Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 14, 2014


Reduced testosterone tied to endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure

A new study found an inverse relationship between phthalate exposure and testosterone levels in various populations, including boys ages 6-12 and men and women ages 40-60. Increased phthalate concentrations were associated with a decline in testosterone levels, potentially impacting reproductive development and sexual function.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 14, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Lancet: European Society of Cardiology Congress media alert

Research highlights the effectiveness of blood pressure-lowering treatment based on cardiovascular risk, as well as the importance of predicted baseline risk equations. Additionally, studies investigate the use of bivalirudin versus heparin in percutaneous coronary intervention and implant-based multiparameter telemonitoring for heart ...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 14, 2014

Workaholism: The addiction of this century

A recent study from the University of Bergen found that 8.3 percent of the Norwegian workforce is addicted to work, with no differences between men and women. The study used a nationally representative sample of 2,160 participants and identified seven criteria to measure work addiction.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 14, 2014

Study: Brain imaging shows brain differences in risk-taking teens

Research at the Center for BrainHealth found that risk-taking teens exhibit hyperconnectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, indicating an imbalance in emotional regulation. This imbalance may be associated with increased activity in the nucleus accumbens, a center linked to reward sensitivity.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·DateAug 14, 2014

PTSD can develop even without memory of the trauma

Researchers found that rats with no explicit memory of an early childhood trauma developed PTSD symptoms, highlighting the importance of non-articulated brain processes in distress. This study challenges traditional views on PTSD treatment by emphasizing the role of physiologic arousal and other forms of learning.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

Dynamic culture of a thermosensitive collagen hydrogel improves tissue-engineered peripheral nerve

A thermosensitive collagen hydrogel was used as an extracellular matrix to construct tissue-engineered peripheral nerve composites in vitro. The results showed that seeded cells maintained larger numbers and were well-distributed throughout the material, improving the construction of tissue-engineered peripheral nerves.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 14, 2014

Potential drug therapy for kidney stones identified in mouse study

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a potential new class of drugs, histone deacetylase inhibitors, that can dissolve kidney stones by reducing calcium and magnesium levels in the urine. The study shows promising results using small doses of two specific drugs, Vorinostat and trichostatin A.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 14, 2014

Newborns' genetic code sends infection distress signal

Researchers have identified a 52-character biological signal specific to bacterial infection in newborns' DNA, enabling early detection and diagnosis. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a single-drop blood test, limiting antibiotic overuse and tackling drug resistance.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

New technology offers insight into cholesterol

Researchers have discovered a key enzyme involved in O-glycosylation of LDLR, a receptor protein responsible for absorbing bad cholesterol. The study provides new insights into the functional impact of glycosylation on cholesterol levels.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 14, 2014

Message to parents: Babies don't 'start from scratch'

Researchers at the University of Adelaide found that a child's future health is shaped by more than genetic material. Stored environmental factors in eggs and sperm can influence development, leading to a higher risk of metabolic diseases, anxiety, and immune dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014

Single enzyme is necessary for development of diabetes

Researchers discover that 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) enzyme promotes pre-diabetes and diabetes by causing oxidative stress in pancreatic cells. The study shows that a high-fat diet leads to the production of harmful molecules, ultimately damaging the cell's ability to produce insulin.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateAug 14, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New Milky Way maps help solve stubborn interstellar material mystery

A team of astronomers has created new maps of the interstellar medium in the Milky Way, revealing clues about the composition and distribution of mysterious complex molecules. The findings could provide insights into how stars form and the conditions that lead to their creation.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014

Food allergies more widespread among inner-city children

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that nearly one in ten inner-city children has a food allergy, with breastfed kids and high exposure to endotoxin being potential risk factors. The study also highlighted a subgroup of children with higher-than-average allergy risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 14, 2014

Laser makes microscopes way cooler

Researchers at Australian National University developed a technique to cool nanowire probes with lasers, increasing their sensitivity 20 times and enabling detection of tiny forces. This could improve the resolution of atomic force microscopes, measuring nanoscopic structures and molecular interactions.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

People fake to look authentic on social media

Researchers at Aalto University found that users fake parts of their online image to be accepted by others. Despite this, sharing authentic content is often hindered by a fear of being perceived as excessive or attention-seeking. This paradox highlights the complexities of presenting an authentic image on social network sites.

SourceAalto University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateAug 14, 2014

RNA-targeted drug candidate for Lou Gehrig's disease found

Researchers have identified a small molecule capable of interrupting the disease process in cells carrying the C9ORF72 gene, a variant associated with ALS and FTD. The compound selectively targets abnormal RNA molecules, reducing their accumulation and potentially serving as a biomarker for clinical trials.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 14, 2014

Freeways as fences, trapping the mountain lions of Los Angeles

Researchers found that mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains have dangerously low genetic diversity due to near complete isolation by freeways. Only one young lion successfully dispersed into the area over a decade, highlighting the need for increased connectivity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

Inside the cell, an ocean of buffeting waves

The cytoplasm of mammalian cells is actually an elastic gel that creates random waves due to energetic processes in the cell. This new understanding provides a snapshot of the metabolic state of the cell and raises questions about cellular dynamics.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalCell·DateAug 14, 2014

Aspirin may slow recurrence in breast cancer patients

Researchers found that patients taking COX2 inhibitors, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, had a lower breast cancer recurrence rate compared to those not taking these medications. This reduced the risk of ERα positive breast cancer by 50% and extended disease-free periods by more than two years.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 14, 2014

Vitamin D deficiency may reduce pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF

A study by the Endocrine Society found that women with vitamin D deficiency were nearly half as likely to conceive through IVF as those with sufficient levels. Women with adequate vitamin D levels had higher-quality embryos and increased chances of successful implantation.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

Severity of sleep apnea impacts risk of resistant high blood pressure

A strong association has been found between severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea and the risk of elevated blood pressure despite aggressive medication use. The odds of resistant elevated blood pressure were four times higher in participants with severe sleep apnea.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateAug 14, 2014

Scientists fold RNA origami from a single strand

Researchers create RNA origami structures by encoding folding recipes into single-strand RNAs, allowing for self-folding and organization of molecules on the nanoscale. The method has potential applications in cellular engineering, biochemical factories, and molecular scaffolds.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

UTSA research sheds light on factors affecting veteran hiring

Researchers at UTSA have identified key factors limiting veterans' ability to secure jobs and offer strategies for organizations and veterans to enhance their access. The study highlights the importance of addressing stereotypes, educating decision-makers about military skills transfer, and creating a culture that values hiring veterans.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalHuman Resource Management·DateAug 14, 2014

NASA to investigate climate impacts of Arctic Sea ice loss

The Arctic Radiation IceBridge Sea and Ice Experiment (ARISE) aims to study the effect of sea ice retreat on Arctic climate. ARISE will conduct research flights over the Arctic from Aug. 28 to Oct. 1, collecting data on ice, clouds, and radiation balance.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 14, 2014

Immune cell discovery could help to halt cancer spread

Melanoma cells that have spread to the lungs can be killed by highly specialized immune cells called natural killer cells. The discovery reveals a new target for boosting or depleting these immune cells to treat disease.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2014

Adipose-derived stem cells and nerve regeneration

Researchers explore adipose-derived stem cells as a tool for improving nerve regeneration through bioengineered nerve grafts, aiming to revolutionize peripheral nerve repair. Adipose-derived stem cells have shown potential to stimulate improved nerve regeneration and could replace current clinical approaches.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

Strong state alcohol policies reduce likelihood of binge drinking

Researchers found that states with stronger alcohol policies have a lower likelihood of binge drinking, with higher taxes and reduced outlets accounting for half of the effect. This study highlights the importance of evidence-based policy decisions in reducing alcohol-related deaths and economic costs.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

Forcing chromosomes into loops may switch off sickle cell disease

Researchers use protein-engineering techniques to force chromatin fiber into looped structures that activate genes regulating fetal hemoglobin, which is not affected by the inherited mutation causing sickle cell disease. The approach may give rise to a new therapy for the debilitating blood disorder.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalCell·DateAug 14, 2014

Early antibiotic exposure leads to lifelong metabolic disturbances in mice

A new study suggests that early antibiotic exposure disrupts the gut microbiome, permanently altering metabolism in mice. Researchers found that mice exposed to low-dose penicillin during pregnancy or nursing were more susceptible to obesity and metabolic abnormalities than those exposed later in life.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateAug 14, 2014

Fukushima's legacy

Studies on Fukushima radiation impact birds, monkeys, butterflies, and plants with population declines, genetic damage, and stress responses observed. Chronic low-dose radiation exposure results in genetic damage and mutation rates in reproductive cells.

SourceAmerican Genetic Association·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

Study details shortage of replication in education research

A recent study found that replication studies in education research are severely lacking, with less than one percent of published articles being replications. Most replications were successful, but the quality and frequency of replications vary greatly depending on factors such as authorship overlap and journal publication policy.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateAug 14, 2014

New Irish research sheds light on how aspirin works to reduce cancer deaths

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that women taking regular aspirin before diagnosis had lower rates of breast cancer spreading and death. The study suggests a possible link between aspirin use and reduced mortality from breast cancer, with further research needed to understand the mechanism and optimal dosage.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

Experimental chikungunya vaccine induces robust antibody response

A new experimental chikungunya vaccine performed well in an early clinical trial, eliciting neutralizing antibodies in all participants and providing durable protection for at least 11 months. The vaccine, a virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine, was delivered without an adjuvant and prompted a robust immune response.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 14, 2014

Protein found to block benefits of vitamin A cancer therapy

Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center found that protein AEG-1 interferes with retinoic acid's ability to treat leukemia and liver cancer, highlighting a potential target for new therapies. The study's results could impact the treatment of countless cancer patients by enabling doctors to screen for AEG-1 expression levels.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 14, 2014

Food allergies more widespread among inner-city children

A study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that at least one in 10 inner-city children has a food allergy, with peanuts being the most common allergen. The study also suggests that early-life exposure to certain microbes may play a protective role against food allergies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

Hoopoes' eggs show their true colors

Researchers found that hoopoes' eggs change from bluish-grey to greenish-brown when exposed to preen gland secretion, which contains antimicrobial properties. This color change may serve as a signal about the mother bird's breeding quality.

SourceSpringer·DateAug 14, 2014

Researchers develop strategy to combat genetic ALS, FTD

Scientists at Mayo Clinic and Scripps Research Institute developed a new therapeutic strategy to combat the most common genetic risk factor for ALS and FTD. They discovered a potential biomarker that can track disease progression and measure the efficacy of therapies.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNeuron·DateAug 14, 2014

Gender disparities uncovered in desire to receive living donor kidney transplants

A recent study found that black women are less likely to want to receive kidney transplants from living donors, despite receiving more unsolicited offers from family and friends. Women were also less likely to be evaluated for a transplant, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to alleviate existing disparities.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

CF mucus defect present at birth

Research by University of Iowa scientists reveals that cystic fibrosis causes a primary defect in mucociliary transport, resulting in impaired detachment of mucus from airway glands. This leads to airway obstruction, difficulty breathing, and increased susceptibility to lung infection.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014

Woodrats' genes help them to win the arms race against their food

Researchers identified specific genes switched on in woodrats that detoxify the creosote plant's toxic resin. The study found two closely related species of woodrat have different reactions to the toxin, with one species exhibiting stress due to unactivated detoxification genes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateAug 14, 2014

NSAIDs benefit overweight breast cancer patients, study finds

Researchers found that NSAID use reduces ERα positive breast cancer recurrence by 50% and extends patients' disease-free period by more than two years. The study suggests a new possibility for reducing breast cancer recurrence among overweight and obese postmenopausal women.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 14, 2014

Scientists use lasers to control mouse brain switchboard

A study found that just a few nerve cells in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) may control the switch between internal thoughts and external distractions. The TRN's firing patterns were altered using laser light, revealing its role in regulating consciousness and mental states.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalCell·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

Tissue development 'roadmap' created to guide stem cell medicine

A new computer algorithm called CellNet has been created to guide stem cell medicine by providing a 'quality assurance' measure for lab-created cells. The algorithm assesses the complex network of genes in engineered cells, comparing them to their real-life counterparts, and provides guidance on improving the engineering process.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateAug 14, 2014

New non-invasive technique controls size of molecules penetrating the blood-brain barrier

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new non-invasive technique using acoustic pressure to control the size of molecules penetrating the blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough may help improve localized brain drug delivery for treatment of central nervous system diseases like Par...

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateAug 14, 2014

Scientists study 'talking' turtles in Brazilian Amazon

Researchers found Giant South American river turtles have a repertoire of vocalizations for different behavioral situations, including caring for young. The study reveals unique insights into their behavior, with female turtles using specific sounds to call to their newly hatched offspring and synchronize movements.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalHerpetologica·DateAug 14, 2014

Scripps Research Institute chemists uncover powerful new click chemistry reactivity

Researchers have developed a powerful new reactivity called SuFEx that enables the creation of stable, non-polar linkers for making drugs, diagnostics, and smart materials. The breakthrough opens up vast numbers of new molecules for production, with potential applications in fields such as drug discovery, biology, and materials science.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 14, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New tool makes a single picture worth far more than a thousand words

Researchers developed AverageExplorer to tackle vast amounts of visual data, generating an image that represents key features of multiple photos. This tool enables users to quickly sort and analyze images by giving extra weight to specific features.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateAug 14, 2014

Human contribution to glacier mass loss on the increase

A recent study reveals that human activity is a significant contributor to glacier mass loss, with a notable increase in recent decades. The research suggests that only about one quarter of global glacier mass loss between 1851 and 2010 was due to anthropogenic causes, but this fraction rose to two-thirds during the last two decades.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014

New analysis links tree height to climate

Researchers link tree height to climate conditions, finding hydraulic limitation constrains maximum tree height under drier conditions, while resource allocation constrains it in moist areas. The study, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Thomas Givnish, examined Eucalyptus species in Victoria state, Australia.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEcology·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

Molecular engineers record an electron's quantum behavior

Researchers developed a technique to control and observe individual electrons in nanoscale defects, enabling the creation of quantum-state snapshots. This breakthrough contributes to quantum information processing and could accelerate development of quantum computing devices.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014

Researchers identify a brain 'switchboard' important in attention and sleep

A study published in Cell reveals that the thalamic reticular nucleus acts as a 'switchboard' directing sensory signals during wakefulness and internal information during sleep. This 'switchboard' is crucial in attention and sleep, with faulty cells potentially disrupting filtering of information in psychiatric disorders.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateAug 14, 2014

New frontiers of fecal microbiota transplantation

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) shows promise in treating a broad range of gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. A new orally delivered community of microbes has been developed to address the challenges of FMT.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateAug 14, 2014

Mysteries of space dust revealed

Researchers analyzed seven grains of possible interstellar dust, finding they are more complex in composition and structure than previously imagined. The analysis opens a door to studying the origins of the solar system and possibly the origin of life itself.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

Memories of errors foster faster learning

Scientists discovered that people learn new motor tasks faster when they recall the errors made during the first attempt. The brain uses this information to fine-tune its performance and adapt to future similar tasks. This study sheds light on how our brains learn from mistakes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014

Study of Chilean quake shows potential for future earthquake

Researchers analyzed near-real-time data from the April 1 earthquake in Iquique, Chile, and found that it occurred on a fault gap not ruptured since 1877. The study suggests that while the current stress was not released during the quake, it leaves open the possibility of another significant event.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

NSAIDs may lower breast cancer recurrence rate in overweight and obese women

Regular use of aspirin or other NSAIDs has been found to reduce the risk of hormone-related breast cancer recurrence by half in overweight and obese women. The study suggests that limiting inflammatory signaling may be an effective approach to altering the cancer-promoting effects of obesity.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 14, 2014

Computation and collaboration lead to significant advance in malaria

Researchers developed a new computational method to study disease-causing genes, starting with Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The method allowed for the prediction of protein functions and revealed the role of EXP1 in detoxifying metabolic byproducts and drug susceptibility.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateAug 14, 2014

A self-organizing thousand-robot swarm

A self-organizing swarm of 1,024 robots creates complex shapes by following simple programmed rules, showcasing collective artificial intelligence. The Kilobots overcomes individual limitations through a smart algorithm, guaranteeing task completion and demonstrating the potential for large-scale robotics.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014

Predicting fracking policy

A new study presents a formal model to predict how countries will regulate hydraulic fracturing, helping companies assess risks and benefits. The model uses multi-criteria decision analysis to aggregate various inputs into a ranked list of policy alternatives.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalEnvironmental Sciences Europe·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

Harnessing the power of bacteria's sophisticated immune system

Researchers have better understood how bacteria can protect itself from harm, using X-ray crystallography to visualize the molecular machinery known as Cascade. The unique ladder-like structure allows RNA to scan DNA more efficiently than a double-helix structure, enabling faster recognition and destruction of viral invaders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014

Mass layoffs linked to increased teen suicide attempts

A new study from Duke University found that mass layoffs can trigger increased suicide attempts and behaviors among teenagers, particularly girls and black adolescents. The research, based on a nationally representative survey of 403,457 adolescents, suggests that economic hardship worsens existing tendencies in girls.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 14, 2014