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Science News for August 4, 2014


New information on transcranial ultrasound therapy

The study found that skull-base heating can result in hazardous temperature elevations when sonications are performed close to the skull-base. Three new methods to counteract this phenomenon were developed. Additionally, the formation of standing-waves is greatly reduced with specifically designed large-area ultrasound transducers.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateAug 4, 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.

Lung cancer diagnosis tool shown to be safe and effective for older patients

A recent study has shown that a lung cancer diagnosis tool can be used safely in elderly patients, allowing doctors to make more accurate diagnoses and choose appropriate treatments. The tool, known as EBUS-TBNA, is effective for assessing whether a patient's tumour has spread to the lymph nodes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateAug 4, 2014

New insights into why adolescents carry meningitis-causing bacteria

University of York scientists have discovered a novel metabolic pathway in Neisseria meningitidis that explains why this age group is particularly at risk of infection. The bacteria can supplement its growth via metabolism of propionic acid, generated by anaerobic bacteria becoming more prevalent in adolescents.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalMolecular Microbiology·DateAug 4, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

WSU researchers see violent era in ancient Southwest

Archaeologists at WSU document a bloody period of violence (1140-1180) in central Mesa Verde, Colorado, in contrast to nearby northern Rio Grande region. The study highlights factors like specialization and social structures that may have contributed to the differences in levels of violence.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateAug 4, 2014

Children in immigrant families more likely to be sedentary

Children of immigrants from all racial and ethnic backgrounds have lower levels of physical activity than U.S.-born white children. Asian immigrant children are nearly three times as likely to have low levels of physical activity, while Hispanic and unspecified ethnicity children are nearly two times as likely.

SourceRice University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateAug 4, 2014

Evolutionary explanation for why some lessons more easily learned than others

Researchers uncover the evolutionary roots of animals' ability to quickly absorb critical life lessons, a phenomenon known as the Garcia Effect. The study found that statistical reliability across generations determines what animals can learn and what they can't, with different environments favoring specific associations.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014
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.

For-profit home care agencies cost Medicare extra, yet provide worse care: Health Affairs

A nationwide study published in Health Affairs reveals that for-profit home health agencies are significantly more expensive for Medicare than nonprofit agencies, with operating costs accounting for $752 of the difference. Despite their higher costs, for-profits delivered lower-quality care, with patients experiencing more repeat hospi...

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 4, 2014

Quantitative volumetric analysis of the optic radiation in the normal human brain

Researchers from Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science used diffusion tensor imaging to analyze the optic radiation in 13 healthy volunteers. The study found that the optic radiation fiber tract volume was approximately 0.16% and fractional anisotropy value was about 0.53, enabling accurate detection of probability pathways.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 4, 2014

Version 2.0 of Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator now online, complete with emojis

The prostate cancer risk calculator has been updated to provide a more nuanced result, helping men understand their risk of low-grade and high-grade prostate cancer. The new calculator incorporates current risk factors and an advanced statistical model to distinguish between the prediction of low-grade and high-grade disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJAMA·DateAug 4, 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.

3-D printing finds its 'sweet spot' through 'nifty shades of gray'

Researchers at the University of Sheffield discover 'sweet spot' in 3D printing by manipulating ink density and strength. By printing in greyscale, they can maximize strength while reducing weight, opening up applications in aerospace, automotive, and sports footwear industries.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateAug 4, 2014

No-power Wi-Fi connectivity could fuel internet of things reality

University of Washington engineers have designed a new communication system that uses radio frequency signals as a power source and reuses existing Wi-Fi infrastructure to provide Internet connectivity. This technology, called Wi-Fi backscatter, enables battery-free devices to connect to the internet, overcoming a major hurdle in the w...

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 4, 2014

Safety concerns about new drugs revealed

A recent study found that 32% of newer drugs received a black box warning or were withdrawn for safety reasons, compared to 21.2% of older drugs. The study suggests that the FDA's expedited approval process may have led to the release of unsafe drugs.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 4, 2014

Protein ZEB1 promotes breast tumor resistance to radiation therapy

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that protein ZEB1 helps breast cancer cells repair DNA damage caused by radiation therapy, making them more resistant to treatment. This finding has significant implications for the development of new treatments targeting ZEB1 and other proteins involved in radioresistance.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 4, 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.

Crowdsourcing may help dieters lose weight

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that crowdsourced ratings of food pictures by app users are comparable to those given by trained experts. This suggests that crowdsourcing may be a viable way to improve adherence to dietary self-monitoring and support weight loss.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateAug 4, 2014

Wildfires consume parts of eastern Russia

A blanket of heavy smoke covers dozens of wildfires in remote eastern Russia areas caused by lightning strikes. The fires spread rapidly, covering the landscape with no apparent stopping point.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 2014

Blood-oxytocin levels in normal range in children with autism, study finds

A new study from Stanford Medicine found that blood-oxytocin levels are within the normal range in children with autism. The researchers discovered that higher oxytocin levels are linked to better social functioning in all groups, including those with autism, their siblings, and unrelated children.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 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.

Turning cancer to fat, drunk fruit flies among projects

UH undergrads worked on diverse projects tackling cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and contact lens issues. Researchers explored ways to convert cancer cells into fat cells, analyzed neural activity effects of alcohol, and created a Lego-building guide app.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 4, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Learning how things fall apart

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to study bonding failures in materials, revealing the crucial role of moisture in setting the stage for failure. The findings could lead to the design of more durable composites and prediction of their strength under specific conditions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014

Attention, bosses: Web-surfing at work has its benefits

A new study from the University of Cincinnati suggests that taking online breaks at work can have benefits for productivity and worker well-being. The study found that workers take online breaks to balance their work and personal responsibilities, leading to greater levels of satisfaction and focus on their job.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateAug 4, 2014

Diet change -- A solution to reduce water use?

Researchers at Aalto University found that shifting to vegetarian diets can reduce green water use by up to 21% and blue water use by up to 14%. This could secure food supply for an additional 1.8 billion people without increasing water resources.

SourceAalto University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 4, 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.

How long does it take to make a natural fracture?

Researchers found that natural hydraulic fractures formed over time spans of 33 to 35 million years, driven by the slow generation of natural gas. These fractures play a crucial role in modern hydraulic fracturing production, connecting pores in reservoir rock to the hydraulic fracture and wellbore.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateAug 4, 2014

Enhancing biofuel yields from biomass with novel new method

Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a versatile platform technology called Co-solvent Enhanced Lignocellulosic Fractionation (CELF) to produce biofuels from biomass more efficiently. The method uses tetrahydrofuran as a co-solvent and achieves high yields, reducing the cost of producing fuels and chemicals.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateAug 4, 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.

Phases of clinical depression could affect treatment

A new model for clinical depression takes into account the dynamic role of the immune system, highlighting different phases and their implications for treatment. This understanding may lead to more effective treatments, as common medications may not work for all patients in certain phases of illness.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·DateAug 4, 2014

Anorexia fueled by pride about weight loss

A Rutgers study found that positive emotions, even those viewed through a distorted lens, may play a role in fueling eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. Women with the illness often feel emotionally positive about their weight loss progress, which can lead to a vicious cycle of continued weight loss and disordered behaviors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateAug 4, 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.

Earlier intervention for common form of heart attack linked to improved survival

A UCLA-led analysis found that changes in treatment over the past decade have associated with higher survival rates for all patient groups, regardless of age or risk factors. The study tracked 6.5 million patients treated for heart attacks between 2002 and 2011 and found improved outcomes with earlier cardiac catheterization

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 4, 2014

Tricking plants to see the light may control the most important twitch on Earth

The discovery of the plant phytochrome's three-dimensional structure may enable the development of technologies to grow plants at higher densities, increasing crop yields and reducing resource usage. By manipulating the light sensor, researchers can alter the conditions under which plants grow and develop.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014

A protecting umbrella against oxygen

Researchers develop a novel fuel cell design that protects sensitive catalysts using a redox hydrogel. This shield prevents deactivation caused by oxygen and extreme electrical potentials, allowing for efficient and long-term energy conversion. The breakthrough has major implications for the development of sustainable energy solutions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 4, 2014

Smoke from Canadian wildfires over Baffin Bay

NASA captured images of a large swath of smoke from Canadian wildfires hovering over the Great Lakes and settling over the Bay of Baffin, which borders Greenland. The fires have been raging this summer, with some smoke drifting southward into the US.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 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.

Study examines viewers' role in American death penalty films

The study reveals that scenes of execution in American film can provoke awareness of the political responsibility inherent in voters' identities as democratic citizens in a killing state. Researchers argue that these films offer a unique opportunity to engage with the complexities of capital punishment and its implications for society.

SourceWiley·JournalLaw & Social Inquiry·DateAug 4, 2014

Cell plasticity may provide clues to origin of aggressive type of breast cancer

A team of researchers found that healthy breast cells can differentiate into various cell types similar to those seen in metaplastic carcinoma, a type of triple-negative breast cancer. This discovery challenges the traditional understanding of terminal differentiation and suggests that mature cells may retain some flexibility.

SourceIndiana University·JournalBMC Cell Biology·DateAug 4, 2014

Gastroenterology remains number one GI and hepatology journal

Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology journals received record-high impact factors, with Gastroenterology having the highest at 13.9. The journals' commitment to disseminating top clinical research is recognized by the GI community.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 4, 2014
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.

Toward personalized medicine for kidney transplant recipients

Researchers seek to reduce inflammation in kidney transplants by increasing regulatory T cells, either through infusions or pharmacologically. The goal is to maximize long-term organ survival and improve graft success rates, which have remained unchanged at 4% loss annually.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateAug 4, 2014

Cost-saving effort in health care falls short of goals, study finds

A pilot program testing bundled payments for orthopedic procedures in California failed to meet its cost-saving objectives, mainly due to low participant volume and administrative burden. The study's findings highlight the need for sufficient case volume, simple bundle definitions, and financial risk management to make bundled payment ...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 4, 2014

New tools advance bio-logic

Researchers at Rice University and the University of Kansas Medical Center have developed modular genetic circuits that can handle multiple chemical inputs simultaneously. These new tools allow scientists to design synthetic cells for specific tasks, such as biofuel production, environmental remediation, and disease treatment.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateAug 4, 2014

An embryonic cell's fate is sealed by the speed of a signal

New research from Rockefeller University suggests that the speed of a signal plays a crucial role in determining an embryonic cell's fate. The study found that cells respond better to signals with pulses rather than continuous ones, and that slower increases in signal strength can lead to weaker responses.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 4, 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.

Newly discovered juvenile whale shark aggregation in Red Sea

Researchers found hundreds of juvenile whale sharks gathering on coral reefs near Saudi Arabia, providing a rare insight into their daily lives and movements. The study tracked the sharks' movements over years, revealing frequent deep dives and a sex ratio of 1:1 at the site.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 4, 2014

News from Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet Aug. 5, 2014

The American College of Physicians recommends a full-night polysomnography test for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea. A computer model predicts that new therapies will make chronic hepatitis C a rare disease by 2036. Physical therapy and corticosteroid injections provide equal relief from shoulder pain and disability, with MPT patien...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 4, 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.

Researchers develop food safety social media guide

The researchers developed a framework for effective social media communication about food safety, highlighting the need for dialogue and engagement with key audiences. The guidance aims to reduce the risk of foodborne illness by leveraging platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPerspectives in Public Health·DateAug 4, 2014

Fires not slowing around Yellowknife

Fires and smoke are as widespread as they were in July, with hundreds of fires detected across the region. The Air Quality Health Index reached 12 on August 3, indicating a high health risk due to air pollution.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 2014

New material allows for ultra-thin solar cells

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have created a semiconductor structure consisting of two ultra-thin layers, tungsten diselenide and molybdenum disulphide, which exhibits excellent optoelectronic properties. This material has the potential to be used in future low-cost solar cells with improved efficiency and flexibility.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 4, 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.

Daylight is the best medicine, for nurses

A study by Cornell researchers found that nurses exposed to natural light had lower blood pressure, communicated more with colleagues, laughed more, and served patients in better moods. Access to natural daylight and optimized electric lighting can support circadian rhythms and work performance.

SourceCornell University·JournalHERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal·DateAug 4, 2014

Epidemic outbreaks caused by environment, not evolution

A team of scientists has found that genetic changes in a bacterial pathogen may be caused by chance environmental events rather than genetic mutations. The study, published in PNAS, analyzed 149 genomes of Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi A and found that the pathogen had not changed dramatically over its 450-year history.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014

Minuscule chips for NMR spectroscopy promise portability, parallelization

A team of engineers has created a portable device for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy using minuscule chips, reducing the footprint for multidimensional analysis of molecules. The devices can operate accurately over a wide temperature range and may be assembled into a massively parallel array to accelerate analysis of com...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014

Community pharmacist intervention boosts drug adherence, reduces health-care costs

A study led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy found that community pharmacist interventions can significantly boost drug adherence rates. The project showed a 3-4% increase in medication adherence across five common medication classes, resulting in substantial cost savings for healthcare systems. By leveraging pharmaci...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 4, 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.

Model of viral lifecycle could help in finding a cure for hepatitis B

Researchers at MIT have developed a new technique for studying the hepatitis B virus lifecycle, allowing them to investigate immune responses and drug treatments. The model could help find a cure for the disease by understanding how the virus interacts with liver cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014

The evolution of migration

A new study published in PNAS suggests that migratory birds evolved from species that lived year-round in North America. Researchers created a model to analyze the evolutionary changes of migratory bird species and found that most species originated from temperate regions before migrating to tropical areas.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014

Weakness of leukemic stem cells discovered

A team of researchers has identified 5-lipoxygenase as a target for therapeutic management of stem cell-like cells in acute myeloid leukemia. Inhibiting this enzyme selectively attacks and eliminates leukemic stem cells in both cell culture models and mouse models, suggesting a promising approach for treating the disease.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 4, 2014

Screening and drug therapy predicted to make hepatitis C a rare disease

Researchers predict that widespread screening and treatment of hepatitis C will reduce liver-related deaths by 161,500 and liver transplants by 13,900 from 2014 to 2050. The model also estimates that nearly 1 million cases of hepatitis C would be identified in the next 10 years under universal screening.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 4, 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.

Diabetes: A duo helps better

Scientists have discovered how combining metformin with SGLT2 inhibitors reinforces each other, reducing blood sugar levels effectively and prolongingly. This new approach has the potential to be an effective treatment strategy for type 2 diabetes with minimal side effects.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalDiabetes·DateAug 4, 2014

Patient navigation may aid in breast cancer treatment in high-risk populations

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that patient navigation can lead to better breast cancer care for high-risk populations, including minority women. Researchers found that patients assisted by trained navigators were more likely to start recommended treatments, such as hormonal therapy.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 4, 2014

Study shows childbirth complications vary widely at US hospitals

A US study found significant variability in maternal outcomes across hospitals, with complication rates varying five-fold between high- and low-performing facilities. Researchers recommend a national quality reporting system to improve maternal outcomes for over 4 million women who give birth annually.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 4, 2014

Study traces evolutionary origins of migration in New World birds

A new study by University of Chicago researchers found that long-distance migration in New World birds evolved from ancestral species in North America. Contrary to previous hypotheses, the team discovered that shifts southward were more common than northward movements.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014
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.

Equation to predict happiness

Researchers at UCL developed an equation to predict happiness based on recent rewards, expectations, and neural activity. The study involved 18,420 participants and found that moment-to-moment happiness reflects not just how well things are going but whether they're better than expected.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014

CU Denver study shows excess parking at some Denver sports stadiums

A new study reveals that Denver's sports stadiums have excessive parking spaces, leading to heat islands and missed economic opportunities. The research suggests transforming inefficient parking into better investments to incentivize carpooling and other modes of transportation, improving the spectator experience and downtown businesses.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateAug 4, 2014

Still no 'justice for all' for female athletes

A study review by María José Martínez-Patiño and others highlights the need for refined policies to protect female athletes from media attention and sex tests. The International Olympic Committee's hyperandrogenism policy is being called into question, with experts advocating for greater equity and inclusivity in sports.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateAug 4, 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.

Becoming bad through video games

A nationwide study involving over 5,000 teenagers found that playing mature-rated video games associated with increased deviant behaviors, including alcohol use and smoking cigarettes. The researchers suggest changes in personality, attitudes, and values contribute to the findings.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 4, 2014

Self-assembly of gold nanoparticles into small clusters

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin discovered that gold nanoparticles can form small clusters in a solvent made from chicken feed and urea, which enables efficient catalytic reactions. The particles arrange themselves into groups of up to twelve nanoparticles with average diameter of five nanometres.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalLangmuir·DateAug 4, 2014

NASA catches the brief life of Tropical Storm Nakri

Tropical Storm Nakri formed on August 2 and struggled to organize for a week, eventually becoming visible to NASA's Suomi NPP satellite. The storm dissipated just one day later while approaching the Korean peninsula, with its maximum sustained winds reaching near 40 knots.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 2014

New idea for hearing improvement in patients with hearing aids under background noise

Researchers investigated how neurons in the inferior colliculus respond to paired sounds producing precedence-effect illusions. After local GABA application, responses to lagging stimuli were suppressed, providing a potential new approach for improving speech perception in patients with hearing aids under background noise.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 4, 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.

Key adjustment enables parasite shape-shifting

African parasites undergo significant shape changes during their life cycle, enabling adaptation to varying environments. Researchers found that adjusting a key protein's expression can trigger these transformations, allowing the parasites to survive and reproduce for multiple generations.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 4, 2014

Fires in California and Oregon

Fires in California and Oregon are burning due to lightning strikes, affecting over 36,000 acres. The Beaver Complex fires have reached 20% containment despite shifting wind conditions and weather inversions aiding firefighting efforts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 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.

Overtreatment and undertreatment of patients with high blood pressure linked to kidney failure and death

Researchers found that treating high blood pressure too aggressively can increase health risks, with patients in optimal blood pressure ranges having the lowest risk of kidney failure and death. The study suggests that ideal target blood pressure ranges need to be better understood to minimize lifestyle burden and improve safety.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 4, 2014

Declining intelligence in old age linked to visual processing

A study found that declines in visual perception speed are strongly related to declines in intelligence in old age. The researchers tested 600 healthy older people on a simple task of visual perception and found that the brain's ability to make correct decisions based on brief visual impressions limits complex mental functions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 4, 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.

Ecology research paper wins national award

A UC Riverside PhD student's study on how species interact with each other has been selected as this year's recipient of the Thomas M. Frost Award for Excellence in Graduate Research. The study found patterns that have never been seen before, including changes in the network structure of interacting plants and animals within ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateAug 4, 2014

NASA sees Typhoon Halong's eye wink

NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites captured images of Super Typhoon Halong, revealing an 11.5-mile-wide eye and signs of eyewall replacement. The storm has weakened from a Category 5 to a Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds near 120mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 2014
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.

Flores bones show features of Down syndrome, not a new 'hobbit' human

Researchers reanalyze Flores bones, finding features indicative of Down syndrome, including cranial asymmetry and short thigh bones. The analysis challenges the original claim of a new 'hobbit' human species, instead suggesting a developmental disorder.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014

Drilling in the dark: Biological impacts of fracking still largely unknown

A study by conservation biologists highlights the lack of accessible information on fracking fluid chemistry and spill data, raising concerns about chemical contamination and its impact on plants and wildlife. The authors call for increased transparency and cooperation to minimize environmental damage.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateAug 4, 2014

Collaborative research uses camelina to build better biofuel

Researchers are developing Camelina sativa as a biodiesel crop for the Great Plains, which can grow on poor-quality farmland and requires little irrigation and fertilizer. By altering the plant's biochemistry, they aim to create low-viscosity oil that can be used directly in diesel engines.

SourceKansas State University·DateAug 4, 2014

Eating baked or broiled fish weekly boosts brain health, Pitt study says

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that eating baked or broiled fish once a week is associated with greater grey matter brain volumes in areas responsible for memory and cognition. The study suggests that lifestyle factors contribute to structural changes in the brain, rather than biological factors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 4, 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.

Sulfur signals in Antarctic snow reveal clues to climate, past and future

Researchers have discovered anomalous sulfur signals in Antarctic snow that provide insights into the Earth's atmosphere, past climate patterns, and potential future climate scenarios. The findings reveal a previously overlooked atmospheric chemistry process that should be included in climate models.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014

A polypill strategy to improve global secondary cardiovascular prevention

A combination pill taking key medications for heart disease prevention may reduce costs and improve adherence to medication recommendations. The polypill has been proposed as a low-cost strategy to improve secondary prevention in nations with limited resources.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 4, 2014

How should flood risk assessments be done in a changing climate?

Researchers propose a new method of flood risk assessment that starts with the null hypothesis of 'no trend' but explicitly assesses statistical uncertainties. This approach could help water managers better estimate future flood risks and avoid wasting money on unneeded infrastructure.

SourceWiley·JournalWater Resources Research·DateAug 4, 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.

'I cant figure out how to do this!'

A novel course at Washington University in St. Louis evaluates the effectiveness of active-learning techniques in large lecture classes, showing mixed but consistent benefits in conceptual learning and attitudes towards learning and problem-solving. The study eliminates traditional concerns about large classes and inquiry-based courses.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateAug 4, 2014

Scientists call for increased conservation efforts to save black bears

A comprehensive study found that black bears in the Central Interior Highlands (CIH) have a remnant lineage in the northern Ozarks of Missouri, indicating their presence throughout the region. The reintroduction of bears in the 1950s and 1960s helped restore diversity and increase population size in the Ozarks and Ouachitas.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateAug 4, 2014

Prenatal alcohol exposure alters development of brain function

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that prenatal alcohol exposure can alter brain activation over time, leading to persistent cognitive and behavioral problems in individuals with FASD. The study suggests a possible neural mechanism for the attention problems seen in FASD, highlighting the importance of early developm...

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateAug 4, 2014

Medical consultations for surgical patients examined amid payment changes

A study found significant variation in hospital use of medical consultations for surgical patients, with greater differences among those without complications. Hospitals that are non-teaching or for-profit have a higher rate of medical consultation use, while larger hospitals have more consultations for THR patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 4, 2014

GW researcher reveals how amphibians crossed continents

A large-scale biogeographic analysis by GW researcher Alex Pyron shows that amphibians have moved across the planet throughout time, with some species dispersing long distances over water. The study reveals three major processes driving their distribution: vicariance, dispersal, and unexpected oceanic dispersals.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalSystematic Biology·DateAug 4, 2014

Bottling up sound waves

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a technique for generating acoustic bottles that can bend sound waves along prescribed convex trajectories. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various applications, including advanced ultrasonic imaging and therapy, acoustic cloaking, and levitation.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2014

Survival increases with clinical team debriefing after in-hospital cardiac arrest

A new study found that staff members who joined structured team debriefings after emergency care for children suffering in-hospital cardiac arrests improved their CPR performance. The study also showed substantial increases in patients surviving with favorable neurological outcomes, up to 50 percent among the intervention group.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateAug 4, 2014

Scientists uncover combustion mechanism to better predict warming by wildfires

Researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Carnegie Mellon University uncover key attributes of brown carbon, a toxic airborne particle that warms the atmosphere. The study reveals that brown carbon shares a common production mechanism with black carbon, leading to significant underestimation of warming effects in climate models.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 4, 2014

Extracting audio from visual information

Researchers developed an algorithm to reconstruct audio signals from minute object vibrations captured in video. They successfully extracted intelligible speech from a potato-chip bag and useful audio signals from other objects like aluminum foil and leaves.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 4, 2014

When highest perceptual ability occurs in a day?

A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found significant differences in tactile sense and two-point discrimination among healthy subjects at different times of the day. Highest perceptual ability was observed in the evening compared to morning and noon.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 4, 2014

Horses communicate with their eyes and mobile ears

Researchers found that horses rely on facial expressions, particularly eye and ear positions, to gauge attention and locate food. The study's results suggest individual facial features may be important in horse communication, contradicting earlier notions about animals with eyes to the sides of their heads.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 4, 2014

Humane strategy reduces shark attacks

Researchers in Brazil developed a non-lethal strategy to reduce shark encounters with humans, increasing protected species survival rates and decreasing attacks. The 'simple and humane' approach has been shown to be effective over 8 years, making swimmers safer without harming threatened shark populations.

SourceWiley·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateAug 4, 2014

Baby universe picture brought closer to theory

The Planck Telescope's most detailed map of the cosmic microwave background contains features that challenge the standard model of cosmology. By processing the data differently and including other effects, scientists have found that several anomalies disappear, but others may still persist.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·DateAug 4, 2014

Implanted neurons become part of the brain

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have made a breakthrough in implanting neurons into mouse brains, demonstrating long-term stability and functional integration. The successful technique, which uses reprogrammed skin cells to produce healthy neurons, holds promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateAug 4, 2014

Eiler and Bald Fires in California

The Eiler wildfire has consumed 26,000 acres with unknown cause, while the Bald Fire has spread 39,500 acres with moderate containment, fueled by dry lightning and thunderstorms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 2014

In defense of mouse models for studying human disorders

Recent studies reanalyze gene expression patterns in mouse models, finding greater similarities with human disease conditions, contrary to a 2013 study that suggested poor correlation. The new research highlights the potential of mouse models for studying human disorders and developing treatments.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014

Protective hinge process enables insulin to bind to cells

Researchers have deciphered how insulin binds to target cells, unlocking a protective hinge that triggers biological signals. This mechanism has attracted international study since the landmark 1969 elucidation of insulin's storage structure, enabling new molecular designs for safer and more effective insulin products.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014

Atorvastatin protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Research published in Neural Regeneration Research found that atorvastatin, a commonly used lipid-lowering drug, protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The study discovered that atorvastatin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects contribute to its protective benefits.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 4, 2014