cellular signals between pancreatic cancer tumors and saliva

Researchers at UCLA School of Dentistry validated that pancreatic cancer biomarkers reside in saliva through a study on tumor-ridden mouse models. The team demonstrated that tumor-derived extracellular RNA molecules are transported through exosome vesicles and re-processed into saliva as biomarkers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 8, 2013

Major leap towards graphene for solar cells

Researchers have discovered that graphene remains its conductive properties even when coated with silicon, a breakthrough for transparent solar cells. The study shows that the embedded graphene layer has a carrier mobility roughly 30 times greater than conventional zinc oxide-based contact layers.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 8, 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.

Study shows snacking on almonds decreased appetite without increasing body weight

A new study found that consuming 1.5 ounces of dry-roasted almonds daily reduced participants' hunger and improved their dietary intake of vitamin E and monounsaturated fat without gaining weight. The study, led by Purdue University researchers, suggests almonds may be a smart snack choice to support a healthy weight.

SourcePorter Novelli·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 8, 2013