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Science News for August 7, 2014


Should women 'man up' for male-dominated fields?

New research by Michigan State University scholars suggests that women applying for jobs in male-dominated fields should emphasize masculine traits, such as assertiveness and independence, to be seen as a better fit. This approach is seen as an effective strategy to counteract bias in the hiring process.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateAug 7, 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.

Cell mechanics may hold key to how cancer spreads and recurs

Cancer cells that break away from tumors can prefer soft environments for growth and proliferation, researchers at the University of Illinois found. The study suggests that this preference may explain why soft tissues are more vulnerable to cancer metastasis and recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2014

Regulations needed to identify potentially invasive biofuel crops

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed regulatory definitions and a list of 49 low-risk biofuel plants to prevent invasive species. The 'white list' offers producers clearly identified options, reducing conflicts between renewable fuel production and environmental concerns.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBioEnergy Research·DateAug 7, 2014

Stanford researchers use fruit flies to unlock mysteries of human diabetes

Researchers have developed a new technique to measure insulin levels in fruit flies with high sensitivity and reproducibility. This breakthrough is expected to transform the field of diabetes research by bringing the power of fruit fly genetics to bear on the devastating condition, enabling rapid testing of diabetes risk factors.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 7, 2014

Wild sheep show benefits of putting up with parasites

Researchers found that wild sheep with higher tolerance to nematode infection produced more offspring, while those with lower tolerance left fewer descendants. The study provides groundwork for boosting human and livestock resilience to infection.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 7, 2014

Study shines new light on genetic alterations of aggressive breast cancer subtype

Researchers have uncovered a new gene fusion that may contribute to the development of luminal B breast cancer, a subtype associated with more aggressive forms and higher recurrence rates. The study found that this fusion is present in approximately 8% of tumor samples and can lead to increased cell motility and invasion.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists uncover stem cell behavior of human bowel for the first time

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have uncovered the behavior of stem cells in the human bowel for the first time. They found that within a healthy bowel, only a certain number of stem cells can exist within one area at a time, and increased competition for survival is seen in early tumours.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 7, 2014

Small, origami-inspired pop-up robots function autonomously

Researchers developed a way to coax flat sheets of composite materials into complex robots that crawl and turn. The new approach allows for rapid assembly, scalability, and high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for mass production and diverse applications.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2014

Fundamental plant chemicals trace back to bacteria

Researchers have identified two groups of ancient bacteria as the source of a critical amino acid pathway used by plants to create essential compounds. This breakthrough sheds light on the complex evolution of plant chemical pathways and may lead to increased production of valuable nutrients and medicinal compounds.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateAug 7, 2014

Cell signaling pathway linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes

A Purdue University study reveals that blocking Notch signaling in fat cells can transform white fat into a healthier beige fat type, potentially reducing obesity and related health issues. The research also found that suppressing Notch signaling improves glucose balance and insulin sensitivity.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 7, 2014

LSUHSC awarded $5.6 million NCI grant to save lives and boost economy

The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans has received a $5.6 million NCI grant to build a regional cancer clinical trials network, focusing on minority and underserved patients who die at higher rates from cancer. The program aims to provide access to state-of-the-art treatments and create jobs in the biomedical workforce.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateAug 7, 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.

UTHealth researchers find infectious prion protein in urine of patients with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Researchers at UTHealth Medical School have found misfolded prion proteins in the urine of 13 out of 14 patients with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, providing a new potential diagnostic tool. This breakthrough could lead to the development of non-invasive tests for diagnosis and monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 7, 2014

Origami robot folds itself up, crawls away

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have created an origami robot that can fold itself into arbitrary shapes, crawl away, and perform active folding structures. The robot's mechanical design enables it to walk using a synchronized motor system.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 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.

Growing human GI cells may lead to personalized treatments

Researchers have developed a method to grow human GI cells from patient tissue in as little as two weeks, creating over 65 cell lines. This breakthrough enables the study of individual patients' underlying problems and can be used to test new treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalGut·DateAug 7, 2014

Eating at fast food, full service restaurants linked to more calories, poorer nutrition

A new study by the American Cancer Society found that eating at both fast-food and full-service restaurants is associated with significant increases in calorie intake, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium. Adults who ate at restaurants consumed approximately 200 additional calories per day, regardless of whether they dined at fast-food or ...

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateAug 7, 2014

A*Star scientists make breakthroughs in ovarian cancer research

Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Medical Biology have identified a biomarker, Lgr5, to detect ovarian cancer earlier. Bioinformatics analysis has also revealed genes whose mutation status can be used for prognosis and development of personalized treatment.

SourceBiomedical Sciences Institutes (BMSI)·DateAug 7, 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.

Kentucky professor develops new tool to prevent heroin deaths

A new nasal spray application of anti-opioid drug naloxone has been developed to make overdose treatment more accessible and easier to administer. The product, which is currently in clinical trials, aims to reduce the death toll from heroin abuse and make a lifesaving treatment more available to those at high risk.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateAug 7, 2014

Largest cancer genetic analysis reveals new way of classifying cancer

Researchers have completed the largest cancer genetic analysis ever conducted, revealing a new way of classifying cancers. The study found that one in 10 cancers would be classified differently using this new approach, which could lead to better treatment options for patients.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell·DateAug 7, 2014

Learning from origami to design new materials

Physicists and materials scientists are using origami-based folding methods to create controllable new materials that exhibit desired physical properties. The technique, known as Miura-ori, allows for the creation of programmable metamaterials with tunable stiffness and stability.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2014

Part of the brain stays 'youthful' into older age

A study at the University of Adelaide found that certain areas of the brain remain protected from aging, enabling spatial attention skills to remain consistent across ages. The research challenges current models of cognitive aging and may have implications for understanding Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateAug 7, 2014

Water-polluting anxiety drug reduces fish mortality

A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that a commonly used anxiety drug can reduce mortality rates in fish. The results suggest that existing aquatic risk assessment tests may not be effective in detecting the potential benefits of pharmaceutical contaminants.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 7, 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.

APA presents highest honor to Spelman College president

Beverly Daniel Tatum, PhD, received the American Psychological Association's Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Psychology for her groundbreaking work on race relations. She has also led Spelman College to become one of the nation's top liberal arts colleges.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 7, 2014

Scientists uncover key piece to cancer cell survival puzzle

Researchers at Cardiff University have identified a specific gene, Ligase 3, that human cells require to survive chromosomal defects and evade death. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the development of cancer and could lead to new therapeutic targets.

SourceCardiff University·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 7, 2014

Step closer to birth of the sun

Researchers have dated the final addition of heavy elements like gold and platinum to the solar system 100 million years before the sun's birth. This discovery has shed light on the sun's prehistory, including the duration of an 'incubation' period that preceded its formation.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2014

Is the gut microbiome a potential cause and therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis?

Researchers explore the link between gut microbiome and autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, highlighting potential therapeutic targets. The study suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in immune cell activity and cytokine production, which may impact susceptibility to and treatment of autoimmune diseases.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateAug 7, 2014

NASA sees Typhoon Halong approaching Japan

Typhoon Halong is expected to make landfall in southern Japan on August 9 with maximum sustained winds near 85 knots, generating dangerous swells. The storm has already passed over the Minamidaito and Kitadaito Islands with hurricane-force winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 7, 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.

Gut microbes browse along a gene buffet

Researchers at Duke University discovered that the host determines which genes are open in the gut, while microbes regulate their usage, indicating a cooperative environment where both parties interact to thrive. This study has significant implications for understanding the intricate relationships between hosts and microbiomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 7, 2014

Gut microbiome analysis improved noninvasive colorectal cancer screening

Researchers found that gut microbiome analysis successfully distinguished healthy individuals from those with precancerous adenomatous polyps and invasive colorectal cancer. The composition of the gut microbiome was different for each group, leading to improved prediction of colorectal cancer presence.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateAug 7, 2014

Dramatic growth of grafted stem cells in rat spinal cord injuries

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Veteran's Affairs San Diego Healthcare System report that neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) extended tens of thousands of axons across the rats' central nervous system. The study suggests a promising approach for treating spinal cor...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuron·DateAug 7, 2014

Microtubule-based strategies for promoting nerve regeneration after injury

Research by Prof. Peter W. Baas highlights the importance of microtubules in facilitating nerve regeneration following injury. The study demonstrates that microtubule-based strategies can promote axonal growth and regeneration, particularly in the distal tip of the axon.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 7, 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.

Diamonds are a quantum computer's best friend

Scientists propose a new quantum computer architecture based on microscopic defects in diamond, which could lead to the development of reliable quantum computers. The architecture has great potential for miniaturization and mass production, similar to how transistors were miniaturized in classical computer science.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateAug 7, 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.

Violent solar system history uncovered by WA meteorite

A Curtin University study of a WA meteorite has shed light on the solar system's bombardment history, revealing that asteroid collisions ceased after 3.4 billion years ago due to asteroids being too small or protected by regolith. The research suggests that impacts stopped occurring after this period and remain unchanged until now.

SourceCurtin University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateAug 7, 2014

White dwarfs crashing into neutron stars explain loneliest supernovae

Researchers at the University of Warwick found that white dwarf stars crashing into neutron stars could be responsible for the loneliest supernovae. The team used observations from the Very Large Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope to rule out other explanations, such as binary systems or massive stars.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 7, 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 test predicts individual's risk of a second kidney stone

A new nomogram tool uses 11 questions to accurately calculate the probability of developing another symptomatic kidney stone at various time points. The tool helps determine whether preventive measures are needed, and can help patients avoid burdensome dietary restrictions or medications.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 7, 2014

Notch developmental pathway regulates fear memory formation

Researchers discovered that the Notch signaling pathway is involved in adult fear memory formation. MicroRNAs, specifically miRNA-34a, regulate the pathway and are increased after fear learning occurs. This study provides a starting point for developing new treatments against PTSD.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNeuron·DateAug 7, 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.

Caffeine intake associated with lower incidence of tinnitus

A recent study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that higher caffeine intake is associated with a lower incidence of tinnitus in younger and middle-aged women. Researchers tracked over 65,000 women for 18 years and discovered a significant inverse association between caffeine consumption and reported tinnitus cases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateAug 7, 2014

Study: Attending a more selective college doesn't mean a better chance of graduating

A new study published in the American Educational Research Journal found that attending a more selective college does not significantly impact a student's chance of graduating with a bachelor's degree. Instead, factors such as individual background characteristics and institutional resources like tuition play a crucial role in determin...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateAug 7, 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.

New disposable biosensor may help physicians determine which patients can safely be fed following surgery

A new disposable biosensor may help physicians determine which patients can safely be fed following surgery by monitoring intestinal movements. The device, AbStats, uses sound waves to measure the rate of acoustic events in the intestines, allowing doctors to make evidence-based decisions about post-operative feeding.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Gastrointestinal Surgery·DateAug 7, 2014

The economy of bitcoins

Researchers found that internet activity significantly influences Bitcoin's value, with correlations between price developments, new user growth, and online searches. The study also identified two positive feedback loops and a negative feedback loop, highlighting the complex dynamics of the Bitcoin economy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalInterface·DateAug 7, 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.

Synthesis of structurally pure carbon nanotubes using molecular seeds

Researchers at Empa successfully synthesized structurally homogenous single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by using molecular 'seeds' that were transformed into three-dimensional objects and grown on a platinum surface. The resulting SWCNTs have mirror-image symmetry and reach lengths in excess of 300 nanometres.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 2014

Losing weight won't make you happy

New research finds that weight loss significantly improves physical health markers but is less effective in improving mood and overall wellbeing. Participants who lost at least 5% of their initial body weight were more likely to report depressed mood, even after adjusting for serious health issues.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 7, 2014

Robot folds itself up and walks away

A team of engineers developed a robot that assembles itself into a complex shape in four minutes flat and crawls away without human intervention. The robot uses an origami-inspired approach to fold itself up, with the potential for exotic applications such as space-based robotic satellites.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2014

Peer-reviewed paper says all ivory markets must close

A new peer-reviewed paper by the Wildlife Conservation Society suggests that all ivory markets must be closed to conserve Africa's elephant populations. The paper argues that corruption and organized crime make legal trade in ivory a major factor contributing to the decline of elephants.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Biology·DateAug 7, 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.

How we form habits and change existing ones

Habits emerge through associative learning, involving automatic behaviors in stable contexts. Changing habits requires derailing existing habits, repetition, and stable context cues.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 7, 2014

Researcher finds companies' religious affiliation can buffer negative reactions

A new study by Kelly Cowart reveals that companies' religious affiliations can buffer against negative reactions to store policies, especially in the event of a service failure. The research found that customers are more likely to forgive firms with religious affiliations, regardless of their own attitudes towards the religion.

SourceGrand Valley State University·JournalJournal of Services Marketing·DateAug 7, 2014

How critically ill infants can benefit most from human milk

Critically ill infants in the NICU can greatly benefit from human milk, which offers essential immunological and anti-inflammatory properties. This is supported by research and best practices outlined in a special issue of Advances in Neonatal Care, led by CHOP nurse researcher Diane L. Spatz.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAdvances in Neonatal Care·DateAug 7, 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.

Acute psychological stress promotes skin healing in mice

Researchers found that brief acute psychological stress promotes healing in mouse models of three different types of skin irritations. The study revealed that the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal glands under stress are beneficial for inflammatory disorders and acute injury in both mice and humans.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 7, 2014

Origami could lead to exotic materials, tiny transformers

Researchers at Cornell University discovered a way to control the stiffness of a sheet material using an origami folding pattern called Miura-ori. By introducing pop-through defects, they can program the material's properties, creating a programmable matter that can snap into place and perform mechanical functions.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 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 reveals dynamics of microbes and nitrate

Researchers analyzed microbial communities from sandy tidal flats, finding three key factors controlling denitrification and ammonification: nitrite to nitrate ratio, carbon to nitrogen ratio, and generation time. The study's findings shed light on the complex interactions between microbes and their environment.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2014

New treatment successful for the Mal de Debarquement Syndrome

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine developed an effective treatment for the rare disorder, which causes continuous feelings of swaying or rocking. The treatment re-adapts the vestibulo-ocular reflex, a mechanism in the inner ear that maintains balance, and achieves significant recovery rates in patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateAug 7, 2014

Poor hearing confines older adults to their homes

Two studies found that older adults with poor hearing participate less in group activities and meet friends fewer often than those with good hearing. The researchers emphasize the importance of face-to-face conversation to facilitate lip-reading and suggest rehabilitation as a key strategy for supporting socially active lives.

SourceAcademy of Finland·DateAug 7, 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.

Study shows Asian carp could establish in Lake Erie with little effect to fishery

A study published by University of Notre Dame scientists estimates that bighead and silver carp biomass in Lake Erie could be up to 25 metric-tons/km2, potentially increasing Yellow perch biomass by 15-50% but decreasing Walleye biomass by 10-40%. The experts emphasize the importance of considering uncertainty in decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalConservation Biology·DateAug 7, 2014

Designing better materials for the 21st century

Professor Jian Luo at UC San Diego is developing a new materials design tool called interfacial phase diagrams to create better structural materials for energy generation and storage. This basic research aims to improve the properties of materials, such as molybdenum-based alloys and zirconia-based ceramics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 7, 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.

Finding the genetic culprits that drive antibiotic resistance

Researchers developed a powerful new tool to identify genetic changes in disease-causing bacteria that drive antibiotic resistance. The technique, called genome-wide association study (GWAS), has the potential to inform control and treatment strategies for diseases like pneumonia and meningitis.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 7, 2014

Air traffic growth set to outpace carbon reduction efforts

New research by the University of Southampton suggests that air traffic growth rates will surpass carbon reduction efforts unless demand is substantially reduced. To achieve emission reductions, ticket prices must rise by at least 1.4% annually.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateAug 7, 2014

Cancer categories recast in largest-ever genomic study

A new study analyzing over 3,500 tumor samples reveals that many cancers can be classified differently based on cellular and molecular criteria. The research suggests that patients may benefit from more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments, with potential implications for personalized cancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateAug 7, 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.

NASA sees Hurricane Julio organize and emit a gamma-ray flash

NASA's Fermi and Aqua satellites captured two distinct views of Hurricane Julio as it intensified: a gamma-ray flash produced by the powerful electric fields in thunderstorms, and a more structurally organized storm. These findings provide insights into the complex relationship between thunderstorms and hurricane dynamics.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 7, 2014

Cancer study reveals powerful new system for classifying tumors

A comprehensive analysis of data from thousands of patients revealed that one in ten cancers would be classified differently using a new classification system based on molecular subtypes. The study provides a more refined, quantitative picture of cancer subtypes and could lead to different treatment options for those patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalCell·DateAug 7, 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.